Collaborative Virtual Building

Building a New Framework

Providing measurably more value is DPR Construction’s guiding principle in using technology to enhance project delivery. As a long-established leader in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM), we know that technology alone cannot deliver the level of results we have all come to expect. Team members must be able to skillfully use and improve the application of the most relevant technologies to help achieve better value and savings, while creating practical and innovative solutions. Experience has proven that it is a combination of technology and a collaborative ideology that yields the greatest returns.

Maximizing BIM

The process begins with the owner, as the primary stakeholder, and requires a profound shift in the way projects are delivered. Based on DPR’s more than 15 years of experience in virtual construction, we have identified the following lessons learned, pulled from “Transcending the BIM Hype: How to Make Dollars and ‘Sense’ from Building Information Modeling.”

Determine the WHY first: Identify the reasons why you want to use BIM and set expectations accordingly.

WHO creates the BIM as important as WHAT you want to model: The trade or contractor responsible for the bulk of construction should create the BIM in collaboration with the design team whenever possible.

Beware of software interoperability: Test and select applications that best fulfill the virtual modeling goals set for the project.

Compensation and contracts should support BIM: All participants should have “skin in the game” to incentivize deep collaboration.

Small elements have big impacts: BIM works best if every element that can potentially cause an issue in the field is included in the virtual model.

Co-locate to Co-create: Project participants should co-create the virtual model. Assemble the group to identify metrics to track and map a collaborative decision-making process.

Model management infrastructure is key: Determine how a virtual model(s) will be accessed, managed, shared and updated.

Services

With more than 300 individuals trained in advanced BIM and virtual builders on staff across the country, DPR offers a wide range of virtual building services:

VDC/BIM Consulting
VDC Execution Planning
Model-Based Quantity Take-off
Model-Based Estimating
Self Perform Work Detailing and Tracking
MEP Coordination
4D Sequencing
BIM-Enabled Constructibility Analysis
Laser Scanning
Total Station Integration
Site Logistics Planning

DPR Video Gallery: Lean Project Delivery Through Building Information Modeling

View a presentation by DPR Construction’s Atul Khanzode and Dean Reed recorded for the Institute for Lean Construction Excellence in India. This 50 minute presentation walks you through the fundamentals of lean thinking, why and how BIM enables lean, project results, lessons learned and potential benefits for project stakeholders in the supply chain.View video now