Construction World September 2019

PROJECTS & CONTRACTS

T oday this has been made possible through the invent of BIM (building information modeling). BIM is essentially an 3D model-intelligent based approach, which increases efficiency within individual organisations and truly shines during coordinated project delivery. It is a collaborative process, which ensures the continuity of information across the various building disciplines. In South Africa, reports indicate that we seem to be on a path of decline, due to issues around decreasing values of contracts awarded, as well as a tightening infrastructure budget by the government. Although the local industry outlook is bleak right now, the global industry is expected to reach USD10-trillion by 2020 with some emerging economies expected to contribute 51,9%. With South Africa being counted among the emerging economies of the world, at Autodesk we believe that the country can contribute to achieving this figure, by ensuring that companies in the industry embrace new technologies like BIM. BIM enables all involved stakeholders to give input on the evolution of the design in question, meaning that electrical conduits clashing with plumbing fittings no longer has to be an issue. Before the introduction of BIM, 2D modelling was the preferred method of planning, in fact, many South African architects lead in terms of technology and processes, but because of their overreliance on this method of planning, they have been unable to embrace the new opportunities that BIM offers. As useful as 2D modelling has been in the past, it is time that we embrace the capabilities of 3D technologies. All we need to do is look at the film industry and how 3D technology has been able to immerse cinema-goers in a multidimensional experience – to realize that perhaps the time for 3D is now. In terms of construction planning, 2D modelling has various limitations, such as an inability to accurately depict the dimensions of a site, which can result in wasteful expenditure. In order to become more cost efficient, it is evident that there needs to be a greater shift from 2D modeling

towards BIM enabled 3D modelling. By 2050, the global population is expected to rise to 9,7 billion people, and 75% of them are expected to live in cities. This means that contractors need to build 3 600 more buildings per day by 2050. In Africa, it’s 1 327 buildings to be constructed in urban areas every day. Clearly the digitisation of the construction industry is key to achieving these colossal goals and industry demand will continue to rise for solutions that enable architects, engineers, and contractors to support this rapid growth more sustainably by improving energy and materials productivity. With BIM, designers benefit from input compiled and shared in a model – in a way that paper isn’t able to capture. Using BIM in early design stages sets the BIM workflow for the rest of the project stages: by visualising complexities and anticipating potential risks, you are making the project more efficient all around. Today the availability of aerial imagery and digital elevation, along with laser scans of existing infrastructure, accurately capture reality and greatly streamline project preparations. You can minimise waste during construction or design high-performance buildings even before building them. A good example of a fluid and functional South African building that leveraged BIM is Discovery’s new global headquarters in Sandton. Designed by Boogertman + Partners, the building houses 5 000 employees and has received a 5 Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council South Africa. The concept of the building underpins Discovery’s holistic approach to health. From the ground floor up, the entire space was designed to create a healthy working environment that promotes collaboration, innovation and business efficiency. In order to achieve this feat, Boogertman + Partners leveraged Autodesk’s cloud driven BIM 360 solutions to share and collaborate across various disciplines. Autodesk is the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry’s partner in the future of making, moving the industry toward more automated and collaborative ways of working. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD SEPTEMBER 2019