Project No.: 5003-045357

Project leader: Prof. Gerhard Schmitt, Chair of Architecture and CAAD, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology at Zurich (ETHZ), Hönggerberg
e-mail: schmitt@arch.ethz.ch

Name of project: A tool set for the virtual AEC company

Partners:
Prof. Ian Smith, IMAC, Dép. de Génie civil, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology at Lausanne (EPFL)
Hans-Peter Goeggel, CRB, Zurich
André Flückiger, Zwahlen & Mayr SA, Aigle

Funding: Sfr 1,259,260.-

Summary:
Swiss industry in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction is marked by a high proportion of relatively small but competitive firms that share a large number of isolated software solutions. However, the economically desirable integration of planning, design, construction and management of buildings is only possible if communications in the field of data exchange and product modelling work smoothly. What is needed, then, is a system of information, communication and collaboration offering a technical platform accessible to all concerned. The object of the project is the design and installation of such an environment and proof that it is of practical value. Central aspects of this are data transmission security and the possibility for partners in any remote locations to work together on models featuring three or more dimensions.

The project is part of an entire mosaic of ongoing projects on European, German and Swiss scales designed to improve communications in the construction industry.

The first phase of the project was devoted to building a general communications and information platform in the AEC industry. The experience gained provides the launch pad for the proposed continuation phase with the goal of developing a toolbox.

The application consists of establishing a software environment for the creation, operation and maintenance of virtual companies for the construction industry.

The research comprises the formation and use of visual information structures thanks to the development of the underlying databases for the virtual enterprise. Mechanisms are being developed for taking on and shedding partners. Agents are used to support communications and information exchange.

Cooperation:
The lead applicant has already completed a project as part of SPP IF. In the present project, he is working with professional bodies and organizations like the CRB and SIA. The following companies - AfB, Zwahlen und Mayr, ABB CMC Systeme AG, Amstein + Walthert AG, Allemand Jeanneret Schmid SA, ZRH Zoelly Rüegger Holenstein Architekten AG - have now been brought into the project, and will be joined by others.