Virtual Reality and training hub designed to support collaborative BIM workflows
Multidisciplinary contractor Winvic Construction has opened its new Centre for Innovative Construction (CIC), which includes a VR BIM CAVE, an interactive meeting room and a training space. The centre will be used by Winvic staff, consultants and suppliers, supporting interactive experiences within design models – from clash detection and dimensional design checks to spatial awareness assessment and data asset information retrieval.
Variations can be affected remotely or via the interactive design meeting room and be instantly viewed in three dimensions; the 3D headset and controller allows users of the BIM CAVE to travel around a site or building. Additionally, key points of information, such as sections of a scheme’s design manual, maintenance guidance or 360-degree photos can be added to the model and retrieved with a simple click or via a QR code and QR codes within finished buildings can link to pertinent manual information or other online content.
According to Winvic, being able to strategise with clients, end-users, consultants and suppliers through a digital approach – from as early as the PQQ and tender stages – is transformational for its business and the companies it works with on a number of levels.
Shaping accurate budgets, planning complex programmes using 4D modelling and making situational site training possible are just three benefits.
Tim Reeve, Technical Director at Winvic, said: “While we have offered industry standard BIM Level 2 to clients for many years, in the last two to three we have experienced a significant uptake in the request for BIM on the projects we are involved in. As our main focus is meeting clients’ needs – from a practical delivery point of view and also commercially – it was a natural progression for Winvic to become an early adopter of the technology found in our new facility. There was also a clear opportunity to augment our staff and supply chain training, from general health and safety to specifics on projects; in being even more ambitious in our attention to developing future construction skills, Winvic’s Centre for Innovative Construction is a multi-purpose tool that will transform many people’s expertise, our business and clients’ experience of developing a project.”
Winvic is currently constructing Unit 1 at Bardon Phase 2 for Mountpark, a 546,435 sq ft industrial facility that will be complete in March 2020, and has used BIM Level 2. Wal Groves, Mountpark’s Construction Director, commented, “Mountpark is committed to improving the way we hand our buildings over to customers, so we approached Winvic to help us evolve a practical way of allowing occupiers to navigate operating and maintenance manuals. By combining 3D drawing technology, QR coding, photographs and video guides, which are all interlinked, we have transformed the traditional manual format, enabling occupiers to proactively manage their buildings. At Mountpark Bardon II, this straightforward system will help the customer operate the building at an optimum level – conserving energy, meeting the correct maintenance/aftercare requirements and as a result, reducing down time and unnecessary costs.”
Through the Research Leaders programme in partnership with the University of West England, Winvic is providing BIM data – or ‘construction access’ – which will be instrumental in the creation of an intelligent voice search headset.
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