Pozzoni LLP Architects launch BIM R&D project at EcoBuild

20 March 2012

Pozzoni LLP Architects, with offices in Altrincham and London have been using REVIT since 2005. Although the practice has a catalogue of BIM level 2 case studies and considers BIM level 1 to be just the normal way it designs buildings, there has always been a frustration that pushing the boundaries of BIM adoption is too reliant on current UK procurement methods, 3d party consultants who are sometimes not up to speed and tight project schedules. Therefore development and efficiency gains are currently being held back.

Project – ‘Collaborate Woodville’ is an attempt to create a long term BIM research and development project which is not constrained by the above. Woodville House is the practice’s headquarters building in Altrincham, Manchester. Sitting in a conservation area it is a converted 1911 telephone exchange, full of character, providing the challenges of managing an existing building in modern times.

At present level 3 BIM and utilisation of the construction model through into FM is a pipedream for most, limited to a very few large buildings in the world.

Complete BIM schemes encompassing all the spokes of the generic BIM wheel, eg FM, sustainability, H&S, lifecycle costing, quantity take off etc…. are limited to one or two in the world. These buildings once completed then are hampered by legacy systems and techniques in the future.

It is our intention to use the Woodville House Building Information Model and associates databases to innovate and test new techniques, workflows and uses, push the boundaries of what is possible but not constrained by project deadlines. As well as pushing forward we will also look back, perhaps trying new techniques looking for continued efficiency gains as BIM develops and new technology becomes available and replacing previous solutions with new ones as they come along.

Collaborate was a word chosen very carefully. Pozzoni cannot do this on its own. Level 2 and 3 BIM is defined by collaboration. If any organisations want to get involved, be it consultants, contractors, supply chain suppliers or even software solution providers with new ideas please get in touch.

The blog documenting this project’s journey is available at www.collaboratewoodville.co.uk

To find out more about how Pozzoni BIM can support your project click on our case studies. To discuss a project contact Pozzoni on architects@pozzoni.co.uk or call 0161 928 7848 and ask for Mark Stodgell (IT Director) / James Savage (BIM Manager)