Leonard Design was an early adopter of BIM (Building Information Modelling) seen as a great advancement in the design process for architecture and design. Using software such as Autodesk Revit the design process has been streamlined in multiple ways to create a much better finished product.
A perfect example of this streamlining has been the use of BIM software for the new HSBC building in Sheffield looking at the use of MEWPs on site. Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) are essential for the ongoing maintenance of a building. Using MEWPs allows workers to access the façade of the building from ground level to clean or maintain the cladding/windows where required.
With a relatively small footprint MEWPs are very flexible in where they can be placed however without careful planning sections of the façade could become inaccessible. This is especially a problem with public areas surrounding a building which include landscaping, bollards, benches etc.
Leonard Design utilised a BIM Library developed by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) to digitally place MEWPs around their design for the new HSBC office. This allowed the required footprint of each platform to be considered when planning the external spaces. This not only includes the space immediately outside the building but also the access route to these locations.
Powered Access magazine, a joint publication from Construction Manager & IPAF, spoke to director John Morgan about the project. Click the link below to read the full article.
