For some reason, I have little interest in attending AU. I can't figure it out. I really would love to get excited about it, but I simply can't come up with a good enough reason to attend. So yet again, I'm not going to.
Am I really missing out this much? Should I be asking Tocci to send me?
Eh.
8.29.2007
8.28.2007
Archistruction
Neenan Archistruction seems to have coined the term which describes their business model; my interpretation of archistruction is this: a single firm that designs and builds the project.
Some interesting things on Neenan's site that I really liked:
Some interesting things on Neenan's site that I really liked:
- A diagram of what they call their collaborative model
- Virtools, which I interpret to be a video game for owners to facilitate decision making
- Their dashboard for viewing construction site cameras - I love the flexibility
8.24.2007
BIMtern
A term that we have started to use. I cannot claim to have come up with it, though. I can only attempt to spread the term.
One who is employed, for less than or equal to $15 per hour without benefits, to generate, modify, and sustain Building Information Models (BIM) for the purpose of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC).BIMterns are typically characterized by their tendency to over-perform, can-do attitudes, and naive dispositions.
Add to that definition here.
Model from an Interesting Source..
Last week, we received a complete building information model from a surprising (but exciting) place: an owner! The Director of Construction from a sophisticated international retail corporation sent us a link to their project collaboration page.
From there, we were able to download their latest Revit files. Now what? We're going to put together a pricing program for the project based on the model!
Through our involvement with the BIMForum, I have been exposed to other VDC-savvy owners (i.e. GSA, USACE, Johnson & Johnson, Disney, CitiGroup, etc.), but this is my first opportunity to be involved in a project with one.
From there, we were able to download their latest Revit files. Now what? We're going to put together a pricing program for the project based on the model!
Through our involvement with the BIMForum, I have been exposed to other VDC-savvy owners (i.e. GSA, USACE, Johnson & Johnson, Disney, CitiGroup, etc.), but this is my first opportunity to be involved in a project with one.
8.23.2007
Affinity for Revit
Sometime ago, I wrote about Affinity, which is a pre-design BIM software. Affinity now has a plug-in for Revit. According to Trelligence's website, Affinity for Revit has all of the features of Affinity, but now syncs with Revit.
Now that we could actually use Affinity, I reread the specs, and thinking traditionally, it does seem very much like a tool for the design team. But with this new "alliancing, we are all the master builder" mindset, there are features that could provide value to the construction management part of the team. Affinity gives us a method to measure the owner's requirements besides cost and schedule duration.
Something to check out.
Now that we could actually use Affinity, I reread the specs, and thinking traditionally, it does seem very much like a tool for the design team. But with this new "alliancing, we are all the master builder" mindset, there are features that could provide value to the construction management part of the team. Affinity gives us a method to measure the owner's requirements besides cost and schedule duration.
Something to check out.
8.14.2007
PowerHouse
At Tocci, we often talk about how green, lean and VDC are connected; in fact, we've been known to say something along the lines of "lean, green, virtual construction machine". (I blame the use of that phrase on our delirious mindset after staring at Revit for too long.)
PowerHouse is a company that is really embracing that philosophy. Their product is (you guessed it) 'PowerHouse', a modular, green house. Because PowerHouse is factory-built (read: using efficient assembly lines in a climate-controlled environment), the construction quality is much higher than the average single-family home. Specific benefits include tighter tolerances, minimized material defects, and reduced delivery time.
As if prefabrication weren't green enough, all PowerHouse homes have renewable energy systems (solar electric/hot water, geothermal, bio-mass or any combination, depending on the site). They also offer a range of sustainable materials: bamboo flooring, straw board cabinetry, cork flooring, FSC certified lumber.
The most exciting part (for me, at least) is that their main office islocated in Lawrence, MA - only 25 minutes from Tocci HQ!
.
PowerHouse is a company that is really embracing that philosophy. Their product is (you guessed it) 'PowerHouse', a modular, green house. Because PowerHouse is factory-built (read: using efficient assembly lines in a climate-controlled environment), the construction quality is much higher than the average single-family home. Specific benefits include tighter tolerances, minimized material defects, and reduced delivery time.
As if prefabrication weren't green enough, all PowerHouse homes have renewable energy systems (solar electric/hot water, geothermal, bio-mass or any combination, depending on the site). They also offer a range of sustainable materials: bamboo flooring, straw board cabinetry, cork flooring, FSC certified lumber.
The most exciting part (for me, at least) is that their main office islocated in Lawrence, MA - only 25 minutes from Tocci HQ!
.
8.13.2007
Autodesk completes acquisition of NavisWorks
It's been over 2 months since it was announced, and I don't think anyone knows exactly what this means for NavisWorks or its' users.
On Friday afternoon, I received the form email notifying me that the acquisition is complete. Without actually saying anything, Autodesk let me know that they "current plan to continue the development and support" of NavisWorks. Their "vision for the acquisition...is to continue to provide the east of use and product interoperability" that NavisWorks has.
We'll just have to wait and see.
On Friday afternoon, I received the form email notifying me that the acquisition is complete. Without actually saying anything, Autodesk let me know that they "current plan to continue the development and support" of NavisWorks. Their "vision for the acquisition...is to continue to provide the east of use and product interoperability" that NavisWorks has.
We'll just have to wait and see.
8.10.2007
quote from Frank Gehry
"We've been using software from the aircraft industry, Catia - and for quite a number of years. We bumped into it quite accidentally, because I started using curves that were hard to represent to the construction industry. We needed to demystify it so that they could bid on it in a rational way. . . .
Everyone's had the experience of a building that comes in over by something, and the contractor will say to the owner: "Hey, if you straighten that curve, I'll save you a million bucks." The owner, who doesn't have the spare million, is going to say yes. And the architect becomes marginalized in a split second.
The client doesn't want you to be marginalized - they want you to deliver what you have - but it's intangible to them. The computer changes the game by creating such a precise definition of the parts and pieces that the contractors are actually quite happy. Instead of looking at something that doesn't look like anything they've ever done, and just doubling the bid, they take it seriously, and spend time in the early stages, and develop a fairly precise cost response. That lets the architect take more responsibility, which makes him a better partner. . . . And, the more you can become that, the more likely you're going to achieve everyone's goals."
- Frank Gehry
Thanks, Ben, for bringing this to my attention.
Everyone's had the experience of a building that comes in over by something, and the contractor will say to the owner: "Hey, if you straighten that curve, I'll save you a million bucks." The owner, who doesn't have the spare million, is going to say yes. And the architect becomes marginalized in a split second.
The client doesn't want you to be marginalized - they want you to deliver what you have - but it's intangible to them. The computer changes the game by creating such a precise definition of the parts and pieces that the contractors are actually quite happy. Instead of looking at something that doesn't look like anything they've ever done, and just doubling the bid, they take it seriously, and spend time in the early stages, and develop a fairly precise cost response. That lets the architect take more responsibility, which makes him a better partner. . . . And, the more you can become that, the more likely you're going to achieve everyone's goals."
- Frank Gehry
Thanks, Ben, for bringing this to my attention.
8.02.2007
hiring!
We are expanding our Virtual Construction department again! We are looking for modelers (for architecture, structure and/or mechanical systems) as well as on-site support for virtual construction. Modeler positions are based in our Woburn office; the on-site support position is for Philadelphia. See job descriptions below:
Tocci Building Corporation is currently looking for intelligent, passionate and driven candidates to join our Virtual Construction team.
Job Title: Virtual Construction Coordinator
Tocci Building Corporation is currently looking for intelligent, passionate and driven candidates to join our Virtual Construction team.
Job Title: Virtual Construction Modeler
§ Developing 3D models, based on 2D design documents, in the Autodesk Revit platform
§ Running interference detection between architectural and structural models utilizing NavisWorks Clash Detective
§ Processing models in preparation for scheduling (4D) and cost engineering (5D) utilizing Innovaya Visual Simulation and Innovaya Visual Estimating
§ Working with on-site Virtual Construction staff to update models to reflect as-built conditions
§ Participating as a integral team member in the adoption of Tocci’s Virtual Construction program
Job Title: Virtual Construction Coordinator
§ Assisting the Project Manager, Superintendent and MEP Coordinator with the mechanical coordination process, utilizing NavisWorks Clash Detective
§ Collecting and processing 2D documentation and 3D models from the various participants involved in MEP Coordination
§ Assisting the Project Manager and Superintendent with the development of a virtual construction schedule (4D), using NavisWorks TimeLiner or Innovaya Visual Simulation
§ Managing the virtual construction schedule (4D) based on construction progress and preparing 3-week look-ahead schedules for the project management team
§ Assisting the Project Manager, Superintendent and MEP Coordinator with visualization utilizing NavisWorks Freedom and Autodesk Design Review (DWF)
§ Participating as a integral team member in the adoption of Tocci’s Virtual Construction program
The position is based on job-sites and is available in and around
Successful candidates will have a background in architecture, engineering, mechanical systems, and/or construction. Ideal candidates will be open-minded and self-motivated, with strong personal management skills and the ability to multi-task. They will have experience with Autodesk Revit or may have experience with or exposure other BIM software applications. Individuals with experience utilizing other 3D modeling software programs (i.e. SketchUp, Bentley Microstation, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, etc.) will be prepared to transition to modeling in Autodesk Revit.
Tocci Building Corporation is a progressive construction management firm headquartered in
Director of Project Development and Virtual Construction
jshort@tocci.com
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