IFC Pilot Project Demonstrates Benefits of Graphisoft's Virtual Building Model: Final Certification of IFC 2x translates for ArchiCAD by IAI

Graphisoft, developer of the Virtual Building™ concept, announced that the new auditorium of the Helsinki University of Technology (HUT-600) was designed with ArchiCAD by A-Konsultit architects, Helsinki. The building has recently been occupied. After six months of testing of the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) pilot project by both researchers and end-users, the IFC 2x translator for ArchiCAD achieved final certification by the IAI (International Alliance for Interoperability) at the Certification Workshop held in Munich, Germany.

To optimize design, construction and future operation of HUT-600, the IFC pilot project of 17-months, used an array of design, simulation and analysis tools and was based on the Product Model and Fourth Dimension (PM4D) approach. Through 4D modeling the product model was linked with the construction schedule to cross check design models with construction activities. The PM4D approach resulted in higher accuracy and improved efficiency in facility design and construction, while also focusing on life-cycle factors. An international research partnership extensively applied this approach and successfully tested the IFC interoperability standards.

Utilizing the Virtual Building concept of ArchiCAD¨, the project's core architectural design tool, allowed HUT-600 architects to concentrate on design and get documentation as a by-product. Stanford University's Center of Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE) published a Final Report on this large-scale IFC pilot project. Comparing the benefits of the PM4D approach to traditional design methods the Final Report

"The architects, mechanical consultants, and the construction manager of the HUT-600 project utilized object-oriented product models to gain higher efficiency and better quality for design. According to the project participants, design documentation represents 60-70% of total design effort in conventional practice. The HUT-600 project architects reported about 50% timesavings in the design documentation phase as a result of object-oriented libraries and catalogues, parametric properties, knowledge reuse, and various automation tools. Consequently, the project team was able to quickly perform all the routine jobs (e.g., drafting) and spe nt more time in planning for constructability, coming up with project alternatives, and conducting life-cycle analyses. The shift from performing routine to higher value-added work reduced project risks such as cost overrun or post-occupancy dissatisfaction."

A-konsultit architects, Helsinki is one of the largest architectural practices in Finland. The office has been working with the Virtual Building concept or as they also like to call it 'the 3D product model approach', for about ten years. Further information on the office and its 3D Product Model approach is available at http://www.a-konsultit.fi/cad/

Architosh Analysis: Judging from some of the screen shots, it appears this firm, A-konsultit architects, is at least a partial user of the Macintosh platform. By visiting the link directly above you can check out the firm's CAD and AEC technology; and the firm has done a very good job of describing their process with the new auditorium, HUT-600. Another interesting aspect of their work with HUT-600 is the use of EVE, the university's emersive VR environment technology. Such technology is very userful for projects like this where a significant architectural undertaking demands certain levels of validy and decision support. We hope to learn more about this firm in the near future.