Newcastle-based Ryder Architecture is working with the University of Teesside on a government-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to investigate different ways in which BIM can be implemented into facilities management.
Ryder staff and Teesside academics will examine how knowledge can be adapted to provide data and information to manage the building after its construction is completed, while another aim is to create a better “feedback loop” to architects and engineers so they can design better buildings.
KTPs typically last for two years and are a collaboration between a university and a company. They are part-funded by the government’s Innovate UK agency to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through technology and skills.
The new KTP is being overseen at Teesside University by Professor Nash Dawood and Dr Mohamad Kassem from the School of Science and Engineering, who both have wide experience on international BIM projects: Dawood is advising on BIM implementation for the Qatari government, while Kassem is pursuing a project for the Brazilian government.
Speaking of the new KTP project, Dawood said: “This research has really helped to push the body of knowledge to see how BIM can be used beyond the construction suite. This can have a huge impact on the efficiency of running a building.”
Omar Tapponi, the KTP associate who is being seconded to Ryder, said: “The project has allowed me to look into lots of different ways in which BIM can be implemented. One particularly interesting aspect is the use of BIM in conservation and heritage projects. But we’re looking at all sorts of different ways in which we can take BIM data and provide additional functionality.”
Tapponi graduated from Imperial College in 2014 with an MSc in Management, after a degree in electronic and communications engineering. His role will include capturing relevant FM requirement from clients, and evaluating FM standards and technologies
This is the third KTP that Ryder has undertaken with Teesside University, and the practice says that its research into BIM has helped position it to attract clients in Australia and the Far East, including consulting on BIM for FM at the Sydney Opera House.
Peter Barker, director at Ryder Architecture and managing director of the BIM Academy, said: “From Ryder’s perspective, the KTP has really helped to broaden our services, not just in terms of designing the client’s building but also having the potential to deliver reliable information about the building for the operational stage.
“At the moment only a small proportion of building projects are using BIM for facilities management, so there is huge scope out there.”
Main image: l-r Professor Nash Dawood, Omar Tapponi, Peter Barker
From Ryder’s perspective, the KTP has really helped to broaden our services, not just in terms of designing the client’s building but also having the potential to deliver reliable information about the building for the operational stage.– Peter Barker, director at Ryder Architecture
