Week 13 - Presentation Feedback

Overall we received positive feedback from the tutor, with a question being raised about our suggested Gantt chart to improve the workflow process. 

If we were to tackle this project again there would be one aspect in which we could improve. As we tried to simulate a real world working example, where the models are split according to profession, it became obvious that certain professions would have to wait for other to complete their work before being able to effectively make their additions  clash free. A gantt chart would have been a good item to develop at the start of the project to track each disciplines workflow. We have split it so that we could work on the architecture model as a group between weeks 1-5, giving everyone an overview of what the spaces will encapsulate.  From week 4 – 6 the structural model would be worked on followed by the landscape from week 6-8. Now with the exterior and “skeleton” complete, work could begin on the interior. Again these crossover in order of priority  Overall this approach (which we eventually acknowledged) would have benefited the project and workflow from an earlier stage.

The graphical representation of what we wanted to say did not come across as effectively as we first thought, so this has been amended as below:

Week 12 - FINAL PRESENTATION

Use this link for our final presentation slides.


JBAA Project 2 Presentation 

Week 12 - Ammended BIM Plan link

Here is the link to our amended BIM Management Plan. As explained before there were a few changes to model shedules and file exchange protocols. This is our final revised edition.

Amended BIM Plan

Week 12 - BIM Ammendments

Week 11 - Individual Role Jack

My main responsibility  for this project was to undertake the lighting model. Having never used MEP software before, it proved to be an interesting learning experience and wasn’t without it’s issues,

I was in charge of all the lighting design and implementation within the project. This included lighting layout design, researching real world products and finding their BIM families, and detailing the wiring layout with the rooms.

As a secondary role, I looked after the models master file and reviewed it weekly to ensure that everyone’s files were linked correctly and no major clashes were present. There were a few cases were either some walls were missing or structure was clashing with interior walls etc so it was easier for me to make these corrections on a weekly basis instead of waiting till the end to correct everything and risk missing a few details.

As part of the presentation process, I also set-up the renders and visualisations for the project. These renders, which we will show in more detail later, really showcase our work and help portray our response to the brief a lot better than just plans and sections.

With our project, we found that, although it would have been perfect to all simultaneously works on our respective areas, it was just not realistic considering that some models relied on the completion of other models so they could start.

For the lighting model, it relied primarily on the architecture models as I needed all the rooms modelled and allocated before I could start figuring out what lighting is needed. My aim was to provided sufficient lighting for all workspaces and living quarters, several feature lighting installations in the main public areas, and specialised gallery down lighting. The gallery part involved working closely with the interior modeller (Jake) so that all the specific artwork illumination worked with the exhibition walls.

The company I decided to use was Cooper industries as I liked their style and thought it would work well with our design, and all of their products had a Revit family available for downloaded with included all relevant specs. Using these instead of just the generic families within Revit allows the model to start to fully utilise its BIM capabilities.

We had a fair share of issues with the project. Nothing heartbreaking but still an inconvenience nevertheless.

The first thing that affected me was missing ceilings in the architectural model. A minor oversight in the initial architectural meant that there weren't any ceilings for me to start placing lights on. This caused a set-back in our time frame of work as I had to go back into the Architect model and draw in all the ceilings for the building.

Ceilings continued to be an annoyance for me as once I finished drawing them, the ceilings in the linked model weren't being picked up in the MEP software suite. I had to resort to placing them on the ceilings underside face in 3d views, using a combination of section boxes and isolation tools. This slowed down by process quite a lot as each new style of light had to be re-placed in 3d then moved in plan.

As far as group issues go, one thing that caught us up was inconsistent file locations/versions. At some stages someone would take a copy of a file home to work on, and not load the revised edition back up so others would be working with an old/different file. We decided that to maintain consistency, we would only use USB and DropBox for backup purposes and everything else would remain on the StudentShare drive.

Week 11 - Individual Role Ben

My main responsibilities as you can see, were the Landscape model, interior site model and also the main group blog editor. Firstly, with the landscape model I worked carefully on replicating the surrounding context, including roads , paths and contours. This would prove to be a major aspect, improving the quality of our exterior renders by giving a sense of place. As you can see in the images this was modeled off pd online screenshots using the Revit site section. From here I then modeled the building pad,  immediate site, and landscaping. 

My next crucial role involved the creation of the interior site model. This mostly involved the creation of Courtyard spaces, green walls and interior plantation and devices for creeper vine. As seen in the screenshots this process was involved and required me to collaborate carefully with the rest of the group to insure both the aesthetic and function remained constant. Lastly, I am responsible for the structure, updating and editing of the main group blog, basically overseeing, and constantly commenting on our groups collaboration processes.

When it came to the design and creation of these spaces careful collaboration with my group members was required. Firstly, with the landscape model, I specifically had to work with Adam (the architect) and insure that my design of the immediate site reflected the paths and movement require to draw people into / or out of spaces that he desired. This is integral to the success of the design as a whole. As this section was dealing purely with the exterior aesthetic and function, it did not require me to constantly update other group members as their roles were primarily interior. This allowed time for them to model before I moved on to producing the interior site model

With the interior site model I had to collaborate much more carefully. Here I had to mostly work with Jake (interior designer) and Jack (MEP lighting), and to a lesser extent, with Adam's structural model. As this involved a large number of professions, we arranged it so that we worked beside each other in most cases, and also gave each other weekly updates of progress, through class and the blog system. Also it was decided that the discipline assigned to each model, would be the sole accessor of that particular file until completion

The collaboration process with my fellow team mates was smooth at times, but also rough when it became necessary for multiple interaction. The landscape modeling proved to be a success as the collaboration with Adam, his model and design was seamless. As we constantly worked together there was minimal errors encountered. Together we only had to rectify one issue with the terrain covering a corner of the outdoor workshop. This was found to be my mistake while creating contours having a randomly placed point, effecting the slope. This was simply fixed by removing that point. As seen by the image, i worked with Adam on creating an outdoor deck which flowed from his cafe design. Here I made it clear to my fellow team mates that they should be wary about linking the landscape with their models, as, because of the amount of trees, and shrubs the file size became large, and the computers began struggling to cope, making their jobs harder, constantly waiting for it to load.

Although the landscape was a success, there proved to be issues with the interior site model. This first issue with this was waiting for other models to be finished so that I could ensure that my additions did not affect the flow and circulation of space. This required Jake and I to work together carefully, where he would have to notify me of any changes which deviated from our conceptual design. As highlighted by the images there were also numerous clashes which I had to take care of in regards to clashes with structure, walls and ceilings. It was important that I also had a good workflow with Jack as he implemented the lighting into Project MCN.

Week 11 - Individual Role Jake

My responibilities consisted of the original brief development, brief implementation and the interior modelling. The role of brief development was one familiar to be as for the last few design assignments we have been charged with creating our own brief unique to our site and project. Creating a new brief is more challenging in many ways than simply adhering to a provided brief, having to consider all spaces to be included as well as the vision for the project. It is also vital to ensure that the brief is implemented effectively and that each group member is working towards a common goal.  This was an interesting collaboration task, having to work with each discipline to ensure they were on track with the brief and work with them to achieve our brief. The role of interior designer is one relatively foreign to me however. I have no done an exclusive interior fitout, only completing simple interior designs for previous architectural projects.  The interior modelling requires a different skill set, designing interior spaces which flow well and adhere to the brief while also tying in the with the other team members models.

The role of design brief was an interesting one as it provided me an important role in the collaboration process, working with other team members to firstly develop the brief and secondly ensure that the brief was implemented effectively.








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The interior fit out was a steep learning curve for me, creating furniture plans and interior plans that fitted in with the architectural, structural, landscape and lighting models with no previous experience. I experienced a number of clashes with the architectural, structural and lighting models. Despite this it was a beneficial experience, providing insight into the interior design process and the unexpected collaboration required. Ultimately it goes to show that all systems within a building are connected and that for a building to work efficiently there must be effective collaboration between each discipline.

Week 11 - Individual Role Adam

my role for this project was working on the Architectural and Structural models. At the beginning of the project, we decided that these two elements were very specifically related, and decided that one person should be in charge of both.

My duties involved modelling the spatial layout, Conceptual and schematic design, the interior and roofing structure.

I was also in charge of co-ordinating and drafting the NATSPEC BIM Management Plan, and making Amendments to the document. I will cover these changes and the issues we faced later in the presentation.

In terms of collaboration, I found there were a few major parts of the project which Id like to explain.

The initial sketch design was completed as a four-person design team before the submission of last project. I was then tasked with creating the Architectural Concept Model. Before proceding from the concept design phase, the team held a design consultation meeting to ensure everything was in order.

Constant Team Meetings and Model Checks

During the Design Development phase, we found a number of errors amongst the projects that required constant update. These were picked up both manually and through IFC File Checking. When someone had an idea they wanted to implement, we would discuss it at a meeting and change the models accordingly.

Coordinating the Architectural Vision with other Disciplines

Throughout the project, I endeavoured to consult with the other members about the systems and products they were including in the building, to ensure it keeps with the original client brief.

 

LOSS OF ARCHITECTURAL MODEL

Initially, we intended to use a USB platform for file transfer, however encountered some major issues with this. One of them being the complete loss of our Architectural Concept Model.

This meant the model had to be rebuilt from the existing floor plans, which cost me a few hours of work. The USB File exchange format caused a lot of trouble, and required some amendments to our BIM Management Plan.

MODEL CLASHES

In the schematic design phase, there were a number of major clashes between the structural and architectural models.

We decided that one member would be in charge of both architectural and structural, as they correlate very specifically.

Structural Clashes

However there were still changes to be made when coordinating the architectural and structural models with the other designers for example ceiling changes to accommodate specific lighting types, and small interior changes to accommodate the furnituire and equipment plan.

Co-Ordinating Federated Model

As our architectural model was combined with all the other services, It was my role to check over everything and make sure there were no clashes. Our team also used IFC Model Checkers to ensure that everything correlated. This allowed us to fine-tune door heights, window clashes, structural components and a number of other components.

Week 11 - Collaboration Overview

This image which has been extracted from the initial natspec bim management plan created by Adam shows a system of how each discipline would work together within our project MCN.  Through our process we found that it would be useful for both the architect and landscape designer to work together for the conceptual stage. From here the structure would be the next important factor, as the design progressed to the schematic phase. Once these were developed, printouts were marked up my the interior and lighting designer. Now at the design development all interior based discipline would need to collaborate. We have highlighted in red where we considered it to be essential that there is collaboration, and the blue showing where it isn't exactly essential but preferred to achieve a better outcome.  

Week 11 - Presentation Renders

Week 11 - Brief Response Section

Week 11 - Brief Response Layout

Week 11 - Presentation 2 template

Here as a team we developed a template to be used as sections are completed by various members:

TITLE TEXT: SWIS721 LT BT 30PT
BODY TEXT: SWISH721 LT BT  14PT 

Group members will refer to this post in regards to the creation of their individual sections of the presentations.

NOTE FOR GROUP: right click > save image > open in photoshop > tale colour swabs for match 

Week 10 - Room Schedule

This is a link to our Room Schedule including finishes.

link: Room Schedule

Week 10 - Interior Modelling and Checking (Jake)

After the completion of the furniture fit-out the next step was to review the interior model, checking the interior layout for clashes with the architectural, structural and MEP models. This was an ongoing process working with Jack and Adam as new clashes were noticed as work continued on the individual models.  

Clashing interior walls with structural model

 

Corrected Wall Alignment

When clashes were detected it was necessary to consult with individual team memebers as alterations of different models is not possible when using a different model. For example when clashes occured with interior walls and the lighting model it was not possible to simply alter the lighting grid from the interior model. Collaboration was necessary with Jack to discuss how to overcome the clash.

Partition Wall Clash With Lighting Grid

The gallery space offers a modular system with the capability of the addition or subtraction of partion walls for exhibitions. This created a problem with the lighting grid as  it had to be able to accomodate for this space. We established a fairly flexible lighting grid which could accomodate different configurations of partition walls for exhibitions. 

 

Flexible Lighting Grid and Exhibition System

A part of the interior fit-out is the completion of the wall finishes, choosing materials and finishes for the interior spaces. This would normally be a fairly simple process, using the paint tool to change individual faces of walls to the desired material or finish. However a problem was presented in that the majority of walls existed in the architectural model and were therefore unaccessible in the interior model. In order to complete the wall finishes this had to be carried out in the archtiectural model. This is one of the problems presented with having multiple models. In order to edit the interior modelling switching between models is necessary.  

Paint Walls Tool

 Interior - Artist's Lounge

Adding Wall Finishes

Because the structural model exists as a seperate entity, interior walls cannot simply be attached to the above roof or floor as they would normally. The wall profile must be edited to fit into the structural model, a fiddly and inaccurate way of creating walls.

Interior and Structural Clashes