PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
FUNCTIONALITY
Approach and Methodology
1. Presentation
1.1 Until recently, building designs and plans were delivered in two dimensional format, with mostly black ink on paper. This method served us well up to now, but with the development in technology and additions to the building code, this way of delivery proved to be inadequate.
1.2 Environmentalists are continuously stressing the fact that we are cutting too many trees for the manufacturing of paper. So we must, where feasible, go paper-less as far as possible.
1.3 Our deliverable media may include the following digital formats:
.PLN, .PLA, .DWG, .BPN, .TPL, .MOD, .BIMX, .2DL, .BIMX, .IFC, .PDF, .BMP, .JPEG, .GIF, .TIFF, .TIF, .PNG, .MP4, .MOV, .EMF, .XLS, .XLSX and more.
1.4 The objective of any presentation is to convey the intent of the design in a clear manner. For that reason our projects are delivered in 2D as well as 3D.
1.5 Building Information Model: Our projects are all done in 3D and output to a BIMX model. Everything is visual and every aspect of the design intent can be experienced. All drawings and details are output from the 3D model. Every element in the structure is scheduled and measured. This is a great tool for the Quantity Surveyor to cross reference materials and quantities to the exported XL cost reports.
1.6 The energy efficiency of the building is determined 'on the fly'. This encompasses all the SANS 10400-XA regulations concerning thermal Resistance (R-values) and solar heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). In zones where mechanical cooling or heating is required, the structure can be optimized to minimize energy usage.
An Energy Evaluation report (BEM) is produced.
1.7 Schedules in XL format, for materials and labor, are generated 'on the fly'.
1.8 All plans, Elevations, Sections and details are linked. Any changes and updates on the plans or 3D model, automatically updates all other drawings. This ensures that everything remains relevant and mistakes are eliminated.
1.9 Clash detection between MEP elements and structure is done 'on the fly'.
1.10 The client and other professionals can be given access to the 'Master' project on the BIM Server from where they can draw project data and check on progress.
1.11 The project is linked to a Tablet or Smart Phone and everybody, i.e. the client, the architect, the Quantity Surveyor, the engineer, the contractor and the OHS agent always has access to the same data. Every time an update occurs, everyone gets updated. Any part of the structure can be viewed on a 2D drawing as well as in 3D. The 3D can also be viewed in a 'Walk through' or 'fly around' mode.
1.12 The 3D model (and all inventory items) can be exported to Property Management programs. Proper servicing programs of mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment can then be set up.
2. Process to obtain approvals
2.1 The local by-laws, in addition to the National Building Code and requirements of Heritage Councils, are taken into account when plans are prepared for submission and scrutiny to the Local Authority.
2.2 Where needed, the project will be discussed with the Building Control Officer at the Local Authority and pre-approval will be obtained before plans are submitted. This will ensure that delays in the approval process are eliminated.
3. Project Plan
3.1 Existing buildings are audited in terms of stability of the structure, health and safety (OHS) and the National Building Code (SANS 10400XA). Any existing drawings are obtained and compared to the physical building.
3.2 A new 3D model (As Built) as well as drawings, will be prepared from a the survey of existing structures. Should available plans be drawn in Imperial standard, it will be converted to the Metric standard. Thus there will then be a digital metric 3D model.
3.3 The project is then saved to our BIM Server to enable collaboration between ourselves, the client, the Project Manager, the QS, the engineer as well as anybody else given access to the data. The Server is Internet based and thus makes it possible to collaborate with anybody from anywhere.
3.4 This is then accessable and editable by Revit, SketchUp or any other BIM Platform.
3.5 Photos of the existing building, together with the digital 3D model as well as 2D plans that shows the design intent, will then be presented to the client, with a report concerning the way forward.
3.6 Construction Documentation will then be prepared. This includes detailing, structural drawings, finishing schedules and bill of quantities. The Brand (Logo) of the client will appear on all documentation.
3.7 Documents will be made ready for going out to tender, and tenders for the works will be asked after municipal approval is obtained..
3.8 Tenders received will be assessed and a report will be generated.
3.9 The successful contractor will be installed on site after all necessary documentation is completed and the works will commence according to an approved works program.
3.10 Site meetings will be held twice a month where everything concerning the works (i.e. structure, progress and cost) is reported to the Project Manager. Standard forms will be used and all instructions to the Contractor will be by the Principal Agent (Architect) only.
3.11 At completion of the project, a Completion Certificate is issued and occupancy given to the client.
3.12 As-Built drawings are finalized and the Bim package compiled.
4. Qualifications and experience of key personnel
4.1 Falck Architects were registered as a 'Pty' in 2013.
4.2 The principal architect is Thomas Falck who first qualified as Professional Architect in 1990 and updated registration in 2010. This gives him 27 years experience as a Professional Architect.
4.3 Through the years, he trained various architectural professionals, some who now have successful architectural practices.
4.4 With the advancement in technology the need to have 'in-office' staff, became less important because with the Bim Server technology, we can assign professional staff from anywhere to collaborate on the same project.
