Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are currently two of the most talked about subjects in the design and construction industry, because of their tremendous potential to enhance and improve the building process. Every architect, contractor and, without a doubt, owner is always searching for ways to conserve resources and work more efficiently. For Cook Childrens Medical Center, the project team applied IPD principles and utilized BIM, although contracts remained traditional. Bound only by a gentlemen's agreement to employ these cutting-edge tools, the design and construction teams were fueled by the desire to produce the highest quality results as efficiently as possible.

The use of both IPD and BIM/3D technology streamlined the Cook teams project process dramatically. BIM/3D brought the team together, enabling not just the architect, but all team members to see the project in ways not previously possible. Their IPD approach allowed for true collaborative input by opening new lines of communication and making the entire team one. The design team could more clearly communicate design intent to the owners representatives, the contractor and sub-contractors. This facilitated a dialogue of affordability and cost accountability early on, giving users, administrators and estimators full disclosure to make more informed decisions.

The team began the project in the traditional manner, communicating with the typical paper drawings. As the 3D model was developed, team members began using it in conjunction with 2D drawings to enhance the presentation and communication of schematic design and design development intent. While the users, administrators and contractor were quizzical about this new method at first, they quickly realized the benefits of the enhanced clarity and accuracy it offered. Soon, the client representatives were asking to use only the 3D model with comments such as, "For the first time, I can see and actually understand what I am looking at and how much space we have." Even the construction manager observed, "Weve gathered sign-off from users for years knowing full well they had no clue what they were really getting until they entered the finished building that has now all changed." This allowed for less rework on all parties and a better overall outcome including more efficient use of time and budget.

As part of the early adoption of the 3D tool, team members modeled completed Cook buildings on Google Earth. The 3D tool allowed them to quickly add new information onto the existing Cook model and present proposed growth options. This allowed the client and team to quickly get an accurate understanding of the options. Texture mapping easily-rendered elevations of the 3D models added realism yet keeping the files small enough for live presentations. The team recorded animations of the models for very effective presentations.

An especially valuable facet of IPDs success was seen in streamlined communication of building details. At the projects earliest stages, if the architect or contractor noticed a complicated condition in the model they would sketch a detail. All parties would comment on the detail, adding additional annotation if necessary; the sketch was shared until all parties were in agreement on its intent. This collaborative process allowed for proactive, synergetic resolutions, eliminating costly and untimely discussions and changes to critical details later during construction when changes are costly. Shop drawings became the architects basis of detailing, allowing no surprises during review. Result: quick turnaround, saving time and money for all parties.