21 Oct VDC, Virtual Design Construction is Forging the Future
The future seems full of possibilities. For the construction industry, the use of technology and innovation are key in its enduring productivity and global impact. One of these ingenious tools that support this pursuit is Virtual Design and Construction (VDC).
What exactly is VDC? The methodology was primarily introduced by Professor Martin Fischer, director of Stanford University’s Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE), back in 2001 following the school’s core mission to improve the planning, design, construction, and operation of a variety of structures. By using the word “virtual”, the creators wanted to highlight the distinctive and modern approach of this method versus the traditional ones. In this new virtual scenario, a digital twin of the physical construction would be generated. The site would be planned and built virtually before anything at the physical location would take place. Naturally, the phases of design and construction are the most significant aspects of a project, but VDC is not just limited to designers and contractors. Its focus is the entire life cycle of the structure.
VDC is not just about the technology that creates the digital model, but it also involves the individuals with their unique skill sets that are working together to achieve one goal. The modern technology available allows for these different teams to work in an integrated and simultaneous way. Additionally, VDC focuses on collecting data as the project progresses. This allows the workgroup to track the status of the project and make any needed adjustments, thus helping achieve the objectives set by the project management and the client.
Some of the primary elements of a VDC model are the Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE), the Product Production Management (PPM), and the Building Information Model (BIM). This latter element plays a major role in the VDC but should not be confused with the method itself. Some highlights are that the BIM lends support to decision-making on the project and easily presents design challenges to the project team or to the client. This is just a very abbreviated explanation of the BIM, but it proves its importance in the VDC methodology. VDC has as its focal point the planning of the construction of the BIM model and will include budget, cost estimation, and scheduling.
When considering some basic principles of the Virtual Design and Construction method, it is clear that such a process will reduce construction risks, eliminate project team and customer conflicts, and contribute to an overall reduction of project costs. When you consider your future projects, you want to make sure you have the keys to success. With such innovative tools as VDC and BIM, DDD has placed itself at the forefront of the construction industry in the Caribbean, proving itself to be a partnership aimed at bringing their clients vision to reality. Contact us to learn how we can make your vision a reality.