In-Depth Analysis of Building Information Modelling (BIM)

In this month’s in-depth feature, the team from

S3 Architects, led by Simon Wynn and Steven Rhodes, take us through an in-depth analysis of Building Information Modelling (BIM) including a detailed case study demonstrating the benefits of one the most important technological innovations in architecture and design.

About S3 Architects
S3 was established in 2009 and is widely recognised as being at the leading edge of contemporary Australian architectural design and delivery. The studio was brought together and forged on the philosophy of creating meaningful and challenging architecture, embracing the advancement of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology to realise this.
 

What is Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is not merely the capability of being able to deliver a project using modelling software, instead it is the ability to manage, facilitate and collaborate with project partners, with the ability to co-ordinate and leverage data between stakeholders in multiple formats across the lifespan of the built environment.

The lifespan of the built environment is best described in 3 phases, namely Design, Construction and Operation (DCO).

BIM technology affords stakeholders the opportunity to digitally collaborate and co-ordinate the built environment reducing risk.

The Aim
The Design, Construction and Operation of facilities has been fractured for far too long and this has been proven to be highly inefficient to all stakeholders within the industry.

Data shows that the construction industry is the only non-farm industry that has gone backwards with regards to productivity over the last 50 years.

Case Study: The Village at Coorparoo
Client: The Village Retirement Group (TVRG) Project: The Village @ Coorparoo Value: $130 million, (Stage 1 - $20 million budget) Description: Mixed use multi-residential building (52 Units)
 

[caption id="attachment_293" align="aligncenter" width="400"] The Village at Coorparoo[/caption]
 

Project Team
Project Manager:  TVRG Architect:  S3 (Revit + Navisworks) Interiors:   S3 (Revit + Navisworks) Structural Engineers: Bornhorst & Ward (Revit + Navisworks) Services Engineers: Green Leaf Engineers (IES + Navisworks) Services Modelling: Drafttech (Revit + Navisworks) Cost Planner:  Grey Robinson Cottrel (Cost X)
 

Brief
Project design and delivery philosophies, strategies, protocols and workflows were established at the outset of the project, and were adopted by the project team.

BIM strategies included: - Thermal Analysis:  Data leverage from Revit model into IES virtual environment software - Digital Collaboration: Exchange, linking and leveraging of data between discipline models - Digital Cost Extraction: Discipline model  data leveraging across to Cost X cost planner software - Clash Detection & All discipline models were merged into a single aggregate model for clash - 3D Digital Co-ordination: detection and co-ordination using Navisworks and Design Review

[caption id="attachment_292" align="aligncenter" width="400"] BIM Project Strategy[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_294" align="aligncenter" width="400"] BIM Services Clash Detection[/caption]
 

Client Benefits
- Increased conditioned project yield by 5% through visual demonstration / liaison with authorities - Project delivered on time and 12.5% below budget - Early design iteration / optioneering leading to more informed decision making and project feasibility - 3D Visualisation of project leading to improved decision making and reduced risk - Improved contract documentation through 3D clash detection / co-ordination - Enhanced pre-construction estimating through model data leverage into digital cost plan software - Extracted marketing material from model including 3D fly throughs animations and renders - Improved cost efficiencies - Reduced financial risk through iterative digital cost plan extraction from models