BIM in Real Time
European Patent Office as Best Practice for Cloud-Based Planning with BIM
BIM in Real Time
European Patent Office as Best Practice for Cloud-Based Planning with BIM
Ursula Reiner
Thomas Krohn
Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the cloud revolutionizes our integrated design. A prime example of this is provided by the European Patent Office in Vienna. It demonstrates how the cloud-based BIM process not only enhances collaboration but also increases quality and efficiency across all work phases.
The renovation of the European Patent Office in Vienna into the climate-neutral 'Vienna Green Hub' was a challenging project – both technically and organizationally. To seamlessly coordinate processes across all stages, we relied on planning with Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). The cloud-based platform enabled real-time access for all stakeholders – from architecture through Building Services to Facility Management – to a central data model.
This type of digital collaboration provided a significant advantage: plans and information were coordinated based on the model, with changes visible instantly. This not only facilitated integral communication within the planning team but also streamlined coordination with executing firms during the construction phase – up to joint BIM-based work and assembly planning.
With the cloud, our models become a qualified associative communication tool – within the planning team, with contractors, as well as with authorities and clients.
Thomas Krohn
Lead Project Manager, ATP Vienna
From 'as planned' to 'as built'
One particular feature of the project was the early involvement of the Facility Management. Already in the preliminary planning phase, all relevant information could be directly integrated into the model and specifically prepared for later operation. The consistent model-based documentation enabled a precise 'as built' model, which now serves as a digital twin for building operation.
The implementation of the cloud-based communication also proved to be crucial: in the ACC, tasks, comments, and plans could be directly located at the affected components and made visible to all parties involved. The model-based task coordination saved complex coordination efforts and significantly increased the efficiency of project management.
The cloud-based model coordination has enabled us to integrate complex existing information precisely and comprehensibly for all parties involved in the planning and execution.
Ursula Reiner
BIM Manager, ATP Vienna
BIM-supported Refurbishment in Existing Buildings
Comprehensive initial information retrieval is required for existing buildings. Here too, the strength of BIM was demonstrated: New point cloud scans, official existing documentation, and survey plans were integrated into the model – including demolition and new construction phases. This allowed elements such as walls, ceilings, or columns to be precisely located and displayed in detail. Even building services elements integrated within walls were modeled.
Sustainability starts in the model
The high data quality of the BIM model also formed the basis for the comprehensive sustainability strategy of the Vienna Green Hub. By digitally depicting all components, materials, and quantities, grey CO₂ emissions could already be analyzed and optimized in early planning phases. Based on the model-based evaluations, the targeted use of recyclable materials was coordinated, such as the wood-based facade construction and PV integration in the roof and facade. Heating and cooling load calculations as well as simulations for energy efficiency were directly carried out in the BIM model. The result: The Vienna Green Hub received the highest sustainability certification in the DACH region with BREEAM 'Outstanding' – also thanks to model-based precision.
Conclusion: Planning more efficiently, operating better
BIM in the Cloud has proven to be a powerful tool for complex existing projects, using the example of the Vienna Green Hub. Real-time model-based collaboration not only allowed for seamless planning but also high-quality implementation – focusing on sustainability, operation, and future viability.
