Early Adoption and Exemplary Use of Building Information Modeling Earns Firm an Autodesk BIM Experience Award

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, has announced that Mortenson Construction, a Minnesota-based firm that provides diversified construction services, has been selected to receive an Autodesk BIM Experience Award.

The firm is being honored for using building information modeling (BIM) on more than 100 projects since 1998 at a total construction value exceeding $6 billion. Mortenson Construction is also being recognized for its use of Autodesk software for BIM, including Autodesk Revit Architecture, Autodesk Revit Structure and Autodesk Navisworks, on projects ranging from resort hotels to the Harley-Davidson Museum.

"BIM and Autodesk's portfolio of BIM software are a mainstay at Mortenson and are used in every aspect of our construction practices," said Derek Cunz, director of project development, Mortenson Construction. "In fact, we're one of only two pure contractors to be included in Building Design & Construction magazine's Top 50 BIM Adopters ranking from their 2009 Giants 300 Report."

BIM Process Solves Harley-Davidson Museum Challenge and Reduces RFIs on Tulalip Resort Hotel Project

The design scheme for the exterior of the 130,000-square-foot Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI, which opened in July 2008, called for exposed components to thematically echo the exposed elements of the historic motorcycles housed in the facility. The key challenge was to balance the scheme for the exterior with the need to minimize visual interference from the complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems required. To help accomplish the task the team used Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and AutoCAD MEP software as well as a single Autodesk Navisworks 3D model to assist in consolidating and hiding internal structural and MEP elements. The Autodesk Navisworks model (running on a computer in a job-site trailer) was used by foremen, superintendents and subcontractors to plan, communicate and review locations in order to help them fit everything correctly.

For the Tulalip Resort Hotel, a $130 million, 12-story, 387-room hotel, spa and conference center in Marysville, WA, that opened in the summer of 2008, the use of a BIM process resulted in a higher level of collaboration with the owner, architect, subcontractors and even onsite craft and trades people. The project team used Autodesk Navisworks software and traditional documentation to create integrated work plans (IWPs). These IWPs were layout drawings given to the field crews that consolidated the construction information for a specific task, combining standard 2D plans and elevations with 3D views from Navisworks software into one delivery source. By using a BIM process, IWPs and a single Autodesk Navisworks 3D model, the team was able to realize a 30 percent reduction in RFIs and a 26 percent increase in production of shear walls. As a result, the team was able to implement a fast-track approach by beginning construction using design documents only 60 percent complete and deliver the project in just 22 months, three months ahead of schedule.

In addition to Revit platform software and Navisworks, Mortenson Construction also uses many other Autodesk software applications to complement its BIM process such as AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D software. Master Graphics, Madison, WI provides Mortenson Construction with Autodesk software and implementation support.

"A 10-year plus track record implementing and promoting a BIM process makes Mortenson Construction a pioneer in the field of advanced AEC practice," said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Autodesk AEC Solutions. "It's no surprise that they received a Technology in Architectural Practice BIM award from the American Institute of Architects in 2003 and 2006, and a honorable mention in 2009. We're delighted to present Mortenson Construction with an Autodesk BIM Experience Award."

The Autodesk BIM Experience Award celebrates professionals and educators around the world who are helping to drive industry transformation through building information modeling. Autodesk honors organizations for their innovation, leadership and excellence in implementing BIM with the help of core BIM products, including one or more of the Autodesk Revit products based on the Revit platform and other Autodesk products that complement the BIM process.

BIM is an integrated process that allows architects, engineers and builders to explore a project digitally before it's built. Coordinated, reliable information is used throughout the process to design innovative projects, accurately visualize appearance for better communication, and simulate real-world performance for better understanding of important characteristics such as cost, scheduling and environmental impact.

About Mortenson Construction

Mortenson Construction provides diversified construction services, offering customer-centric general contracting, construction management, design-build, program management, project development and "turn-key" development. Mortenson has expertise in a wide range of project types, including healthcare, sports, science and technology, manufacturing, cultural, renewable power, government, hospitality, and corporate. Headquartered in Minnesota, and founded in 1954, Mortenson Construction has over 2,200 employees, operating in 47 U.S. states and China. In 1990, Mortenson Construction reached Engineering News Record's list of top 50 contractors, and has remained within the top 50 every year since with a recent jump in position from 38th to 22nd in the publication's July 2009 listing of nationwide, top contractors over the past two years.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Navisworks and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

(C) 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Contact:          Ralph Bond, Autodesk (503) 707-3920
    Email:            ralph.bond@autodesk.com

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SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/
http://www.mortenson.com/