Entrant details
Role or Job Title on the Project
Architect / BIM Manager
Employer
Studio RAP
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Employer Role
Architecture or Engineering Company
Are you or your employer a member of buildingSMART?
No
Submission details
Submitting Party Company Name
Studio RAP
Submitting Party Company Location
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Submitting Party Role on Project
Architect / Engineer
Submitting Party Company Website
Full Project Name
Theater Zuidplein: Main Concert Hall
Project Location (Country)
Netherlands
Project Objectives
The interior of Theater Zuidplein’s main concert hall was designed in order to achieve optimal acoustics, with the use of parametric design. The goal was to evenly distribute the sound, so every visitor can have a great experience of the performances. The acoustic walls embrace the audience and the artists in one fluid movement.
Design, engineering and production phases had to overlap in order to achieve execution within a tight schedule and budget. This required good and reliable, yet simple, digital communication between the project partners.
openBIM Achievements
The IFC models that are used for communication are parametrically generated. We designed an algorithm that is able to export production drawings, technical drawings and IFC models from one central BIM model in Rhino. This workflow ensures a solid link between 2D and 3D drawings.
Each of the 8000 unique aluminum parts have a production number and are searchable through the IFC model. This workflow has advantages in design workflow, production, assembly order, quality control and maintainance phase.
openBIM used
IFC 2x3, BCF
Software used
- Rhino 3D
- Grasshopper
- Solibri
Strategic Alignment
The main goal of this project is to offer optimal acoustic performance of a concert hall using spectacular architecture. In order to achieve this goal, every element in the project is unique in shape. Working on a complex structure like this concert hall communication is the key to an efficient and effective project execution. The openBIM is at the heart of this projects communication system.
Highlights
- Designed and realized according to a complete digital workflow
- Over 8000 unique and labeled objects
- Construction executed with 0mm tolerances, within time and budget
- No complicated software exports / imports because of IFC standards
- Automated generation of BIM objects, makes BIM easily adeptable to changes
- Documentation of production-files for the execution, quaility control and maintaince phase
Project Website
Project and Stakeholder Logos (compiled into one .ppt/pptx file for upload)
Project Address
Gooilandsingel, Rotterdam
Project Type
Institutional
Size of Project
Area: 360 m2
Panels: 6000 unique pcs.
Construction: 2000 unique pcs.
Detailed description of the project
On May 15th the Zuidplein Theater in Rotterdam was released to the press. Studio RAP designed the theater’s acoustic walls, which in one fluid movement embraces the audience and the artist. The project was designed using algorithms, which resulted in a rippling ocean of thousands of triangles. This resulted in creating the perfect acoustics possible and the expressive hall was able to be realized within planning and budget.
The concert hall has an eye-catching design, and not just because of its use of bright shades of red. Like a beautifully stylized cliff face, the acoustic walls enclose the main auditorium of the new theater. It’s an enormous aluminum-composite puzzle, consisting of 6,000 uniquely shaped pieces. The City of Rotterdam commissioned Studio RAP to design the interior of the main theater hall within a tight budget and tight schedule. Studio RAP accepted the challenge. The Rotterdam-based architectural firm is pioneering the integration of digital techniques in the construction process, realizing projects with a complete digital workflow. With this innovative approach, by digitizing the wall design from start to finish with self-developed algorithms, the project could be realized within budget and planning.
** The perfect sound
Together with Arup, Studio RAP simulated countless virtual theater hall variants. The hall was, as it were, digitally kneaded after which the best variant was chosen. Using advanced software, calculations were made to measure the effect of a certain curvature in the design on the reflection of the sound of a speaker or musician on the stage. Afterwards this main shape is translated into smaller triangles which in turn are adjusted. Where so-called ‘pure reflections’ are desired, the triangles are flat. Where diffuse reflections are desired, the triangles form a folded surface. The result is an even distribution of sound across the entire auditorium, so that every member of the audience can fully enjoy the show or concert they came to see. The walls don’t just affect the auditorium’s soundscape: they also break the light in countless color tones inside the theater to create a warm and dynamic play of colors.
** Digital fabrication
For the production Studio RAP worked together with Aldowa to combine the power of computational design with innovative digital fabrication methods. The 6,000 unique shaped wall-pieces and 2,000 unique construction beams are all produced using CNC milling technology. Algorithms were developed to automate the engineering process, ensure super-tight detailing and reduce material waste and costs.
** About Zuidplein Theatre
The new theatre in Rotterdam-South replaces a former building from 1953. The theatre is known for its connection to the local neighbourhood. The new building has an open connection to its surroundings and welcomes the visitors in an urban living room. The main design of the building is carried out by De Zwarte Hond architects.
** About Studio RAP
Studio RAP is an innovative architectural firm based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The agency designs the built environment using algorithms that can then be made computer-controlled, using robotic arms. This way qualitatively better buildings can be designed and realized.
Detailed description of openBIM on the project
**BIM standards
In order to exchange information clearly, the project used openBIM standards. The main contractor was responsible for setting up a DMS environment, which was kept up to date all the time with BIM models. The project-partners we’re able to adept to these updated models.
The executed BIM structure that we used is a light version of the Dutch ‘BIM Basis ILS 1.0’. This structure provides for a minimum, yet efficient, amount of information such as Material, Classification and Fire Rating as well as the right geometry and positions of all objects. Adding unnecessary information to the model is not encouraged.
**Parametric BIM
Since every element we’ve drawn in the Theater Zuidplein project is unique in shape, orientation and position, a ‘traditional’ BIM approach wouldn’t be convenient. We decided to generate the 6000 panels and 2000 construction alements parametrically and assign the BIM information (including production numbers) to each element parametrically as well. Additional information about openings for electrical and audio-visual installations is added based on IFC models by the technical advisors. The IFC model of the project is then exported simultaneously with technical drawings and the production drawings of each element.
The result of this workflow is an IFC model that is both usable in the construction and maintenance phases. When a part of the interior get damaged or has to be replaced, it is easy to identify and order the specified part despite of the complexity of the project. This is done by opening the IFC model in a model viewer (e.g. Solbiri) and ordering the specified part(s) at the manufacturer.
We were able to carry this out using Grasshopper, a visual programming tool in Rhino. As an architecture company Studio RAP is focused on combining computational design with innovative digital fabrication. For us Rhino 3D (+Grasshopper) has proven to be suitable software for these kind of projects.
**Communication and issues
Through the use of .bcf files Studio RAP was able to communicate with the main contractor on collisions and issues. Every issue was accompanied by a description and the panels reference number. This workflow ensured that no misunderstandings have taken place about the positioning. Clear communication saves time and prevents failures.
Software ecosystem map
openBIM Supporting Evidence
Benefits from using openBIM
Since the project has a free-form shape, it is rather hard to grasp the project in 2D drawings. The triangular shaped panels are both different in size, shape and orientation. Using a 2D drawing the exact shape of the wall is never entirely clear. The IFC format on the contrary is explicit and ensures all that all the information for construction is accessible.
By communicating almost entirely in 3D (using IFC/BCF) the communication process was really smooth. Every panel on the project is unique in shape and has unique in reference number. Issues regarding collisions, construction order, etc. were communicated really specific in te BCF format. Every issue was accompanied by a description and the panels reference number. This workflow ensured that no misunderstandings have taken place about the positioning.
On this project we worked with ‘zero-tolerance’ construction. Every panel exactly fits their neighbors. Based on the 3D models that we delivered, the contractor was able to apply the exact measurements on site. “U” shaped profiles were mounted at various spots in on the concrete construction, which served as a basis for the rest of the interior. The IFC models served as a reference for these coordinates.
The 3D-models that we used are digital and parametric, this means that the models are easily adaptable and variable until very late in the design process. Changes in construction, design and project scope were no problem. Due to the algorithmic approach, the BIM models, production drawings and execution data were changed instantly when the design was changed.
The use of openBIM ensured that the project was delivered in time and budget and reduces the chance for major design and construction mistakes drastically. Because all the information is accessible to the project partners, problems are solved in an early design stage. The project stays flexible and adaptable throughout the process.
"We were able to innovate using openBIM."
The project was modelled parametrically throughout the whole design and construction process. Not every part of the interior design is drawn by hand, but the triangles are positioned using our self-written algorithms. Information that is needed for the openBIM format is assigned with the same algorithms. Every time an IFC export is made the information fields are updated without human interference.
This parametric approach of BIM allows for complex shapes and projects to be executed on a tight schedule. No time is ‘wasted’ on adding information to each and every element. The use of openBIM is made really easy.
"We were able to identify where we need openBIM to develop further."
Working on the project we encountered a slight mismatch between the ‘old fashioned’ 2D drawings and the modern 3D approach. While the 3D models are mainly used for communication in the project, the legal approval of drawings is still largely based on 2D plans, sections and elevations. This might not change in the coming years; the need for 2D drawings is still there. Working in 3D and 2D, it is important to avoid any duplication of activities.
BIM Uses were defined on the project
I agree to be contacted about the project BIM uses outside of this awards program.
Stakeholders
Aldowa BV, Breda, The Netherlands,
https://www.aldowa.nl/, Manufacturer / Contractor, Edwin Nipius.
Ballast Nedam, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands,
https://www.ballast-nedam.nl/, Main Contractor, Arie Verschoor
Arup Netherlands, Amsterdam, Netherlands,
https://www.arup.com, Acoustic advisor, Shibo Ren
Municipality of Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands,
https://www.rotterdam.nl/, Client, Igor Sak
De Zwarte Hond, Rotterdam, Netherlands,
https://www.dezwartehond.nl/, Architect, Bart van Kampen
Buro m2r, Rotterdam, Netherlands,
https://www.m2r.nl/, Interior Architect, Martijn Sorée
Heijmans NV, Rosmalen, Netherlands,
https://www.heijmans.nl/nl/, Contractor, Antoine Pruijsers
Theater Zuidplein, Rotterdam, Netherlands,
https://theaterzuidplein.nl/, User, Fred den Hertog
