The goal of Maeda’s project was to create the infrastructure for a new research facility without interfering with ongoing work in the laboratories. Critical to its success was the use of Bentley's MicroStation-based building information modeling (BIM) solutions as a tool to combine the project's function and space, and to efficiently manage the architectural design and production processes.

Said Maeda project manager Hirohiko Fujii: "The capability to assign many attributes to objects and maintain them provided us with a great advantage. The 3D models can be extended to diverse processes such as design, construction, estimation, and facility management. Since MicroStation and Bentley's BIM solutions support engineering-based workflows, they can be used to maintain models for architecture, facilities, and structures in integrated environments."

The design schedule was very tight, but Maeda used Bentley software's visualization functions to efficiently communicate with the client - nsuring the client's requirements and the project schedule were both met. At the same time, virtual simulation and real-time cost simulation allowed flexible and rapid confirmation of the exterior design.

The modeling efforts that formerly took eight months to complete only took two months with Bentley's BIM solutions, and the time required to create and modify drawings was reduced as well. In addition, the accurate models helped designers and subcontractors avoid duplication of work.

Bentley's BIM solutions improved the project workflow and contributed to reduced workloads for all of the designers. Moreover, it facilitated consistent data management in the production process - from design through construction.

For more information on Maeda’s winning project and all of the other 2005 BE Award projects, visit http://www.be.org/2005beawardwinners. For more information on the Bentley products used in this project, visit http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Markets/Building and http://www.bentley.com/bim.

Maeda was established in 1919 and has become one of Japan’s leading building and civil engineering contractors. Maeda has extensive experience in civil engineering and building in the following areas: dams and power stations (hydro, thermal, and nuclear); railways, subways, tunnels, subterranean works, highways, and bridges; harbor, river, and levee works; reclamation, dredging, and land development; water supply, drainage, and sewage disposal systems; irrigation and water control systems; airports; schools, hospitals, and office buildings; residential buildings; stores; athletic and entertainment facilities; and factories and warehouses. For more information, visit http://www.maeda.co.jp/index_e.html.