As part of the collaborative team approach to the planning and development of a ground-breaking Circular Living project being designed by Laurie Chetwood, final year Architectural Design Technology students at the University of Wolverhampton have been developing an interactive 3D model of the scheme for their Scan2BIM module coursework.  The collaboration is been led by our Works technology experts who briefed the students and are providing on-going guidance and support as the project evolves.

The truly unique Circular Living scheme not only considers the re-use of materials, but also people and how the built environment impacts their mental health, as well as ecological considerations.

Collecting the Data

The students are using two complementary technologies to record the existing site and building and to create a detailed 3D model.  Rather than relying on time consuming traditional photography and video, Matterport technology has been used to undertake an on-site survey. This process used Matterport tools to capture high-quality 360-degree images and stitch them together instantly and seamlessly into a single walk-through data-based model that shows every detail of the existing building’s structure, condition and materials.

Simultaneously, Scan2BIM 3D laser scanning technology was used to capture the building’s physical characteristics in the form of Point Cloud data (images below) that the students then federated into Revit BIM to develop a detailed accurate and realistic interactive model of the project as it evolves.

This model is hosted on Autodesk Tandem from where data can be used in numerous ways to analyse the building’s layout, understand the spaces better, identify potential issues, and make better-informed design decisions.

“The tools used by the students are relatively common within the construction industry, however the way they have been applied in combination on this project has been distinctive, greatly enhancing the design process, creating  a digital repository to store all project data as a visual hub accessible to all.” Sagal Rooble, Chetwoods Works

Applying the Data

Using Autodesk Tandem, the students can collaborate remotely on the 3D models of the building. This allows them to work together with our project team on the design, and make changes to the model in real-time, improving communication and coordination among the team.

The technology also allows the model’s different elements to be split out and categorised by component type to create a library of all its parts and material types and quantities.  This will facilitate their repurposing and reuse in the project that will be encompassing art, architecture, landscape, and emotional response to design in an exemplar of new Circular Living. The model allows the visualisation of materials and other elements in the project in real-time to see how they will look in the finished design and make any necessary adjustments.

The Revit model can also be used to create realistic interactive virtual walkthroughs of the building, which can be useful for presentations and stakeholder engagement.

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The Collaborative Experience

By using these technologies, the students are gaining experience with the latest tools and techniques used in the industry, including point cloud data, 3D laser scanning and BIM. They are learning how to use this data to create accurate and detailed 3D models of buildings, which can be used as digital twins for design, renovation, and maintenance purposes.  They are also learning about practical collaboration by using Autodesk Tandem and Autodesk Docs.

The project is giving the students practical experience in a field that is in high demand in the industry, and going forward Chetwoods is setting up internships for the students to continue to engage with, inform and learn from the project.

“The use of Matterport data in conjunction with other forms of reality capture and BIM tools provides the students with the ability to complete an accurate picture of the building, and allows them to make better-informed design decisions, which will help them in their future careers.” Sagal Rooble, Chetwoods Works

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Collaboration is at the heart of the design, development and eventual use of this cutting-edge project as a test bed and showcase for new design and construction technologies and processes. Laurie Chetwood who is designing this pioneering project (concept above) is leading a team of all the talents. In addition to our Works team championing its digital design and delivery, he is collaborating with our Studio team of experimental architectural designers and our Thrive experts who specialise in environmental issues and health and wellbeing.