_space group is 'Revited' to the top spot

Architectural firm _space group is celebrating after becoming the single most professionally certified BIM (Building Information Modelling) delivery organisation in the UK.

The firm has just seen nine members of its team awarded with 3D design and engineering global software company Autodesk’s Revit Architecture 2011 Professional Certification, giving it 19 out of 43 certified professionals in the UK.

_space group, who specialise in integrated BIM design, have been leading the way on the process, which allows architects to design 3D models virtually and therefore reduce time on site, margin for errors and overall scheme costs, for almost a decade, choosing to utilise the Revit software program to do so.

The firm’s pioneering work in the field of BIM includes peer to peer seminars and one to one sessions with figureheads in the construction industry. _space group’s dedicated team of BIM-lovers have also set up a free and unique online resource – www.bimstore.co.uk – which supplies reliable, consistent, high quality components from manufacturers for designers.

Seeing how a scheme will look before a spade even hits the ground: a Revit model of _space group scheme, West Hull Primary Learning Village.

Rob Charlton, _space group’s chief executive, said: “_space group’s ethos is to think differently. BIM technology was being pioneered by Autodesk many years ago, and once we found out about it and started to understand its applications across the construction industry, we realised how useful it would prove for delivering schemes, and how we can use it to benefit clients by delivering schemes using more thought, and creating less waste.

“Paul Morrell, the government’s chief construction advisor, has publically advocated BIM, and is intending to place it at the heart of the public procurement process. He will be recommending it is used on all public projects worth £5m or more, which means that this technology is going to become a vital part of the way we operate as an industry.”

_space group’s BIM leader, James Austin, has been working with the company as an architect since 2005 and delivered the company’s first project that made use of BIM, a secondary school in Washington under the BSF scheme.

James said: “I’ve been interested in the area of digital craft, the use of the computer as a manipulation tool, since university and I’ve paid close attention to how this affects the architecture industry. When I was working on Washington School, I was responsible for looking at the benefits of using BIM as the delivery system, and I was able to combine professional and personal interests.

“_space group saw how I embraced the process, its uses, and understood how that change has benefitted me and how it could benefit the company. They’ve invested the time in me and allowed me to grow and develop this within the company, creating my current role for me. When I suggested that we train up our workforce to be skilled BIM users, they were firmly behind the commitment, which I think shows a great investment in our own resources.”

Rob added: “We are a company that believes heavily in investing in people, and the commitment that James and the rest of our team has shown in obtaining these additional qualifications is really heartening. While having the most Autodesk Revit certified professionals in the UK is an accolade for our company, I find the dedication of our team to furthering their knowledge, and wanting to be the best that they can be, is the true accolade, and a mark of the respect they have for us.”

_space to be EXCEPTIONAL in Durham!

Newcastle-based architects _space group have been awarded the highest environmental assessment accolade possible on a scheme that will change the face of Durham City.

The education architects have secured a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Excellent’ rating for the £32m Durham University Gateway project, which is currently on site on the city’s Stockton Road.

The project, which sits within a World Heritage Site, comprises the design for a new flagship building to accommodate the internationally renowned Durham Law School, and the Palatine Centre housing student services, professional support services and a catering outlet. The project also includes a major extension to the Main Library.

A visualisation of the new flagship Durham Gateway building, due to be completed next year

Trevor Armour, deputy director (projects), estates and buildings, Durham University, said: “We’ve been working closely with _space group since 2008 to ensure that we create a building that makes the most of current sustainability practices and is a fitting piece of architecture for the estate and the city landscape.

“For the Palatine building to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating at this stage is a great indicator that we are on track to accomplish our goals. The Palatine building represents a significant investment in both the University estate and the City of Durham and we are very satisfied with the work _space group has done so far. We are keen that the finished Palatine building will be an iconic part of the university, embracing 21^st century design standards.”

_space group is also responsible for the landscape design strategy for the Science Site campus that surrounds the Gateway project. Plans include the pedestrianisation of the Science Site, creation of new site gateways and public ‘heartspace’ in front of the Main Library. A new and vibrant pedestrian and cycle friendly public realm will be created, rich in public art, specimen tree planting and generous landscaping.

Andrew Grounsell, associate director, _space group, said: “Our company philosophy is to create sustainable communities in the regions in which we are based. While we have offices across the North, we have a long history in the North East and to be able to make a positive change in the city of Durham is very rewarding.

“Our work is underpinned by green thinking at every turn, and the Gateway project is no exception. Working with the concept architects, ph partnership, we have incorporated a number of features such as natural ventilation, solar shading, solar collectors, photovoltaics and sedum roofs, and we have selected eco-friendly materials at every turn.

“Our goal is not only to deliver a building that is iconic and sensitive to the historic setting, but also meets very stringent green standards. I believe that this BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating is a hugely important step to fulfilling the criteria both we and the university have set ourselves.”

The Durham Gateway scheme is scheduled for completion in the autumn of 2012.