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Developing a 3D BIM Model for Renovation of Phillips Point Towers in West Palm Beach
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3D laser scanning services to create a 3D BIM model helped to support the large-scale renovation of two office towers in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Phillips Point East and West towers, built in 1985, comprise 637,180 square feet of office and retail space, with two parking garages, all situated on a 4.3-acre property.
Survey Control and Phased BIM Delivery
Accurate survey control was essential to ensure precise alignment of the 3D laser scans and maintain geographic accuracy. Promethean Builders, the client, requested phased delivery of the 3D BIM model to manage the project’s complexity. Phased modeling allowed the general contractor to focus on one section at a time, ensuring high-quality results before moving to the next phase.
Navigating Coordination Challenges
The project required schematic designs for structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. However, the primary challenge was coordinating work around the tenants' varied schedules, including stock traders and other firms handling sensitive content.
“Realistically, it was just getting with the building manager, the property manager, the construction team, and finding exactly what they needed, where we needed to go, and when we could get availability,” explained Project Manager Tyler Zak. “It was really just about excellent communication between all parties to make sure that we accommodated their schedule as much as we possibly could, to make sure we got the data collected that we needed to.”
Our experience working within sensitive environments ensured operations ran smoothly. The company’s nationwide team of Project Managers enabled rapid on-site responses to meet project demands.
Comprehensive Documentation and Workflow
Zak and fellow Project Manager Shamar Orr developed a detailed workflow to coordinate with on-site trades and capture accurate existing conditions. This included identifying optimal scanner setup locations and establishing the project workflow to accurately estimate site time requirements.
“[The towers are] pretty big buildings,” Zak noted. “Making sure that we were able to capture all the features that the client wanted was difficult from ground level, so we mitigated that by getting out on the sides of the buildings through offices, windows, and things like that where we could get better vantage points of the higher levels and things like that, to make sure that we were getting the most accurate data possible.”
Utilizing Laser Scanning and BIM for Precise Renovation
Zak and Orr employed Leica P-Series and RTC360 LiDAR scanners to collect construction-grade accurate data, producing detailed point clouds of the site’s architectural, structural, and MEP elements. The CAD team used Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) to centralize project information, enabling real-time collaboration among stakeholders and efficient phased delivery of the 3D BIM model.
The BIM model also outlined HVAC system specifications, facilitating interdisciplinary coordination, clash detection, and accurate construction scheduling. “I think it was just a pretty incredible model, in the end,” Zak said. “I think we gave the client a great, high-quality product.”
Proven Technology for Complex Projects
Laser scanning technology provided the accuracy and detail necessary to document as-built conditions efficiently. These scans offered essential insights for planning, clash detection, and facility modifications. 3D BIM services have helped clients mitigate risks, reduce costs, and avoid downtime through precise visualization, prefabrication, and space definition.
Existing Conditions has earned a national reputation for excellence in the BIM 3D scanning industry, completing hundreds of projects annually on time and within budget. Our project managers use survey-grade Leica equipment to collect millions of data points, ensuring that each model meets the highest industry standards.
Existing Conditions support architects and builders with reliable BIM solutions to keep projects on time, on budget, and safe.
FAQs
How Does Laser Scanning Work?
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One primary method is that a laser scanner sends light pulses at high speeds which reflect off objects and return to the scanners’ sensor. For each pulse, the distance between the scanner and object is measured by determining the elapsed time between the sent and received pulses. Each point of the scan will be converted to a pixel with a known x-, y-, and z- coordinate. Laser scans or LiDAR scans are taken in multiple positions around a site from varying viewpoints. Millions of data points are captured and processed into a point cloud, creating an accurate data set of the structure or site.
What are the Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning?
3D laser scanning captures millions of 3D data points per second for each scan location, providing incredibly rich data of a building or project site. Sites are captured in high detail the first time, eliminating disruption and the need for return visits. Datasets are dimensionally accurate, measurable and shareable, expediting project planning and execution. Accurate design plans are produced from the start expediting field work and reducing change orders, delays and costs. Communication is improved, teams can discuss plans while each has access to the same information, creating a more dynamic working environment.
How Accurate is the Point Cloud and BIM Model?
Point clouds are a digital representation of spatial information, stored as a collection of points with three spatial coordinates. They are millimeter-accurate and are scanned in the level of detail required for your project. BIM model features are created to your project-specific scope, LOD specifications can vary throughout the model. By specifying scope and project details, BIM models can be customized to your project.
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