ZBlog by Ziggurat Systems

Facility management of a luxury hotel takes a leap into 3D BIM with Ziggurat

Written by Ziggurat Systems

A luxury hotel in New York City was looking to improve their facility management and maintenance processes, which were based on 2D CAD “as-builts”. Their choice was a solution based on Ziggurat. We converted existing 2D AutoCAD as-builts into a 3D model utilizing Ziggurat’s plug in for AutoCAD and Navisworks.

Once conversion process is completed, as shown below,  facility managers are able to access any location in their facility virtually without the need to master AutCAD software. The Ziggurat Management dashboard allows the facility manager to access their asset, space, and technical information on the 2D drawings and the 3D model side-by-side on Ziggurat 2D/3D viewer. Other key benefits include:

• Retrofits and Renovations  - 2D AutoCAD plans converted into 3D models can be used by architects, engineers and contractors in future renovations for more efficient build outs, remodeling and retrofits (i.e., in communicating 3D spatial information, in performing clash detection and in displaying 3D network information).
• Space Management - 3D models offer complete visibility into space and access to remote occupancy data, thereby assisting owners in better understanding their asset and to better communicate information for leasing purposes. Better visualization improves communication and collaboration between stakeholders as the building evolves.

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Leading shopping mall developers implement 3D BIM coordination with Ziggurat

Written by Ziggurat Systems

Azrieli group of companies is one of the Middle East’s leading owners of income-producing properties (shopping malls and offices). The group owns leasable area totaling approx. 653,000 m² (6,835,000 sq ft) and approx. 328,500 m² (3,498,000 sq ft) under construction. The company wholly owns thirteen shopping malls.

 Ziggurat was retained by the group to convert 2D plans into 3D BIM models and coordinate in 3D more than 10 malls, of varying sizes. Few of the coordination challenges facing designers when planning and building a shopping mall are:

• Allocate minimum volume for mechanical systems installed in open spaces.
• Routing mechanical systems around stores so as to maximize store heights and volume.

 Ziggurat converted the design and construction documents from 2D into 3D using our AutoCAD^® plug-in and utilized Navisworks^® for clash detection and Ziggurat’s Navisworks plug-in to conduct the 3D BIM coordination process. Below are 2D-3D side by side images from our viewer.

Acres Mall

NYC School Construction Authority implements 3D BIM coordination in a Michael Graves designed school

Written by Ziggurat Systems

To meet the current New York City Capital Plan for Schools, the New York City Schools Construction Authority has commissioned Michael Graves & Associates to design a new primary school, PS290 in Queens. To meet the current and projected needs for the surrounding community, the proposed facility will accommodate an adjusted student capacity of 616 in grades PK through 5. The project accommodates approximately 99,000 SF in 5 full floors above grade and one partial cellar.

The NYC SCA, in its first foray into implementation of 3D BIM in its projects, retained Ziggurat to convert the 2D plans into a 3D coordination model and support the coordination process with 3D clash detection during design development stage.

Our team utilized our plug in for AutoCAD^® to convert the 2D architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems plans into a 3D model. Once the models were ready, we ran clash detection analysis in Navisworks^®. Integrating Ziggurat in the process, enabled the design team to continue using their preferred 2D design applications, yet take advantage of the powerful 3D clash detection capabilities offered by Navisworks^® ; best of all worlds.

Furthermore, the coordination process was supported by our plug in for Navisworks, which allows 2D/3D side by side view of the plans and clashes.

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3D BIM coordination at a retrofit of Sterling and Francine Clark museum

Written by Ziggurat Systems

Sterling and Francine Clark situated their art museum within walking distance of the Williams College on March 14, 1950.

In 2001, a master plan developed by Cooper, Robertson & Partners dramatically reconceived the Clark campus. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando and landscape architects Reed Hilderbrand Associates were selected. In summer 2010 work began on the infrastructure for the next phase of the project, the construction and renovation of the main campus buildings and grounds. 

The project team included:

Design Architect - VECC
Tadao Ando Architect and Associates, Osaka, Japan

Design Architect – original museum building and Manton Research Center
Annabelle Selldorf, Selldorf Architects, New York, New York

Landscape Architect
Gary Hilderbrand, Reed Hilderbrand Associates, Watertown, Massachusetts

Architect of Record
Gensler, New York, New York

Construction Manager
Turner Construction Company, Albany, New York

And Ziggurat providing 3D modeling, clash detection and coordination services.

Ziggurat joined the team during early design phase to convert all architectural, structural and MEP 2D plans to 3D models utilizing Ziggurat’s plug-in for AutoCAD and Navisworks.

Review of the 3D models helped identify major design issues including insufficient plenum height to accommodate MEP systems, conflicts  with concrete joists and mismatches between architectural, structural and MEP designs such as stairs, slabs, walls and opening shown on different location for each discipline.

These issues were resolved during Construction Documents stage and Ziggurat submitted a 100% CD clash free 3D model that was submitted to the subs for construction. 

To see a live video of the model Click Here>>

Norman Foster's Sperone Westwater Gallery in the Bowery

Written by Ziggurat Systems

The Sperone Westwater gallery on the Bowery in NYC, designed by Norman Foster has a room-sized elevator shuttling up and down the facade, Ziggurat was retained by the design/build group to bring the benefits of 3D BIM coordination to this demanding project by leveraging Ziggurat’s plug in for AutoCAD^® and Navisworks^®.

 The so-called “moving room” at Sperone Westwater is a major element at the eight-story gallery and office jimmied onto a 25-by-100-foot building footprint.

 Foster, recalling the early days of design, said, “Any approach we took was hopelessly compromised by the constraints of a 25-foot-wide slot for showing contemporary art and the need to move that big art around. It was like banging your head on the wall trying to figure it out. But once we realized the freight elevator didn’t have to be just for moving crates, but could be used to show art, sculpture, installations, whatever, there was a Eureka moment. And that became the dynamic for the facade.”[1]

 Ziggurat started working on this small but complicated and unique project at the design phase. The challenge was packing all the MEP systems in small riser area and tight ceiling plenum.  During space management phase we identified spaces that needed to be enlarged and drove design changes to accommodate the MEP systems.

 The Ziggurat team utilized the plug-ins to continuously convert 2D plans into 3D BIM models that were analyzed for clash detection and coordination.  The conversion process, which started with the architecture and engineering plans, continued through the shop drawing phase when weekly coordination meeting took place. During shop drawings coordination, the subcontractors submitted updated plans, which were converted and analyzed on weekly basis.

NYC Grand Central Terminal renovations takes advantage of 3D coordination

Written by Ziggurat Systems

F.J Sciame construction company teamed with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and planners in a design/build project to convert existing and unused space in NYC Grand Central Terminal into MTA employees' facilities.  The design/build team, planning in 2D approached Ziggurat to implement 3D BIM coordination of the tight space and brought us on board at 30% CD stage.

As a first step the Ziggurat team converted the 2D plans of the MEP, Structural and existing conditions into a Navisworks compatible 3D model. Upon completion of modelling, initial analysis focused on space management and clearance issues took place to highlight potential conflict between new and existing steel and new mechanical systems.

Reflected ceiling was to be installed tight under new wide steel beams so all crossings were to be done through the beams and all penetrations were to be sized and located at a very early stage. Utilizing Ziggurat's model an inventory report of all elements that need to cross these beams was established.

The project's architects and engineers were instructed on how to utilize the Ziggurat viewer so they could view and evaluate their 2D design in 3D. Sub contractors produced shop drawings when all major issues were resolved and trades moved onto installation without incurring coordination problems.

BIM implemented at a leading electronics manufacturing services provider headquartered in Singapore

Written by Ziggurat Systems

FLEXTRONICS is a leading electronics manufacturing services provider to the world's top technology brands headquartered in Singapore.  The business unit that retained us; Flextronics Special Business Solutions (SBS) is a leading Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) provider with a  network of global facilities providing services to all industry segments, from automotive to medical to infrastructure, and beyond. From hand held to massive electromechanical products, SBS provides every market niche with a total supply chain solution.

 Ziggurat was retained by the team working on the construction of MH Building 2, which included a 97,000 sq ft production facility, 33,000 sq ft warehouse, and 43,000 sq ft office area. The designs included extremely complex MEP and Data systems that support complex production lines. 

The project’s design team used 2D AutoCAD application, and Ziggurat used our AutoCAD plug-in  to convert all 2D design documents into 3D coordination model and coordinate the MEP systems with architectural and structural plans using Ziggurat plug-in for Navisworks showing 2D/3D plans side by side. Upon completion we were retained to perform work on Building 3.

St. Patrick's cathedral restoration utilizes 3D BIM

Written by Ziggurat Systems

The restoration of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is taking place in three major phases –working west to east –beginning with work on the Fifth Avenue Façade & Nave (Phase I), followed by work in the Transept (Phase II) and then work on the Altar and the Lady Chapel. Each of these three phases includes the restoration of the Cathedral’s exterior, interior and stained glass.

Ziggurat was retained for the work on the new geothermal mechanical plant. Our team utilized 2D site survey and 2D plans for the new mechanical plant to develop a 3D model of existing conditions of the cathedral and check interferences with the newly designed mechanical plant. All 2D plans were converted using Ziggurat’s plug-ins into a Navisworks^® compatible model.