Scan To BIM – Building in Limassol
Over the last few decades, all the more companies and institutes decide to adapt and reuse existing buildings to host their workplaces, rather than building up new structures.
Repurposing of old buildings saves energy wasted in new construction, and reduces the expenses of a project , and in this way sustainable development is endorsed. This process is called adaptive reuse, while old buildings that have outlived their original purposes, are retrofitted to function for new uses.
In this context, a client decided to host their offices in an existing building in Limassol, Cyprus, which was functioning as a gym in the past. The client had limited background information about the structure, and there were only some old architectural floor plans of the building as it was planned before it got built, but no as-built information was available. In order to repurpose this space into something new, an accurate documentation of the existing condition of the building was critical.
Some decades ago, and even until now, many architects still use conventional 2D drawings in repurposing projects; a process that is complicated, time-consuming, with huge potential for inaccuracies and errors. In contrast, a high-tech ad innovative solution was introduced over a decade ago, called BIM (building information modelling), mainly to distinguish the information-rich architectural 3D modelling from the traditional 2D drawing. In this kind of projects, mainly Revit software is used as a design and documentation solution, supporting all phases and disciplines involved in a building project.
To create a BIM of an existing building, the implementation of 3D terrestrial scanning Technology is essential. The 3D point cloud that results from laser scanning is a basic and necessary raw material which is then converted into a 3D model in the forms of .rvt, .obj, .fbx etc. Then, the 3D model can be processed by BIM softwares such as Revit, SketchUp, ArchiCAD, Navisworks, Revizto and more. 3D laser scanners capture a high-density point cloud of a physical building, structure, or site, which is then used to create and maintain a BIM model that reflects “as-is” conditions. This process is called scan-to-BIM.
Scan-to-BIM is quickly becoming an integral part of the BIM process. Where a project involves a pre-existing structure or site, reality capture of as-built conditions can provide the model with the most critical information before a designer even gets to work.
For this reason, Geoimaging ltd was assigned to produce a 3D model of the existing (as-it-is) building through the use of our top-notch 3D laser scanning services. This model is an essential and basic material for the architects and the design team to plan the retrofitting, and the rearrangement of the interior spaces of the building. Our final deliverables were a 3D model (.rvt) and a 3600 virtual tour which allowed the architects as well as other engineers and interior designers to create a BIM in order to plan, redesign and approve with actual measurements during all the stages of the renovation and repurposing process.
We’d love to help you with your next project!
