Gehry Technologies Receives 2008 AIA TAP BIM Award for Process Innovation
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Gehry Technologies Receives 2008 AIA TAP BIM Award for Process Innovation

The American Institute of Architects recognizes Gehry Technologies' advancements in BIM-driven building delivery processes for Swire Properties' One Island East Tower in Hong Kong

LOS ANGELES, May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Gehry Technologies is among the 2008 recipients of the prestigious Building Information Model (BIM) Awards, given by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Technology in the Architectural Practice Knowledge Community (TAP). Gehry Technologies (GT) received the award for "Design / Delivery Process Innovation Using BIM" for One Island East, a 70-storey commercial office tower in Hong Kong.

Swire Properties Ltd., the owner of One Island East, drove the use of Building Information Modeling and Building Lifecycle Management on this project to reduce cost and construction time, increase efficiency and reduce waste throughout the design, construction and facilities management processes.

"One Island East was one of the most substantial implementations of virtual 3D building lifecycle information management ever implemented. The project set a new high standard for the use of BIM on construction projects worldwide. Particularly in the area of MEP coordination, collaborative work methods and construction process simulation, this project has shown the substantial savings that are now available through the implementation of new technologies and working methods such as those provided by GT," said Martin Riese, Managing Director of GT Asia. "The key ingredient was the owner's leadership of the process, but this award also recognizes the work of dozens -- if not hundreds -- of dedicated project team collaborators. The One Island East project would not have won this award without the dedication and commitment of numerous organizations such as Swire Properties Ltd., Wong & Ouyang Architects, Arup, Levett&Bailey, Meinhardt Hong Kong, Gammon Construction, Balfour Beatty E&M, Gartner Hong Kong and a number of others."

This owner-driven BIM implementation combined the entire traditional design and construction teams into one virtual 3D building design and construction information management process using Digital Project(TM) software from GT. As BIM consultants to the owner, the GT Asia team enabled and facilitated a higher degree of information integration and exchange between all members of the design and construction teams, the supply chain and the client.

Stephen Fong, General Manager for Swire Properties, said, "With Digital Project we found an effective tool that enables us to deliver buildings that are accurately designed, coordinated, economically procured and delivered in a timely, high quality and within budget manner." An additional major environmental bonus was the significant reduction of construction waste because well-coordinated and articulated design drawings meant minimal abortive works during construction.

Fong continued, "One Island East was scheduled for single-phased occupation in March 2008. With this pioneering management system that facilitated collaboration across all disciplines of the development process, the completion date was achieved and met all requirements of commitment to tenants ahead of programme. It provided three-dimensional information on the buildability of the design during the planning stage, and therefore minimized potential abortive works due to clashes, subsequent waste generation, as well as our cost and time. The system was effective in detecting 'clashes' between building elements during the design stage, and 4D construction process simulations helped to optimize construction sequencing. The Internet-based, 3D project information database provided the stakeholders, project team and entire project supply chain with instant, real-time visibility into the entire building process. It also underscores Swire Properties' environmental protection values with its paperless bidding process and seamless project administration."

"This distinction underscores GT's efforts to pursue industry advancements through technology and comprehensive process change," said Stuart Jacobson, CEO of Gehry Technologies. "GT is honored to receive this 2008 TAP BIM Process Innovation Award."

About Gehry Technologies

Gehry Technologies (GT) provides technology and services to leading owners, developers, architects, engineers, general contractors, fabricators and other building industry professionals worldwide. GT engages directly with clients to increase creativity and control; reduce project risks, costs and completion times; and improve processes and decisions through collaboration, project visibility and information access. GT develops and sells Digital Project(TM), a suite of powerful 3D building information modeling (BIM) and management tools. GT is privately held, with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Hong Kong and Beijing. For more information about Gehry Technologies, visit http://www.gehrytechnologies.com or phone 310-862-1200 (USA). For more information about GT Asia, contact Martin Riese at Email Contact or 852 2625 9222 (Hong Kong). GT press contact: Jackie Holen, 415-596-4260 (USA), Email Contact

About Swire Properties

Incorporated in 1972, Swire Properties develops and manages commercial, retail and residential properties which offer exceptional and inviting environments in prime locations, with a strategy to "hub" its investment properties at major mass transportation intersections, providing the highest level of accessibility and connectivity to its tenants and patrons. The completed portfolio in Hong Kong totals over 14.5 million sq ft (over 1.3 million sqm) of gross floor area, with Island East, Pacific Place and Festival Walk as its core holdings, reflecting its strength in building communities. Besides Hong Kong, the Company has a presence in China, the USA as well as the United Kingdom. In 2008, the Company formed Swire Hotels to create and manage small luxury hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the United Kingdom, providing an exceptional experience for travelers who seek individuality, style and personalised service.

In China, Swire Properties has a portfolio under development amounting to 7.9 million sq ft. It owns a majority stake in The Village at Sanlitun, a joint venture with Gateway Capital, in Beijing, of which the first phase is scheduled for opening in summer 2008. It also has a retail-led mixed use development in Chaoyang, Beijing in partnership with Sino-Ocean Land. Two other substantial Mainland projects currently in progress are TaiKoo Hui in Guangzhou and the Dazhongli project in Shanghai.

The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the publicly listed Swire Pacific Limited whose businesses are grouped under five operating divisions -- property, aviation, beverages, marine services and trading & industrial. Visit Swire Properties' website at http://www.swireproperties.com.

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Web site: http://www.gehrytechnologies.com/
http://www.swireproperties.com/