Revolutionising Construction: Unleashing the Power of BIM, 3D Technologies and the Metaverse.
Reality Capture to Metaverse
Step into the future of construction! Discover how a trailblazing construction company is transforming the industry with mind-blowing 3D technologies, virtual reality immersion and the complex 'metaverse.' Get ready to witness a digital change that will leave you captivated and changing the way we build. Brace yourself for an exciting journey into a world where buildings come to life, projects unfold in virtual worlds and boundaries are broken.
Background of SIAD Group
The construction industry is slowly embracing the digital world and SIAD Group is at the forefront of this transformative wave. SIAD Group was established in 1996 as a commercial construction and refurbishment contractor but has since grown to include a design and survey division, called SIAD Studio.
SIAD Group now operate these two divisions, both providing specialised services for the commercial and industrial construction industry. As our projects have developed the value of an initial measured survey became evident to our customers. With a growing awareness of this 3D technology, and by serving these early adopters of 3D survey, SIAD Studio has grown to offer fully comprehensive services, ranging from surveying, design and modelling through to complete 3D visualisation.
SIAD Studio have successfully integrated multiple services throughout the construction process. This achievement can be directly attributed to SIAD Studio's adoption of groundbreaking technology and their proficiency in capturing accurate data through meticulous measured surveys.
3D Measured Survey
In today's digital era, there are different ways and new technologies to bring a project or object into the digital world. SIAD Studio focuses on 3D laser scanning, camera photography, drones and photogrammetry software.
3D laser scanning is a non-contact, highly accurate technology that digitally captures the shape of physical objects through the use of laser beams. Using a tripod mounted system similar to a traditional survey device, laser scanners send out up to a million laser beams a second, obtaining a full 360° scan. Laser scanning allows buildings and assets to be captured in 3D quickly and efficiently, with the 3D laser scanner creating a “point clouds” of data from the information captured.
The evolution of 3D surveying and visualisation is becoming an important part of the documentation of projects. Capturing a permanent ‘point-in-time’ digital record allows us to create a virtual representation for presentation, research, protection and renovation.
Advancements in 3D technologies allows everyone to view architecture and historical sites with the click of a button from all angles, allowing them to discover and explore online. Capturing the data at a high level of complexity at the beginning of the process gives the opportunity to improve and add to the level of content and detail, without further site visits.
The ability to produce such a high level of precision can be particularly advantageous when working with complicated or irregular shaped buildings that would be a challenge to survey using a manual process. For example, dealing with large heritage sites such as Blenheim Palace, we have been able to accurate record the building’s condition at a specific time in history, capturing measurements, geometry and any other unique characteristics.
Utilising the 'point cloud' data collected from the 3D laser scanner, we can produce accurate 2D architectural designs or 3D BIM models, using AutoCAD or Building Information Modelling (BIM) software such as Autodesk Revit.
3D building models are the foundation of the digital transformation process, creating a ‘digital twin’ of a ‘real world’ asset. A digital twin is defined as a virtual representation which accurately reflects a physical object, system or process and can be used for different purposes including monitoring, building management, maintenance and many other applications.
Through the integration of BIM data, SIAD Studio can transport any 3D model or point cloud into a virtual reality (VR) environment. Through the use of a head mounted display, the user can ‘step inside' the model and get a fully immersive VR experience. This technology provides a comprehensive sense of scale, depth, and spatial awareness that surpasses traditional renderings, walk-throughs, or physical scale models. The software used for this purpose continues to evolve, enabling real-time environments, gamification, virtual showrooms and the creation of cinematic marketing videos and images.
Design
SIAD Group takes advantage of 3D technology throughout the project lifecycle, from concept design to handover. After conducting the initial survey and producing 2D drawings or Building Information Modelling (BIM) models, the data is transferred to the SIAD Studio design team.
This team works closely with the client, as well as internal and external architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals to understand expectations and provide in-house design services. Throughout the project, 3D technology is utilised, encompassing the entire process from concept design to handover, following the stages defined by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Starting with the concept works we demonstrate various ideas abd options through virtual representations, including layout, colour, furniture, lighting and much more. Unlike traditional 2D technical drawings, this provides a greater scope for visualising and refining the design with the client at the initial stages of development and avoid potential alternations and additional costs later on.
Once the initial design is confirmed, the proposal will transition into a developed design focusing on testing and validating the concepts. This ensures that the information is accurately prepared for the planning application, manufacture and construction of the building. During this stage, the design is collaboratively reviewed by specialist subcontractors and aligned with the construction team to establish project budgets and specifications.
Through 3D modelling scheduling, detection clashing and spreadsheets, projects can seamlessly collaborate through one documentation. Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is a non-proprietary data format for the division of BIM focusing on delivering one system to be shared throughout the various construction and design stages. This streamlined process eliminates the need for producing multiple documents that duplicate the same information repeatedly. The result is increased efficiency, reduced costs, and the elimination of critical information gaps.
Construction
SIAD Group recognises the untapped potential of 3D technology in the construction phase. Working as a team with a single point of responsibility, the SIAD Studio design team collaborate with the SIAD Construction team to carry out the construction, renovation and maintenance.
Once the design has been finalised and the technical construction pack has been signed off, the on-site works can begin. At this stage, integrating 3D technology can bring significant benefits to the construction phase by effectively addressing any changes that arise. Collaborative solutions are sought through the utilisation of project management technologies and software, allowing project managers to easily monitor the project's progress.
However, it's worth noting that unlike industries such as retail or hospitality, the construction industry has been slower in embracing the full potential of 3D technology from the office to the construction site and throughout the entire building process. Despite this, SIAD Group stands out within the construction industry due to the evolution of their SIAD Studio division, which places them at the forefront of utilising advanced technologies for enhanced project execution.
Future of 3D
BIM is foundational in creating and managing information throughout the process of a building project. As construction projects become increasingly complex, BIM and the advancements in 3D technologies are becoming essential in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. The expansion of industry knowledge in BIM and 3D technology brings enhanced workflow efficiency, modernisation of past projects, and clearer project schedules. These benefits permeate the entire project life cycle, resulting in improved coordination.
SIAD Studio are already utilising state of the art technology combined with our existing services to transform our client’s experience throughout the lifecycle of the project. This development takes our consumer’s experience to new heights by maximising their assets and expanding one initial 3D measured survey into a multitude of potential service offerings - including AR/VR experiences, gamification, virtual tours or showrooms and cinematic marketing videos. These possibilities become a tool for assessing a wealth of data captured in one initial measured survey.
Now imagine all of this integrated into one virtual ‘world’ which could host everything – The “metaverse”. We already live in a ‘pre-metaverse’ world, where we are spending an average of about 9 – 10 hours online, connecting socially, expanding our knowledge for entertainment. The "metaverse" represents a future vision of a single, universal, and immersive virtual world that facilitates a community of users sharing collective virtual space. Within this realm, clients can be transported through their projects, host meetings within their built environment, and engage in social interactions with other users. The "metaverse" holds limitless possibilities waiting to be explored.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SIAD Group are spearheading the digital transformation in construction. By embracing 3D technology, BIM, and even the metaverse we are redefining the way projects are conceived, designed, and executed. From accurate 3D measured surveys to immersive design experiences and efficient on-site collaboration, SIAD Group are leveraging technology to deliver superior outcomes. As the industry evolves, embracing these advancements will be crucial for staying ahead and shaping the future of construction.
Join us on this remarkable journey, and
let us build a future where innovation knows no bounds.
We would love to hear your thoughts and insights on this transformative journey. Share your comments, questions, or experiences with us in the comment section below.
If you're interested in learning more about our services or exploring how SIAD Group can add value to your construction project, don't hesitate to get in touch!