Business Information Modeling Enhances Kauffman Center Project

Date: July 15, 2008

Author: Kauffman Center

Audience members at the Kansas City Library’s May 7th program about the Kauffman Center saw some remarkable 3-D visuals of the performing arts center construction project.  These graphics were made possible by a relatively new approach to construction and design, called Building Information Modeling.  The audience was wowed by the project and the new technology being used to construct the Kauffman Center. 

The National Institute of Building Sciences defines Building Information Modeling (BIM) as “a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility, serving as a shared knowledge resource of information.” In other words, BIM software provides 3-D pictures and simulations of the various building elements that must be accurately coordinated on a project like the Kauffman Center.

The many teams involved in the Kauffman Center benefit from digital representations and simulations of interactions between structural concrete, steel, electrical components, plumbing and mechanical systems, among a number of others.  BIM lets stakeholders see how they interact (or, possibly, clash).  Planners can easily share, exchange and review data and information over the lifecycle of the project.  Troubleshooting becomes easier, happens earlier in the project and saves on construction costs.  See BIM in action through a one-minute video of the Kauffman Center's  Construction Phases.

Through BIM, all knowledge about the Kauffman Center facility exists in a project database that can generate a “virtual building,” including all the various building elements.  Having a building information model provides a single, logical and consistent source for all information associated with the building:
• Plans, elevations and section drawings, generated as “views” from a single design model, are always consistent.
• Coordination of building objects created across different disciplines in a single model resolves clashes between design elements (like, for example, an air duct needing to avoid structural steel).
• Comprehensive schedules are easily generated and kept up-to-date with any changes to the model.

In addition, the Kauffman Center’s building information model will serve as a living record of the building for operations and maintenance throughout its life.

JE Dunn Construction Company began using building information modeling in 2006 and has consistently been expanding its use.  Kyle McQuiston, JE Dunn’s project executive for the Kauffman Center is pleased by the many improvements BIM brings to a project. “The application of this technology and resulting changes to our culture are an exciting development in our company growth,” McQuiston says,

McQuiston says that one of the most exciting things about the Kauffman Center project is being able to apply BIM technologies as a way to understand and coordinate the complexities of Moshe Safdie’s design.  “With BIM, and the resulting collaboration between the design team and the contractors, we are able to anticipate and solve problems before work is put in place. In addition to traditional electrical and mechanical system coordination, this technology has simplified the coordination of the Kauffman Center’s very sophisticated structural design and building geometry.”

McQuiston adds that an interesting aspect of BIM is its impact on the work culture of the various teams on the project.  BIM technology enables planners to work directly with people in the field.  He says that you’ll often find carpenters, for example, working side-by-side at a computer with a BIM specialist, refining a particular aspect of construction.  “In the past it’s more likely that you would have seen project planners issuing instructions to the field,” McQuiston says.  “BIM is changing our work culture in a positive way.”