Leicestershire-based architects, IMA Architects, has achieved the leading global certification within a specialist area of architecture and construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM).
The company has achieved ISO 19650, the most significant global information management and BIM certification available today. This has been secured following an in-depth assessment of IMA’s knowledge of BIM, its management and IT systems, and how the use of BIM has been implemented successfully on client projects.
ISO 19650 is an international standard that regulates the management of information across the full lifecycle of a building using BIM. It defines collaborative processes for the effective management of information throughout the delivery and operational phase of the building. Significantly, ISO 19650 is recognised in both the UK and USA.
Anthony Day, Managing Director of IMA Architects, explains: “Building Information Modelling has been developing for several years and is now essential for the successful delivery of construction projects. It enables collaborative working across all disciplines involved in the design, construction, maintenance, and use of buildings, meaning that all parties can share information simultaneously and in one place, helping to drive efficiencies across the project, ensuring it is delivered on time.
“BIM creates a digital intelligent model of the building (or buildings) which is adapted across its lifecycle, from planning and design through to construction. Data is gathered continuously, meaning that proposed changes can be implemented and trialled within the BIM model first prior to implementation in the real world.”
IMA has successfully implemented BIM technology across a range of client projects, including the recent office development at Ednaston Business Park for Clowes Developments.
Closely linked to BIM is the concept of the ‘Digital Twin’ and IMA has invested significantly over the past 12 months to create what is believed to be a UK first – a working prototype of the technology known as the ‘IMA Digital Pods’.
With a Digital Twin, sensors are built into the building that feed data back to the digital model, showing how even the slightest change could impact performance in the real world. This grants the building owner or manager access to real-time data with an in-depth analysis of a building’s performance. Commands can also be sent from the Digital Model to activate or deactivate devices in the Pods as well as monitoring performance.
Anthony Day adds: “We aim to be one of the UK’s leading architects specialising in the use of BIM and Digital Construction techniques due to the benefits they can deliver for our clients, and also the environment.
“Having accurate information on a building’s performance can make huge savings for a business in terms of energy use and reducing emissions, which is becoming a significant focus within the industry. To now have our expertise accredited with ISO 19650 is hugely satisfying for the team.”
