Challenges Create CapabilitiesSolibri Model Checker and ArchiCAD Enhance BIM and Quality AssuranceLarkas & Laine Architects

CASE STUDY

Larkas & Laine Architects Ltd is one of the largest architectural offices in Finland. The company decided in 2003 that all new projects would be modeled, and since then has invested heavily in building information modeling on demanding design projects and places great emphasis on modeling capabilities and internal quality control. Larkas & Laine Architects Ltd also owns 45% of AMFI Architects Ltd, which specializes in designing sports facilities and ice rinks in Russia.

Skanska Finland Head Quarters, Helsinki, Finland

www.larkaslaine.com

Solibri Model Checker and ArchiCAD Enhance BIM and Quality

Quality Control in BIM Projects

For BIM quality assurance Larkas & Laine uses Solibri Model Checker. The basic principle in quality assurance is that all models leaving the office go through the model checking process. The quality assurance is then carried out within the Solibri Model Checker. Model checking is automated and studies the architectural model pinpointing the design issues very efficiently. Today it is customary that models are released in IFC format. Larkas & Laine exports the model in IFC format and check the IFC file using Solibri Model Checker in order to guarantee that the quality meets the appropriate quality standards. Quality assurance has been integrated seamlessly in the modeling process. For example, in the Skanska Finland headquarters project, quality assurance has been continuous throughout the intermediate design phases.

All Stakeholders Benefit from BIM and Quality Control

“By automating routine tasks, it is possible to increase work motivation and interest in the work. Having modern tools at our disposal also makes it easier to produce required quality at different design stages. And, quality control tools also decrease work- based stress,” says Mr. Salminen. Because Larkas & Laine have acquired extensive skills in using ArchiCAD for a number of years, the company is able to produce good quality models by following internal project and quality practices. Solibri Model Checker in turn makes it possible to find those design issues that would be impossible to find otherwise, and produce continuously consistent and high quality models. BIM, interoperability, and IFC enable the exchange of design information and merging of models. It is extremely useful to be able to compare the architectural model with, for example, the structural model.

Demanding Projects Create Capabilities

One of the current design projects Larkas & Laine is working on is the future headquarters of Skanska Finland. Skanska has a very strong and resolute commitment to contributing to a more sustainable world. In this project, the target is LEED platinum level and fulfillment of the EU Green Building requirements. The firm realized through this project that modeling increases the quality of design, making it easier to reach a 0 design error target; therefore, BIM represents a competitive advantage for their business. “High quality requirements for architecture and building information models create challenges but enable us to continuously improve our skills and stay on the leading edge” says Harri Salminen, both an architect and a partner in the company.

www.larkaslaine.com

ECHA, European Chemicals Agency, Helsinki, Finland

Solibri Model Checker and ArchiCAD Enhance BIM and Quality

About Larkas & Laine Architects Ltd The firm emphasizes a customer-oriented approach in architectural design and developing a deep understanding of their customers’ needs. Larkas & Laine apply their lengthy experience and creativity, which combined with their strong customer orientation, results in design solutions that are both unique and architecturally successful, while exceeding customer expectations. The office is a member in the Finnish Green Building Council (FiGBC), currently under establishment. FiGBC targets participating in the development of sustainable practices and tools, and presents Finnish stakeholders in the international Green Building Council. Larkas & Laine is the first Finnish architectural company that has applied for the WWF Green Office Certificate for their internal practices.

Larkas & Laine was established in 1993 and employs more than 60 people today. For more information on Larkas & Laine visit http://www.larkaslaine.com.

About GRAPHISOFT

GRAPHISOFT® ignited the BIM revolution with ArchiCAD®, the industry first BIM software for architects. GRA-PHISOFT continues to lead the industry with innovative solutions such as the revolutionary GRAPHISOFT BIM Server™, the world’s first real-time BIM collaboration environment, and the GRAPHISOFT EcoDesigner™, the world’s first fully integrated building energy modeling application. GRAPHISOFT’s innovative solutions have funda-mentally changed the way architects around the world design and collaborate. GRAPHISOFT® has been part of the Nemetschek Group, since its acquisition in 2007.GRAPHISOFT and ArchiCAD are registered trademarks of GRAPHISOFT. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners

Easy and Efficient Workflow

Modeling with ArchiCAD and quality control with Solibri Model Checker saves time and makes the design process more productive. Leading edge BIM competencies and high quality also affect customer satisfaction and retention. “Quality is equally important in every project because all of our customers are repeat customers. Ensuring high quality internally enables us to build confidence between our office and our customers,” architect Harri Salminen says. Long customer relationships reduce the number of projects acquired through bidding.

This article has been previously published on Solibri Magazine 1/2010 http://solibri.com/

Technopolis Plc, Helsinki, Finland

www.larkaslaine.com