TECHNOLOGY

Although not specifically requested by the owner, the architects developed a 3D Building Information Model (BIM) of the project not only to understand the building geometry but also to optimize communication and coordination processes during design and construction

A 3D virtual model was developed early in the design phase to help the project team visualize and understand spatial geometries and relationships. The initial scope of modelling was only to develop discipline-specific designs of the building.

The model was continuously updated, which helped to coordinate the design process while providing a quick visual reference for ongoing design refinements (Figure 5) It also allowed for detailed models (e.g. the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, and some of the exterior wall systems) and for clash-detection, which was particularly important for MEP system coordination.

The architects and the structural, mechanical, electrical engineers all accessed the Revit19 model and imported and exported information from/to other disciplines and key trades using the IFC20 format For example, the structural steel and timber trades used the model for shop drawings and imported key elements of the model into their CAD/CAM systems for prefabrication of key structural elements (Figure 6) .

During construction, the BIM model enabled improved understanding of the design and helped to streamline project coordination.

Despite the fact that BIM was used, most team members believed they missed some key opportunities to use it even more effectively. For example, the model could have been used more substantively for fabrication processes, and was not used at all for quantity take-offs (for pricing or cost control), or for on-site coordination through 4D (i.e. time-based) simulation and sequencing. Some of the reasons for why BIM was not as fully as it could have been were that the owner did not specifically require BIM (e.g. for facility management purposes once the project was complete), and training would have been required for some project team members to be able to engage with the model at and advanced level.