Integrated project delivery (IPD) and building information model (BIM) are two advancements most of us are probably not familiar with.
But those in the building community are ever grateful for these innovative new approaches to designing abstractly then constructing concretely the structures that make up our increasingly urbanized world.
"This technology is changing the design and building industry like no other technology has in my 22 years of experience," says Matt Birk, Chief Information Officer at
GBBN Architects and panelist at the Achieve IPD Symposium, held at
Messer Construction Co. on January 29.
Birk, whose presentation focused on the BIM process, says around 30 participants showed up to learn more about these advancements in the design and building process, in spite of snow covered roads. Other presenters included experts from
Clarian Health,
Collaborative Construction Resources and
Messer Construction.
Essentialy, Birk explains, IPD helps unify an entire project team from start to finish, while the BIM part of the equation assists designers and construction managers to correct mistakes virtually, before making them in an actual building.
"BIM is just one piece of the puzzle,” says Birk. “Put all the pieces together and you get Integrated Practice."
As a whole, IPD allows for designers to collaborate and work seamlessly alongside the construction side of a building project.
"The BIM model provides the design team, and construction manager the ability to construct the building virtually," Birk says. This "will raise any design or functional concerns before a shovel is placed in the ground. Changes on the computer can be completed at a fraction of the cost of changes in the field."
This is a good thing in today's economy.
One concrete example of the BIM process at work can be seen in GBBN's ongoing project with
Turner Construction Company, on
Northern Kentucky University's 10,000-seat
Bank of Kentucky Center.
“At project team meetings, 3D models are projected on SmartBoards to highlight coordination issues and offer solutions," Birk says. "Errors are easily detected, and notes are written on the board regarding how the error will be fixed."
Tim Walsh, Turner's manager of this project, agrees with Birk about the importance of BIM.
"The teamwork between Turner, GBBN and the subcontractors in using this new technology is certainly impressive and key to our success," Walsh says.
Writer: Jonathan DeHart
Source: GBBN Architects
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.