Technology brings great changes to architecture and design. As a leading architecture and engineering firm, P&T Group has been investing in Building Information Modeling or BIM, an innovative technology for bridging communications between the architecture, engineering and construction industries, since 2012. Since then, the Group has adopted two BIM platforms, Autodesk and Graphisoft, to their projects in enhancing design and technology. The application of BIM advances not only the productivity of architects, engineers and contractors, but also the design, construction and structural measurement and management of a project. In October 2018, the Group was invited to share its views and remarkable results of BIM application with young architects and stakeholders at the GRAPHISOFT BIMClub Gathering, themed Interoperability between ARCHICAD and Revit.
Presenting construction plans and designs with accuracy
“When we review the construction process in the past, designs were limited to 2D presentation. However, with today’s BIM technology, which integrates engineering design and construction plans through 3D simulation, can accurately present all types of design concept,” said Joel Chan, Director of P&T Group.
Existing technology not only assists project coordination, but also avoids predictable mistakes prior to construction. BIM technology can also predict the impact of the environment on buildings through a simulation process.
Increasing efficiency has substantial impact on stakeholders
Presenting 2D building plans digitally has also brought substantial impacts to stakeholders. For contractors, 3D model allows them to construct accurately; meanwhile for clients, it helps them to understand the design details through a clearer presentation. Aaron Chan, the BIM manager of P&T Group, points out, “We believe the industry will embrace this new technology, as it enhances the quality of work, as well as increasing efficiency by reducing the time and manpower required.”
Recently opened last year, Malvern College Hong Kong in Tai Po is an example of how BIM technology can benefit the industry. During the course of the project, the Group used BIM technology to explain the design concept, from the building plan’s approval process to the actual construction. As one of the first BIM buildings to be completed in Hong Kong, the design was recognised and awarded the Autodesk Hong Kong Building Information Modeling Award and Building SMART Building Information Modeling Award in 2016.
BIM technology is the future of architecture and construction industry. The Group will continue to proactively explore related technologies, platforms and knowledge and incorporate new concepts into their projects to uncover a new page of architecture development with digital technology.