Local design teams in four countries are modelling the bridge, using Tekla Structures together with Grasshopper. Early on in the design-process we aimed at creating at least 70% of the BIM model using parametric design. We knew that only five to six people in Sweco knew parametric design at this extremely high level, and only one of them was located in Norway. As the rest were located in Finland, Denmark and Poland, instead of an expensive relocation to Oslo, we created a workflow where the teams would be able to work with cloud-based models from their local offices.
Figure Sweco Parametric Crossborder Team
Cross-border cooperation: A BIM model looks the same in any country, while drawings are very country-specific. Thus, cross-country collaboration becomes easier.
On the Randselva project we have applied VDC methodology. One of the element in the VDC framework is Integrated Concurrent Engineering. ICE is a meticulously planned multidisciplinary meeting, with simultaneous design work.
The work aim at solving design challenges. Significant decisions concerning the project were made in real-time. Meetings are organized with the latest visualization technologies in specifically designed rooms, known as Big Rooms. The participants use projectors and large touch screens displaying BIM models. Based on such models, the participants analyze problems and discuss solutions. Additionally, the meeting plan and agenda are supervised by the so-called facilitator – a person responsible for the smooth course of the meeting, implementing a predefined program down to a minute.
Figure ICE session on the Randselva project
On this project we have tried to combine ICE methodology with Hackathons. Hackathon is an event in which numerous people meet to engage in collaborative computer programming. In this case we gather parametric design experts from the whole Sweco into one room together with client, contractor and the rest fo the design team.