SLAM Tech Enhances Independence Wharf Renovation

When undertaking an extensive renovation project, any designer will tell you how important it is to have accurate, detailed building drawings. But unfortunately, these drawings don't always exist — even for newer buildings. That's why we say there are as-builts, and then there are "as-intended" drawings: because as-intended rarely matches what was actually built.

This is a challenge that SGA, a Boston and New York-based architectural and design firm, came up against in their recent renovation of Independence Wharf.

The extensive renovation of this modern office building required a high level of accuracy, but with no accurate drawings available, they selected Existing Conditions to provide extremely precise data. This enabled them to achieve the accuracy required to deliver a first-in-class design for their client.

History of the Independence Wharf

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Independence Wharf, located at 470 Atlantic Avenue in Boston, is a modern office building on the historic site of the Boston Tea Party. Completed in 1927 and renovated in 2001 and 2004, it features updated facades, windows, and systems, providing office spaces with impressive views of Boston Harbor. Today, Independence Wharf is a modern office building offering stunning views of the Boston Harbor.

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Why SGA Selected Existing Conditions

SGA, an architecture and design firm established in 1991 in Boston and New York City, has been collaborating with Existing Conditions for nearly 20 years on various projects, fostering a strong partnership. The project at 470 Atlantic Avenue, known as Independence Wharf, began with Existing Conditions scanning the 5th floor in March 2014. In December 2021, SGA reached out to Existing Conditions for assistance in the current state of the building for a new project.

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Scope of Work Evolution at the Independence Wharf

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In our field operations for this large, vertical building of over 300,000 square feet, Existing Conditions introduced a new technology called the NavVis VLX, our first 3D laser scanner that incorporates SLAM technology. This is a special scanner that you wear on your shoulders, and it scans the building as you walk through it. The great aspect of this scanner is that it's the first of its kind that can connect to specific survey control points.

On January 3rd, 2022, Existing Conditions started our fieldwork process by scanning the core of the building, from the ground up to the roof, using the Leica ScanStation P50 Series and Leica RTC360 laser scanners. Utilizing the Leica RTC360, Leica ScanStation P50, and the NavVis VLX together enhances our existing workflows. Because of this, Existing Conditions could scan the entire 300,000 square feet in less than two weeks, which is fast!

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It also let Existing Conditions document the whole building in color, which would have taken much longer if we hadn't used the NavVis VLX scanner. This was the first time Existing Conditions tried this new hybrid approach with SLAM technology, and we were able to document the Independence Wharf with careful scan plans and the exact workflow.

Existing Conditions benefited from onsite assistance, allowing access to the building, which was largely vacant due to COVID-19, enabling us to navigate quickly and efficiently. Our team processed the data in four days and delivered a comprehensive package on March 8th, 2022. This included a 3D Revit model, core and shell floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, exterior elevations, a roof plan, building sections, and a drone survey.

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The Challenge

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Existing Conditions was tasked with providing SGA with accurate and detailed architectural drawings and a drone survey for a substantial renovation project. The Independence Wharf, a sprawling structure of nearly half a million square feet, was set to undergo significant updates to its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with a revamp of its architectural core and shell.

When you need accurate as-builts, call Existing Conditions, now a GPRS Company.

Given the scale and complexity of the renovation, SGA needed extremely precise drawings to make sure that their work could be executed accurately. The primary challenge faced by SGA was the lack of reliable architectural drawings of this newer building. The only available drawings were outdated ones found in the building’s basement, which were deemed too inaccurate to be trusted for a project of this magnitude.

“Existing Conditions responds quickly, accurate work, and drawing files back promptly” - William Gisness, Owner of SGA.

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To overcome this obstacle, Existing Conditions deployed state-of-the-art reality capture technologies. This approach not only allowed Existing Conditions to create the detailed documentation needed for the renovation but also helped in identifying unforeseen issues. While processing the data, Existing Conditions detected significant deformations in the building’s floors, likely a result of its proximity to a nearby water channel.

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The Solution

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When Existing Conditions uncovered the issue of uneven floors during our processing phase, we immediately communicated this critical discovery to both our client and the new building owner. Existing Conditions’ timely sharing of information provided them with essential situational awareness, enabling them to address potential structural concerns before moving forward with the renovation. This proactive approach ensured that the renovation could proceed with minimal risk, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the building and ensuring the safety of its future occupants.

To gain a thorough understanding of the building, the project team employed a variety of advanced techniques including laser scanning, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and drone surveying. Specifically, Existing Conditions utilized the state-of-the-art NavVis VLX scanner system to meticulously scan each floor of the building. This was the first time the Independence Wharf team had utilized laser scan data on such a grand scale, and they found the resulting 346,225-square-foot digital twin of the building to be incredibly beneficial! The high-resolution, accurate digital model provided by the scans will be invaluable for ongoing and future projects.

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Existing Conditions’ deliverables will be used extensively for feasibility studies, helping to align the building’s renovations with climate action goals, conducting community benefit studies, and much more. This strategic and detailed approach to understanding and documenting the building’s condition sets a strong foundation for all subsequent renovation efforts and long-term property management.

We provide construction-grade existing conditions data for every variety of architectural, engineering, and construction project. Contact us today.

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How This Project Was Unique

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This project stood out because of the innovative way Existing Conditions delivered the data. For this project, Existing Conditions hosted all the data online on a cloud viewer for the first time. This change allowed the client to take a virtual 3D tour of the entire building in vibrant color immediately after Existing Conditions completed the scanning.

This instant, easy access to detailed visual data marked a significant innovation in how Existing Conditions present our findings, making it more convenient and accessible for our clients. Additionally, we utilized the Leica ScanStation P50 scanner, known for its capability to capture details from distances as far as nearly a kilometer.

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This feature was particularly beneficial for this project because the building is located next to a body of water and a bridge. Since scanning directly from the water side was not feasible, we operated the Leica ScanStation P50 from the bridge. This strategic use of technology-enabled Existing Conditions to capture the entire water-facing side of the building.

Moreover, we incorporated the use of the NavVis VLX SLAM 3D laser scanner, a wearable device that scans as you walk. This allowed us to efficiently scan the interiors, using the data in conjunction with the broader scans from the Leica P50. This unique approach to scanning and data delivery set this project apart, showcasing our ability to adapt and innovate to meet specific project needs and site conditions.

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Where the Independence Wharf Stands Now

According to LoopNet, Independence Wharf is getting ready for a big update, even though it's only two years old. The building will have a $2 million makeover for its lobby and outside area. This renovation is designed by the Boston-based architecture, planning, and interior design firm named Jung/Brannen Associates Inc.

They plan to add a backlit glass canopy over the entrance and put up new signs outside, including one with Gallagher's name on it. Inside, the lobby will get a fresh look too. The old dark wood will be swapped for a lighter color, and the security desk will be changed to match a nautical theme that goes with a curved design in the ceiling. These changes are part of making the building look and feel more welcoming and modern.

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Experience the Future of Building Documentation with Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions consistently utilizes state-of-the-art reality capture technologies, such as the NavVis VLX 3D laser scanner, to deliver the highest quality and most accurate as-built drawings. You can rely on Existing Conditions’ advanced scanning techniques and comprehensive documentation services for successful renovations and new constructions.

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