Category: Architecture

Enscape in practice

Recently at LivingRoomCraftZ, one of our clients asked us to create a demo video clip to present a project we are currently working on. A three minutes video in HD solution should showcase the entire building complex as real and accurate as possible to the investors, stakeholders etc. The site of the
factory complex reaches almost 300ha. Multiple low rise halls and offices are allocated on it. As you can imagine we needed high capacity in order to render a video in this size. Next, we had a high time pressure, we had exactly 5 days to go before we had to present the video.

So we started thinking about which software to use, that on one hand delivers a high solution video of a big 3D model and on the other hand it should be really quick. We thought of 3Ds Max, Premiere Pro, and so on.
After realizing that these are pretty advance and time-consuming solutions, we continued our search. We came to the idea to use Enscape. But could Enscape also make videos? As it turned out, YES and this really easy.

So, I would like to show you how easy it can be to create an architectural video even as an engineer. You can use Enscape in Revit, SketchUp, ArchiCAD and Rhino. Check out tutorial videos here.

  1. Step to do, apply for an educational student license. This might take one or two days until you will receive the activation code.
  2. Install and activate it and open your software you are working in.
  3. Let’s get started! We worked with Autodesk Revit, however, the usage of the plug-in is in each software the same. I would like to refer to the article by Daniel Stine how to set up a video using Enscape.
  4. Render it! The rendering procedure surprisingly didn’t last long. We have achieved a high-quality video within less than an hour.

To conclude, if you ever have any of this situation, high time pressure, high-quality demand and little experience, I recommend to use Enscape, it’s quick and easy to use and you receive a qualitative outcome.

Mentor Announcement #10

The final mentor and workshop announcement for our very first Academy Summit… Multi-platform workflows with… Martin Taurer.

One of our unique free minds within the building industry and the BIM world comes to the BILT Academy summit 2018, you shouldn´t miss this one.

Motto: Just shut up and BIM!

Martin Taurer

Livingroomcraftz                                                                                                  Noordeinde 9B                                                                                                                        NL-2611KE Delft                                                    martin.taurer@livingroomcraftz.com

Biography

Martin Taurer is the founder of LivingroomcraftZ and a pioneer when it comes to Building Information Modelling within the Building Industry. Together with his partner Silvia Taurer he runs LRCZ since 2008 and is specialized in implementing and practicing Building Information Modelling Management in Architecture and Structural Engineering projects.

After graduating as Architect from the Graz University of Technology, 1989, he continued working as certified Architect in Germany, Brazil, Austria and the Netherlands. Early 2000 he was part in developing and managing localization and translation of the Autodesk Revit product line. As product manager, Martin was part of major Autodesk developments and could gather working experience in Boston, Sydney and Tokyo until 2007. Due to his intensive utilization of software within the AEC industry his interests, knowledge and skills of smart and efficient workflows have grown over the years. Hence, working as BIM consultancy in Tokyo at 3D Innovation was his kick-off as BIM specialist. This lead to the idea of establishing Livingroomcraftz as a BIM consultancy.

Motivation

Martins personal motivation within the building trade is to communicate and collaborate efficiently in an economically feasible way. In order to do so, he started teaching at the Technical University in Delft as BIM specialist. Additionally, joining the BILT Academy Summit 2018 is a one-time opportunity to show students the latest technologies used by professions in the industry.

“BIM and IPD methodologies are beneficial rather than adversary tools for the architectural design process. My personal aim is to bring this thought process to young people – caring means sharing. Transparent communication between all stakeholders of the design process produces better quality and is simply more fun than writing stupid emails and filling out RFI forms. And the tools we have at hand make it possible. I find that exciting – possible students will think so too…“

“Proactive contribution to the educative community is a means of actively shaping the future of the industry – I am personally actively involved in the Open Source world via DynamoBIM – there we share our knowledge for free. And the same thought goes along with education. It’s sharing our knowledge to shape the future experts within the building industry.“

“And – last but not least – the best things in life are free. Ideally, in nerd-space (where I tend to retire to once in a while) it’s the pure thought that counts and not the money.”

By Martin Taurer

Martin at the BILT Academy Summit

As the name already says Martins workshop will be focusing on multi-platform approaches. The basic idea is that it´s open to everyone with experimental ideas and diverse working approaches. The usage of multiple software solutions is welcome BUT one important thing you should not forget collaboration is one of the major challenges.

To get an idea:

You will receive an architectural design of a building either in PDF and DWG, as a Revit model, as an IFC model, or even on Paper. Design issues will be included which need to be resolved, how? you can use all kinds of 3D BIM software, Visual scripting but also programming. The openBIM Server will be settled up for you to collaborate together.

One thing for sure, Martin will be the correct person to ask and work together when it comes to multi-platform solutions. check his BLOG 🙂

His Key-learning Objective

  1. Utilize BIM/IPD Tools creatively                                                                                            How to use different tools to cover unusual challenges
  1. Think outside the box                                                                                                                If there is no tool available, let’s create a new one
  1. Step onto the platform                                                                                                  Utilize current methods of design development and design communication to fully utilize the integrated process

 

Mentor Announcement #7

Is it time to reveal one more mentor, and we are very proud and happy to announce that it is the one and only ….

… Marzia Bolpagni!

Bio and Motivation

Marzia is a Building Engineer, Strategic BIM Advisor at Mace and a PhD Candidate at Politecnico di Milano.

Having plenty of experience both in research and in practice, Marzia is a big part of the international BIM Society- a member of BIM Excellence Initiative, Assistant Editor and Italian Language Editor of the BIM Dictionary, member of the Italian Organization for Standardization (UNI) CT 033/GL 05 and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) TC 442 working groups on Building Information Modelling, UK BIM Alliance and mentor at the BILT Academy. Currently also the leader of the Task Group on LOD at the European Committee for Standardisation CEN TC 442 WG2 coordinating experts from 11 countries, worked as BIM researched at VTT (Finland), ITC-CNR (Italy), and presented her work in BIMLUX in Luxembourg, Digital Construction Brussels, ICEBIM in the UK, BIMAarhus in Denmark and BIMtecnia is Spain.

Marzia has felt highly motivated to be a mentor at BILT Academy since the very early days- believing that communication in a community, sharing of knowledge and education is a great way to go when talking about BIM implementation. As a person who spent a lot of time herself in the university and received plenty of mentoring and guidance, Marzia believes that students should use the opportunity to meet highly skilled professionals and colleagues, learn best practices at international level and familiarise themselves with international affairs in AEC fields. After all, Marzia is highly grateful for all the help she has received and simply cannot wait to give back to the future generation of professionals.

Don’t wait to kick off your knowledge in BIM now and join Marzia for her workshop!

Key Learning Objective and the Workshop

When we talk about BIM, there are three important parts- technology, process and policy. Technology is widely used every day and it is easy to find tutorials, but how about policy and process? During the workshop Marzia will discuss the ‘other two’- process and policy fields.

  • How important is process and policy field?
  • What is the document process, regulations and standards on an international level?
  • What is a BIM Execution plan and how to create it?

The workshop will focus on examples from different countries, the students will get an opportunity to work on a BIM Execution plan together with Marzia, understand the structure and most important parts of it and review it together.

 

Mentor Announcement #6

A proper model organization including model control via clash detections are one of the most important topics when it comes to appropriate model management.  We, the BILTAcademy are more than happy to announce its fifth and sixth mentor, Arik and Moty, who is going to hold a workshop table on this topic (Lab3). Coming especially from Israel in order to participate at the BILTEurope and BILTAcademy Summit. Many thanks to you, we are looking much forward.

Arik Shiby

Founder & CEO of WeBIM Ltd.                                                            Ariks@webimit.com

Biography

As the CEO of WeBIM, the leading company regarding BIM in Israel, Arik is a specialist when it comes to model and project management. With his broad knowledge and ambition, he started 2015 to establish and manage BIM Israel Forum. It aims to unite all the companies from the building and infrastructure industry to create a local BIM standard (Israel). Recently, he founded the REAL BIM FORUM which brings together all the BIM manager to enhance dialogue and cooperation in the assimilation of BIM in the industry.

Personal Motivation

Arik is involved in the architectural and building industry in Israel for over 25 years, first as senior design lecturer at the SADNA environmental college in Tel Aviv, and after as the AEC (Architectural, engineering, construction) industry product manager for 17 years. As the leading persona of the BIM scene in Israel and through his experiences in lecturing at colleges and preparing and conducting professional conferences for hundreds of participants, his passion for educating students about BIM technologies is part of his DNA.

 

Mentor Announcement #5

Moty Vaknin

CTO at WeBIM Ltd.                                                                                        motyv@webimit.com

Biography

Moty Vaknin Is a CTO at WeBIM, a Company based in Israel. WeBIM is an innovative company that has a strong passion to improve the construction industry by applying BIM methodology throughout the whole project lifecycle. Moty also is an education manager for ATC (Autodesk Training Centre) and education manager for AAP (Autodesk Academic Centre) in Israel. With over 10 years working and training in BIM Platform, Moty is one of the forerunners of the BIM revolution in Israel,

Personal Motivation

As someone who has been a part of the BIM community for over 10 years and has taught hundreds of students, I am aware of the impact that the BILT Academy will have on the next generation of the construction industry. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge regarding BIM methodology 3D-7D and hopefully inspire the next generation to take BIM one step further.

WeBIM at the BILT Academy Summit 2018

Arik and Moty are going to give a workshop table within 3x75min. Their aim is it to showcase students the importance of model management.

We show the type of issues and how we manage all the issues between teams. How does an appropriate model exchange look like? How is it possible to conduct accuracy and how to use clash detection tools within this term?

Key learning Objective

  • Understand the clash detection method, how and when the clash detection has to be done within a building execution process.
  • Explore the importance of doing a clash detection while comparing 3Dmodels before and after doing the clash.
  • Understand how we are managing all the issues between team and consultant.

Mentor Announcement #4 Keynote Speaker

It is an honor to announce our second Keynote Speaker and mentor for our very first BILT Academy Summit 2018. We are looking much forward listing to an inspirational talk about the future digital world of the building industry and our responsibilities as architects and engineers.

Andrés García Damjanov

Dipl.-Architect. (M.B.A., P.M.P., M.P.M.)                                                                 Sales Director Central Eastern & South Europe at Newforma     a.g.damjanov@gmail.com

Background and Motivation

Over the course of the last 10 years within the building industry, Andres has seen it all firsthand – the do’s and don’ts, the ups and downs – but it has been a journey he would not want to miss out on even for one split second.

Being an architect by trade, Andres’ passion focuses on Project Management in construction processes, a key generator that encompasses multiple facets and tasks. While working for construction companies, Andres felt the need for improvement – as traditional processes appeared (one might better say: proved) to be inefficient. Andres got more professionally involved in the digitalization of processes within the industry as well as voluntarily assisting to kick off many initiatives such as Think Tanks and participation in BuildingSmart.

Andres describes his motivation to become your mentor with typical eloquence: 

“In the end, I found the answers to my questions when I understood that architectural objects are the flowers in a big rainforest that I call the ecosystem. We cannot produce these flowers if we have not understood the symbiosis between it all. This is something we will never get taught in universities, as universities are traditionally unassisted by private sectors and financially dis-encouraged by municipalities or governments.

That is why I love to interact with young future professionals and discuss the ecosystem, trying to help to open their eyes in deciding where they want to go and how to position themselves in this forest in the future.

This is about EVOLUTION. Architecture is the process of generating inspiring spaces that materialize during their way through their processes. This industry is experimenting (like all other industries) – a game-changing transformation based on the power of digitalization. Those who do not understand this transformation will not be the ones defining our future.”

As for all of you, he was once a student too, and it took one mentor, one honest advice, one well-intended pat on the shoulder to be inspired and to become genuinely curious about what drives not only your career but also the person YOU want to become.

Key Learning Objective

EVOLUTION: what is digitalization really? What are the drivers? How is this impacting our industry and why is nobody telling future experts about the advantages of it?

CHEERS to that!

Collaborative Design for Students

The first quarter at my University is over; this means a lot of nice projects and research papers have been finished within the last 2 weeks.

One of these courses is Collaborative Design which I would like to present to you within this blogpost.

The main approach was it to collaborate within one Consortium existing out of three companies, Architects, Urban Planners and Structural Engineers. The task was it to create within only eight weeks a development project in Strijp T, an industrial area in Eindhoven. This should include a Project management plan, a design including 3D model, IFC based, and a communication platform.  The main focus was it to concentrate on how to collaborate and create a multi and interdisciplinary working environment. In fact, we were all somehow familiar with the BIM methodology but everyone within their own profession. This is why I would like to show you how we approached this task and made it happen to collaborate altogether within one working environment.

  1. Setting up a Project Management Plan

We used the online environment Relatics in order to set up our project management. There are several parts included which I am going to show you with this graph below:

#1 Project Requirements:

It includes all of the municipality’s vision goals. What needs to be developed and why, including all requirements such as functionalities and buildings properties, size, area, material etc.

#2 Organization Hierarchy:

Includes all participating companies in there set up and functionality towards the project.

#3 Process Breakdown (Process Mapping)

This is one of the most important parts for organizing a project in first place. Most consultancies are creating process plans and event-logs in order to keep track of the whole building planning, modelling and realization process. This allows comparing the “as-planned” situation with the “as-modeled” and “as-built”.  For the process planning we used the software Visio.

The second big challenge within a project was how to set up an appropriate 3D BIM model, especially how to organize and manage it.

  1. Model Management

Every company in our consortium, Architects, Urban Planners and Engineers, had one file in which every team member had access to and could work in. We decided to export weekly all three files to IFC and upload it to the BIM Server.  This allowed us to present it easily towards the professor to show how our design progress was.

An additional solution for managing and organizing the workflow within each company’s model, we decided to use BIMCollab, the BCFmanager. It’s a very handy tool in order to communicate within a bigger project; you can assign tasks and issues towards specifically chosen persons and can so keep track of your models development.  Additionally due to its BCF file format it can be read as IFC from almost every AEC software. This allowed us also to upload the IFC models including the BCF report on the BIM Server.

In this graph bellow a common workflow is visualized. Three 3D models, explained in all Level of Development, steady IFC and BCF exports of each model plus collecting all models together on the BIM Server.

 

If you wanna know more about it don´t hesitate to contact me or to read the full research paper on issuu.