A leading consulting and design agency
KuiperCompagnons from Rotterdam is one of the leading consultancy and design firms in the Netherlands. More than a hundred specialists work for governments and private clients on the design of the living environment; both nationally and internationally. Since the beginning of this year, the architects and modellers of this office have been operating in Autodesk's Construction Cloud, installed by Cadac. 'Ideal for projects with many different parties at different locations,' says project leader Michiel Burger.
Taking new steps
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an established concept at KuiperCompagnons. 'Of course', says Michiel Burger, BIM specialist who has been working for the firm in the atmospheric and historic Van Nelle factory for eighteen years. 'We like to be at the forefront of new developments. In 2007, we took the first steps from 2D to 3D with Autodesk Revit . In recent years, we have seen a clear acceleration. Not only do almost all architectural firms design digitally, contractors and suppliers also see the need for the transition.
Digital design means fewer errors, less failure costs and more speed. This is important if you know the construction task and the necessary transitions to sustainable, energy-efficient and circular buildings. Autodesk's new platform offers more opportunities for collaboration. We have been working with the Autodesk Construction Cloud for almost a year now and are very enthusiastic.'
We like to be at the forefront of new developments. In 2007, we took the first steps from 2D to 3D with Autodesk Revit. In recent years, we have seen a clear acceleration. Not only do almost all architectural firms design digitally, contractors and suppliers also see the need for the transition.
Michiel Burger
BIM-specialist - KuiperCompagnons
Collaboration
Autodesk Construction Cloud is an online platform that brings together five BIM software programs. 'KuiperCompagnons works with the BIM Collaborate Pro of the Construction Cloud, the improved BIM 360 Design, you could say. The aim is to facilitate cooperation between all parties involved in a construction project', says Cadac account manager Paul van Blijdeveen. 'In the design phase, during implementation and later in the management phase. Contractors, constructors and installers/suppliers each work in their own aspect model, but share their information and documents via the online platform. They look over each other's shoulder, as it were. Bottlenecks and possible errors become visible more quickly and can be repaired in the design phase. This is done by incorporating the corrections and adjustments into the central model. Ultimately, this results in better model coordination, more insight into costs and a better workflow.
Current situation
And more clarity for the later user, Michiel Burger adds. 'At the moment, it is still often the case that the contractor or subcontractor makes adjustments on the spot. Such as relocating the piping and drains or installing a window frame. However, the models of the architects and all other construction partners in the project remain unchanged. This creates inconsistent information later in the process and during the maintenance and management phase. With the software of the Autodesk Construction Cloud , the design up to and including delivery can be adapted to the most current situation, also during the use phase. The user or administrator will never be faced with surprises.'
Viewer function
However, it is expected that the new working method will reduce the number of ad hoc adjustments on the construction site to a minimum. Michiel Burger nods. 'That's the intention. For us architects and designers , the platform is particularly interesting because of the input from our own partners and from bodies that indicate the legal frameworks. A building must fit in with its surroundings and comply with a lot of rules. Digital information is easy to process on the platform. Many different modellers and constructors work on a large project, spread over different locations.
They share the documents on the platform, and this also applies to the contractor and the installers at a later stage. On a regular basis, we overlay the individual sub-models with the viewer function to see if everything fits together and fits together. There are always details to refine, each party has its own expertise. Changes are then easy to implement. If everyone agrees, we synchronise the overall design and only one version is available: the most up-to-date. It makes the process more flexible and accurate.'
Masses of data
KuiperCompagnons, founded in 1916, designs the future of the Netherlands and beyond every day. From residential areas to shopping centers, from hospitals to laboratories, from industrial buildings and factories to vacation resorts. For various governments, the specialists draw up environmental visions and look at what is possible in zoning plans. 'So we work with a lot of parties who all provide masses of data. Digital design and construction is really the only option left.
The Autodesk Construction Cloud is excellent for keeping track of the data and processing it properly. No matter where you are in the world. For example, we are now designing a state-of-the-art 21,000-square-meter laboratory. For that, we need input from other specialists. They provide that through the platform and they can immediately watch how the design progresses.'
Strategic partner
The collaboration between Cadac Group and KuiperCompagnons goes back a long way. 'At least fifteen years', Paul van Blijdeveen estimates. 'This company is one of the forerunners with BIM and Autodesk software, our speciality. Kuiper is more than just a customer. Rather, we are a strategic partner with whom we shape the innovations. The same goes for Construction Cloud. It works perfectly and is certainly suitable for smaller users as well. We are also seeing an acceleration in digital construction and more and more contractors and installers are joining in.'