The Royal BAM Group, in collaboration with Swiss contractor Marti Generalunternehmung, has set a new standard in healthcare construction with the New Felix Platter University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland. This project showcases the transformative power of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and laser scanning solutions in modern construction.
The Need for Modernization
Addressing Antiquated Infrastructure
The Felix Platter University Hospital, renowned for its excellence in geriatric medicine and rehabilitation, required a state-of-the-art facility to replace its outdated structure. Over the years, the hospital had gained a reputation for providing top-quality care and rehabilitation services to elderly patients, but its infrastructure was not keeping up with the demands of modern medical practices and patient needs. The new complex was conceptualized in 2017 with the goal of centralizing all medical and therapeutic services under one roof, creating an efficient and comprehensive healthcare hub specifically designed for senior citizens.
As the population ages, the demand for specialized geriatric care continues to grow, and outdated facilities struggle to meet these new requirements. The need for modernization became critical, and stakeholders decided to embark on an ambitious project to bring about a transformative change that would set a precedent for future healthcare constructions. The project aimed to create not just a new building but an advanced facility equipped with the latest technology and designed to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery for the elderly population.
Collaborative Efforts
The New Felix Platter University Hospital project was a monumental endeavor, requiring intricate collaboration among a consortium of Swiss and German entities to ensure its successful completion. Prominent partners included BAM Swiss AG, BAM Deutschland AG, Marti Generalunternehmung AG Bern, Wörner Traxler Richter, Planungsgemeinschaft GmbH, Holzer Kobler Architekten, Health Company Dresden GmbH, and Club L94 Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH. This diverse group worked incessantly to address the complex needs of the project, bringing together expertise in construction, architecture, planning, and landscape design.
One of the significant challenges was harmonizing the different working cultures and methodologies of the various entities involved. However, the shared commitment to excellence and innovation facilitated effective collaboration. Frequent meetings, both virtual and in-person, were conducted to ensure that all stakeholders were aligned with the project’s goals and progress. The consortium’s collective efforts bore fruit when the hospital opened to the public in March 2019, marking a significant milestone in modern healthcare infrastructure for geriatric medicine. The collaborative spirit and coordinated effort among the partners were critical to overcoming the technical and logistical challenges of such a large-scale project.
Leveraging BIM Technology
Introduction to BIM
Building Information Modeling (BIM) played a crucial role in the project’s success, facilitating the creation of detailed digital models that enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of the construction process. From the project’s inception, BIM technology was employed to ensure that all stakeholders, including architects, engineers, planners, and contractors, had access to the most up-to-date information. This cohesive and integrated approach allowed for real-time updates, minimizing errors and discrepancies that are often associated with large-scale construction projects.
BIM technology enabled the team to simulate and visualize various aspects of the hospital before actual construction began. This predictive modeling helped in identifying potential issues early on, thereby reducing costs and preventing delays. By creating these detailed digital blueprints, the project team could make informed decisions and modifications as needed, ensuring that the final outcome adhered to the highest standards of quality and functionality.
Laser Scanning Integration
Laser scanning technology was pivotal in creating as-built models for the hospital’s shell structure and designing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) services. The integration of point-cloud data from laser scans facilitated a seamless transition from the planning and design phases to the construction phase. This technology ensured that the digital models remained accurate and dynamic throughout the project lifecycle, which was critical for maintaining the project’s stringent timelines and quality standards.
Laser scanning enabled the team to capture precise measurements of existing structures and topographical conditions, which were then integrated into the BIM models. This high level of detail helped in the accurate placement of MEP components, reducing the likelihood of clashes and subsequent rework. The real-time data provided by laser scans allowed for immediate adjustments and refinements, ensuring that the construction process was as efficient and precise as possible. This advanced technology was instrumental in achieving the high level of accuracy and quality that defined the New Felix Platter University Hospital project.
Open BIM Project Delivery
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) Standards
The project employed an Open BIM project delivery model, capitalizing on Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standards to maintain consistency and interoperability between the various software platforms used during the project. This approach was fundamental in ensuring that all project data remained accurate and accessible to all stakeholders. By using IFC standards, the team was able to seamlessly exchange information between different software applications, reducing the risk of data loss or misinterpretation.
The Open BIM model facilitated a collaborative environment where all stakeholders could work simultaneously on the project, regardless of their location or the software they were using. This level of interoperability was crucial for the project’s success, allowing for real-time updates and modifications that ensured the project stayed on track. The use of IFC standards not only enhanced the communication and coordination among the team members but also ensured that the final construction met the precise specifications and quality standards set forth at the project’s inception.
Collaborative Workshops and Engineering Sessions
To promote understanding and adherence to BIM processes, a rigorous series of workshops and engineering sessions were conducted throughout the project. These initiatives were critical in familiarizing planners, designers, engineers, and contractors with the operational and strategic advantages of BIM. The training sessions were designed to ensure that all team members were proficient in using BIM tools and methodologies, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the project.
The workshops also provided a platform for stakeholders to share their insights and experiences, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE) sessions, held bi-weekly, addressed data interoperability issues by engaging software vendors directly in resolving these challenges. These sessions were essential in maintaining project timelines and preventing potential delays. The collaborative efforts during these workshops and sessions ensured that all team members were aligned with the project’s goals, leading to a more streamlined and efficient construction process.
Advanced Software Solutions
Nemetschek Group’s Allplan Architecture and Allplan Allfa
The deployment of Nemetschek Group’s Allplan Architecture and Allplan Allfa was instrumental in the project’s success. Allplan Architecture facilitated intelligent design processes, enabling accurate 3D modeling and real-time communication among stakeholders. This platform allowed for the management and exchange of over 50 file formats, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration. The use of this advanced software ensured that all stakeholders had access to the most current and accurate information, which was critical for informed decision-making throughout the project.
Allplan Allfa further provided an infrastructure and technical facility management solution that streamlined workflows and satisfied the extensive requirements set by the client. The bi-directional integration between Allplan Architecture and Allplan Allfa allowed for effective monitoring of room design attributes and anticipated maintenance costs. This integration ensured that all project stakeholders had real-time access to critical information, enabling them to make informed decisions that contributed to the overall success of the project. The use of these advanced software solutions was pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the construction process.
Autodesk BIM 360 Glue/Field and Solibri Software
Autodesk BIM 360 Glue/Field software was utilized to update construction management processes, incorporating as-built information and documentation into the 3D model after construction phases concluded. This integration ensured that the digital models remained accurate and reflective of the actual construction, which was essential for ongoing maintenance and operational efficiency. The use of this software also facilitated real-time collaboration among stakeholders, enhancing communication and coordination throughout the project.
Solibri software played a vital role in clash detection, identifying and addressing potential issues such as spatial conflicts between different building components. This software helped in material estimation and scheduling by linking models to time-scheduling data, facilitating 4D time planning. The use of Solibri software contributed to considerable time savings across all major project phases, ensuring that the project remained on track and within budget. By leveraging these advanced software solutions, the project team was able to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and overall quality of the construction process.
Recognition and Awards
BuildingSMART’s bSI 2016 Award
The innovative application of BIM and related technologies garnered widespread recognition for the New Felix Platter Hospital project. It received the buildingSMART’s bSI 2016 Award in the category of ‘Operations & Maintenance Using Open Technology,’ highlighting the project’s excellence in using open digital technologies for efficient and effective construction management. This prestigious award underscored the project’s success in implementing advanced digital construction methodologies that set a new standard for healthcare infrastructure projects.
The buildingSMART’s bSI 2016 Award recognized the project’s commitment to leveraging open technology to enhance the operational and maintenance aspects of the facility. The use of BIM and related technologies not only improved the construction process but also ensured that the hospital’s future maintenance and operational needs were met efficiently. This accolade was a testament to the project’s innovative approach and its significant contributions to the advancement of digital construction technologies in the healthcare sector.
BIM Cluster Stuttgart Award 2016
The project also won the BIM Cluster Stuttgart Award 2016 under “Prozesse/Organization,” further underscoring its success in efficient and effective construction management through digital innovations. This award recognized the project’s exemplary use of BIM processes and collaborative digital construction methodologies that ensured the timely and within-budget completion of the hospital. The recognition from BIM Cluster Stuttgart highlighted the project’s achievements in fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in the construction industry.
The BIM Cluster Stuttgart Award 2016 was a validation of the project’s efforts in integrating advanced BIM technologies and collaborative processes. The award emphasized the project’s success in achieving its goals through meticulous planning, effective stakeholder engagement, and the innovative application of digital construction technologies. This accolade reinforced the New Felix Platter Hospital’s status as a benchmark project in the realm of healthcare infrastructure, setting a high standard for future projects.
Setting a Benchmark for Future Projects
Comprehensive BIM Directives
The Royal BAM Group and its partners leveraged comprehensive BIM directives, detailed project planning, and effective stakeholder engagement to deliver one of the most modern geriatric health centers in the world. The project’s success can be attributed to the meticulous planning and execution of BIM strategies that ensured all aspects of the construction process were aligned with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. The use of BIM directives enabled the project team to anticipate and address potential challenges proactively, ensuring a smooth and streamlined construction process.
The New Felix Platter University Hospital project serves as an exemplar for future healthcare infrastructure projects, demonstrating the potential of advanced digital construction technologies. By setting a new benchmark in the industry, the project has paved the way for the adoption of similar methodologies in future projects, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the construction sector. The successful implementation of comprehensive BIM directives has highlighted the transformative power of digital innovations in enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects.
Enhancing Efficiency and Quality
The Royal BAM Group, partnering with Swiss contractor Marti Generalunternehmung, has set a benchmark in healthcare construction with the New Felix Platter University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland. This project highlights the transformative impact of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and laser scanning solutions in the construction industry. BIM and laser scanning have been pivotal in enhancing precision, efficiency, and overall quality during the hospital’s development. The New Felix Platter University Hospital stands as a shining example of how modern construction practices can revolutionize healthcare infrastructure. It underscores the importance of adopting advanced technologies to create state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. These innovations not only streamline the construction process but also ensure that the final structure meets the highest standards of safety and functionality. The collaboration between Royal BAM Group and Marti Generalunternehmung demonstrates the potential for international partnerships to drive progress in the construction sector, paving the way for future advancements in healthcare architecture.
