BIM is part of the standard working method at Orange Architects. With BIM, our work becomes more efficient, faster, and we make fewer mistakes. Our work is also more enjoyable: we model a project from the first sketch to the last stone. This allows a project to be made transparent at any desired moment for the client, advisors, and contractor. As a result, decisions can often be made earlier and, in any case, more thoughtfully based on all available information. BIM is an excellent tool for ensuring quality together. Therefore, we experience the importance of BIM in many respects. It has become a habit for us!
Orange workflow
As architects, we translate an appealing concept into a feasible plan. A feasible plan is also executable. By using BIM, we can work in detail on a project that looks digitally the same as it will after execution. We believe that BIM helps us gain more control over every design task. ARCHICAD, in which we generate our models, offers a lot of design freedom and creative possibilities. The export of IFC models can easily clash in various tools such as Solibri and BIM Collab. Within our office, the ARCHICAD-BIM innovation team ensures the dissemination of knowledge and the renewal of experience. At every project, at least one BIM modeler is involved to manage and check the model.
Open protocol
Collaboration works better when the information we build on is interchangeable, structured, unambiguous, correct, complete, and reusable. Therefore, we are a partner of BIM basis ILS. Through the BIM protocol, we establish agreements with the project team. Preferably, we work out a complete assignment from the beginning of the project to the technical design phase. Together with the involved parties, a project-specific work plan is written. This way, all agreements are clear in advance, and we can make a flying start together. In consultation with the client, contractor, and other involved parties, we can work with any desired program during a BIM process using open standards.
Smart tool
Three-dimensional thinking is in our genes. We design each project in an architectural 3D model and develop it into a full-fledged architectural BIM model. It represents the design, serves as a communication tool with all disciplines, and acts as a database of information for execution. Complex information can be easily shared—at any desired moment—with the client, design team and executing parties. At an early stage, we want to synchronize all information from the advisors, such as construction and installation, in the model. This requires coordination and short lines of communication. We focus on integral collaboration and utilize various tools.
read more (in Dutch): artikel ‘beloftes waarmaken’→
Integral collaboration
We believe in the power of integral collaboration: a rational and shared way of working. For a BIM process, it is essential to form a team with different disciplines. This way, a lot of knowledge and experience is available for the project. Throughout the entire process, from the design phase to execution, this information can be shared through BIM. This way, information is bundled, continuity in the process is maintained, an efficient working method is created, and communication remains transparent. As a team, you commit to integral collaboration.
Because of BIM, we can communicate and coordinate optimally with all stakeholders, which improves the continuity of the entire process.
The brickwork facade of our project The Bow is a true masterpiece. The different layers of the brickwork are alternately executed in different brick colours. Some layers jump inwards and the facade gets lighter in colour from the bottom to the top of the building, following a colour gradient from dark brown to beige, translated into different brick colours in the BIM model. All this information was incorporated into the ARCHICAD model at an early stage, so that the effect could be studied by means of visualizations and presented and explained to the client. In the Technical Design phase, all the different materials are labelled and every facade brick layer gets a layer number, a colour code and a position code according to the brick distance from the outer surface of the facade.
read more: The Bow→
BIM-protocol
To ensure the BIM process runs smoothly, it is necessary to make agreements. Orange Architects has established a BIM protocol that outlines general principles for collaborating with BIM. We distinguish between a limited assignment (up to the building permit phase) and—our preference—a complete assignment (up to the technical design phase). We believe that our work does not stop after the DO phase. We prefer to develop the entire project, right down to the last door handle. This way, we can safeguard the continuity of the project as well as possible. It is in the interest of the project to discuss this at the start and make a choice. Then we can all begin with clear agreements.
read more (in Dutch): artikel ‘gehele BIM proces’→
The three blocks are developed one by one to incorporate the lessons learned from the previous block into the development of the next block.
In the development of the Colosseumplot project, a comprehensive work plan was established, an internal protocol that includes the rules for building a detailed BIM model. At the start, Orange Architects provided the spatial framework consisting of a level measurement plan and a grid plan within the RD coordinate system. The development of a BIM model during the DO phase was characterized by the overlap between the remaining design task and the technical elaboration. Coordination with all disciplines took place through 2D detailing to digital mock-ups, and then the architectural principles were engineered into the BIM model.
read more: Colosseumplot→
Software
From the start of a project and in all subsequent phases, we use ARCHICAD for designing and developing projects. It provides us as architects with a tool that can be used both intuitively and technically. Our foundation is always the ARCHICAD model, which allows us to easily utilize various supporting programs. For the exchange and coordination of IFC models, we primarily use Solibri and BIMcollab. BIMx is used as a tool to interactively view the 3D model and the associated 2D documentation. Most visualizations are created internally. We use programs like Lumion (for stills and panoramas) and Enscape (for VR). During the design process, we utilize our own 3D printer for various studies of the volume, facade, or other components. It is enriching that all these tools can be used based on the ARCHICAD model.
A pleasant interactive collaboration that makes the complexity of the work clear at an early stage. (Slokker Vastgoed)
For the Beaufort project, we went through a BIM process up to the UO phase (complete assignment) in collaboration with Slokker. This included an interactive and integral collaboration with the contractor and the facade manufacturer. The technically advanced BIM model ensured that the 338 parapet elements were accurately positioned on the building, thus playing a role in reducing failure costs. During the technical detailing, consideration was given to simple (de)mountability. A transparent coating on the elements provides a water- and dirt-repellent effect.
read more: Beaufort→