Using Technology to Design Better Buildings
Visualization of a detailed 3D scan of a water treatment plant.
We asked three engineers from our Building Services business line: “How do you leverage technology to drive efficiency in your project work for clients?”
Jeremy Rapoza, PE, LEED AP BD+C: We use energy modeling software from early design through construction to optimize building massing, orientation, and envelope. We then compare MEP systems to inform design decisions and support system selection. In design development and construction documentation, we validate and refine the design, with additional modeling performed as needed for client requests or performance-based compliance and incentive programs.
Erich Mehnert, PE: Using reality capture tools for 3D scanning, we can obtain existing conditions information at a high level of detail, then visualize that data within a digital model that can be used to support design accuracy. This is especially useful for large facilities, such as warehouses or treatment plants, which would be difficult to scan using traditional methods.
For the City of Fall River, we conducted a scan of the Department of Community Maintenance facility to examine existing conditions and support reuse of the incinerator building as a recycling facility. Using wearable 3D scanning technology, we were able to rapidly scan this building and produce a set of existing conditions documents which can be used throughout the design process.
Josh Clairmont, PE: We can leverage our in-house capabilities in GIS to create a field data collection software that allows us to gather, organize, and share building system information across complex or multi-building facilities. Using GIS-based software allows for rapid and accurate collection of data, while also providing a user-friendly tool that our clients can use for their operations and maintenance.