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Case Studies  

Below you will find case studies that demonstrate the 'whole building' process in facility design, construction and maintenance. Click on any arrow in a column to arrange the list in ascending or descending order.

Many case studies on the WBDG are past winners Beyond Green™ High-Performance Building and Community Awards sponsored by the National Institute of Building Sciences.

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Parti Shot: High Meadow Ranch by Richard Beard Architects

Richard Beard Architects has designed many wonderful houses on extraordinary sites, but this 47-acre parcel in California’s 20,000-acre Santa Lucia ...

Case Study: Slide-By House by Estes Twombly + Titrington

Situated on the edge of Massachusetts near the border with Rhode Island, the eponymously named Westport was the westernmost port ...

Case Study: Concord Blend by Eck MacNeely Architects

Before they lived in their current residence—whose design was meticulously orchestrated by Eck MacNeely Architects—the owners had lived in a ...

ARCHITECTURAL INTERIORS

Case Study: Tribeca Penthouse by Min Design

The penthouse apartment in the converted 1874 warehouse in New York had soaring ceiling heights, an abundance of daylight, and…

Case Study: Two Gables by Wheeler Kearns

The aptly named Two Gables residence in Glencoe, Illinois, might appear premeditated, but its symmetrical form emerged organically to serve…

Case Study: Tudor Redux by Cohen & Hacker Architects

The 1913 Tudor Revival would need more than gallons of white paint to turn it into a welcoming, light-filled home…

Case Study: 519 Indiana by Studio 804

Urban lots are not for the faint of heart, especially when surrounded by existing dwellings that predate zoning codes. Such…

RURAL / SECOND HOMES

Situated on the edge of Massachusetts near the border with Rhode Island, the eponymously named Westport was the westernmost port…

Before they lived in their current residence—whose design was meticulously orchestrated by Eck MacNeely Architects—the owners had lived in a…

Case Study: The Narrows by Whitten Architects

Like many retirees, Whitten Architects’ clients came to Downeast Maine looking for an escape from their full-time life near Boston,…

Case Study: Vermont Farmhouse by ART Architects

If anyone knows how to design the quintessential New England farmhouse, it’s the Boston-based firm of Albert, Righter & Tittmann…

Case Study: Barrera House by Cotton Estes Architect

We all have a different idea of what our last, best house might look like and where it might be.…

Case Study: Presidio Heights Residence by Nick Noyes Architecture

Not far from the Presidio—a national park and Historic Landmark District at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge—San Francisco’s…

Case Study: West Lynn Residence by A Parallel Architecture

The sensitive renovation of a historic house can take many directions, and the possibilities are compounded when a wing is…

Case Study: Old Yacht Club by Elliott Architects

There are many reasons to rescue an old building—because you have to is one of them, because you want to…

Case Study: Farm to Table by McInturff Architects

It turns out that a dairy barn can become a family getaway without much ado, design-wise. Consider this rural Virginia…

ON THE BOARDS

Richard Beard Architects has designed many wonderful houses on extraordinary sites, but this 47-acre parcel in California’s 20,000-acre Santa Lucia…

Parti Shot: Silver Cloud by Studio B

Slicing across a rocky ridge where two valleys converge, Silver Cloud accommodates a young family and its many passions and…

Parti Shot: Stacked Moor by Flavin Architects

Most homeowners feel they could benefit from just a little more space. In an older house, that need for space…

Parti Shot: Lake Tahoe Cabins by RO | ROCKETT DESIGN

Humans have a primal desire to live by the water, even if it means assuming some hardships to do so.…

Custom Doors Open Incredible Possibilities

A grand entrance to a home. A point of passage through an interior. A secure bulwark. A custom door is…

Sponsored Case Study: Simple Comfort in an Oregon Home

When architect Nahoko Ueda set out to design a family home in the rolling terrain outside Salem, Oregon, her goals…

Sponsored Case Study: A Private Lake Side Retreat in Texas

When you first see the 2,600sq ft lake house in Riverside, Texas, it looks like a glass box floating on…

Sponsored Case Study: Echo Hills Residence by Robert Gurney

Architect Robert Gurney leverages a site’s steeply sloped terrain to transform a suburban Maryland home into a tranquil oasis that takes its cues from nature.

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Understanding Architecture Case Studies

• Updated: February 12, 2024

History teaches us many things, and it can carry valuable lessons on how to move forward in life. In architecture , when we are faced with a project, one of the first places we can look is the past – to see what worked, what didn’t, and what we can improve for our own projects.

This process comes in the form of architecture case studies, and every project can benefit from this research.

Here we take you through the purpose, process, and pointers for conducting effective case studies in architecture.

What is an architecture case study

A case study (also known as a precedent study ) is a means of finding relevant information about a project by examining another project with similar attributes. Case studies use real-world context to analyze, form, support, and convey different ideas and approaches in design.

Simply put, architectural case studies are when you use existing buildings as references for new ones.

Architects can conduct case studies at nearly every stage of a project, adapting and relating applicable details to refine and communicate their own projects. Students can use case studies to strengthen their research and make a more compelling case for their concepts .

Regardless of the size or scale of a project, case studies can positively impact a design in a multitude of ways.

How do you select a case study?

There are more than a hundred million buildings in the world, and your project could have similarities with thousands of other projects. On the other hand, you could also have a hard time finding buildings that match your specific project requirements.

Focusing your search parameters can help you find helpful references quickly and accurately.

The architectural program includes the spatial organization , user activity, and general functions of a building. Case studies with comparable programs can give you an idea of the spaces and circulation required for a similar project. From this, you can form a design brief catering to the unique requirements of the client or study.

Scale can be a strong common denominator among projects as it can be used to compare buildings of the same size, with a similar number of occupants or volume of visitors. Scale also ensures that the study project has an equivalent impact on the city or its surroundings.

Spaces and designs vary greatly between standalone structures and large-scale complexes, so finding case studies that emulate your project’s scale can give you more relevant and applicable information.

Project type is crucial for comparing spaces one to one. Common types include residential, commercial, office, educational, institutional, or industrial buildings. Each type can also have sub-categories such as single-family homes, mass housing, or urban condominiums.

Case studies with the same project type can help you compare occupant behavior, building management, and specific facilities that relate to your design.

Some case studies can lead you to specific architects with specialty portfolios in certain sectors such as museums, theaters, airports, or hospitals. Their expertise results in a body of work ideal for research and comparison, especially with complex public or transportation buildings.

You may also look into a specific architect if their projects embody the style and design sensibilities that you wish to explore. Many renowned architecture firms have set themselves apart with unique design philosophies and new approaches to planning.

Finding core theories to build on can help steer your project in the right direction.

Project Location

If possible, you’ll want to find case studies in the same region or setting as your project. Geographically, buildings can have significantly different approaches to planning and design based on the environment, demographic, and local culture of the area. There are also many building codes and regulations that may vary across cities and states.

Even when case studies are not from the same locality, it’s important to still have a relevant site context for your project. A tropical beach resort, for example, can take inspiration from tropical beaches across the world.

Likewise, a ski lodge project would require a look into different snowy mountains from different countries.

How are they used?

Whether it’s for academic, professional, or even personal use, case studies can offer plenty of insight for your projects and a look into different approaches and methods you may not have otherwise considered. Here are some of the most common uses for architectural case studies.

Case studies are most commonly used for research, to analyze the past, present, and future of the project typology. Through case studies you can see the evolution of a building type, the different ways problems were solved, and the considerations factored into each design.

In practice, this could be as simple as saying, “Let’s see how they did it.” It’s about learning as much as we can from completed projects and the world around us.

Inspiration

When designing from scratch, it’s common to have a few blank moments here and there. Maybe you’re struggling to develop a unified design , or are simply unsure of how to proceed with a project. Senior architects or academic instructors will often suggest seeking inspiration from existing buildings – those that we can explore and experience.

Throughout history , architecture is shown to have evolved over centuries of development, each era taking inspiration from the last while integrating forms and technologies unique to the time. Case studies are very much a part of this process, giving us a glimpse into different styles, building systems, and forms .

A study project could serve as your entire design peg, or it could add ideas far beyond the facade. The important thing about using a case study for inspiration is beginning with a basis, instead of venturing off into the great unknown. After that, it’s all up to the designers to integrate what they see fit.

As Bruce Lee once said, “absorb what is useful, discard what is not, and add what is uniquely your own.”

Design justification

Case studies help architects make well-informed decisions about planning and design, from the simplest to the most complex ideas. A single finished project is often enough to show proof of concept , and showing completed examples can go a long way in getting stakeholders on board with an idea.

When clients or jurors show skepticism or confusion about an idea, case studies can help you navigate through the hesitation to win approval for your project. Similarly, as a student, case studies can bolster your presentation to help defend your design decisions.

Communication

Unless your clients are architecture enthusiasts themselves, you’re likely going to know a lot more about buildings than them. Because of this, certain ideas aren’t going to resonate with the audience immediately, and you may need additional examples or references to make a convincing presentation.

Case studies help to make connections to existing projects. Beyond the typical sales talk and flowery words, case studies represent actual projects with quantifiable results.

With a study project, for example, you can say “this retail design strategy has been shown to increase rentable space by 15% in these two projects”, or “this facade system used in X project has reduced the need for artificial cooling by 40%, and we think it would be a great fit for what we’re trying to achieve here”.

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What to look for during your research.

Each case study should have a specific purpose for your project, be it a useful comparison or a key contribution to your ideas. Sometimes a case study could look drastically different from your project, but it can be used to communicate a wide variety of features and facets that aren’t immediately visible to the eye.

Here are a few things to look out for when doing your research.

If you’re looking to build a museum, the first kinds of buildings to look out for are other museums from around the world. A building with the same typology as yours is almost guaranteed to have similar aspects and approaches. You’ll also be able to see how the building works with its surroundings.

In the case of a museum, you’ll see if the study projects stand out monumentally, or blend in seamlessly, and from there you can decide which is more applicable for your design.

Function is another important aspect that will inform your research.

If for example, you’re comparing two museums, but one is a museum of modern art and the other is a museum of military equipment, they’re going to have vastly different spaces and functions. Similarly, schools can take inspiration from thousands of other schools, but an elementary school’s functions are going to vary greatly from a college campus.

Finding case projects that function more or less the same way as yours will give you more relevant information about the design.

There are also study projects that work well together despite having slightly different functions, such as theaters and concert halls, or bus stations and train stations. These projects, though not exactly the same, still share plenty of similarities in spatial and traffic requirements to be used as effective case studies.

If you’re exploring a certain style, you can find projects with a design close to what you’re trying to achieve.

However the forms don’t necessarily need to look the same.

For example, if you’re planning a museum with a continuous experience from one exhibit to another, you might use the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York as a case study – being one of the earliest and best examples of such style with its round, gently ramped design. But your design doesn’t need to resemble the Frank Lloyd Wright landmark.

The main purpose for finding similar styles is to see how it’s been executed with comparable planning considerations, and to see the effect the style has on a particular project type.

Whether your project is relatively small or large, it’s good to consider how projects of the same scale fare when built. Even if a building has nearly identical features and functions as your project, if it operates on a completely different scale the same principles may be far less effective on your site.

Site conditions can hugely influence the architectural design of a project, especially when working with extreme slopes or remote locations. You’ll often want to study projects that are in a similar part of the world geographically, with comparable site conditions and nearly identical settings.

Check if your site is in a rural or urban area , if it has generally flat or rolling terrain, and if the lot is a particular shape or length.

Environment

Similar to the site itself, environmental considerations will have a large impact on the way case study buildings are designed.

It’s important to know the climate, weather, and scenery of study projects to fully understand the challenges and opportunities that their designers worked with. Buildings in tropical, humid environments use very different materials and elements than those in arid or icy environments.

Circulation

Circulation is a crucial aspect of projects as it directly affects how a building is experienced.

With case studies you’ll need to look out for the flow of people, the ingress and egress areas, and how people and vehicles pass through and around the building. Circulation will determine how the design interacts with the users and the general public.

Accessibility

Though often overlooked, accessibility is becoming increasingly more important, especially for large-scale projects in dense cities. This involves how people move from the rest of the city to the site. It includes traffic management, road networks, public transportation, and universal design for the disabled.

If the target users can’t get to your building, the project can’t be used as intended. When doing case studies, it’s important to consider what measures were taken to ensure the sites were made open and accessible.

Landscape architecture encompasses far more than vegetation and trees. Each project has a unique way of approaching its landscape to address specific goals and tendencies on site.

How does the building integrate itself with the site and surroundings? How are softscapes and hardscapes introduced to create a desirable atmosphere, direct movement, facilitate activity, and promote social interaction?

Government buildings, for example, are often accompanied by wide lawns and open fields. This conveys a sense of openness, transparency, and public presence. It also frames the buildings as significant, monumental structures standing strong in an open area. These are the subtle aspects that can shape your building’s overall perception.

Construction

Construction methods and structural systems are vital for making our buildings stand safe and sound. Some systems are more applicable in tall buildings, while others are more suited for low-rise structures, but it can be interesting to see the different techniques used throughout your case studies.

You can explore systems like cantilevered beams, diagrid steel, thin shell construction, or perhaps something new entirely.

Materiality

If you’re thinking of using certain materials like stone or wood, and you’re curious to see how it was executed elsewhere, case studies can offer some great examples of materiality and the different ways a single material can be used.

The Innovation Center of UC by Alejandro Aravena is a good illustration of how a particular finish – in this case raw concrete – can be used in an unusual way to the benefit of the overall design.

Building services

Building services are one of the many aspects that make architecture a science. Understanding how a building handles things like energy, ventilation, vertical transportation, and water distribution can help you see beneath the surface to get a better idea of how the building works.

Although there are common practices, buildings can deal with services and utilities very differently. A prime example of this is the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which famously turned the building inside out to expose its services on the facade while opening up the interior space for uninterrupted volumes of light and movement.

This style became known as bowellism , and it was largely popularized by the late Richard Rogers .

Some building types are much more demanding when it comes to building services. Airports, for example, have to deal with the flow of luggage, heightened security, and all the boarding and maintenance requirements of the airplanes themselves.

The final thing to analyze while doing your case studies is the building program. This is how the composition of spaces works in relation to the building requirements. It’s helpful to see what makes the building look good, feel good, and function well.

If your study project is accompanied by a program diagram , it can be an excellent way to see how the architects were thinking.

For instance, OMA’s big and bold diagrams show how their designs are organized in a simple and logical manner. It’s become a signature and memorable part of their work, and it communicates the program in a way that everyone can understand.

A building’s arrangement of spaces can often make or break a design. It can be simple and easy to navigate, or complex and intriguing to explore. It can also be confusing or at times, troublesome to get around. Spaces can feel spacious, cozy, or cramped, and each space can evoke a different emotion whether deliberate or unintentional.

The building program is a fundamental aspect that must be considered when conducting case studies.

How do you write and present an architectural case study?

Select the most applicable projects.

There are often hundreds of potential case studies out there, and you can certainly learn from as many projects as you want, but sticking with the most relevant projects can keep your study clear and concise. Depending on the focus of your research, limit your case studies to those most suitable for communicating your ideas.

Stay on topic

It can be tempting to write entire reports about certain buildings – especially if you find them particularly interesting, but it’s important to remember you’re only mentioning these projects to help develop yours. Keep your case study on topic and in a consistent direction to keep the audience engaged.

Use graphics to illustrate key concepts throughout your projects . Even before preparing refined, colorful graphics, you can sketch visual representations as an alternative to notes for your own personal reference.

In addition to making diagrams, you can present multiple examples of similar or dissimilar concepts to compare and contrast the core ideas of different designs. Offering more than one example helps people grasp the ideas that make a building unique.

Strategic Visuals

If the visual speaks for itself, your verbal explanation will only need to describe the essence of it all. When presenting, your speaking time is valuable and it’s best to prepare your slides for maximum engagement so that you don’t lose your audience along the way.

If you carefully select and prepare your visuals, you can optimize your presentation for attention, emotion, and specific responses from the target audience.

Create a narrative

Creating a narrative is a way of tying the whole study together . By using a sequence of visuals and verbal cues, you can take the audience through a journey of the story that you’re trying to tell. Instead of showing each case study differently and independently, you can uniformly relate each project back to the common themes, or back to your project’s design.

This helps to make the relevance of each project crystal clear.

What if your project is unique?

If you’re struggling to find relevant case studies for your project, it could be a good sign that you’ve created a typology that hasn’t been done before – a first of its kind. New building types are important for shaping society and expanding the boundaries of architecture.

Innovative buildings can make people’s lives better.

As far as case studies go, you’ll likely need to gather a handful of reference projects that collectively represent the idea for your project. You can also present a progression, explaining how current and past typologies have evolved into your proposed building type. New-era architecture requires creativity, not only in the ideas but also in the research.

Case studies show us – and our clients – the many great success stories and mistakes of the past, to learn from and improve on as we move into the future. They serve an essential role in guiding our decisions as we design the buildings of tomorrow.

From school , to practice , and everything in between, case studies can be made as the foundation on which we build upon.

For a deeper dive into how case and precedent studies can build upon and influence your conceptual design approaches, we cover this and other key determining factors in our resource The Concept Kit below:

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FAQ’s about architecture case studies

Where can i find architecture case studies.

There are many resources where you can find architectural case studies. Here are some examples:

• ArchDaily : This is one of the largest online architecture publications worldwide. It provides a vast selection of architectural case studies from around the globe.
• Architectural Review : An international architecture magazine that covers case studies in detail.
• Dezeen : Another online architecture and design magazine where you can find case studies of innovative projects.
• Detail Online : This is a great resource for case studies with an emphasis on construction details.
• Divisare : It offers a comprehensive collection of buildings from across the world and often includes detailed photographs, plans, and explanatory texts.
• The Building Centre : An online platform with case studies on a variety of topics including sustainable design, technology in architecture, and more.
• Harvard Graduate School of Design : Their website provides access to various case studies, including those from students and researchers.
• El Croquis : This is a high-profile architecture and design magazine that offers in-depth case studies of significant projects.
• Casestudy.co.in : It is an Indian platform where you can find some unique case studies of architecture in India.
• Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) : They have an extensive database of case studies on tall buildings worldwide.

In addition to these, architecture books, peer-reviewed journals, and university theses are excellent sources for case studies. If you’re a student, your school library may have resources or databases you can use. Remember to make sure the sources you use are reputable and the information is accurate.

What is the difference between case study and literature study in architecture?

A case study and a literature study in architecture serve different purposes and utilize different methods of inquiry.

• Case Study : A case study in architecture is an in-depth examination of a particular project or building. The goal is to understand its context, concept, design approach, construction techniques, materials used, the functionality of spaces, environmental performance, and other relevant aspects. Architects often use case studies to learn from the successes and failures of other projects. A case study may involve site visits, interviews with the architects or users, analysis of plans and sections, and other hands-on research methods.
• Literature Study : A literature study, also known as a literature review, involves a comprehensive survey and interpretation of existing literature on a specific topic. This could include books, articles, essays , and other published works. The goal is to understand the current state of knowledge and theories about the topic, identify gaps or controversies, and situate one’s own work within the larger discourse. In architecture, a literature study might focus on a particular style, period, architect, theoretical approach, or design issue. It’s more about collating and synthesizing what has already been written or published, rather than conducting new empirical research.

In short, a case study provides an in-depth understanding of a specific instance or example, while a literature study provides a broad understanding of a specific subject as it has been discussed in various texts. Both methods are useful in their own ways, and they often complement each other in architectural research.

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Feature Article

Equity in Design and Construction: Seven Case Studies

From an affordable multifamily building to an iconic museum, these projects are designed and built to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion.

by Paula Melton

The Smithsonian Institute was committed to EDI from the get-go with the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Cities are endemically segregated by income and race. Many building projects seek to enhance the profits of developers, often at the expense of the surrounding community. The building professions (as detailed in part one of this series) lack diversity, leading to the unconscious but systemic exclusion of underrepresented groups like racial minorities and people with disabilities. All over the world, the most marginalized people are the most vulnerable to global warming—yet our efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change tend to focus on those who can afford these “amenities” for their own tiny corners of the built environment.

The question is, what can building professionals do about it? Perhaps more than you think.

“Our contractual obligation in architecture is to our client,” concedes Alissa Kingsley, former associate at Lord Aeck Sargent. “But there is an ethical responsibility that we have, and that is to the greater community.” Built work has an impact on the environment and on the surrounding neighborhood, she adds. “An equitable project is going to be one that supports its community and allows it to thrive.”

This report considers seven projects whose owners and project teams included and elevated the voices of diverse project stakeholders, with the goal of promoting greater equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). 

Originally published February 10, 2020 Reviewed April 19, 2023 Permalink  Citation

Melton, P. (2023, April 19). Equity in Design and Construction: Seven Case Studies. Retrieved from https://www.buildinggreen.com/feature/equity-design-and-construction-seven-case-studies

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How to Write Construction Case Studies

Construction case studies are one of the best kinds of text-based content you can add to your construction website, and they're also a great opportunity to share images of your projects or create a project gallery.

Let's take a closer look at how you can write construction case studies for your website, no matter what industry, sector or specialty you focus on.

1. Download Our Construction Case Study Template

We write case studies very often, and we've found a formula that works really well for information gathering. Download the free case study template on this page so you can organize your thoughts and put all the relevant information on one page.

Download Our Explainer Video Here

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2. Create Your Sections and Headings

When we write construction case studies, we usually work according to the same format, based on different headings and sections, which are usually:

• Project overview, which is a high-level summary of what you did during that project
• The problem or scope of work - every project is about solving a problem for a client, whether that's needing a new building for a specific purpose or expanding floor space during a renovation - this section should describe what the client needed to achieve
• The solution - describe how your company approached the problem and if there were any creative or innovative solutions used on the project
• Project budget - provide a brief description of the project budget and whether you came in under, on, or over budget, and don't forget to explain why!
• Project timeline - after money, one of the most important construction criteria is always time, so explain how you finished on time, or if you ran into challenges that affected timing, how you tackled them to minimize their impact
• Conclusion - wrap things up at the end by again highlighting the main successes on your project

It's important to note that case studies aren't all marketing and sales, and it's okay to admit there were challenges in your case study. Just make sure you also explain how you overcame those challenges.

3. Write Your Case Study

Once you've got your headings set up for your case study, it's time to get writing!

Case studies are intended for customers and end users, so they're usually not as technical as a white paper might be, but they tend to be a little more formal and less conversational than a blog post, so make sure your style and tone are based around that.

Like any other content you post on your website, you also need to ensure that you pay close attention to spelling and grammar as well as the flow of the piece. Try to use shorter sentences, avoid too much jargon, and don't repeat words if you can avoid it.

Use a proofing tool like Grammarly to double-check your case study before you publish it.

4. Optimize It

Case studies are fantastic for construction company content marketing because they usually contain location information, which is good for local SEO, but they are also a fantastic opportunity to include keywords and phrases on your website.

You can also link to service pages on your website from your case studies, and don't forget to add metadata and keywords when you publish your case study.

Download Our Case Study Template Here

Construction case study template pdf, before download..., construction case study template word.

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Home Case Study Library

Welcome to World Green Building Council’s Case Study Library. Here you can find examples of the world’s most cutting edge sustainable buildings. Each case study demonstrates outstanding performance of an operational building that complies with at least one of WorldGBC’s three strategic impact areas: Climate Action ; Health , Equity & Resilience ; and Resources & Circularity .

Explore the map below to find examples from across the globe!

Building type

Sustainability focus, certification/rating.

Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Office Building

Urbanización el paraíso, 1 new street square, 117 easy street, 18 king wah road, 218 electric road, 435 indioway, 62 kimpton rd, 84 harrington street, 945 front street, dpr construction office, a zero-water discharge community  , adam joseph lewis center for environmental studies, oberlin college, affordable housing project , alpine branch library, arch | nexus sac headquarters, arlington business park, arthaland century pacific tower, ash+ash rainwater capture & reuse, ballard emerald star zero energy home, bcci construction company, bcci south bay, bea 347. oficinas bioconstrucción, bergen inclusion centre, birch house, bishop o’dowd high school environmental science center, booth transport logistics and distribution hub, bürogebäude herdweg 19, burwood brickworks shopping centre, camisas polo salvador, casa laguna, center for intelligent buildings tm, centre block, chai wan campus for the technological and higher education institute of hong kong (thei), city hall freiburg, construction industry council – zero carbon park, cooperative housing , craven gap residence, creating adequate, sustainable, and affordable housing through pension fund capital , cwra cape town, design engineers, disaster resilience retrofits , discovery elementary school, double cove residential development, east liberty presbyterian church, echohaven house, edificio lucia, el camino apartments , elobau logistics centre, energy+home1.0, enhancing lives of refugees , entegrity headquarters, entrepatios las carolinas, filiale kirchheimbolanden, five elements harvest house, floth 69 robertson street, fortitude valley, gibbons street , globicon terminals, green idea house, habitat lab, hadera alfa kindergartens, highland dr, hks chicago living lab, honda smart home us, ideas “z squared” office, indigo hammond + playle architects net pos energy office, integral group, toronto, integral office, oakland, interface global headquarters, irota ecolodge, j.p. morgan chase headquarters (under construction), kāinga ora – homes and communities, king county parks north utility maintenance facility, king street, knauf insulation experience center, lakeline learning center, langes haus, lincoln net positive farmhouse, lombardo welcome center – millersville university, madrona passive house, minneapolis net zero victorian, mohawk college the joyce centre for partnership & innovation, morningside crossing, mvule gardens , nasa sustainability base, ncr corporate headquarters, spring at 8th, nex shopping mall, ohm sweet ohm, packard foundation headquarters, panda passage, petinelli curitiba, phare building, noor solar complex, pitzer college robert redford conservancy, plantronics european office, pyörre house, quay quarter tower, rayside labossière architectes, renovating 32 terraced houses, enhancing satisfaction and comfort , residência loft, rocky road straw bale | community rebuilds, saint-gobain and certainteed north american headquarters, salyani housing project, sede rac engenharia, sfo – 1057 – airfield operations facility (aof), social housing , taft faculty house, te mirumiru early childhood education centre, kawakawa, te papa peninsula, the cork haus, the palestinian museum, the recycled houses, the rmi innovation center, toronto dominion centre, ernst and yonge tower, tour elithis danube, tour elithis dijon, trasciende la parroquia, univercity childcare center, university of california, berkeley haas school of business, ward village, wilde lake middle school, wo lee fabrication & distribution center, wsp brisbane fitout, xiao jing wan university, yitpi yartapuultiku.

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Design-Build Case Studies

Design-build successes of the past inspire its future.

Design-Build’s History of Success

There are many projects that reflect the success and innovation of design-build project delivery. Design-build continues to grow in all states and across all sectors, and a look at just some of these impressive design-build projects illustrate why. These projects reflect the innovation and inspiration behind design-build and helps us take a look back as our industry moves forward.

Zurich North America Headquarters

Veterans Memorial Bridge

University of Chicago North Residential Commons

Jan Shrem & Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

I-485/I-85 Turbine Interchange

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Expansion

Benjamin P. Grogan and Jerry L. Dove Federal Building

Rolls-Royce Advanced Aerofoil Machining Facility

Denver Union Station Transit Improvements Project

John M. Roll United States Courthouse

Metro Wastewater Reclamation District Northern Treatment Plant Facilities Project

The University of Arizona Cancer Center at Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center

The Phoenix Project — Rebuilding the Pentagon, Rebuilding the Nation

The effort to rebuild areas damaged by 9/11 was a design-build success in every sense of the word.

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When it was attacked on 9-11, the Pentagon was in the midst of one of the most complex renovation projects in contemporary history. The Pentagon Renovation Program (PenRen) was designed to build a new vision of the Pentagon, one that would keep the historic structure while enabling it to meet the needs of the future. Six years after the project began in 1992, however, serious budget and schedule overruns endangered the entire project. As Wedge 1 of the Pentagon was nearing completion, Flight 77 hurtled into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. After the attack, the Phoenix project was born, with intent to rebuild the damaged area before the one-year anniversary of the attack. 28 days before that anniversary, the Phoenix Project was complete — $194 million under budget. The contract’s schedule was accelerated by four years, and if not for the nimble nature of the design-build contract, this challenge would have been nearly impossible to overcome. After ten years of design and construction, PenRen was complete, meeting its design mandate and staying true to the Pentagon’s historic past while also embracing the future by building for anticipation of future needs. PenRen was named the Best Overall Project at the 2011 National Design-Build Awards.

Client/Owner: Pentagon Renovation Program Design-Builder: Hensel Phelps Construction Co. Engineers: Tadjer Cohen and Edelson, Timmons Group, Wedlinger and Associates Inc., Schrimer Engineering Specialty Consultants: Heller and Metzger, Culinary Advisors Specialty Contractors: M.C. Dean Inc., Southland Industries, National Fire Protection Other Team Members: Sterling Construction Services Inc., P&P Contractors, Jewell Industries, LVI Environmental Services Inc., Roman Mosaic and Tile Company, Physical Securities, Custom Walls and Windows Inc.

Design-Build Delivers All Types of Projects

One of the myths of design-build is that it works only for a specific type of project. Nothing could be further from the truth. No matter the sector and no matter the cost, design-build’s collaborative approach puts project results ahead of the needs of any one team members. This mindset often delivers faster than expected, costing less than expected. And we all like the sound of that.

Here is one 2018 National Design-Build Award-winning project that clearly demonstrates how the power of design-build delivers so much more than bricks and mortar to our communities. Meet the team who listened, learned and took the risks needed to deliver a cultural hub for Washington State University.

The Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

One of the groundbreaking design-build projects in the state of New York.

Plans for a new bridge to replace the old Tappan Zee Bridge were first brought up in 1999. After more than a decade of meetings and millions of dollars spent on a project that was not moving forward, design-build legislation was enacted in 2011 that allowed this magnificent bridge, the largest in the state, to take the first step toward completion. Seven years later that dream will become reality, a reality that could not — and would not — have happened without design-build. One of the largest infrastructure projects to ever utilize design-build, this project is anticipated to be completed on time and save an estimated $1 billion. This bridge is one of the first major steps taken toward utilizing design-build in the state of the New York, and its success has played an integral role in the expanding design-build authority that was granted in 2018.

Plans for a new bridge to replace the old Tappan Zee Bridge were first brought up in 1999. After more than a decade of meetings and millions of dollars spent on a project that was not moving forward, design-build legislation was enacted in 2011 that allowed this magnificent bridge, the largest in the state, to take the first step toward completion. Seven years later that dream is a now a newly-completed reality, a reality that could not — and would not — have happened without design-build. One of the largest infrastructure projects to ever utilize design-build, this project was completed on time, and using design-build saved the project an estimated $1 billion. This bridge is one of the first major steps taken toward utilizing design-build in the state of the New York, and its success has played an integral role in the expanding design-build authority that was granted in 2018.

Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant

Design-build excels in the water/wastewater sector.

The core of design-build project delivery is the prospect of value-added innovation and problem solving that maximize the realization of public goals. One project that exemplifies this added value is the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, the largest desalination facility in the Western Hemisphere. This project hit every note of an ideal design-build project in a blazing 36-month period, from the design-build culture to sustainability goals to the use of technology that saved the plant more than $12 million worth of energy per year. The project also greatly reduced the overall consumption energy of the plant, utilizing new technology to make the plant one of the most efficient in the country. This 2016 DBIA National Project of the Year proves how successful design-build water projects can be and is a blueprint for how added value and critical problem solving can turn an average project into an award-winning one.

Client/Owner: Poseidon Water LLC Design-Builder: Kiewit Shea Desalination General Contractor: Kiewit Shea Desalination Architect: Arcadis U.S., Inc. Engineer: IDE Technologies Specialty Contractor: Morrow-Meadows Duration of Construction: 36 months Project Cost: $583,000,000

Shake Shack - Dallas, Texas

Design-build works on projects of all sizes.

Think design-build only works on large projects? Tell that to the team that produced this Shake Shack restaurant in Dallas, Texas, a $3 million project that was completed in only four months. A 2017 Design-Build National Award of Excellence winner in the Commercial Buildings category, this project showcases what can happen when a collaborative approach allows for a project to be built expertly and efficiently. Design-build was chosen on this project because the owner thought it was the best delivery method to complete the project within the given time frame, and the team worked well within the given amount of space to produce a project that illuminated the surrounding area.

Client/Owner: Crescent Real Estate Equities, LLC Design-Builder: The Beck Group Engineers: Thornton Tomasetti, Schmidt & Stacy Duration of Construction: 4 months Project Cost: $3,037,039

There’s More Where That Came From.

See hundreds of quality design-build projects today in DBIA’s projects database.

Lease Crutcher Lewis

Progressive Design-Build Case Study: Innovation Hall

Photo credit: Mithun

In November 2023, University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia College celebrated the opening of Innovation Hall, a shared academic building that allows for the significant expansion in STEM research and education in Washington state.

The project is the first academic building in the nation shared by a community college and a university. Using a progressive design-build delivery, the wider project team, led by Lease Crutcher Lewis and design firm Mithun, leaned on its collective knowledge and resources to navigate unexpected hurdles along the way.

The $79 million, 80,000-square-foot Innovation Hall offers programs including biology, chemistry, computer science, physics and electrical and mechanical engineering, with classes open to both institutions.

A unique teaming approach 

For the first time in Washington state and for design-build projects administered by the University of Washington, both UW Bothell and Cascadia College selected the project’s design-builder, Lewis, before the rest of the team was formed.   Lewis then chose the architect, Mithun, with input from UW’s Architectural Commission, UW Bothell, and Cascadia College. Afterward, Lewis and Mithun built out the design-build team roster with preferred consultants and trade partners.     The UW has since used this new approach to lead team selections for several large projects.

More space for the money     Initially, the design-build team presented the institutions with several base programs and footprint configurations to choose from, each for the same fixed budget. Because the owners prioritized oversizing the building (relative to existing benchmarks) and having the most instructional space possible, the team sized the project at 80,000 square feet.

This meant that some of the interior buildouts had to be excluded from the base budget and would rely on the availability of contingency funding set aside by the project team. The institutions and the design-build team called this stretch goal “overbooking the flight.” If traditional waste could be reduced from the process and the risks mitigated, those funds could be redeployed toward building out the shell space.  

This incentivized everyone to work toward a common goal, manage the risks collectively, and get a proportional reward. By forming the team early and through thoughtful risk management, the project team weathered a variety of unforeseen challenges while maintaining enough contingency funding for the larger building.

Ultimately, this included 12,000 square feet of interior buildouts that may not have otherwise been completed, plus improvements like access controls, audio-video upgrades, all-gender bathrooms, and added lab exhaust capacity.   

The building is 12 percent larger than comparably-priced academic buildings, allowing for more instructional space—more labs, more classrooms, and more collaboration and faculty space for both institutions—and while serving an additional 72 full-time students each year.

Weathering major work stoppages   In late 2021, hundreds of concrete mixer truck drivers went on strike, halting projects across the Puget Sound region. The nearly five-month stoppage came at one of the most inopportune times: when Innovation Hall’s concrete structure was the project’s critical path.     On the first morning of the strike, trucks were scheduled to arrive at 8 a.m. but didn’t show. Concrete footings had just been placed and the team had just erected vertical sheer walls and column forms.     The empty column forms and wall forms stood empty for 145 days, as did the project’s elevator pit, which was scheduled for a cement pour on the day the strike began.     The concrete drivers’ strike delayed Innovation Hall by four and a half months, ultimately costing the project team 54 percent of its available contingency funds. With its thoughtful approach to risk management, the team was able to absorb the costs without asking the owners for more budget.    This strike followed an early carpenters’ strike in September of 2021, which resulted in a few weeks of lost work.

Navigating pandemic-related challenges and uncertainties     The project team faced significant cost escalations during the pandemic, with the cost of materials, equipment, and building systems skyrocketing and requiring unprecedented lead times. When it came to formwork, for instance, the cost of plywood had increased nearly ten-fold. Some equipment and building systems took a year and a half to arrive on-site.     Early engagement with selected trade partners helped with the design, detailing, and to keep the project within our budget. With our collective expertise, we overcame hyper-escalation and materials scarcity without asking for extra funds.

Brian Aske is an operations director at Lease Crutcher Lewis, where he leads design-build projects. He also serves on the DBIA NW regional board and the national DBIA progressive design-build best practices education committee.

• DJC: Innovation Hall breaks new ground in partnerships and processes
• Geekwire:  University of Wash. Bothell and Cascadia College celebrate new STEM-focused Innovation Hall
• Everett Herald:  New science, math facility opens in January at UW Bothell
• 425 Magazine:  A Win for STEM Education in Bothell
• Puget Sound Business Journal:  UW Bothell, Cascadia College unveil $79M Innovation Hall

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Case Studies

At Morgan Sindall Construction, our purpose is to create inspiring places that enhance the communities in which we all live, learn, work, play, care and protect.

Take a look at the case studies of just some of the projects our teams have delivered for our customers.

Centre for Sustainable Chemistry, University of Nottingham

Collaborative Teaching Laboratory

Highfields Spencer Academy

Enterprise Centre, University of East Anglia

Potteries Museum and Art Gallery

Barbara Hepworth Building (School of Art & Design)

Named after local Wakefield-born sculptor, Barbara Hepworth, the new building has allowed the University of Huddersfield’s Art, Design and Architecture Schools to be housed in one creative and technologically advanced hub.

Lambeth Town Hall

The ‘Your New Town Hall’ project has rejuvenated Lambeth’s historic Grade II-listed, Edwardian town hall, driven by the Council’s ambition to provide a modern, energy efficient worksplace while increasing public access and community use.

Woodside & Gorbals Health & Care Centres

Morgan Sindall Construction delivered two brand-new primary care facilities to modernise the services available to patients in the Glasgow and Clyde area.

Theatre extension and refurbishment, James Padget Hospital

In response to population growth and increased operation numbers, the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust commissioned the extension and refurbishment of its theatre complex at the James Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth.

Hackney Britannia project

55 Colmore Row

Embracing BIM in its totality: a Total BIM case study

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment

ISSN : 2046-6099

Article publication date: 13 September 2022

Issue publication date: 23 April 2024

Building information modeling (BIM) is mostly limited to the design phase where two parallel processes exist, i.e. creating 2D-drawings and BIM. Towards the end of the design process, BIM becomes obsolete as focus shifts to producing static 2D-drawings, which leads to a lack of trust in BIM. In Scandinavia, a concept known as Total BIM has emerged, which is a novel “all-in” approach where BIM is the single source of information throughout the project. This paper's purpose is to investigate the overall concept and holistic approach of a Total BIM project to support implementation and strategy work connected to BIM.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected through eight semi-structured interviews with digitalization leaders from the case study project. Findings were analyzed using a holistic framework to BIM implementation.

The Total BIM concept was contingent on the strong interdependences between commonly found isolated BIM uses. Four main success factors were identified, production-oriented BIM as the main contractual and legally binding construction document, cloud-based model management, user-friendly on-site mobile BIM software and strong leadership.

Originality/value

A unique case is studied where BIM is used throughout all project phases as a single source of information and communication platform. No 2D paper drawings were used on-site and the Total BIM case study highlights the importance of a new digitalized construction process.

• Building information modeling
• Digitalization
• BIM on-site

Disney, O. , Roupé, M. , Johansson, M. and Domenico Leto, A. (2024), "Embracing BIM in its totality: a Total BIM case study", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment , Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 512-531. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-06-2022-0124

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Oliver Disney, Mattias Roupé, Mikael Johansson and Alessio Domenico Leto

Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

1. Introduction

The benefits of using 3D models and BIM (building information modeling) are widely reported in research ( Azhar, 2011 ; Sacks et al. , 2018 ; Volk et al. , 2014 ). Despite this, site work in construction projects is still dominated by paper in the form of 2D drawings and other design information ( Davies and Harty, 2013 ). These 2D drawings are created from BIM at a specific moment in the whole construction process and the information in them remains mostly the same as before BIM existed ( van Berlo and Natrop, 2015 ). For decades drawings have been criticized for containing redundant information, requiring a large effort to produce and maintain changes, having to manually take off construction information and not reflecting the current state of the building ( Eastman et al. , 1974 ). Yet they continue to be used during the construction phase as the main source of information.

Previous studies have largely been concerned with BIM in the design phase, which is widely used and the benefits for communication, coordination and clash detection are generally accepted ( Davies and Harty, 2013 ; Zaker and Coloma, 2018 ). So far little attention has been given to BIM throughout the whole construction process because implementation in the production phase has been limited. The lack of adoption in the production phase has been previously linked to issues surrounding the legal status of BIM in construction projects, cost and technology limitations ( Eadie et al. , 2013 ; Englund and Grönlund, 2018 ). With BIM's unclear legal status, it is common to see conventional 2D drawings applied in parallel to support the construction process, even in so-called “BIM projects” ( Davies and Harty, 2013 ; Calderon-Hernandez and Brioso, 2018 ; Koseoglu and Nurtan-Gunes, 2018 ). Two parallel processes exist creating, translating and maintaining both 2D paper documents and BIM, which leads to extra costs, errors and delays ( Davies and Harty, 2013 ). Due to current rules, regulations and contract forms, BIM is far from becoming a standard on its own as 2D drawings are usually legally binding. In this context, BIM becomes obsolete and is not fully trusted or used on construction sites as it becomes a parallel information source often disconnected from the construction documents and drawings. As such, despite significant investment in creating BIM for projects, the potential benefits are not realized due to the simultaneous provision of 2D drawings. Ultimately, this is hindering the leap towards a more digitalized construction process, especially in the construction phase.

Succar (2009 , p. 357) defines BIM as “a set of interacting policies, processes and technologies generating a methodology to manage the essential building design and project data in digital format throughout a building's life-cycle.” Still, as previously mentioned BIM is often limited to the design phase and the term “BIM” has come to have many different associated meanings ( Davies and Harty, 2013 ). More recently Cousins (2017) discusses an approach known as Total BIM where projects strive to embrace BIM in its totality. Total BIM projects are 100% digital where no paper drawings are produced at any project stage. BIM and its connected databases are the repository and carrier of information along all project phases (planning, design, construction and operation). Traditionally a huge amount of work goes into creating 2D drawings, where many are unused. In Total BIM, information is presented in a different way (directly connected to BIM), which enables designers to focus their time on constructability rather than drawing ( Cousins, 2017 ).

This paper presents and investigates the overall concept and approach of a Total BIM project. This differs compared with traditional and “semi-BIM” projects, since in a Total BIM project no parallel processes exist creating and maintaining both 2D drawings and BIM. The case study is notable for its complexity compared to other advanced BIM projects which are often found in the infrastructure sector, and usually for rebaring work. The case study is a real-world office and laboratory construction project (Celsius in Uppsala, Sweden) where BIM was embraced in its totality – Total BIM. In the Celsius project, the demands and requirements of 2D drawings as legal documentation were superseded and BIM was recognized as the contractual document. BIM was actively used in all phases of the project by every actor, including on-site where workers extracted construction information from mobile BIM software.

This paper is organized as follows. It begins with a brief review of previous attempts at BIM focused projects which highlights common challenges and limitations. This is followed by our research methods. Interview findings are presented in four parts, according to the four main categories of the BIM implementation framework: ecosystem, strategy and innovation, organizing and technology . These findings are discussed in relation to traditional and previous leading BIM projects and the challenges and opportunities of the Total BIM approach are considered. Finally, conclusions are drawn focusing on key success factors with an “all-in” BIM approach with implications for both practitioners and researchers in this area.

2. Background and related work

In construction projects, the benefits of using BIM to communicate the designer's intent are limited when the final stage of information delivery is still dominated by paper drawings ( Davies and Harty, 2013 ). There have been some previous attempts at pushing towards full implementation of BIM in the construction phase. In 2014, Czmock and Pękala (2014) reported a case study of an office complex in Warsaw, designed with the help of BIM, while 2D CAD files were secondary. The design process was estimated to be 10% faster and 80% more accurate than traditional methods ( Czmock and Pękala, 2014 ). Czmock and Pękala (2014) concluded that BIM helps eliminate collisions, manage changes, order accurate quantities of materials, saves time and money. However, the use of BIM was limited to the design stage. 2D paper drawings had to be produced from the model because it was required by Polish law to use these on the construction site.

The designers of the Thames Tideway Tunnel project in 2017 (a large sewage system in London) aspired to eliminate 2D drawings and for all stakeholders to focus on a single source of design truth, the BIM model ( Gaunt, 2017 ). They considered a model-based delivery approach much more efficient than producing 2D drawings but were required to produce them anyway as they were the legally binding construction documents. Therefore, BIM implementation was limited to the design phase. Gaunt (2017) states that savings realized by implementing BIM in the design phase are insignificant to the potential of that in the construction phase. They found that skill levels, engagement and software must improve for a more holistic BIM approach to occur. Even though using BIM in the Thames Tideway Tunnel project created savings in the design phase additional effort and expense were required to produce 2D drawings in parallel for the construction phase, limiting the potential benefits and value of BIM.

In 2013, the Röfors bridge project in Sweden was realized without using traditional drawings. Agreements were established that gave BIM the same legal status as “construction specifications”, thereby placing them above “drawings” according to the General Conditions of Contract. The model was accessible on-site via tablets. However, due to limitations with BIM-viewer software at the time, site workers were not able to extract accurate measurements and specific information from the model. To solve this issue, the project had a structural engineer on-site to create Production-Oriented Views (POVs) from the model in consultation with the construction workers ( Johansson and Roupé, 2019 ). The views contained measurements, dimensions, sections, object information and were color-coded, but were essentially just screenshots taken from the BIM and not interactive ( Figure 1 ). These views were uploaded to a shared model repository that could be accessed on tablets to complement BIM. Whilst an innovative concept at the time, creating the POVs required additional resources and workers were not able to extract the information from the model themselves. Therefore, extra demands were placed on the project organization.

For the Norwegian Oslo airport expansion project, completed in 2017, a detailed BIM was created in the design phase. It was estimated that 50,000 paper drawings and documents were needed to carry out the reinforcement work ( Mershbock and Nordahl-Rolfsen, 2016 ). Instead, they decided to adopt an on-site BIM approach using Tekla BIMsight software but only for the placement of the reinforcement, rather than the whole project. As Mershbock and Nordahl-Rolfsen (2016) note the project represents an early implementation of on-site BIM, where practical examples are rare and often limited by IT capabilities and available resources.

Recently in Scandinavia some projects have begun to be realized using the 3D model as the legally binding and contractual document on the construction site ( Nohrstedt, 2017 ). The Slussen project in Stockholm, is the rebuilding of the 1930s junction between Södermalm and Gamla stan. The project started in 2019 and the completion date is scheduled for 2025. It was decided to only use 3D models in the project and not to use 2D paper drawings because the creation and handling of the latter wastes time ( Cousins, 2017 ). The intention was to deploy “BIM kiosks” on-site to access the 3D model and virtual reality to help stakeholders visualize the project ( Cousins, 2017 ). Working digitally was expected to eliminate creating and keeping up to date 15,000 paper drawings ( Cousins, 2017 ). As more than 40 different contractors were involved in the project, working in BIM was identified as an easier and faster method for a common way of working. However, this was not the plan from the start and some early work in the project occurred using 2D printed drawings ( Cousins, 2017 ). In the Slussen project, they used a single source of information and synchronized construction data with design data to reduce the information gaps that often occur in traditional projects.

Construction began on the Smisto Hydropower plant in Norway in 2015. In the project they aimed to only use the 3D model for design and construction as they found “drawingless” execution to be worth pursuing ( Gaunt, 2017 ). A year into the project, by working with Revit, Civil 3D Navisworks and other software they were able to deliver BIM to the contractor without preparing any 2D drawings ( Smith and Hansen, 2016 ). Significant improvements over traditional processes were found including, no need to establish or maintain complete drawings, which reduced possible sources of error ( Smith and Hansen, 2016 ).

The Norwegian Randselva Bridge project was a recent winner of the Tekla Global BIM awards 2020 for best BIM project. It was constructed entirely without drawings where IFC models were predominantly used for construction and is the longest bridge to be built without drawings to date ( Rybus, 2022 ; Ulvestad and Vieira, 2021 ). Although in its infancy several reasons were given for working with BIM and “drawingless” design. The main ones were that it is easier to understand the scope of the work, solve clashes, parametric design, BIM looks the same in any country, facilitates the procurement process and to prepare for more automation in the future ( Ulvestad and Vieira, 2021 ). Rebars were modeled in Tekla and were directly ordered from the model, eliminating the need for manually made bar bending schedules ( Ulvestad and Vieira, 2021 ). Early in the project they focused on who would use the model and what information they would need to extract from it ( Ulvestad and Vieira, 2021 ). The aim was to be left with an as-built model that can be used as a digital twin. The project showed that it was possible to perform projects in this way, and that it may even be the preferred method in the future for large complex projects ( Rybus, 2022 ). Despite this there were still software challenges, Solibri did not have its own cloud solution and it was difficult to assign data to geometry through simple annotations using the available BIM viewers ( Rybus, 2022 ).

The above examples are some of the current most advanced BIM projects throughout Scandinavia and beyond. Yet the implementation of BIM is often limited. 2D drawings are produced in parallel creating unnecessary work, structural engineers were also needed on-site to create POVs for construction as the software did not support taking measurements. In addition, the examples mostly concern infrastructure projects and the use of Tekla, which is designed to support a 3D model-based approach for rebar and steel structures. For example, the Röfors bridge project used Tekla and at the time it would likely not have been possible to use alternatives like Revit.

Technology (software, interoperability and standardization) is a limiting factor in the drive towards using BIM in all stages of a construction project because as shown in the cases above additional work methods are required. Other obstacles highlighted by Sundqvist et al. (2020) include model quality, on-site education, technical support and user-friendliness of software. The availability of regular 2D drawings introduces another common problem, as workers then tend to fall back on traditional (non-BIM) ways of working during times of high-pressure ( Sundqvist et al. , 2020 ). Contractual concerns also exist such as who controls the entry of data into the model, who is responsible for inaccuracies and keeping the BIM up-to-date, licensing issues, model ownership and costs ( Azhar, 2011 ). Costs are often given as a reason for limited BIM use in projects, specifically for training workers in the use of new technology ( Czmoch and Pękala, 2014 ; Eadie et al. , 2013 ). These issues are just some of the reasons why BIM use is limited today. Existing research reflects this where BIM is developed during the design phase and from the model construction drawings are created. The benefits cease to transfer fully over into the construction phase as BIM has limited use, does not have legally binding status and could therefore not be fully trusted as a single source of information. One of the core issues has been the inability for workers to take measurements directly from mobile BIM software on-site, which results in a mixed-mode (digital and paper-based) way of working. Using a BIM based approach can eliminate the use of 2D paper drawings, which are expensive, take a lot of effort to produce, print, maintain, update as well as risk using wrong or out-of-date documents ( Koseoglu and Nurtan-Gunes, 2018 ).

This paper draws on a Total BIM case study to discuss an approach where BIM was embraced in its totality during the entire project from design and construction to the operation of the facility. Unlike the examples outlined above it was unique as it was a complex office and laboratory building rather than an infrastructure project. The infrastructure projects described above have mainly been concrete and rebar structures with limited multidisciplinary construction teams and primarily using a Tekla model-based approach. The case project, on the other hand, had many different disciplines and 40 sub-contractors with more than 300 individuals, which collaborate and coordinate on the construction site using BIM as the single source of information. This created demands on a new novel, innovative and digitalized production-oriented construction process, which is studied in this paper. The paper therefore contributes to the understanding of implementing and embracing BIM in its totality from design and construction to the operation of the facility. In contrast to other case studies and literature ( Calderon-Hernandez and Brioso, 2018 ; Czmock and Pękala, 2014 ; Davies and Harty, 2013 ; Eadie et al. , 2013 ; Englund and Grönlund, 2018 ; Koseoglu and Nurtan-Gunes, 2018 ; Sacks et al. , 2018 ), which focus more on a “Hybrid-BIM” approach, i.e.i.e. usage of BIM in order to produce 2D-drawings for construction. This paper focuses on Total BIM or “building-without-traditional-2D-drawings” and how it was implemented and used during the Celsius project. The Celsius case is unique, as it was a true Total BIM project, as BIM became the single source of information during the whole project.

The following sub-sections introduce the case-study, the Celsius project, and how data were collected and analyzed.

3.1 Case study

Our approach was to focus on a case study as a “force of example”, drawing on specific lessons learnt from a unique project ( Flyvbjerg, 2006 ). This research investigates a BIM case project that strived to embrace BIM in its totality by implementing BIM technologies in all stages of the project to produce an office and laboratory building in Uppsala Science Park, Sweden. The building covered 12,000 square meters over 6 floors, with a project budget of roughly 45 million Euros, and was certified with LEED Platinum. Design work on the project started in 2017, construction began in 2018 and work was completed in November 2020. The project named Celsius was selected for this research due to the international recognition it received as the winner of the 2020 buildingSMART Award for its innovative and digitalized construction process. Notably, it was also the top-rated construction project in Sweden for project quality based on worker feedback in a survey conducted after the project was complete. The project was unique as BIM was legally binding, production-oriented BIM was created during the design and site workers produced the construction information they needed themselves on-site on mobile devices ( Figure 2 ). The project was also delivered within time and under budget.

3.2 Data collection and analysis

Primary data is gathered from qualitative semi-structured interviews. The interviewees were selected due to their role, knowledge and responsibilities within the project for planning, strategy and implementation of the Total BIM concept, both during design and construction. Additional data was gathered from informal discussions, presentations and question and answer sessions. Prior to commencing the interviews, the virtual design construction (VDC) strategist provided an extensive project presentation, which helped form the initial interview questions. The first interview was with the VDC on-site engineer, which occurred during construction of the project in March 2020 and lasted approximately one hour. After the project was complete six further interviews were held with the VDC strategist totaling eight to ten hours. The VDC strategist was involved in both the design and construction phases of the project. One interview with the VDC strategist focused on the Celsius case in relation to the four main categories of the holistic research framework to BIM implementation ( Figure 3 ) (Bosch et al. , 2016; Sundquist et al. , 2020 ). An additional interview was conducted after project completion with the design and construction project management leader, lasting 70 min. A further interview was also conducted with the site manager for the Celsius project, focusing on production planning and scheduling using production-oriented BIM. All interviews were semi-structured with open-ended questions to gather insights from the respondents ( DiCicco-Bloom and Crabtree, 2006 ; Yin, 2009 ). In this paper we apply a holistic research framework by Bosch-Sijtsema et al. (2016) and Sundquist et al. (2020) where the main framework categories are ecosystem, technology, strategy and innovation, and organizing. Analysis of the interviews occurs from a socio-technical point of view and investigates the contributing factors throughout the whole project for the BIM concept used. These results are presented as a loosely guided framework to serve a purpose for discussion. Findings were allocated where the authors deemed most appropriate, but many elements overlap categories and therefore, are not limited to the category that they are presented in.

4. Findings

In the Celsius project, no traditional 2D paper drawings were used on-site. Workers extracted the construction information they needed directly from BIM-viewer software (StreamBIM) on mobile devices. They created their own interactive and dynamic production-oriented views containing the information they needed to conduct and plan their work on the construction site. In this context, they created measurements, sections, and extracted information directly from the BIM using StreamBIM on mobile phones or tablets. Further into the construction project they also started using the phone's camera and StreamBIM as a communication platform for design and construction issues, question handling, “as-is” and “as-built” communication between the design team, construction workers and sub-contractors. To achieve this BIM was embraced in its totality and used as the information source and platform throughout the whole project. To support this new novel innovative and digitalized construction process, many different aspects had to be accounted for and addressed. To present the different interconnected aspects the overall concept and holistic approach of the project are presented in Tables 1–4 .

4.1 Ecosystem

The ecosystem category refers to the existing environment where BIM developments were introduced such as, standards, laws, regulations and requirements, which act as boundary conditions for the digital construction process. Additionally, implementing the Total BIM concept affected how the project environment and ecosystem were managed. In Table 1 the most important findings within this category are presented.

4.1.1 Standards

Standardized codes and names were used for objects and object information in BIM. These were added in the design phase and used in both pre-production and production. When standardized information was missing from manufacturers and suppliers, it was manually added whilst focusing on how it would be used later in the process (e.g. weight, responsible sub-contractor, etc.). By eliminating paper drawings, BIM became the carrier of information. All construction information had to be contained in BIM and readily accessible for those carrying out the work. This made it clear how construction should occur, which reduced on-site discussions about how to build. During the design there was also a strong focus on how the information would be used in production.

IFC files were used as standard throughout the project. Designers used them to exchange models, sub-contractors received them as part of the bidding process package, and they were later used in production as the source data for StreamBIM. IFC files were used due to their interoperability between different software.

4.1.2 Laws, regulations, requirements

BIM was the contractual and legally binding construction document and had a higher legal status than drawings throughout the project. Designers worked to produce a high-quality BIM, which was used in the tendering process with sub-contractors as well as during the construction process. It was the main information carrier in the project and no printed drawings were used. The high-quality BIM reflected more accurately what and how construction should occur. All objects in the model had coded information attached, which resulted in the BIM being legally more descriptive than 2D drawings.

Working with BIM and to not revert to using paper drawings were keys requirement of the project. Designers and sub-contractors that refused to use BIM were excluded from the project (which occurred once during design and once during sub-contractor tendering). However, those with weaker BIM competencies but eager to engage in the concept were invited into the project to “fix the problem” together with the construction management (CM) company and to learn the necessary skills.

The high-quality BIM had flexible levels of detail and was developed with site workers in accordance with their needs to carry out construction. In some cases, sub-contractors with specialist knowledge further developed plans (e.g. adding sections for vents, where designers were not sure about the machines the sub-contractors had available). Routines and guidelines were developed to reach efficient levels of design for construction to occur smoothly and accurately.

The CM company was not only responsible for the design and construction process but also responsible for supporting BIM on the construction site and ensuring that workers had sufficient knowledge to use the mobile BIM-viewer software efficiently. The process for change orders was clear. These were also handled through the mobile BIM-viewer software. Changes and backups were automatically logged and saved to the cloud to ensure that data was secure. Any changes made to the BIM in the design phase were communicated during the weekly design meetings.

The CM company pushed the use of BIM throughout the project and managed the bidding process. It was decided that the client would own the BIM as they were the ones paying for it to be developed. This guaranteed them future access for facility management and if the BIM needed to be updated. A few months after the project was complete, final BIM updates occurred and the client received an accurate “as-built” digital twin.

4.2 Technology

The technology category refers to the technological components and interoperability where BIM developments were introduced such as, software, hardware and supporting IT system. In Table 2 the most important technology related findings are presented.

4.2.1 Technological components

Cloud-based BIM was used throughout the project providing access to a single source of up-to-date information for both designers and site workers. Designers could be certain that they were always working with an up-to-date version of BIM and avoided having to send or retrieve files from each other. Designers worked to produce a production-oriented BIM that facilitated the needs of site workers. During construction BIM was retrieved from the cloud and accessible on mobile devices by using mobile BIM viewer software (StreamBIM), ensuring that they were always working with the latest version, even after weekly updates occurred.

Site workers had full access to BIM on-site through the StreamBIM software, which had a user-friendly interface for measuring, sectioning and creating 3D views ( Figure 2 ). Workers created the views that they needed to perform their work on-site. iPads were used in teams to provide mobile access to BIM, allowing workers to always have the construction information and views with them. The same device was used for communication, design markups, inspection documentation, as-built documentation and checklists for controls such as safety. It was important that all information was accessible in one application rather than requiring workers to keep switching to different ones. Therefore, the creation of “drawings” was transferred to on-site where construction workers created their own production-oriented views in StreamBIM, rather than designers providing them with 2D drawings. This also helped to ensure that only relevant views were created and 2D drawings were not necessary.

Working digitally and using StreamBIM improved how information was handled. By communicating through StreamBIM information was connected between users and the model. This communication was more transparent than traditional means (e.g. a replacement for emails where information chains are commonly lost and broken or outdated files are shared). User requests were also automatically logged, and users had access to what they needed. By linking information exchange to the model, it was easier to flag any problems by marking areas on the model, attaching photos and adding descriptions. This helped the receiver to quickly decipher the problem and provide quick solutions. Construction progress was monitored by taking photos in StreamBIM using mobile devices, which documented the project whilst it was being built. In this way the design team, construction workers and the different sub-contractors could communicate construction issues, raise questions, create “as-is” and “as-built” documentation and prepare and plan their work before they arrived at the construction site. Wi-Fi was installed across the construction site as it was essential to have fast and reliable Internet connectivity to access data and information in StreamBIM.

During the design phase, data was stored in the cloud by using the Revit plugin RTV Tools to create automatic export schedules (every night) for saving, updating and legally archiving IFC files. SimpleBIM was also scripted to trim, color coordinate and clean IFC files from Revit, Tekla and ArchiCAD. During the construction phase weekly BIM updates occurred and were uploaded to the cloud every Friday. Site workers then had access to them at the start of the following week.

4.2.2 Interoperability

To accomplish the CM company's vision, it was established early in the design phase that a cloud-based design process would be used. Since most of the design team worked and designed in Autodesk Revit, they recognized Autodesk 360 as an interoperability and collaboration platform. Design teams were able to work efficiently together in one place through cloud-based BIM, with automatically synchronized data and information (other software such as Tekla and Solibri was also used where IFC files were exchanged between programs). Work occurred live in BIM, which required good communication and strong project leadership to communicate changes (e.g. if an architect moves a wall, who else is affected).

Instead of having to search through different documents, drawings, applications or menus, site workers were able to quickly access the information they needed for construction with a single press of a button within the StreamBIM application. Object information was custom filtered to the sub-contractor's discipline and interest, where templates were created to provide them with direct easy access to what they needed. In StreamBIM it was also possible to create custom reference planes, in custom views. These reference planes could be duplicated on the construction site (e.g. chalk lines on slabs, walls, etc.), enabling and helping workers to accurately measure where to assemble the building components and building parts. Both horizontal and vertical reference planes helped the alignment between the virtual and the real world. Workers were able to fully customize the process to fit their own construction information needs, e.g. dimensions, measurements, product information etc.

4.3 Strategy and innovation

The strategy and innovation category refers to the business value of BIM in terms of costs, productivity and performance. The Total BIM concept affected strategy work, cost structures, productivity and performance related to the project. In Table 3 , the most important strategy and innovation related findings are presented.

4.3.1 Costs

The focus on BIM shifts the cost structure in the project. Extra demands were placed on creating high-quality production-oriented BIM that can be used as a single source of information in the construction phase. This increased design costs from 11% to 13% of the project total. The entire project still came in 2% (€900k) under budget despite additional unexpected costs (€1200k) for piling early in the project.

Most site workers had not worked directly from BIM before so there were additional costs for educating and supporting them. There were also extra costs for IT in the project such as StreamBIM licenses (supporting 300+ users), Wi-Fi across the site, BIM kiosks with large TV screens and shared mobile devices (e.g. iPads). The costs associated with these were absorbed into the budget for construction costs. However, as construction information was delivered digitally, there were no printed documents in the project. This resulted in savings as there were no costs for printing, re-printing or maintaining drawings.

It was easier to make budget adjustments for cost changes in the project as quantity data from BIM was linked to the same Excel sheet that sub-contractors had used to submit their bids. Therefore, as new project conditions arose, quantity lists were scaled, and cost changes were clear.

Logistics costs in the project decreased due to reducing the number of deliveries to the construction site by 80% compared to a similar project in the same area. This was possible as BIM supported earlier quantity data calculations in the project and therefore facilitated better planning. The CM company implemented a logistics hub where deliveries were sent through before arriving at one of the four designated zones on the construction site.

4.3.2 Productivity, performance

An aim the CM company had before the project started was for construction to occur in the way that designers intended and with fewer errors. They were able to achieve this in the Celsius project by developing BIM to the standard that was required for it to be used in the construction process. Eliminating unbudgeted changes was a key factor in completing the project two months ahead of schedule. Since site workers were more accurately able to produce what designers intended, waste was reduced due to less guesswork, mistakes and changes. They also considered prefabrication as a way to further reduce waste in the future, which is made possible by more detailed planning, earlier in the project.

BIM was the single source of information in the project from design to construction. The vision was to work more efficiently by replacing the process of using drawings (e.g. measuring, guesswork, interpretation errors and searching for information) with a single source of information (cloud-based BIM) and eliminating duplication work (producing drawings). BIM was used on-site rather than many versions of different drawings, eliminating “information islands” and disconnected information sources commonly found in traditional projects. For elements that were hard to illustrate using 3D, 2D digital “mega” PDF's were created which were connected to BIM. This was used for some of the electrical work and some overviews of floorplans in the project.

4.4 Organizing

The organizing category refers to methods, processes, ways of working with BIM and cooperation with BIM between firms. The Total BIM concept affected business processes and organizational structures. In Table 4 the most important findings within this category are presented.

4.4.1 Methods and processes

The CM company was responsible for teaching sub-contractors how to use the BIM viewer software when they arrived at the project. VDC and IT support were on-site to ensure that technical issues were solved, and workers were provided with the knowledge they needed. Site workers were initially introduced to the BIM based work method and tools with an introductory presentation. A self-learning and supportive environment were encouraged when using StreamBIM.

By digitizing construction information, access and user-friendliness were improved over traditional 2D documents. Information, data and requirements were linked to the model, resulting in easier navigation. By working in this way, all information became transparent amongst stakeholders, as everything was derived from the cloud, which improved on-site coordination. There was no conflicting construction information as BIM was the single source of information. Users had access to the cloud, ensuring that they were always working on the latest version, rather than having to deal with multiple versions as commonly found with paper drawings. This was seen by the CM company as an important step forward, which was highlighted with an example from a previous project, where an outdated IFC file had been sent to a manufacturer for a glass façade.

StreamBIM was the single tool for handling production related tasks rather than closed e-mail chains, etc. which increased collaboration between site workers, designers, and management due to a more integrated process. Within StreamBIM workers could raise questions and highlight problems, which were ideally resolved within 24 h. The BIM approach in this instance also eliminated the need to come up with costly on-site solutions since problems were solved by the design team rather than construction workers. Increased effort spent on design helped to improve work conditions on-site, since at an early stage in the project more focus was put on constructability. Furthermore, the extra effort in the design stage improved data quality, which made it possible to make more informed data-driven decisions.

Celsius was a project where sub-contractors were provided with quantity take-off lists, sub-divided IFC files and technical documents taken from BIM. This shifted costs away from sub-contractors to the project as they saved time by not having to measure details. The result of this was that more bids were received, and they were easier to evaluate as they were more even, which eased concerns that elements had been missed or forgotten about. Fewer questions were also raised during the bidding process. However, some sub-contractors continued trying to take their own measurements from BIM as they did not read or understand the attached documentation, which may lead to losses. If a sub-contractor refused to use BIM, they were excluded from the project.

By not giving the workers the opportunity to use traditional drawings, they were forced to use new digital working methods, which some were reluctant to do at first but positive about by the end of the project (others were happy that a project was finally being done this way). Initially some site workers were hesitant to embrace BIM. However, at the end of the project a survey was conducted, and it was the top-rated construction project in Sweden for project quality based on worker feedback, with many comments directed towards using BIM in production and using StreamBIM as a communication platform. Thus, highlighting the shift in attitude from project start to end.

4.4.2 Cooperation with BIM between firms

The CM company was behind the vision to implement BIM throughout the whole project with guidelines and requirements supported by the client. The CM company was also responsible for ensuring the project's success.

By working with cloud-based BIM information was accessible on demand, provided access had been granted. As StreamBIM contained all information needed for production sub-contractors were able to see what other disciplines were working on, which helped facilitate communication and coordination on-site.

In the design stage, weekly co-located meetings took place. During these meetings work occurred live on the model, issues were resolved, and updates were communicated (integrated concurrent engineering (ICE) methodology). Workshops were also held by the CM company to engage designers early in the project to work with the BIM approach, which was crucial to achieving the goal of production-oriented model-based design. One design company was excluded from the project as they refused to work with BIM based delivery.

Sub-contractors engaged in the BIM approach by using mobile devices and integrated cameras for communication, coordination, administration, information handling, question-answer handling, case/issue management and controls/protocols. Site workers took the initiative to use these tools, which were simple and easy to use in the StreamBIM software.

5. Discussion

The Celsius case is an example of a project where BIM was totally embraced throughout the design and construction phase, which after completion provided the client with a digital twin for facility management. What is unique about this case is the extent that BIM was used during production, where site workers were able and required to extract construction information directly from BIM. Establishing BIM as the contractual and legally binding construction document as well as excluding 2D paper drawings was key to achieving this. In this case cloud-based BIM became the single source of information and communication platform for the project. To support this new novel, innovative and digitalized construction process, many different aspects had to be addressed and accounted for during the project. The holistic BIM approach, implemented by the CM company throughout the project united commonly found fragmented BIM uses into an approach where BIM was embraced in its totality, shifting focus towards creating and using production-oriented BIM.

5.1 Embracing BIM in its totality “Total BIM”

Although many of the individual BIM elements applied in the Celsius project are exotic, such as having BIM as the legally binding document, no 2D paper drawings, and constructing directly from BIM, they are actually not unique. Instead, what truly sets it apart is using them all together in a single project. There are some previous attempts from practice at using BIM in this way in production, but mainly within Scandinavia and often limited to infrastructure projects. What makes the Celsius case special is the shift towards production-oriented BIM, incorporating all the elements described within a single project, fully embracing BIM. By adopting this approach site workers were able to construct directly from BIM, creating the drawings and views themselves that they needed to conduct the work.

The CM company was behind the “all-in” BIM approach rather than a “half-in” or “mixed-mode” of working. Traditionally it is common that separate parallel processes exist where BIM is developed during the design stage, which is then used to produce 2D drawings. During this traditional process BIM becomes obsolete and replaced by drawings in the last stage of the design process, as they are the common legal and construction document. Trust is lost in BIM as it ceases to be regularly updated and workers lack the confidence to use it on the construction site as a single source of information. Instead, in Celsius they developed a high-quality BIM that could be used for construction. The process was supported by the CM company that was involved both during the design and construction of the project. By going “all-in” on BIM, efforts were focused on a single representation and single process, instead of the extra demands of creating drawings. By having a single representation (BIM), the burden of supporting two representations and processes is lifted and conflicts between them are no longer an issue. Workers were also not able to fall back on traditional methods as 2D paper documents did not exist. This led to new innovative work methods that had previously been attempted in the Röfors bridge project back in 2013, but were not effectively realized until Celsius. It is generally accepted that increasing BIM implementation in projects is an increasingly challenging task for stakeholders (e.g. going from BIM level 2 to 3) ( Succar, 2009 ). But, by focusing on a single representation, we question if the BIM approach in Celsius really is more challenging than current “mixed-mode” projects. It must be easier for both the design and the construction team to have a single source of information and representation that they can fully focus on and trust, rather than having two or more sources, which need to be cross-checked and updated throughout the process. These “mixed-mode” processes could cause expensive mistakes and construction errors, which was one of the main reasons why the CM company wanted to use BIM as the single source of information.

Software was crucial to the success of the Celsius project, most notably the use of StreamBIM on-site. Previous projects have been limited by software, such as the Röfors bridge project where workers could not extract construction information directly from BIM. Functionality and user-friendliness are crucial factors for site workers to be able to engage with BIM. StreamBIM provided this with simple but powerful viewing, sectioning, filtering and measuring functionalities, which enabled production-oriented views to be created on the fly by workers on-site. By having this application available on iPads and mobile phones, workers could take the process a step further by using cameras and software features for issue management and controls, supporting the feedback process. This cloud-based, production-oriented BIM became the communication platform for the project, where design teams, construction workers and the different sub-contractors could communicate construction issues, questions, maintain “as-is” and “as-built” documentation, and plan their work before they arrived at the construction site. Throughout construction, design teams continued to work on the model, reducing the need for on-site solutions. The cloud-based solution also ensured that workers were always using the most up-to-date version.

Site workers could use virtual reference planes in the digital model and compare them with real (physically painted) reference lines on the construction site. Since production-oriented views are created by site workers, they can take the measurements they need and relate them to the current state on the construction site and known reference objects or lines in the real world. They are no longer limited to the dimensioning provided to them by the design team, but instead have the possibility to take more measurements (in all directions) and more accurately. They also have more information available to them by working in 3D rather than with traditional 2D drawings, which may provide a more realistic visualization of the designer's intent ( Ghaffarianhoseini et al. , 2017 ). This enables them to carry out their work more efficiently, by extracting more accurate measurements and information from BIM.

Previous studies and BIM use have mostly been concerned with the design stage and the term BIM has come to have many different meanings ( Davies and Harty, 2013 ). Cousins (2017) discusses the concept known as Total BIM, where BIM is embraced in its totality. BIM is seldom used as the unique source of construction information or legal documentation, yet they were in Celsius. The case study findings further highlight the unique “all-in” BIM approach implemented by the CM company. We find that the Celsius project is one of the first to really embrace BIM in its totality – Total BIM, based on our understanding of Total BIM today. What sets it apart is integrated BIM use in a complex construction, throughout the whole construction process, including its use on-site and legally binding status, e.g. moving from BIM level 2 to level 3 ( Succar, 2009 ). It was also considered successful as the project was delivered within time, under budget, highly rated in worker surveys and BIM adopted in all project stages.

5.2 Challenges and competencies

Working with the BIM concept used in Celsius presents challenges. BIM object and product information are imported into BIM, which helps avoid design errors and helps during the bidding process. But sometimes it is difficult to track and make decisions early in the design process before the sub-contractor is decided. Standard, representative components are often available in the BIM authoring software but not always the actual ones that will be used on the construction site, which may affect clash detection due to different dimensions (e.g. this occurred in the Celsius project with sprinkler systems). The CM company stated that there needs to be an increased focus on having the specific product components in BIM that they are going to use and purchase during the construction stage and that is important to develop a standardized object library that can be reused in future projects.

Even if designers can produce a high-quality model there needs to be follow through from production, otherwise the concept fails. In Celsius the CM company was able to achieve this by being involved in all project stages. Additionally, the approach is reliant on the vision of the people involved, their engagement and leadership skills. Clear goals were set early in this project and communicated through workshops to get people onboard. Taking workers out of their comfort zone, getting them to try something new and trusting the vision required strong project management. By not producing paper drawings, workers had little choice but to engage with new technologies (e.g. StreamBIM) and by implementing it in this way the sub-contractors could not fall back on the traditional way of working with printed drawings.

A common concern is that small firms may be excluded from high-end BIM projects due to a lack of competencies and resources ( Dainty et al. , 2017 ). However, more bids were received compared to similar projects and Celsius simplified this process by providing firms with quantity data. The bidding process can be costly for small firms due to the time-consuming process of extracting quantities from 2D drawings, but in this case, it was made easier. A recent study has shown that quantity take-off and cost estimation using BIM is often 10 times faster and more accurate than the traditional drawing-based process ( Brohn, 2018 ). In the Celsius case the bidding sub-contractors could put the time and effort into production planning, to work smarter and more efficiently during construction, instead of performing time-consuming quantity take-off tasks. The on-site BIM viewer software with its user-friendly interface, all-in-one approach and filtering template feature aided the learning process of workers that were unfamiliar with BIM. The CM company also provided education and created a supportive learning environment on the construction site. Costs associated with the software licenses and training were included in the project budget, which again shifts the burden away from small firms. By the end of the project feedback was overwhelmingly positive towards the BIM approach. As competencies develop less training will need to be provided and more information can be found by users themselves. However, working in this manner is very dependent on the people involved. It was recognized in this project that they needed to document more and update manuals so that another person could take over if required. User engagement was a vital aspect of the project's success and those who failed to align with this vision were excluded, as was the case with one design company and one of the sub-contractors. Celsius challenges the general understanding of the effects on different stakeholders in high-end BIM projects, and as mentioned extra demands were placed on designers, project management and leadership. Implementing the Total BIM concept may also digitally disrupt the traditional way of working within construction projects as the transformative effects of digital work methods occur. Roles and responsibilities will be affected by using BIM as the contractual document, the single source of information and as a central communication platform. This paper has outlined some examples of this such as sub-contractors that were unwilling or unable to engage with the digital work methods and the added effort for designers to create a high-quality accurate design.

5.3 Project structure changes and legal aspects

Site workers were no longer the consumer of static 2D drawings but instead creators and consumers of information in BIM (drawings, views, sections, product information etc.). They were given the possibility to create 3D views, i.e. Production-Oriented Views (POVs), to display information in the most suitable way for themselves. In the future building design may focus on what is most suitable for the site worker, i.e. enabling seamless switching between interactive 2D and 3D views within BIM-viewer applications on-site. Concerns are often raised about transforming work methods, for example, increased mistakes and responsibility. However, this often assumes that the 2D world with paper drawings is perfect, when in fact many of these challenges already exist (mistakes measuring). One worker reflected on this upon project completion saying, “he had focused too much on what could go wrong instead of what could go right.” This shift from consumer to creator and producer on-site helps save time and expense. Extra effort is spent on creating a high-quality production-oriented BIM but consequently reduces the amount of expensive ad hoc solutions on-site.

The BIM approach used in Celsius places a higher relative cost on the design phase, an increase of 18% (compared with a similar project). The investment was made to create a high-quality production-oriented model. Compared with traditional projects there were additional costs for BIM and IT, but there were no costs for creating or printing paper drawings. The extra demands placed on designers with creating production-oriented BIM may in time be offset by being able to focus on a single representation. Focus can shift away from the parallel processes that exist today, creating both BIM and 2D drawings. In advanced BIM projects a redistribution of costs and resources occurs. Design costs increase but more effort is spent on building smarter, which improves the construction process, reducing the need for last minute changes. As the Celsius project was delivered under budget and on time, it may be worth considering if the Total BIM approach is a suitable path forward for the construction industry to avoid the well-known cost overruns and delays usually associated with projects ( Flyvbjerg et al. , 2002 ). In a Total BIM project, the cost structure changes where there are more upfront costs for the design stage, to perform more detailed planning. But this allows for more accurate cost estimation and smarter work methods during the construction phase, reducing costs late on in projects for errors and re-work.

The CM company decided that the client would own the BIM at the end of the project. This is still a much-debated topic as data ownership and access are contentious issues ( Ragab and Marzouk, 2021 ). To realize the full benefit of the Total BIM approach designers must be willing to share information in the model, which can later be handed over to the client for use in facility management. The development of high-quality BIM during the project can also aid the development of digital twins both during construction and for use in facility management.

Perhaps the most daunting aspect employed by the CM company was to use BIM as the contractual and legally binding construction document (IFC file format), completely replacing paper drawings. Although this has been done previously in Scandinavia, there are still no turn-key solutions. Extra resources had to be spent modifying standard contracts to realize this, but by issuing no paper drawings it was impossible for workers to fall back on traditional methods. Therefore, they had to embrace the approach. Due to local regulations, it may not be legally possible to do this in all countries. However, the success of Celsius highlights the need for this issue to be raised and addressed by authorities to take BIM to the next level and fully embrace the Total BIM concept. Furthermore, it was recognized during the Celsius project that BIM in this case was more detailed and legally descriptive than 2D drawings, as it described the quantities and design in 3D ( Lindström, 2021 ).

5.4 Holistic approach

The Celsius project was considered a success, embracing new technology, reduced rework, delivered under budget and ahead of schedule. Based on our understanding today, Celsius was a Total BIM project, where stakeholders embraced BIM in its totality. The overall concept and holistic approach of Total BIM in the Celsius project have been identified and grouped into four main categories and eight sub-categories ( Figure 3 ). As previously mentioned, the categorization serves as a guide for discussion. Some factors may appear more important than others (e.g. production-oriented design, BIM legally binding as the construction document etc.) and they each have their merit. However, it is the overall approach, where all factors are incorporated together and the strong interdependencies between them that enables significant benefits to be realized.

6. Conclusion

Until now BIM implementation has mostly been limited to the design phase of construction projects. In the rare cases BIM has been used in production its impact has been limited due to technical limitations and reliance on traditional 2D paper drawings. Issues with parallel construction processes and 2D drawings have been well documented ( Davies and Harty, 2013 ; Eastman et al. , 1974 ; van Berlo and Natrop, 2015 ). Typically, drawings are created from BIM and once this occurs BIM ceases to be updated, trusted and used. In this paper we have analyzed the unique Celsius case; the construction of an office and laboratory building that embraced the Total BIM approach, with many successful outcomes. High-end BIM use may have placed additional demands on designers and the CM company. However, contrary to common conceptions that small firms might be excluded from high-end BIM projects ( Dainty et al. , 2017 ), Celsius has shown that the project structure was actually more inclusive towards them.

By applying the holistic research framework to BIM implementation, strong interdependences between factors relating to the BIM approach in Celsius have been identified in the categories of ecosystem, strategy and innovation, organizing and technology. By taking an “all-in” approach to BIM we found that the CM company embraced BIM in its totality – Total BIM, and achieved several key success factors. These success factors and strength of the approach come from combining all factors together in a single project and are also contingent on the alignment between them. By adopting Total BIM more leverage can be extracted from each factor, than if they were each implemented individually. This paper therefore contributes to the body of knowledge of BIM implementation and strategy work connected to the Total BIM approach.

BIM as the contractual and legally binding construction document.

High-quality, production-oriented, cloud-based BIM used throughout the project.

Powerful mobile BIM-viewer software that enabled site workers to create the construction information they needed themselves, to perform work on-site.

Strong leadership and management from the CM company responsible for implementing the Total BIM approach.

This research discusses a unique case where BIM is the primary source of information in all project stages, where a holistic approach is applied that eliminates the production of traditional 2D drawings and associated parallel processes. Information is presented in the most efficient format for construction workers. An all-inclusive BIM approach was used in the project that addressed many commonly found issues in construction projects. A limitation of this study was that only a single project was analyzed. Future research could help our understanding of the Total BIM approach by analyzing similar cases of where BIM is the single source of information and implemented throughout all project stages. The new digital work methods create opportunities to collect and analyze more data regarding the whole construction process, which is something that could also be explored further.

Illustration of production oriented views (POVs) in the Röforsbron case

In the Celsius project the construction workers took their own measurements and extracted information directly from BIM using mobile devices and BIM-viewer software on the construction site

Holistic research framework to BIM implementation

Total BIM case study, celsius: overall concept and holistic approach connected to ecosystem

Note(s): *Methods, processes, and ways of working with BIM; Cooperation with BIM between firms

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Acknowledgements

This work is funded and part of the Digital Twin Cities Centre supported by Sweden's Innovation Agency Vinnova under Grant No. 2019–00041 and by SBUF Grant No. 14063 (Development Fund of the Swedish Construction Industry). An earlier version of this paper was presented at CONVR 2021.

Corresponding author

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Introduction and Acknowledgements                          Overview and Summary of Best Practices Conclusion Case Studies  

Introduction and acknowledgements.

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) initiated Four Case Studies Exemplifying Best Practices in Architectural Co-design and Building with First Nations  as a resource for designers, clients, funders, and policymakers.

As the leading voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada, the RAIC believes that architecture is a public-spirited profession with an important role in reconciliation – addressing injustices by giving agency back to Indigenous people.

The document builds on the success of the RAIC International Indigenous Architecture and Design Symposium held in on May 27, 2017. At this ground-breaking event, Indigenous speakers from Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United States presented best practices in co-design with Indigenous communities and clients. Co-design is a collaborative design process between architects and the Indigenous community as client.

The symposium was a project of the RAIC Indigenous Task Force which seeks ways to foster and promote Indigenous design in Canada.  Its members include Indigenous and non-Indigenous architects, designers, academics, intern architects and architectural students.

The four case studies presented here further explore and exemplify best practice themes, specifically in the context of three First Nations and one Inuit community in Canada. 

Ottawa consultant Louise Atkins carried out the research and writing. Special thanks are extended to the Department of Indigenous Services Canada for funding the case studies, and to the 15 individuals interviewed for the projects who generously shared their time, insights and inspiring stories.

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Overview and summary of best practices.

The four case studies set out to explore best practices in architectural co-design in the context of three First Nations and one Inuit community in Canada. One case study was selected from each of four asset classes – schools, community and cultural centres, administration and business centres, and housing. These asset types would be of special interest to First Nation, Inuit, and other Indigenous communities and to the Department of Indigenous Services Canada as they consider the architectural design, building, and funding of new community infrastructure facilities and housing. 

Best practice insights from these studies can inspire communities and help shape government funders’ policies and practices.

Summary of Best Practices

Interviews were conducted with architects and designers, Indigenous chiefs and community leaders, Indigenous government employees, contractors, and construction company officials, academics, and government funders.  Questions posed in interviews built on best practice themes from the RAIC International Indigenous Architecture and Design Symposium as well as value-added considerations such as Indigenous employment. Best practice findings are divided into four groups.

Project Initiation

The impetus for each project was different. Some were replacement assets. The Six Nations of the Grand River were replacing one-room schools dating from the early 20th-century.  When the Splatsin te Secwepemc lost their “Log Cabin” convenience and artisan craft store in a fire, they replaced it with a much larger business hub, artisan marketplace, and offices. The Squamish and Lil’Wat First Nations leveraged the opportunity of the 2010 Olympic Games to create a cultural centre as a showcase to the world in their shared traditional territory of Whistler, BC. In Nunavik, the major stakeholders came together to design, build and monitor a pilot duplex house that could be a prototype for sustainable northern housing that is culturally responsive, better adapted to climate change, and highly energy efficient.  

Co-design Process

Co-design is the collaborative design process between the architects and the Indigenous community as client. In the four case studies, best practices included architects listening carefully to understand the community’s vision, and working closely with the client throughout the design phase. The resulting building designs were anchored in Indigenous peoples’ connection with the natural world and reflected who they are as people – their traditions, culture, values and lifestyles, and their aspirations.

Co-design is not a formula. In each case study, co-design took its own distinct form. In one project, the architect worked with a large steering committee of Indigenous chiefs and stakeholder officials. Another included Elders as well. A third used a design charrette with a cross-section of Indigenous tenants and a fourth added community open houses to the process. Two of buildings were designed by Indigenous architects, and two were by architects and designers with experience working in Indigenous contexts.

For all four projects, Indigenous respondents underlined the importance of architects who listen well to the community vision and engage in ongoing dialogue. Through an iterative process, the architects brought design options and solutions until their clients were satisfied that their vision developed into a tangible design that met functional requirements and reflected their values, culture, traditions, lifestyles, and aspirations.

Designs referenced ancestral building forms and Indigenous peoples’ reverence for and relationship with the natural world. In every case example, the buildings were anchored to their natural surroundings and most integrated traditional materials, particularly wood. Each project maximized energy conservation through mechanical means, insulation, and designs that utilized natural heating, cooling, and air circulation systems.

The buildings were further enhanced through siting, orientation and natural light. In keeping with Haudenosaunee traditions, Emily C. General School is oriented to the cardinal directions, tracking the sun through the days and seasons. Following Squamish and Lil’Wat traditions, entrances to their cultural centre face east. For the Nunavik pilot duplex, reversible front entrances are an architectural innovation that allows optimal positioning of every house for solar gain and bright living spaces.

Architects and designers and their clients carefully shaped the interior spaces, commissioned artists' installations and added historical and contemporary artifacts to convey the cultures and facilitate traditional practices and teaching.

For example, visitors to the Quilakwa Centre and band members alike can sit and enjoy their Tim Hortons coffee among massive log posts and beams carved with images of bald eagles, salmon, fish, and scenes of traditional Splatsin life.

Building Process

Each community took a hands-on approach to the building process. Strong Indigenous community capacity was demonstrated in project oversight and management. Indigenous construction firms and entities employing Indigenous workers in a broad range of skilled trades built major portions of the projects. Leaders stayed involved and committed the necessary resources to ensure project completion. These best practices could be formulated into a guideline enabling First Nation funders to recognize and assess capacity and shift control of capital projects to qualified First Nations.

Steering committees continued to play an important oversight role, guiding development and consulting with architects, designers, and construction managers, right through to project completion. 

These buildings and facilities were built by Indigenous people. Project management and the majority of the construction was done by Indigenous-owned entities employing local Indigenous tradespeople, exemplifying best practices in employment, skills development, pride in the work and a sense of community ownership of the completed buildings. In every case, these buildings are highly-valued by Indigenous community residents and continue to be well-maintained.

First Nation leaders interviewed for the case studies believe that for communities with proven track records in building projects which are on-specification, on-time, and on-budget, the funding agencies should objectively assess and recognize this capacity and pass control to the First Nation for all aspects of their building projects.

Two case study projects involved First Nations who were large or sole funders of their buildings. The Quilakwa Centre was completely self-funded by the Splastsin First Nation through a combination of insurance and trust funds and loan financing. Large cultural complexes are expensive to build, and despite contributions from all levels of government and the private sector, a large funding gap remained for the Squamish Lil’wat and Squamish Cultural Centre. Both First Nations contributed their own band resources and business know-how to get the projects done.

For all four projects, Indigenous leaders were determined to complete their projects to reflect community identity and become a base for cultural reclamation and growth.

Indigenous respondents all felt that the impact of their co-designed buildings was significant, with positive, far-reaching outcomes. They appreciated the role the architectural co-design process played in creating buildings that resonate with the community and will be of lasting value.  Architectural innovations exemplified in these projects have since been applied more broadly to other building projects.

After 20 years in operation, the IL Thomas and Emily C. General Elementary Schools at Six Nations of the Grand River continue to serve as positive teaching environments and community spaces and are well-maintained. The children are aware and proud that their grandparents, aunts, and uncles built the schools, and vandalism does not occur. The co-design process with the Indigenous architect and project manager, Brian Porter, MRAIC, enabled steering committee members to develop fluency in design and construction processes – knowledge they have applied through a dozen subsequent building projects. Six Nations members continue their tradition as skilled builders and tradespeople. They are respected and employed in their home community, other First Nations and in major North American cities. Read case study

Cultural Centre

For the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre in Whistler BC, the two First Nations sought out and hired an Indigenous architect, Alfred Waugh, MRAIC. Their goal was to give this large and complex project to an Indigenous architect to develop, innovate and become a role model for Indigenous youth. Today the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre is a spectacular showcase for the two cultures, welcoming visitors from around the world and inspiring understanding and respect among people. It is also preserving and transmitting architecture, traditional knowledge, culture and spiritual teachings through the generations. Indigenous Youth Ambassadors employed at the centre are enjoying good careers in the tourism and hospitality industries. There are broader outcomes as well. Following construction of the cultural centre, the Squamish established a large Indigenous trades school. The cultural centre has deepened the bonds between the Squamish and Lil’Wat tribes, who are undertaking new joint projects. Architect Alfred Waugh has adapted innovations exemplified in this project to some of his subsequent major design projects. Read case study

Administrative and Business Centre

The Quilakwa Centre , located on Highway 97A in the BC interior attracts many travellers and tourists. With a Tim Hortons restaurant, convenience and craft store, and gas bar, the Splatsin Development Corporation has doubled the number of retail employees and payroll. Due to greatly increased sales of artisan crafts in the new space, traditional basket making and beading are flourishing, and new art forms are emerging. Visitors are enjoying this unique building and showcase for Splatsin culture, history, arts and business acumen. As a favourite local gathering place for people from the reserve and from nearby Enderby, it is strengthening connections between the two communities. Read case study

In Nunavik, traditional ways of life are important to identity and wellbeing. Tenants in the  Nunavik pilot duplex houses  expressed great satisfaction with their physical comfort and the capacity of their homes to support cultural practices. Owing to warm and cold porches and the large flexible kitchen and living space, a hunter and his family can store and butcher game, and hold traditional country food feasts on the floor. Another unit, occupied by a mother and her adult daughter, is an ideal environment for them to sew mitts and boots in the bright sunlight of south-facing windows, and to store sealskin pelts on their outdoor balcony. For these pilot homes, architect Alain Fournier, FIRAC, designed reverse entrances – a true innovation which allows optimal positioning of every house for solar gain. As a prototype, this pilot duplex is being monitored for physical and socio-cultural performance, a best practice that will contribute to sustainable northern housing design.  Read case study

BACK TO TOP

These four case studies illustrate that through a collaborative co-design approach, architects were successful in taking the visions, ideas, and preferences of their Indigenous clients, and turning them into designs that resonate with the community and are technically sound. These designs and building projects reflect Indigenous identity and become a base for cultural reclamation and growth.

In this way, architecture has an important role in giving agency back to Indigenous people and promoting their aspirations. 

BACK TO TOP  

Case studies:.

Case Study 1: First Nation School Emily C. General Elementary School and IL Thomas Elementary School Six Nations of the Grand River, Ontario Architect:  Brian Porter, MRAIC

Case Study 2: First Nation Cultural Centre Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre Squamish and Lil’Wat First Nations, British Columbia Architect:  Alfred Waugh, MRAIC

Case Study 3: First Nation Administrative and Business Centre Quilakwa Centre Splatsin te Secwepemc First Nation, British Columbia Architect:  Norman Goddard Designer:  Kevin Halchuk

Case Study 4: Inuit Housing Pilot Nunavik Duplex Quaqtaq, Nunavik, Quebec Architect:   Alain Fournier, FIRAC  

Funding for this study was provided by the Department of Indigenous Services Canada.

Information on the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Indigenous Task Force and its membership may be found  here .

Top 20 Project Management Case Studies [With Examples]

Project management case study analyses showcase and compare real-life project management processes and systems scenarios. These studies shed light on the common challenges that project managers encounter on a daily basis. This helps project managers develop effective strategies, overcome obstacles, and achieve successful results. 

By leveraging project management case studies , organisations can optimise their operations by providing insights into the most effective approaches. With effective implementation of these case studies, strategies, and methodologies, ensuring successful project completion is achievable.

Criteria for Selection of Top 20 Case Studies

The top 20 case studies are selected based on significance, impact, challenges, project management strategies, and overall success. They provide diverse insights and lessons for project managers and organisations.

1. The Sydney Opera House Project

The Sydney Opera House Project is an iconic example of project management case studies as it faced multiple challenges during its construction phase. Despite facing leadership changes, budget overruns, and design failures, the project persevered and was completed in 1973, a decade later than planned. The Opera House stands as a symbol of perseverance and successful project management in the face of humankind.

2. The Airbus A380 Project

The Airbus A380 Project is a project management case study showcasing the challenges encountered during developing and producing the world’s largest commercial aircraft. The project experienced massive delays and impacted costs of more than $6 billion, with several issues arising from the manufacturing and delivery process, outsourcing, and project coordination. 

However, the Airbus A380 was successfully launched through carefully planned project management strategies, delivering a world-class aircraft that met customer expectations.

3. The Panama Canal Expansion Project 

The Panama Canal Expansion Project serves as a compelling case study, illustrating the management’s encounters in expanding the capacity of the Panama Canal. The project included multiple stakeholders, technological innovations, environmental concerns, and safety challenges. 

4. The Boston Central Artery/Tunnel Project

The Boston Central Artery/Tunnel Project serves as a project management case study of a large-scale underground tunnel construction project. It successfully addressed traffic congestion and was completed in 2007. The project was completed in 2007, with numerous hurdles delaying progress like complexity, technology failure, ballooning budgets, media scrutiny, etc.

5. The London 2012 Olympics Project

The London 2012 Olympics Project stands as a successful project management case study, showcasing the management of a large-scale international sporting event. This project involved the construction of a new sports infrastructure, event logistics and security concerns. The project was successfully accomplished, delivering a world-class event that captivated the audience.

6. The Hoover Dam Bypass Project

The Hoover Dam Bypass Project was a construction project in the United States of America that intended to alleviate traffic from the Hoover Dam by building a new bridge. Completed in 2010, the bridge spans across the Colorado River, connecting Arizona and Nevada and offers a safer and more efficient route for motorists.

7. The Golden Gate Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project

The Golden Gate Bridge Seismic Retrofit Project is a case study example constructed in San Francisco, California. Its objective was to enhance the bridge’s resilience against earthquakes and aftershocks. Completed in 2012, the project included the installation of shock absorbers and other seismic upgrades to ensure the bridge’s safety and functionality in the event of a major earthquake.

8. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Project

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Project is a massive case study that intends to connect Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau with a bridge-tunnel system of 55 kilometres. Completed in 2018, the project required massive funds, investments and innovative engineering solutions, providing a new transport link and boosting regional connectivity.

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9. The Panama Papers Investigation Project

The Panama Papers Investigation Project is a global case study of journalistic investigations into offshore tax havens. It involved leaked documents from Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm. Coordinated by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the project resulted in major political and financial repercussions worldwide, garnering widespread media attention.

10. The Apple iPhone Development Project

The Apple iPhone Development Project started in 2004, aiming to create a groundbreaking mobile device. In 2007, the iPhone transformed the industry with its innovative touchscreen interface, sleek design, and advanced features. This project involved significant research, development, marketing, and supply chain management investments.

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11. The Ford Pinto Design and Launch Project

The Ford Pinto Design and Launch Project was a developmental project intended to create an affordable, fuel-efficient subcompact car. Launched in 1971, because of its fuel tank design, it became infamous for safety issues. The project was rigged for ethical and safety concerns, lawsuits, and recalls.

12. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response Project

The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response Project was a response to the largest oil spill in US history, caused by an offshore drilling rig explosion in 2010. This crisis response project utilised a waterfall project management approach, where the project team followed a pattern of planning, executing, monitoring, and closing phases. 

13. The NASA Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster Project

  The NASA Challenger Disaster Project was a tragic space exploration mission in 1986, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members. Extensive investigations revealed design and safety flaws as the cause. This disaster prompted NASA to address decision-making processes and improve safety cultures.

14. The Three Gorges Dam Project

  The Three Gorges Dam Project was a large-scale infrastructure project developed in China that aimed to build the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yangtze River. Completed in 2012, it encountered environmental, social, and engineering challenges. The dam currently offers power generation, flood control, and improved navigation, but it has also resulted in ecological and cultural consequences.

15. The Big Dig Project in Boston

The Big Dig Project was a transportation infrastructure project in Boston, Massachusetts, intended to replace an old elevated highway with a newer tunnel system. Completed in 2007, it serves as one of the most complex and costly construction endeavours in US history. Despite facing many delays, cost overruns and engineering challenges, the project successfully improved traffic flow and urban aesthetics but also resulted in accidents, lawsuits, and financial burdens.

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16. The Uber Disruptive Business Model Project

  The Uber Disruptive Business Model Project was a startup that introduced a new ride business model that disrupted the taxi-cab industry by connecting riders with drivers via a mobile app. Launched in 2010, this project required innovative technology, marketing and regulatory strategies and faced legal actions and ethical challenges related to labour, safety, and competition. Uber has since then dominated the market with its ride-sharing business plan.

17. The Netflix Original Content Development Project

The Netflix Original Content Development Project was an initiative created to launch its original content for its platform. This launch by the online streaming giant in 2012 was a huge success for the company. The project required huge investments in content creation, distribution and marketing and resulted in award-winning shows and films that redefined the entire entertainment industry’s business model.

18. The Tesla Electric Car Project

The Tesla Electric Car Project was a revolutionary project that aimed to compete for its electric vehicles with gasoline-powered vehicles. The project required a strong project management plan that incorporated innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement, resulting in the successful launch of the Tesla Roadster in 2008 and subsequent models. Tesla has one-handedly revolutionised the entire automobile industry on its own. 

19. The Johnson & Johnson Tylenol Crisis Management Project:

The Johnson & Johnson Tylenol Crisis Management Project was a case study in crisis management in 1982. The project required quick and effective decision-making skills, stakeholder communication, and ethical leadership in response to the tampering of Tylenol capsules that led to deaths. 

20. The Airbnb Online Marketplace Platform Project  

The Airbnb Online Marketplace Platform Project was a startup that created an online platform which connected travellers with hosts offering short-term rental accommodations in flights. The project required innovative technology, user experience design and stakeholder management. Airbnb’s success has led to the disruption of the hospitality industry and inspired many other project case study examples of sharing economy platforms.

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Future developments in project management.

Future developments in project management include all the insights on the increased use of artificial intelligence, agile methodologies, hybrid project management approaches, and emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, along with many more developing ideas that will address the evolving market innovations. 

Key Takeaways from the Case Studies

The project management case study examples illustrate real-life examples and the importance of project management in achieving project success. The cases show the use of innovative technologies, tools, techniques, stakeholder engagement, crisis management, and agile methodologies. 

Project Management also highlights the role of ethical leadership and social responsibility in project management. To learn more and more about case studies, upGrad, India’s leading education platform, has offered an Advanced General Management Program from IMT Ghaziabad that will equip you with in-demand management skills to keep up with the changing trends!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Project Management is extensive planning, executing, monitoring and closing of a project before its deadline. Project management ensures accuracy and efficiency across all organs of a project, right from its inception to its completion.

Project Management case studies are real-life examples of projects to put an insight into all the tools, techniques and methodologies it provides.

The role of a project manager is to ensure that all day-to-day responsibilities are being met by the resources deployed in a certain project. They have the authority to manage as well as lead the functioning members as well.

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Detailed Case Study: BIM In The Major Indian Projects

• May 4, 2024

Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is revolutionizing the construction industry worldwide. This technology is not just making waves in the West but also in Eastern countries like India. This blog post will delve into how BIM has been utilized in major projects across India, providing a unique case study of technological innovation in the construction sector.

Table of Contents

What is BIM?

Building Information Modeling widely known as BIM, is the process of constructing and managing a digital representation of a space whose features are both physical and functional. Through such a 3-D simulation we can design, build, maintain and operate physical infrastructure ranging from spaceships and industrial facilities to bridges, roads, hospitals, and more. These include water, sewers, electricity or gas, refuse, and communications utilities, as well as roads, bridges, ports, tunnels, and more. BIM technology reimagines construction by innovating resource management, synchronizing stakeholder activities, and streamlining project delivery. It is a strong force that is applying its influence on today’s construction and infrastructure growth, making them more fashionable.

The Rise of BIM in India

The adoption of BIM in the Indian construction sector has progressed slowly during the past decade or so. The process has been driven forward by state government initiatives. These include the National Building Code (NBC) and the BIM Promotion Council . As a result, BIM adoption across the country has seen a significant improvement. Large construction firms, architects, and engineers have taken note. They have found that using BIM enhances collaboration. It also improves project coordination. This makes construction processes more efficient in terms of time and cost.

BIM in India: Major Projects

India has embraced BIM technology in several major projects, demonstrating the country’s commitment to adopting advanced construction methodologies. Here are some examples:

Case Study 1: Personal Rapid Transit in Amritsar

The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) project in Amritsar was a landmark project in India’s infrastructure development. The project aimed to provide a modern, efficient, and sustainable mode of transport for the city’s residents.

The project team determined that BIM technology will be utilized at the beginning of the project. The team used BIM to design a detailed 3D model. This model contained all components of the transit system, including stations, tracks, vehicles, and other infrastructure. The 3D model becomes one source of truth for all project participants. It simplified the communication and cooperation of the different departments, such as design, construction, operations, and maintenance. BIM helped with the exact allocation of resources. The project team will be able to accurately determine the amount of materials required, schedule the work most optimally, and manage the workforce efficiently. The PRT project in Amritsar was delivered on time and budget, representing the power of BIM in the infrastructure sector.

Case Study 2: Bangalore International Airport

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) identified BIM as the ideal platform for the design and planning of Terminal 2. The use of BIM facilitated seamless coordination among various stakeholders, resulting in efficient project execution.

The BIM model gave the project the ability to visualize the future terminal building in 3D, identify any problems in the design stage, and perform any needed modifications before the actual start of construction. By using this active, purposeful method, we managed to save time and money. In addition, the BIM model was also a critical tool for communication with our stakeholders. It enabled the project team to put their ideas and plans across to the airport authorities, regulatory agencies, and any other relevant stakeholders in a concise manner. The completion of Terminal 2 of the Bangalore Airport under BIM, in large-scale projects, serves as the reason for such advantages.

Case Study 3: Surat Diamond Bourse

The Surat Diamond Bourse is a landmark project in India that has effectively utilized BIM technology. This project, designed by Morphogenesis, is recognized as the world’s single-largest office building.

For its project, the Surat Diamond Bourse adopted integrated BIM technology. This higher level of BIM implementation led to superior visualization, better cost estimation and better project management. The BIM model enabled the project team to see the diamond bourse in 3D, calculate the right estimates, and plan the construction schedule in the best way. The model additionally promoted strong communication among different project stakeholders. BIM technology was a key factor in the successful realization of the Surat Diamond Bourse, which is a vivid example of how BIM shapes modern infrastructure development.

Case Study 4: Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport

Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport , located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is a prime example of the successful integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in major infrastructure projects in India.

The airport was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, 2023. The project is a brownfield upgrade of an existing airstrip in Faizabad, which is situated on a 3.96 km² area of land. BIM technology was the essential tool that drove airport construction. By using BIM, the development team created a 3D model of the modelled airport, which served as a platform for communication and coordination for different stakeholders during the development. The 5D BIM model provided for an Airport 3D modelization to precisely and efficiently determine the construction costs and schedule the construction activities. Making it possible for interaction between the diverse project stakeholders was another important role of the model. The use of BIM technology indeed was a determining factor in the undisputed success of the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport project, which demonstrates the role of BIM in the modern construction process.

Image Credit: PIB

Case Study 5: Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation

The Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation integrated 5D BIM technology for its project. This advanced application of BIM allowed for better visualization, improved cost estimation, and efficient project management.

The 5D BIM model supplied to the project’s team helps to visualize the train line and see the end product, precisely estimate the cost, and schedule construction tasks more smoothly. The plan also allowed dynamic communication among the varied project’s stakeholders. The 5D BIM technology application was the major contributing factor to the successful realization of the Nagpur Metro Rail project, where BIM’s ability to drive infrastructure development on a more functional basis becomes evident.

Image Credit: Metro Rail News

Case Study 6: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is another shining example of the successful integration of BIM technology in major infrastructure projects in India. This advanced application of BIM has significantly improved project management, visualization, and cost estimation.

The DMRC project involved the use of a 5D BIM model. This allowed the project team to visualize the metro rail network in 3D. It provided a comprehensive view of the project. It also facilitated efficient communication among various stakeholders. The 5D BIM model was particularly useful. It enabled accurate cost analysis. It also helped in setting up an optimal schedule for project activities. In this manner, my ability to execute high-calibre project management was shown. Our future task was done on time and within budget. The case of the Delhi Metro Rail project done with 5D BIM features stands as a match of the capability of BIM technology in the current infrastructure industry growth. In this way, it brings out the way BIM technology has an integral role to play in reshaping the infrastructural configuration of the country.

The Strategic Return on Investment (ROI) of BIM

Adopting BIM technology in construction projects has multiple benefits. It’s not just about keeping up with the latest technology. It also offers a strategic return on investment. BIM enables better management of resources. It improves coordination among stakeholders. It also makes project execution more efficient. All these factors contribute to cost savings in the long run.

The adoption of BIM in major Indian projects is a testament to the country’s commitment to embracing advanced construction methodologies. As projects adopt BIM, India’s construction becomes more efficient, sustainable, and innovative.

Remember, the key to successful BIM implementation lies in understanding its capabilities and leveraging them effectively. Exploring BIM’s potential paves the way for more efficient and precise execution of future construction projects.

For more information about engineering, architecture, and the building & construction sector, go through the posts related to the same topic on the Pinnacle IIT Blogs  page.

Find out more accurately what we are going to take off in the course of applying leading new technologies and urban design at Pinnacle IIT .

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GenCost: cost of building Australia’s future electricity needs

Each year, CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) collaborate with industry stakeholders to update GenCost. This leading economic report estimates the cost of building new electricity generation, storage, and hydrogen production in Australia out to 2050.

GenCost 2023-24 report released

The latest release was shaped by an unprecedented level of industry participation.

What’s new?

• Renewables (solar and wind + firming) remains the lowest cost new build electricity technology.
• Large-scale nuclear technology costs included for the first time.
• Future wind costs revised upwards.
• An extensive FAQ section addressing common questions from current and past consultations.

What is GenCost?

GenCost is a leading economic report for business leaders and decision-makers planning reliable and affordable energy solutions to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Published annually in collaboration with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), GenCost offers accurate, policy and technology-neutral cost estimates for new electricity generation, storage, and hydrogen technologies, through to 2050.

GenCost is highly collaborative and transparent, leveraging the expertise of energy industry stakeholders and involving extensive consultation to ensure accuracy prior to publication.

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GenCost 2023-24 report

Explore key insights from the latest report.

GenCost projects the cost of electricity generation and storage for a wide range of technologies up to the year 2050.  

Renewables remain lowest cost

The report highlights wind power’s slower recovery from global inflationary pressures, resulting in upward revisions for both onshore and offshore wind costs over the next decade.

Despite this, updated analysis reaffirms that renewables, including associated storage and transmission costs, remain the lowest cost, new build technology out to 2050.

This competitive position reflects a decade of cost reductions in wind, solar photovoltaics (PV) and batteries before the pandemic. This is in contrast with costs of mature competitors which have remained flat.

Large-scale nuclear costs introduced

The inclusion of large-scale nuclear costs this year was prompted by increased stakeholder interest in nuclear technology following the updated cost estimates for SMRs in the 2023-24 consultation draft.

Applying overseas costs to large-scale nuclear projects in Australia is complex due to the lack of a domestic nuclear industry and significant global differences in labor costs, workforce expertise, governance, and standards. The GenCost 2023-24 report team estimated large-scale nuclear costs using South Korea’s successful nuclear program. They adjusted for differences in Australian and South Korean deployment costs by comparing the cost ratio of new coal generation in each country. GenCost found nuclear power to be more expensive than renewables and estimated a development timeline of at least 15 years, including construction. This reflects the absence of a local development pipeline, additional legal, safety and security requirements, and stakeholder evidence. Achieving the reported nuclear costs depends on Australia committing to a continuous building program like South Korea’s. Initial units are likely to incur higher costs, and a first-of-a-kind premium of up to 100 per cent is possible, although not included in the cost estimates for nuclear or other new electricity technologies in the report.

Explore answers to commonly asked questions about GenCost.

• 2023-24 GenCost report
• 2023-24 GenCost media release
• 2023-24 GenCost infographics
• 2023-24 GenCost report (text version)
• GenCost project data and previous reports

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Case Study: Hate Speech

Strategies for combatting hate speech and promoting social cohesion.

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Recent studies indicate that hate speech, disinformation, and misinformation fuel violence during elections and transitions, exacerbate ethnic and religious tensions, and are tools for persecuting minorities and promoting gender-based violence. This case study explores the effectiveness of integrating human rights approaches with conflict prevention strategies to combat hate speech and disinformation, through a review of 12 projects that reveal critical issues such as electoral violence, youth vulnerability and inclusion, ethnic, religious, and political discrimination, and gender-based hate speech.

This case study is an excerpt from a larger 2024 Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) Thematic Review examining synergies between human rights and peacebuilding. It examined a select sample of PBF programming – 92 projects implemented in 45 countries and territories – that were supported between 2017 and 2022, with a view to collecting best practices and lessons learned, and contributing to better understanding of how human rights and peacebuilding tools and strategies may complement each other in advancing peace and preventing conflict. This case study appears on pages 47 to 58 of the full report. Access the hate speech case study infographic here .

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2024 PBF Thematic Review: Synergies between Human Rights and Peacebuilding in PBF-supported Programming

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Cybersecurity Threats, Vulnerabilities and Resilience Among Women Human Rights Defenders and Civil Society in South-East Asia

Improving collaboration can boost team productivity by up to 50% and enhance decision-making by up to 87% . Approximately 67% of employees stress the need for better remote collaboration opportunities, yet many companies fall behind when it comes to adopting platforms capable of creating engaging team environments.

Other factors, like design change orders and inaccessible data sources, can further disrupt collaboration and communication as well as companies’ decision-making processes.

This article explores the impacts of inadequate collaboration methods on worker productivity, highlights the subsequent business challenges this causes, and explores how immersive 3D technology can transform collaboration and improve project workflows. You will learn:

• How poor collaboration directly affects stakeholders productivity and workflows.
• How collaborative technology improves project operations and empowers workers to overcome barriers.
• How Unity Industry’s range of products and support services can unify data and project stakeholders on a single, comprehensive platform.

Read on to discover why current collaboration methods fall short and how immersive 3D collaboration tools can expedite decision-making, minimize costly errors, and enhance feedback loops.

The impact of inadequate collaboration

Everyday, workers across industries like manufacturing, energy, and construction encounter challenges stemming from inefficient collaboration tools. Here are just a few examples:

1. Project coordination

Troy, a plant engineer, finds himself buried under a mountain of data and processes scattered across various formats and systems. Shifting through disparate data systems to create a work plan is tedious and doesn’t give Troy the time he needs to effectively communicate project details with stakeholders. This leads to communication gaps and missed updates.

2. Assembly process

Jim, a project lead at a manufacturing firm, is tasked with overseeing the product assembly process. His main challenge? Ensuring that design changes are communicated clearly to every stakeholder. This task is made difficult by the lack of accessible design review tools for non-technical staff on the assembly line. When Jim delivers unclear or inaccessible design changes to stakeholders, it results in misunderstandings and errors in assembly execution.

3. Quality control

Mark, a dedicated site manager, manages construction project inspections. With a lengthy checklist of quality standards and codes to uphold, it can be easy for details to be missed. Doing so jeopardizes the confidence in both project completion and quality assurance .

By the end of each task, workers like Troy, Jim, and Mark are left feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and plagued by self-doubt. The lack of effective collaboration tools not only impacts worker productivity, but also presents considerable business challenges including increased costs, delays, and the need for extensive rework.

The right solution to improve collaboration

In each of these cases, what’s needed is a solution that empowers the workers to synchronize data and unite project stakeholders in a shared, interactive platform.

Unity Industry is that solution. By leveraging immersive 3D technology, developers can repurpose existing 3D models, such as BIM and CAD, to build and deploy real-time collaboration applications for their organizations that:

• Identify mistakes earlier by creating interactive experiences of preliminary designs, enabling stakeholders to provide feedback, in real-time.
• Transform complex 3D models to consolidate data into a single, accessible interface, ensuring all project stakeholders, regardless of their technical expertise, can engage effectively and make informed decisions.
• Facilitates multiuser collaboration by ensuring all stakeholders, regardless of their technical expertise, can access and interact with assets in real-time, across 20+ platforms and devices.

Let’s explore how Unity Industry can be used to create immersive collaborative applications to transform each worker’s daily operations.

Transforming workflows with immersive 3D

Troy starts his day by launching the immersive collaboration application, created by his company’s developer team, on his desktop. Through the Asset Manager feature within his app, Troy is able to upload all existing 3D models and data for an upcoming project and leverage cloud-based assets to transform pipelines that will automatically integrate and optimize all project data into interactive, high-quality visuals.

With all the project information already available within one platform, Troy compiles a detailed, engaging work plan that includes all the standards, procedures, and 3D models required for the project. Once finalized, he shares the plan with on-site plant workers directly through the app.

Feedback loops become efficient and dynamic , with on-site workers able to review, comment on, and suggest adjustments to the plan. They can share their input with Troy in real-time within the app.

At Jim’s manufacturing company, assembly line workers notice discrepancies between intended product design blueprints and actual production outcomes. They quickly access the immersive collaboration app on their mobile devices to make notes of these inconsistencies. Although Jim is not present on-site when these issues are identified, the app’s seamless cloud connectivity through Unity Cloud allows him to review the documented notes and promptly collaborate with the design department from any location with internet access.

Design changes are seamlessly communicated through the app, ensuring the assembly team is always working with the most current design information. Complex updates become manageable tasks, fostering smoother workflows and reducing costly errors .

At a construction site, Mark is armed with an immersive collaborative application on his mixed reality headset. He uses AR to overlay virtual designs onto the actual built environment to verify all site details.

Once Mark completes his inspection, on-site contractors receive instant notifications from the app on their mobile devices to confirm that the inspection has been completed. Clients and other stakeholders can also check the latest status of the project via the app on their preferred devices.

Transitioning to a tool that enables real-time, accessible, and interactive collaboration has streamlined each of these workflows, created more efficient feedback loops, allowed for quicker decision-making, and reduced costly errors.

Leveraging Unity Industry to build your collaboration app

By enabling the creation of immersive, interactive experiences, consolidating complex models for easier review, and making real-time data more accessible, Unity Industry is setting a new standard in collaboration and decision-making.

Get Unity Industry to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders while accelerating decision-making processes and ensuring projects remain on track.

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