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BCA promotes use of 3D in construction industry

Posted on 16 May 2012 | Comments Off

3D computer generated imagery (CGI) used in the movie industry may soon become more vital in the construction industry.

Khaw Boon Wan, Minister of National Development, wrote in a recent blog post that the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is now promoting the use of 3D technology.

With the emergence of 3D technology, engineers and architects will likely transition from the two-dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings they have used for years. A new tool called Building Information Modelling (BIM) allows architects and engineers to see, work and fix problems before, during and after construction. The time- and effort-efficient technology helps minimise reworking and wastage.

Along this line, Khaw opened the BuildTech Asia Exhibition at Marina Bay Sands yesterday, which marks the second Singapore Construction Productivity Week spearheaded by the BCA. An online BIM Competition with over 300 participants comprising 40 teams was the event’s highlight.

“This is triple the participation rate at last year’s inaugural competition. It speaks volume about how the industry has been venturing into the technology to up their productivity,” noted Khaw in his blog.

“The real test is in the industry’s response to BIM. That has been overwhelming.”

To promote BIM and technology adoption, the BCA Centre for Construction IT (CCIT) has introduced the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF). Around 250 companies applied for the CPCF to finance their software and hardware costs, consultancy and training.

Additionally, the BCA recruits graduates with BIM training. Citing a recent CCIT survey, Khaw noted that companies in the built environment are willing to pay an average of 10 to 20 percent more for BIM-trained graduates.

Some of the projects which have adopted the BIM technology are the SAFRA Toa Payoh (pictured) and the Arts Science Museum, as well as the upcoming Sports Hub, Sky Habitat and the Star.

“Many more buildings will follow, as BIM transforms the way Singapore’s building professionals collaborate together. The common aim is to deliver more competitive and challenging projects that will be the pride of our construction industry,” added Khaw.

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Posted in Construction, Government

Tagged BCA, Building and Construction Authority, Building Information Modelling (BIM), BuildTech Asia Exhibition, CGI, Computer Aided Design (CAD), construction productivity, Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF), Design, Khaw Boon Wan, minister of national development, Singapore Construction

Private and Public Residential Spaces Bonded With Nature

Posted on 12 May 2012 | Comments Off

Rising two stories in the air, the Mary Lake Residence in the Village of Port Sydney, Huntsville, Ontario welcomes owners with a body made out of two separate volumes connected by a glazed entrance on the first floor and almost transparent second floor staircase and corridor uniting the upstairs spaces. Surrounded by tall white pines, this creation of Toronto-based studio Altius Architecture was described by them as follows: “The roof of the living room is sheltered between the two solids and becomes an additional outdoor space with a view over the lake, a garden and a hot tub.

The home is a balance of program spaces, with the public entertaining spaces of the living room, dining room and kitchen wrapping one side of the central void and the more private and intimate spaces of the library and den situated at the other. Two stone walls shield the house from the road while a canopy reaches out to create a welcoming entry. Warm yet contemporary materials throughout create a cozy yet light atmosphere.” This 3,000 square foot home boasts a set of sustainable features like passive solar heating, radiant heating, low energy lighting and appliances, and natural ventilation and lighting coming from sliding doors and cleverly placed windows. Green roofs extend nature’s expansion around and on the residence, while the indoor/outdoor connection draws it inside, creating a strong bond between natural and man-made.

Source: Freshome