LEGO Architecture meets BIM – Part 17: Sequencing Part 1
Being able to both develop the sequence of the build process and visually demonstrate that process is something that is integral to anyone who has ever played with LEGO. In fact I think this ‘project’ is almost the perfect vehicle to explain the concept to a layperson. We all understand that a LEGO model needs to be built in a logical order in order to achieve the final complete product.
Putting a building together is not really that much different and on construction projects someone effectively has the job of looking at the instructions for constructing the building in the most logical order. Of course this process is simpler with LEGO as it has been refined for a kit of parts. Buildings offer a lot more complexity and particularly as the build process doesn’t always go to plan. There are many factors that can affect a construction sequence and so testing and re-testing the sequence is part of a sequencing process.
For the purposes of explaining the concept of sequencing, this process was simplistically carried out in GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD (images from ARCHICAD 19). Software designed specifically for the purpose of construction sequencing is more typically utilised for this purpose but the aim here was merely to show this use in a simplistic way to those unfamiliar with this process.
Construction Sequence Images
The following are an extract of sequence steps, typically every 5 steps of the process. This aims to show how a construction sequence can be communicated to others in a visual manner.
Often these type of sequences are driven directly from the project programme and can be adjusted to optimise the sequence that the project is constructed. I’m sure this optimisation will also be part of the process when LEGO produce their instruction manuals for users.
Note: All images can be enlarged by clicking on them.
Image: Step 1; Page 24
Image: Step 5; Page 27
Image: Step 10; Page 32
Image: Step 15; Page 37
Image: Step 20; Page 42
Image: Step 25; Page 47
Image: Step 30; Page 52
Image: Step 35; Page 57
Image: Step 40; Page 62
Image: Step 45; Page 67
Image: Step 50; Page 72
Image: Step 53; Page 76
Image: Step 1; Page 77 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 5; Page 79 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 10; Page 82 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 15; Page 85 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 20; Page 90 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 25; Page 95 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 30; Page 100 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 35; Page 105 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 40; Page 110 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 45; Page 115 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 50; Page 120 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 55; Page 125 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 60; Page 130 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 65; Page 135 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 70; Page 140 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 73 sub step 4; Page 143 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor)
Image: Step 75; Page 143 (plus Steps 1-53 for Ground Floor): The final building
Construction Sequence Animation
Of course there are other ways to show the sequencing of the model and this includes animating the model to show how the order that the building elements will be constructed.
Image: Construction animation
The method for creating this is the most primitive methodology I could think of. Its actually a screen capture, using a piece of software called Camtasia, clicking through each step within GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD and then sped up to make it look relatively smooth as a video. Its not an automated process or particularly intelligent but it serves a purpose for demonstrating the sequence of the construction.
The examples shown here are as explained in the introduction fairly simplistic and more sophisticated approaches can show graphically how the building is behind or ahead of programme in certain areas. This enables clients to understand progress without reading complicated and often difficult to read gantt charts.
In further posts we will look at how sequencing can be achieved in a more intelligent manner, but fundamentally sequencing of construction should be thought of as the similar principles to a LEGO instruction manual!
Rob Jackson, Associate Director, Bond Bryan Digital
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