Eliminating architectural barriers: how to better manage interventions

Eliminating architectural barriers: the integrated system that allows you to plan and manage interventions in the best possible way

Does your project involve having to eliminate architectural barriers (ramps, lifts, toilets, etc.)? Are you looking for a tool that allows you to manage all the necessary operations in the best possible way?

In this article I will provide you with some useful information on how to manage your project for eliminating architectural barriers, using a free online platform that  simplifies your work and helps you planning interventions.

Collaborative project to remove architectural barriers

Working on a project for eliminating architectural barriers is a collaborative process as it combines several disciplines involving various professionals. This way of working necessarily entails exchanging files and information, organising tasks and managing communication within the team.

As team collaboration software is on the rise, there are digital platforms like usBIM that facilitate processes of collaboration, communication and coordination, while helping professionals to identify interferences between the various models (architectural and structural, for example) and control all the choices made by the team.

Let’s take a look at the steps involved and what features these tools should have in order to make teamwork easy and efficient, without wasting time and minimising the possibility of error.

Step 1: The architectural plan

The first thing to do is to draw up an architectural plan of the works that you have identified: check its feasibility according to the client’s needs, comply with current legislation, assess the available space, etc.

Design guidelines for eliminating architectural barriers in a kitchen

Furthermore, you can download my design plans for free and use them as a refernce for your project. Specifically, you can use the 3D models of a ramp and a lift projects together with the project for removing architectural barriers in a residential building (bathroom, kitchen, etc.).

3D model produced with Edificius | Before and after the intervention

Step 2: Structural and MEP design

The second step consists in drawing up the structural and MEP design of the project. In this case, designers will have to start from the architectural model and properly position the structural elements (with relative calculations) and the technical installation systems.

Lift layout created with Edificius

At this stage, all data, project drawings and information are exchanged among the designers involved.

To better manage this type of work, we suggest you using an integrated system of applications online.

With usBIM, simply upload your architectural project file to a folder in the usBIM cloud and immediately start collaborating with your entire team.

You can work online, simultaneously and in real time on the same file, exchange feedback and guidance using the integrated chat service (usBIM.chat), start video conferences with usBIM.meet, view, share and manage large projects with any device (PC, tablet, smartphone) and anywhere, view and manage BIM files created with other software and much more.

All these features will help you save time and improve workflow and quality. All you need is an internet connection.

Let’s now take a closer look at a practical example.

Imagine a rather ordinary scenario: after you have completed the architectural part of the project  eliminating the architectural barriers that includes an access ramp to the entrance hall and a lift, now you need to transfer the 3D model to the structural engineer for calculations and seismic approvals.

Let’s move on seeing how to manage all project activities using the free applications within the usBIM integrated system.

First thing, access to usBIM.

How to log in to usBIM

Insert your ACCA account credentials (email and password).

If you don’t have an ACCA account yet, here’s how to create one:

• go to the MyACCA personal area
• insert the required data
• insert your email address to receive a password.

After logging in, create a folder in the usBIM cloud and upload the project file with a simple drag&drop. To create a new folder, go to theMy documents section (top left) and click on the New folder icon (bottom right).

To share the file with your colleague, click on the three dots next to the file you have uploaded and choose Forward.

How to forward a file with usBIM

Insert the recipient’s e-mail and any text message.

How to share a file with usBIM

Your colleague will receive an instant message in the usBIM  chat (usBIM.chat) with the link to the file that you have shared and will be able to view all the shared material directly online, wherever he or she is, even on a smartphone, without having to download files and applications and even if he or she does not have the same BIM software with which you generated the project files.

For example, you can view a DWG file even from your phone and even without a CAD software.

In addition, you can organise an online briefing using the integrated video conferencing and online meeting functions of usBIM.meet. To participate to the meeting, you need a device (PC, smartphone or tablet) connected to the internet and equipped with a webcam and microphone.

usBIM.meet | The video meeting and desktop sharing application to collaborate online with your team without leaving usBIM

After this first phase, the structural engineer generates the structural model on the basis of the architectural model and shares it again on usBIM.

To check for possible interferences between the architectural and structural models, the integrated usBIM system has specific functionalities to federate the models (usBIM.federation) and to detect possible conflicts (usBIM.clash). This step is essential to avoid inconveniences on the construction site.

How to federate 3D models with usBIM.federation

Once the modeling has been completed, it is also possible to process the cost estimate directly online using PriMus online. Work in real time on the same document shared in usBIM, viewing the changes made by each team member. Receive immediate notifications of each intervention and the related update of items, measurements and amounts and with a simple click on the notification, access the exact point on the document where your colleague is working. If necessary open a chat to communicate and collaborate directly with your team.
Thanks to these simple tools, you can collaborate on the same project with colleagues located anywhere in the world and achieve efficient results in a short time.

Click here to download the free example file and access usBIM.

You will find the file in the open IFC format which you can open with any BIM authoring tool.

You are now ready to use the file and to take advantages of the integrated usBIM system.