Week 6 - Tasks and Collaboration Reflection

Group Task Check list For Submission next week:

Orange Highlights Complete Tasks

Submission: Due Thursday the 18th of October 5:00pm

1. Architectural + Structural

• Rebuilding architectural model 
• Placing all interior walls

2. Landscape + Site

• Continue designing site and landscape plan
• Establish circulation with site to interior spaces

3. Interior 

• Begin planning wall finishes
• Establish interior greenery spaces
  

4. Model Checking

• Model checking new architectural model
• Model checking new structural model
• Ensure no clashes or missing elements
• 
  

5. BIM Management Plan

• Refine BIM Management Plan based on feedback

  a. NATSPEC National BIM Guide
  b. NATSPEC Project BIM Brief
  c. NATSPEC  Project BIM Management Plan

Collaboration Reflection:

This week's focus was on rebuilding the architectural and structural models after losing them due to poor management of BIM files. The loss of work occured as a result of transferring information via USB rather than a central file location and these models were wiped off the USB. Whilst this was a set back it also proved to be useful as it is still early in the project with ample time to rebuild and implement more effective collaboration techniques. Adam was responsible for rebuilding the architectural and structural models based on our final schematic designs. It was Jack's responsibility to use solibri to check the model for clashes or missing elements. This was vital as the models must be rebuilt quickly and this ensures that details are not missed. 

For the rest of the group our tasks were further refining our models, doing relevant research or schematic planning to ensure the building flows well together. Jake is unable to continue working on the interior model until the architectural and structural models have been completed up to a satisfactory standard. The loss of the architectural model hinders the progress of Ben but he is still able to continue working on the landscape model and making sure the team blog is up to date. There were also some minor changes proposed to the BIM Management Plan based on feedback from week 5 and also lessons learned by losing the files.

Week 6 - Architectural model v2.0

After losing the architectural model due to inefficient file exchange, I had the task of remodelling the design from the existing plans. This was time-consuming, however I did get to address some of the issues with the design we had previously identified after the last submisison.

In the original design (above), we initally specified major changes to the roofing structure. After consulting with our tutor, he reminded us that part of the brief required that we not change the existing envelope of the building. Therefore, this was a major error.

 

We decided that we would revert to the original roof slope, however keep the large open air courtyard and bring the sides in to create third level balconies for the apartments. A roof structure would have to be designed to enclose the space and hold the roof, but we like the large sense of open space this design created. I intend to design a system with revealed trusses, and Jack also suggested changing the open roof to large skylights.

Week 6 - New Central File Locations

After the total loss of the architectural model, The group also set up a folder in the student share drive to act as our central file location for links. This will prove to be much more efficient then the previously used USB mode of transfer which just caused mass confusion and headaches for all parties. 

This was set up on the student share server within the folder titled "JJBA". Within it's location are the 6 working Revit models which we will link, and work on, so that the ability to work on the same model through different student numbers becomes available.

NOTE: group members must use the relinquish function after working on files so that other student number can access and edit.

Week 6 - Lost Information (Architectural)

During Week 6 we experienced a major disruption due to file Loss. In our initial BIM plan, we had specified our file exchange protocols as USB File format (ie; swapping files and models via USB). This system seemed ideal at the time, as we could swap models whenever we needed to, however in reality there were a large number of issues with the system.

Firstly, with a number of USB's in circulation it was hard to keep up with current files, and we experienced a number of 'double-ups', where we ended up with multiple versions of the one file in circulation amongst the group.

The major problem came when we lost the USB all together, and had to remodel the architectural file from the existing plans we had made. This was time consuming and a costly mistake, however it did allow me to redo some parts of the model we wished to change.

After this mistake we made some major amendments to our BIM management plan, and specified that the models would be kept on a central BIM server (U://), and the files must be worked on from there to ensure there was no doubling up of edited versions.

Week 6 - Role Re-shuffle

After project one as a team we realised we would need to reshuffle our roles. This came clear during the design phase, where we all primarily acted as architecture together, to achieve the initial concept design. During a group meeting it was decided it would benefit the overall project and workflow if Adam could work the structural model as he tided up the group initial architectural concept design. From here Ben would create the landscape model, and surrounding context as well as work on the interior site model (interior green spaces) while focusing on the group blog. Jacks role remained the same, with the addition of model checking, while Jakes remained un-changed. Here we began to see the importance of a good workflow, as several aspects will be worked on at once, perhaps leading to some major clashing.

Team:

Ben Stacey - Landscape Designer, Interior Greenery Design

Bach(DES) Architectural Studies, Digital Collaboration and Interior Design Minor 


Ben Stacey will focus on all aspects of greenery within the project carefully working alongside Adam (the architect) and Jake (interior designer). He will also develop the Landscape and Interior Site models for Project MCN while being in charge of the main group blog uploading and Updating processes. 















Adam Baillie - Architect and Structural Engineer

Bach(DES) Architectural Studies, Digital Collaboration and Sustainable Design Minor

Adam Baillie is the Main Architect and designer of spaces for Project MCN producing the sketch design images after collaborating with the team on a layout of spaces. As Adam's role is now primarily renovating the architectural model, and structural model. Through these task he will forward screen shots and blurbs to Ben for Blog Work.













Jack Battle - Mechanical Engineer and Model Checking

Bach(DES) Architectural Studies, Digital Collaboration and Industrial Design Minor

Jack Battle will develop the MEP model, acting as an MEP Engineer. He will also be the primary operator of the Model Checker Software. As Jack has the most advanced skills in Revit within the group he will oversee all Revit models as they are created insuring for less clashes once files are linked. Through these task he will forward screen shots and blurbs to Ben for Blog Work.













Jake Paterson - Interior Designer and Breif Developer

Bach(DES) Architectural Studies, Digital Collaboration and Sustainable Design Minor 

Jake Paterson is the Interior Designer for Project MCN and will be responsible for the layout of furnishings within spaces throughout the entire model. He will also be in charge of the Lighting Design. Through these task he will forward screen shots and blurbs to Ben for Blog Work. 

Week 5 - Project Submission Week

WEEK 5 - PROJECT 1 COMPLETE

The follwoing dropbox link contains our groups completed submission for assesment 1:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31248725/Submission%201%20JJBA.pdf

Project 1 Collaboration Reflection:

Week 4 - Tasks and Collaboration Reflection

Group Task Check list For Submission next week:

Orange Highlights Complete Tasks

Submission: Due Thursday the 24th of August 5:00pm

1. As-built (existing) building model

• Revit Models- Architectural, Structural, Services
• Model of existing
• Change all objects to the “Existing” Phase
• Site Plan created from Google Maps
• Orientate project to “True North”
• “Demolish” existing objects that are to be removed
• Create new views for different phases
• Names of files
• Location of files
• Keep log of file sizes for all 6 Revit discipline models and, IFC, IFC optimized files, every week as part of project monitoring
• Log number of IfcBuildingElementProxy objects
• Model Room Check from IES-VE Ware
• Select appropriate materials, building type, building system, and geographic location, and Cooling and Heating Fuel for the existing building and then run IES Analysis. Include pdf IES report
• Run Solibri Model Checker and log results
• Schedule of Areas

2. Design brief response (Text and images)

• Formalise building brief:

a. Total building area to remain the same
b. Create “Area Plans” in Revit to measure the existing areas and create a schedule
c. Building envelope to not be enlarged
d. Stairs and lift to remain
e. Add a third level for apartments and café
f.  Areas
  Ground Floor
  ~1400 sqm: Entry, galleries, shop, office, Workshop
  ~400 sqm courtyard - open to the sky
  First Floor
  ~1000 sqm Studios 5 studios: workspace, entry,   store, kitchenette, WC, shr
  Roof level
  ~600 sqm: Apartments 5 apartments
  Roof top garden, green wall
  ~200 sqm Café

• Formalise  your own project building brief
• Spreadsheet of areas or schedule from Revit with some Room data   eg. Level, Room   Name, Area, Finishes
•  Areas from Area Schedules

3. Site Analysis (Graphics and text)

• Document site factors
• Add site information to Revit model
• Manage/Project Information
• Environmental criteria

4. Preliminary Concept Design (Graphics)

• Preliminary  design sketches
• Use Revit graphic capabilities
• 2D
• 3D isometric views
• Perspective (Camera) views
• Sun / shadows
• Shaded with edges, Hidden Line, Rendered views
• Silhouette lines, Gradient backgrounds

5. BIM Management Plan

•   NATSPEC documents

  a. NATSPEC National BIM Guide
  b. NATSPEC Project BIM Brief
  c. NATSPEC  Project BIM Management Plan
  d. Other reference documents

Collaboration Reflection:

This week was all about finishing off our individual tasks, and each member of the group has done this to an agreeable standard. There isn't to much to report on as this week was really just a consolidation on last, in preparation for the final submission which Jake will compile into one document. The only other job that requires attention at this point in time is the update of the blog progress which will be undertaken by me (Ben).

From our final ideas we produced a range of questions that we must follow up on with the tutor before the submission of project 2. Firstly our ideas about changing the roof. Some group members were worried that this goes against the criteria of the Brief, and could potentially effect our final grade. If this is the case we will have to consider the full re design of the top story in Project MCN, and therefore will also have to remodel the architectural model. The good news is that this will be the only model effected as we are yet to begin working with the structure, MEP and interior as we decided as a group that we should firstly get the design down 100%, and work following it's completion individually. For us this is the closest replication of a real world scenario where a model would be collaborated on between several different companies and personal. 

Week 4 - Final Site Anaylsis

Week 4 - Concept Architectural Design

Modelling - Concept Design

From our finalized sketches in week 2 and 3 it was time to begin modelling in Revit Architecture.

To begin the modelling process, we began by changing the phase of any unwanted objects to demolished, in order to start modelling the new interior.

This is a screenshot of the ground floor demolition plan, showing which walls have been removed. We decided to take out everything except the existing fire stairs and M/F Toilets. Modelling could then begin on the new construction phase.

We decided to create a very open and natural design, based around a large central open-air courtyard. This allows for a lot of natural lighting and ventilation to permeate through the space.

One of the major design decisions we made was the move to alter the roof to a flat structure. This allows for the upper level spaces to remain spread out around the interior courtyard, and also provides opportunity for a green balcony area linked to the apartments. The Envelope of the structure remains the same, we merely took the pitch out of the roof.

The final plans and renders of the proposed concept design are as follows:

First 3 Final submission panels for Jake to merge:

Week 4 - BIM Management Plan

The BIM Management plan has almost been completed majority by Adam. The Schedules for model exchange and LOD Tables still need finalizing  as well as removing the unwanted sections. This will be done by the end of the week ready for the initial report due in week 5.

Note: Sections that haven't been done were unclear to the group, and will need clarification from the tutorial teachers. 

The following is our current BIM Management Plan (70% complete):

Week 4 - Room Schedule Final

Week 4 - Final version Jacks section

Week 3 - Tasks and Collaboration Reflection

In order to satisfy the brief we decided to keep a checklist of objects, and highlight them as they are completed. this will keep the whole group informed of what needs to be done and when.

Group Task Check list For Submission next week:

Orange Highlights Complete Tasks

Submission: Due Thursday the 24th of August 5:00pm

1. As-built (existing) building model

• Revit Models- Architectural, Structural, Services
• Model of existing
• Change all objects to the “Existing” Phase
• Site Plan created from Google Maps
• Orientate project to “True North”
• “Demolish” existing objects that are to be removed
• Create new views for different phases
• Names of files
• Location of files
• Keep log of file sizes for all 6 Revit discipline models and, IFC, IFC optimized files, every week as part of project monitoring
• Log number of IfcBuildingElementProxy objects
• Model Room Check from IES-VE Ware
• Select appropriate materials, building type, building system, and geographic location, and Cooling and Heating Fuel for the existing building and then run IES Analysis. Include pdf IES report
• Run Solibri Model Checker and log results
• Schedule of Areas

2. Design brief response (Text and images)

• Formalise building brief:

a. Total building area to remain the same
b. Create “Area Plans” in Revit to measure the existing areas and create a schedule
c. Building envelope to not be enlarged
d. Stairs and lift to remain
e. Add a third level for apartments and café
f.  Areas
  Ground Floor
  ~1400 sqm: Entry, galleries, shop, office, Workshop
  ~400 sqm courtyard - open to the sky
  First Floor
  ~1000 sqm Studios 5 studios: workspace, entry,   store, kitchenette, WC, shr
  Roof level
  ~600 sqm: Apartments 5 apartments
  Roof top garden, green wall
  ~200 sqm Café

• Formalise  your own project building brief
• Spreadsheet of areas or schedule from Revit with some Room data   eg. Level, Room   Name, Area, Finishes
•  Areas from Area Schedules

3. Site Analysis (Graphics and text)

• Document site factors
• Add site information to Revit model
• Manage/Project Information
• Environmental criteria

4. Preliminary Concept Design (Graphics)

• Preliminary  design sketches
• Use Revit graphic capabilities
• 2D
• 3D isometric views
• Perspective (Camera) views
• Sun / shadows
• Shaded with edges, Hidden Line, Rendered views
• Silhouette lines, Gradient backgrounds

5. BIM Management Plan

•   NATSPEC documents

  a. NATSPEC National BIM Guide
  b. NATSPEC Project BIM Brief
  c. NATSPEC  Project BIM Management Plan
  d. Other reference documents

Collaboration Reflection:

As seen above all group members are progressing smoothly with their individual sections that where assigned to them. We are roughly 60% through the checklist at the stage and have all agreed to meet Monday and Tuesday next week to bring it all together. Jake has put his hand up to finalize all the files into one document for submission on Thursday at 5:00pm. Key areas which we need to go over include the project brief, and also the BIM management plan. It is essential in these two areas that each group member has a clear idea about what is happening, as well as input into the process which they believe we should undertake. 

We are still awaiting Jacks section, which is about the existing file analysis and running the model checking software. It was decided my majority of the group that Ben will also undertake a psychometric investigation of the climate within Brisbane to add to the site analysis section. 

Week 3 - Initial Site Anaylsis

Sun path:

Wind Breeze:

Level of Activity:

 Movement diagram:

Week 3 - Further Phasing

This week for the project it was time to start preparing the project file for the new design to be drawn in, and this involved demolishing most of the internal walls.

Existing Internal Walls

To begin demolishing the unneeded walls, we switch to the Demolish Floor Plan which shows all the existing walls ready to be removed.

Demolish Tool

The process of demolishing unwanted walls is very simple, select the Demolish Tool from the task bar, then just click on a wall/element of the model to change its phase.

Completed Ground Floor Demolish Plan

Once all correct walls and elements have been demolished, the process of drawing up new rooms etc can begin on the 'New Construction' plan.

New construction plan showing remaining walls not to be demolished.