Session 2.3
Heritage BIM on the Iconic Earthquake Damaged Christchurch Cathedral Reinstatement Project
Synopsis:
In a joint presentation between Holmes Consulting and Warren and Mahoney we discuss the process so far of reinstating the iconic neo gothic Christ Church Cathedral, and how we are collaborating & utilising BIM to ensure this building is once again the heart of Christchurch following two devastating earthquakes.
Learning Objectives:
1. Multiple companies working together in a single model environment. How’s, why’s, and lessons learnt.
2. Modelling of heritage building typology and utilising BIM technologies in conjunction with heritage craftsman during construction.
3. Utilising point cloud data and drone footage to safely and accurately record the state of an earthquake damaged heritage building.
Body:
As a result of the devastating 2010 & 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes, The Christ Church Cathedral is in a severely damaged state and requires significant structural intervention to restore it to safe use. This work will have many impacts on the visible architectural fabric of the building, both inside and outside and is about ensuring that Cathedral life can be restored and reinvigorated through careful design work while respecting the heritage fabric of the building. With the support and encouragement of the client, Christchurch Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd, a high level of BIM integration is possible as they recognise the benefits across the entire design team, during design and construction.
To minimise duplication, we decided that the process of creating an existing building model in Revit would be shared between Holmes Consulting (Structural Engineers) and Warren and Mahoney (Architects), resulting in utilising a shared Revit modelling environment between the two companies hosted on BIM 360. Working closely together, utilising technology such as point cloud surveys, drone footage and historic drawings we have been able to recreate the original Cathedral in all its glory.
By working together in a highly collaborative approach on this Revit model, we have been able to provide an accurate record of the Cathedral which has allowed the reinstatement design to progress without the need to enter the building. This includes the structural stabilisation & strengthening design and Architectural improvements to the Cathedral.
This is particularly important in early stabilisation stages of the project given the significant health and safety risks on site. However, as existing data is constantly being verified on site and updated in the model, we identified a need to record the accuracy of our modelled elements. Using Revizto as a cloud-based tracking tool we can ensure we are all up to date with the current accuracy of all areas in the model and identify where further investigation is required.
In a joint presentation between Holmes Consulting and Warren and Mahoney we discuss the honest how’s, why’s and lessons learnt by going down an open BIM collaboration approach; our model management strategy using BIM360; the continual use of point clouds and drone footage (supplied by BECA and Eliot Sinclair) and historical data to create an accurate shared Revit model; using Revizto as a data tracking tool; working with Naylor Love in a BIM environment throughout construction; using V.R. and Enscape renders to assist with marketing and client updates.
We believe BIM holds unlimited possibilities for this project and foresee this as an exciting opportunity to combine traditional craftsmanship such as stone masonry with new technology. Examples of technology we are investigating include C&C stone cutting from modelled Revit components.
The Christchurch Cathedral Reinstatement is an important part of the Christchurch rebuild that’s very close to the hearts of the people of Christchurch. Together we feel honoured to be a part of this unique project. We look forward to sharing our story with Architects, Engineers, BIM Technicians or anyone else interested to hear about a Heritage BIM project, in an honest, fun and passionate presentation.
Speakers:
Nic McEntyre
Warren and Mahoney Architects
Associate Senior Architectural Technician