Bots The making of a giant
Merdeka PNB 118 Tower is a vivid testament to what building information modelling technology is capable of, writes Izwan Ismail
TODAY’S modern buildings are certainly not what Man envisioned decades ago. Thanks to advancements in technology like building information modelling (BIM), current building designs such as the under-construction Merdeka PNB 118 Tower are nowarchitecturally possible.
Its unique diamond-shaped glass facets that rise up to 644 metres are only possible with modern architectural engineering technology.
makiNg thiNgS poSSible
According to Graphisoft managing director (Singapore and Malaysia) EdmundLau, the MerdekaPNB118Towerisatechnologically-demanding project.
“Over the past decades, we have seen technological advancements in the architecture, engineering andconstruction (AEC) industries that have enabled professionals to create great architecture,” he said.
While it is challenging to determine the level of technology adoption among AEC professionals in Malaysia, digital transformation has shown that they can collaborate to create and design newbuildings and transform towns and cities.
“The adoption of new technologies has no doubt facilitated improvements in terms of workflow processes and organisational structures.
“The huge advances made have changed the way professionals work, with design processes now being automated and opening new methods of collaboration,” said Lau.
DeSigNiNg the tower
Fender Katsalidis Architects, the architecture company for the Merdeka PNB 118 Tower, uses Graphisoft Archicad BIM software as part of the workflow for designing the tower, which is envisioned to be the second tallest building in the world.
Lau explained: “It’s an incredibly complex project that poses many challenges such as the need to support the building with three outrigger zones, have the curtain wall meettheconcrete accurately, andhave the concrete work coherently with the core of the building.
“The use of Archicad was integral in helping make sense of this. It allowed the team to build it virtually and make design decisions,” he said.
He added that it’s not designed for designing skyscrapers only, but also for all sorts of other buildings.
For a technologically-complex project, collaboration between all parties involved is paramount.
“The ability to provide information digitally through Archicad makes it much easier for the client, the architects, engineers and contractors to understand each other’s needs, problems and requirements throughout the process.
“The use of Archicad allows for more productive discussions with consultants, especially with a 3D model on a screen during conference calls.
“Everyone could easily navigate through cutaway live 3D sections that can move through the model, highlight elements, look up their properties and check dimensions,” he added.
bim Software
The use of technology such as BIM software is radically changing the way AEC professionals work and has also influenced design trends in this genre.
“For example, there has been a rise in the number of buildings with a ‘twist’ in the building’s facade, such as the Shanghai Tower.
“The twist allows the buildings to be more energy efficient and to reduce wind load, which means construction requires fewer materials. Such innovative designs are madepossible by technology,” said Lau.
BIM software allows architects to envision new structures in 3D and quickly calculate numerous simulations quickly, helping them decide how the building will perform. This is especially important when trying to push the design envelope.
“As AEC professionals attempt to go higher, the challenges posed will continue to mount. Therefore the ability to test and simulate beforehand is of the utmost importance. Should buildings of these sizes fail, the results will be catastrophic,” added Lau.
USiNg the tool
Theinitial step of simply adopting BIM can be challenging, let alone getting AEC professionals and specialists involved in designing buildings on these platforms.
“This is because professionals must be equipped with the right expertise. Employees need to be qualified and knowledgeable to adopt and integrate BIM in projects seamlessly,” said Lau.
To ensure that this main challenge is addressed, Graphisoft has developed a platform for professionals to equip them with BIM knowledge, including training, certification and conferences.
“Utilising BIM software means faster workflowsandcanevenenabletime-saving in construction by prefabricating pieces in bulk off-site using robotics and then simply assembling them, a little bit like Legos, when they arrive on-site,” he added.