NYC Revit Users Group: BIM/VDCO in Academia

In a series of online presentations, panelists will define various advanced BIM tools, workflows, and other processes that can support and advance learning processes. Attendees will gain an understanding of the impact that a BIM execution planning process has on a project life-cycle. We will look closely at computational strategies and BIM in educational and professional settings. This panel will explore the use of digital strategies to convey fundamental first principles in architecture and the role of academic institutions in teaching and training. Are our institutions educating architects in preparation for the future, or are they teaching marketable skills for the day after graduation?

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Presenters

Lennart Andersson

Pratt Institute

Andersson is an architect and AECO technology innovator with over 20 years of experience applying BIM methodologies on a wide variety of building typologies. He teaches at Pratt Institute in New York, where he teaches virtual design, construction, and operation methodologies to the next generation of AECO professionals; focusing on leveraging the latest digital tools to increase collaboration. He is the founder of FormD, a next-generation AECO startup. Prior to that, he was the director of virtual design, construction, and operations at the LiRo group. Lennart has published a book on implementing VDC methodologies for Routledge Publishing house. He is currently working on a book, The Life of Buildings, which will focus on the sustainable life cycles of facilities and how technology is transforming the way they are realized and managed. It is expected to be released in 2020.

Andersson has authored numerous BIM guidelines, specifications, and implementation plans for agencies such as NYCDDC, MTACC, and MTABT. He received the Autodesk Excellence award for BIM in 2017, Digital Edge 50 award in 2018, and the CIO 100 award in 2019. Andersson is a member of IFMA’s Environmental Stewardship, Utilities, and Sustainability committee, and has testified before the U.S. Congress Small Business Council about innovation in the AECO space.

Francisco X. Pineda

Columbia University

Pineda is the program director and lecturer for the M.S. in Construction Administration at Columbia University. His research and professional interests lie in organizational intelligence, critical capabilities, and the structuring and management of complex project-based teams and enterprises. In his nineteen-year career he has worked on all aspects of the development cycle—investment, development, and construction. He has led and turned-around property development companies and construction projects, as well as businesses in hospitality and building materials. He holds an M.B.A. and M.P.A. from Columbia University. As a licensed architect for CGL Andre Voss, he takes a holistic view of the justice system through CGL’s 360 Justice approach. Born, raised, and educated in Germany, his path is very much based on the concept of the “Baumeister,” or master builder—the practitioner responsible for every aspect of the project. Exposed to emerging BIM technologies in the mid-1990s, he realized these innovative concepts would enable designers and builders of all disciplines to interact on a more fundamental level, providing deeper insights into buildings’ life cycles and using these tools to foster better reintegration of the responsibilities that have been siloed into specialists’ tasks. He is currently serving as president of the New York City Revit Users Group and teaches architecture at New York Tech.

Ayse Polat

NYU

A New York regional virtual design and construction (VDC) manager at NY Business Unit, Polat oversees a team of 30 technical professionals who provide BIM services during preconstruction, construction, and post-construction phases. In this capacity, she assists project engineers implement sound BIM practices, researches and implements new technologies, and liaises with various city agencies. Polat also led a team of professionals responsible for the implementation of BIM site-safety logistics submissions for the NYC Department of Buildings. A licensed architect in New York, Polat has more than 18 years of architectural and construction experience in New York and New Jersey. She has worked on some of New York City’s most renowned projects, including the transformation of Madison Square Garden, the NYU Langone Medical Center campus transformation, the Hudson Yards and Manhattan West developments, and NYPH DHK Center. Polat also teaches BIM classes at NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate for graduate students.

Charles Portelli

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Portelli is a senior associate application developer at Thornton Tomasetti’s CORE Studio, where he focuses on the intersection of computational design and application development. Portelli is an adjunct professor at the CASE program at RPI, where his work focuses on the intersection of computational methodologies, sustainability analysis, and optimization. Portelli also teaches at City Tech where he emphasizes the use of BIM in conjunction with construction fundamentals. Portelli holds a bachelor's degree in Architecture from NJIT and a Master’s degree in Product Architecture from Stevens Institute of Technology. He is a licensed architect in the state of New York, with strong interests in exploring new methodologies that link design, construction, and fabrication.

This panel discussion is hosted by NYIT School of Architecture and Design; moderated by Andre Voss, adjunct assistant of architecture.