GRAPHISOFT > Case Studies > Szervita Square Building: A Case Study in Sustainable Design and BIM Integration

Szervita Square Building: A Case Study in Sustainable Design and BIM Integration

Technology Category

Sensors - GPS

Applicable Industries

Buildings
Glass

Applicable Functions

Facility Management
Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Building Automation & Control
Construction Management

About The Customer

The customer in this case study is the DVM Group, an architecture practice established in 1995 in Hungary. The DVM Group has become one of Hungary’s most prominent architecture practices, offering design, project management, and general construction services to their clients. They design buildings in compliance with both local and international standards, with their work visible across all sectors. The DVM Group emphasizes technical quality, functionality, aesthetics, customer-focus, and cost-efficiency in their work. They prioritize process integrity and use BIM extensively in their design and handoff workflows.

The Challenge

The DVM Group, a prominent architecture practice in Hungary, was tasked with designing the Szervita Square Building in Budapest. The challenge was to create a structure that would not only fit in with the historic architectural styles of the surrounding area but also meet the stringent requirements for LEED Platinum certification. The design involved hundreds of curved and polished panels to create a gleaming façade, which required meticulous attention to detail. Furthermore, the design had to go through multiple iterations due to the site's prestigious location and the LEED-certification requirement. The complexity of the design and the need for sustainability resulted in an extraordinary amount of data, which needed to be managed effectively.

The Solution

To manage the complexity of the design and the vast amount of data, the DVM Group utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) from the design phase through to the final handoff. They separated all of the elements into curved and not-curved models and used the polygon counter and specific model views to streamline the information. The team also used Archicad’s change management tool extensively throughout the process to track changes meticulously. A number of BIM solutions, including unique GDL objects, consignations, and automatic documentation features, were instrumental in getting the project to its final polished state. Furthermore, the BIM model was exported as an IFC model for the sustainability team to assess at each phase, ensuring the design met the criteria for functional and sustainable buildings.

Operational Impact

The use of BIM and other digital tools enabled the DVM Group to manage the complexity of the design and the vast amount of data effectively. This not only ensured the integrity of the design process but also facilitated communication and collaboration between the design and construction teams. The ability to track changes meticulously and to assess the sustainability of the design at each phase ensured that the final design met the stringent requirements for LEED Platinum certification. Furthermore, the use of BIM allowed the DVM Group to create a building that fits in with the historic architectural styles of the surrounding area, thus honoring the site’s architectural diversity.

Quantitative Benefit

The Szervita Square Building is the first and only LEED Platinum certified building in Central Eastern Europe.
In 2022, the building was awarded a gold medal in multifunction building and sustainable development at the FIABCI International Real Estate Development Competition.