Streamlining the Conventional Construction Process: Optimizing Design and Collaboration

The Japanese Pre-Construction Process:

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• Learning from the Japanese Model: The Japanese construction industry's pre-construction process showcases the effectiveness of finishing the design before construction. This approach relies on structured collaboration and alignment among professionals, leading to reduced delays and cost overruns.
• Design Completion and Coordination: In Japan, "completed design" means fully detailed drawings, enabling seamless coordination and construction execution.

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Advantages of the Optimized Approach:

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• Sustainable Building: The optimized approach immediately enhances sustainability, advocating environmentally responsible construction practices.
• Predictable Outcomes: Predictability in the construction process improves by approximately 25%, resulting in fewer surprises and smoother project execution.
• Cost Savings: By finalizing designs during the design phase and avoiding on-site changes, construction cost savings of 10-15% become attainable.
• Enhanced Profitability: The optimized process elevates project profitability by roughly 25%, aligning with financial objectives.
• Accelerated Construction Speed: Faster construction, facilitated by efficient coordination and design completion, yields a 25% reduction in construction duration.

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Overcoming Challenges:

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• Redefining Industry Norms: To adopt the optimized approach, the AEC industry must realign its fundamental processes, breaking free from siloed practices.
• Focus Beyond Level 2 BIM: Relying solely on Level 2 BIM or existing standards proves inadequate. A paradigm shift in collaboration and design completion is essential.
• Addressing Interoperability: The lack of interoperability between design software presents a challenge that necessitates tackling, encouraging collaboration and efficient data exchange.

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BIM Authoring Software Evaluation:

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• Revit: While widely used, Revit presents compatibility challenges, additional costs for add-ons, limited teamwork facilities, and inadequate 3D viewer capabilities.
• Archicad: Archicad offers efficient BIM authoring, integrating MEP and engineering modeling. It boasts a reliable 3D viewer (BIMx) and a lower cost per seat.

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Implementing the Optimal Route:

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• Unified Model Environment: The core design team, including architects, structural engineers, and services engineers, should collaborate within a single model environment (Level 3).
• Inclusion of Peripheral Consultants: Engage other consultants, such as surveyors, subcontractors, crane lift supervisors, interior designers, and main contractors, within the unified model environment.
• Enhanced Communication: Foster clear communication among consultants to ensure accurate incorporation of materials, fire strategies, and other design aspects.
• Procurement and Quantities Automation: Automate precise schedules and quantities directly from the model to provide early and accurate costing information.

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The optimal approach for conventional construction lies in completing the design phase before construction, guided by collaboration, proper alignment, and advanced software. By implementing a unified model environment and involving a diverse range of professionals, the AEC industry can achieve streamlined processes, cost savings, sustainability, and accelerated construction speed. This approach sets the stage for a future where construction practices are optimized for efficiency and collaboration.