Pich Architects
Spain
Digitalisation in the construction industry should be much more explored and integrated in the design and construction process, but also in the use, maintenance and end of life phase. It has advantages for optimisation of the processes, but also allows to apply circular economy concepts such as component reuse or recycling, and to collect data, that is currently missing in order to evaluate the environmental impacts of the building. Together with industrialisation it allows much higher control of the construction process and decreases risks, unnecessary effort and waste.
About
Pich Architects is an architectural studio with international focus and head office in Barcelona, founded in 1986. We have developed architectural projects in the private and public sector, with the aim of providing technology, sustainability and innovation in the field of construction through our specialised sustainability and R&D departments.
Company size: Small (<50)
Sector: Architecture
Technology: Building information modelling; 3D scanning
Digital initiative
Studio Pich Architects has always explored new technologies. The limitation of their deployment are linked to the readiness of the sector, given that the architecture is a collaborative discipline, and that digitalisation did not advances in different paces across the sector. Pich Architects deliver their projects based on 3D models with integrated models of structure and HVAC if these are available. Design Builder is used for energy simulations, and other software for illumination, acoustics and other analysis. In specific occasions, parametric modelling, 3D models for renders and videos or integrate 3D scanning clouds are also used. The studio participates also as beta testers in development of life-cycle assessment BIM tools, such as TCQi or BIM LCA.
Relevant construction projects
For the circular building Gonsi Socrates in Viladecans Spain, a strong BIM-centric approach was taken. A model was used to calculate the LCA and also adapted to be used for maintenance purposes. On the other hand, 3D scanning technology was used for the Jesuitas renovation project, and for the application of PLURAL H2020 project in Terrassa, Spain.
Experienced benefits of digitalisation
Following the concept of industrialisation the studio aims to improve the workability of each project. They believe that modular design and dry connections is the best approach to achieve circular buildings. This is also compatible with digitalisation, given that the building components are well defined and allow to exploit the benefits of digitalisation. This is the case especially when the type of contract allows for inclusion of industrial partners in the design process, so they can supply the required data for optimisation and evaluation of the technical solutions. In regard to other software used for simulation and analysis, there is an important benefit in using them internally, because this way different scenarios can be studied without additional costs. The 3D scanning is a very feasible option for renovation projects, that allow for a precise definition of all the existing features of the façade, that affect the production of new elements to be integrated.
Tips for effective implementation
As mentioned above, one of the main barriers is the lack of preparation in the sector. All stakeholders have to be prepared to work with 3D models/BIM in order to take advantage of the benefits. The situation is getting much better in Spain, but still this is not a common approach. Another barrier is the incompatibility of software. Some software providers are not open to sharing data between software, and therefore sharing is complex when companies use different software. The IFC data sharing has strict rules that do not consider custom solutions. Finally, the methods used by different market stakeholders vary, leading for example to incompatibility between architectural 3D models and models for energy simulations.