The emergence of building information modeling (BIM) methodology requires the training of professionals with both specific and transversal skills. In this paper, a project-based learning experience carried out in the context of a project management course at the University of Extremadura is analyzed. To that end, a questionnaire was designed and given to students who participated in the initiative. Results suggest that BIM can be considered a virtual learning environment, from which students value the competences developed. The emotional performance observed was quite flat. Similarly, students valued the usefulness of the initiative. Students expressed a desire for the methodological change of the university classes, and thought that BIM methodology could be useful for other courses. The results obtained show a line of work to be done to improve the training of students and university teaching.

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In recent decades, rural buildings have proliferated in the rural environment, in many cases clashing with the surroundings. One of the main objectives in rural areas must be to maintain a balance between economic and sustainable development. In the exterior design of buildings, it is necessary to follow technical and scientific criteria that respect the natural environment, and one of the most important parameters in this scenario is façade color. This article analyzes the costs of using different colors on façades and how color variations affect the integration of buildings in the rural landscape. It addresses the context of rural buildings in the Extremadura region of Spain, where large areas of undeveloped land are available to drive economic development. Ten technical projects and photos of buildings were used for the study. A palette of suitable colors developed and proposed in previous studies was used to improve the external finishes of the façades. The variation in cost was calculated between the current designs and improved alternatives simulated using infographs, and a survey was conducted to determine how the rating of the landscape integration changed. The analysis shows that a building façade in a suitable color is always a significantly better rated solution than a finish in white (by 9%–14%). The results obtained are important because they show that a small variation in the cost of a building can significantly increase the rating of its integration and, therefore, give value added to the intervention because it respects the natural environment.

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Building Information Modelling for small constructions is a useful working tool aimed at providing alternative solutions in building engineering. However, it is not commonly applied to this purpose, and even less together with photogrammetry techniques. This work seeks to analyse the advantages of this methodology with photogrammetry support in small projects. To this end, 121 commercial franchise projects in the field of perfume and cosmetic industry were studied in order to assess the benefits of BIM methodology. These projects were developed between 2011 and 2016. BIM protocols were shown to achieve 20% reduction in costs per project and in working periods (4.11 days), which led to a productivity improvement exceeding 27%. The total period until opening to public was observed to decrease in 10.09 days, and the number of inquiries and doubts during the project execution phase handled by the construction companies were seen to reduce by 25%. Moreover, the return of investment (ROI) corresponding to the implementation of BIM protocols was found to be more favourable than that of CAD (41.88%), with associated internal rate of return (IRR) of 34.5%. The validity of the results is limited to the scope of works for small commercial premises.