Laser Scanning & BIM for Adaptive Reuse

Our last post illustrated laser scanning and modeling for historic resource preservation.  Today, Origin 4 Design will demonstrate our techniques for creating highly accurate building information models (BIM) for adaptive reuse.

Our process utilizes laser scanning to quickly capture a highly accurate 3D point cloud of existing conditions.  This method is much faster than traditional field measurements and relates to overall project project efficiency and cost savings.  The resulting model is also highly accurate and retains the original field data, so that users may access all levels of detail. The quickness of the modeling time is directly related, extending project efficiency and cost savings further.   

Origin 4 Design, along with Case Technologies, worked with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) to create a case study in laser scanning and BIM for adaptive reuse.  We were lucky enough to gain access to the Produce Terminal building, a historically significant warehouse in the Strip District.  

Like Fallingwater, we strategized our scanning locations prior to arriving using existing floorplans.  Like most older floor plans, many of the later modifications were not documented in detail. 

To overcome this obsticle, we worked with building supervisors to address their concerns so that our documentation will provide the greatest wealth of information possible to the owner, operators, and future designers.

The image to the left is a raw point cloud (data gathered from the field).  It contains highly accurate spatial information and detailing. 

The building information modeling process is accomplished through the efforts of our strategic partner Case Technologies. 

Case Technologies uses AutoDesk products to read the raw point cloud data generated from the laser scanner and generate a model with a wealth of structural information. The model contains both raw point cloud data and building information data so that the highly accurate field information is not lost to the modeling process.

The model can also be used for environmental analysis.  The analysis will help designers develop the best techniques for redesigning the building.