Getting Everyone on the Same Page Without the Page
Galen Lif, AIA, LEED® AP, PGAV Architects
Gary Micheel, Kansas Bioscience Authority
In the course of this presentation, we will detail the design and construction of a new, highly sustainable incubator laboratory/office building for the Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA) and how we employed Building Information Modeling (BIM) as an invaluable tool. A wide variety of components from the BIM model will be used and compared with construction photos, comparing actual installation to the design. This will allow us to discuss several areas where the use of the BIM model allowed us to design the laboratory components with greater speed and client input, increase design team collaboration, identify construction challenges, and maximize the energy efficiency of the design through energy modeling and analysis.
The use of BIM by the design and construction team made a very complex laboratory project manageable in several notable areas, including laboratory casework and equipment layout, architectural design, integration of structure, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) system coordination, construction sequencing, and installation verification.
BIM helped the team design highly flexible laboratories. Casework layout and equipment locations could be easily reconfigured in the model very late in the project, including after bid day, to accommodate different manufacturers' involvement.
Architecturally, the building's finishes and appearance met the important goal of the facility demonstrating an innovative and striking exterior design. With BIM, we were able to model materials and challenging joint patterns accurately, which helped in identifying critical aesthetic areas and the integration of MEP systems with the architecture. Most of the building's structure is exposed; therefore the integration of the architecture and MEP systems was critical to the success of the design. We were able to model connections, brace locations, and system routing to work within the framework of the structure. Sizing of systems and interferences were also easily checked during design.
With most of the piping and ductwork exposed as a design feature, BIM was used to effectively coordinate and integrate the MEP systems. Ducts, piping, phoenix valves, conduit, and fire protection are among the number of systems that were located in the model and coordinated with the architectural finishes of the roof deck and fused glass skin of the laboratory walls. The use of daylight to minimize artificial lighting was also a key element, and BIM helped determine the most efficient lighting design.
BIM helped with the construction and installation of the systems as well, as contractors could coordinate schedules and shop drawings from different trades to eliminate many construction issues.
Biographies:
Galen Lif is a senior project architect with PGAV Architects and specializes in the design and delivery of highly efficient research facilities. Since early 2009, he has been serving as an integral team member on the Kansas Bioscience Park Venture Accelerator; he has been heavily involved in every aspect of the facility's design from skin to laboratories, led the design documentation phase in Revit, and is now leading the construction administration effort.
Mr. Lif thrives on complex challenges and leading the project team through the design and construction process. His true strength lies in presenting a clear and consistent vision for the project while attending to countless details.
An American Institute of Architects (AIA) LEED AP, he is a member of AIA and the U.S. Green Building Council, and is currently serving on the AIA Missouri Board. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas and has a total of 21 years of design and construction experience. Prior to becoming an architect, he spent 13 years as a civil engineering designer, working on transportation and stormwater management projects.
As facility project manager of the KBA, Gary Micheel makes certain full value is obtained for all building and infrastructure investments and serves as the owner's representative.
With more than 30 years of engineering experience, he has led teams of professionals designing and constructing complex facilities for sites throughout the United States and in several international locations. Prior to joining the KBA, Mr. Micheel served as a project engineer and construction manager for Black & Veatch.
Mr. Micheel earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Purdue University and a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Kansas. He is a registered professional engineer and a member of both the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Structural Engineers Association of Kansas and Missouri.