BUDAPEST, Hungary, March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- "Build Live Tokyo," a competition aimed at raising awareness of BIM (Building Information Modeling), was held February 25-27. Build Live is the Japanese version of the international BIM Storm event. Graphisoft Japan was part of the Skunk Works team, led by Maeda Corporation, which won the Grand prize.

The six participating teams were tasked with designing an environment technology research center, including a collaboration research facility, conference center, and exhibition space, at the Tokyo Bay site. Three out of the six teams were using ArchiCAD.

Graphisoft Japan was a member of the Skunk Works team led by Maeda Corporation Building Design Department.

The Skunk Works team tackled the time-limited task by implementing an impressive BIM workflow and brand-new technologies. Right from the start, they produced small-scale models using a 3D printer. The final presentation included a VBE (Virtual Building Explorer) file - a newly released Graphisoft feature for use with ArchiCAD - to enable the judges to view the building in 3D.

The jury members especially appreciated the high level of detail and thoroughness involved in the end product submitted by Skunk Works.

"As the design process progressed, it incorporated the results of the light, shadow, wind, construction and other simulations. The team developed a BIM process which is transparent and trustworthy." The juries commended the Skunk Works submission in the categories of "Professional BIM" and "Design Build BIM."

Team Skunk Works included professionals from:

    --  Maeda Corporation Building Design Department
    --  Tekla K.K
    --  Graphisoft Japan
    --  RIK Corporation
    --  Advanced Knowledge Laboratory Inc

Build Live Tokyo was organized by the Japan Association of the buildingSMART(TM) International Alliance for Interoperability.

Images and comments of the juries from the competition can be viewed on the Build Tokyo Live website: http://bltokyo2009.seesaa.net/ (Japanese)

Maeda Corporation:

Maeda Corporation was established in Fukui, Japan in 1919. Since then, it has progressed to become one of Japan's leading building and civil engineering contractors. Maeda has a well-earned reputation for completing contracts with high-quality work and technical standards within short construction periods. Since 2001, Maeda has invested in an advanced design system to integrate building information consisting of several domain-specific BIM design processes, such as architectural, structural and HVAC. Recently Maeda has a high reputation for extensive engineering and consultation services, such as designing a manufacturing process for a production facility. Maeda keeps innovating technology and providing the best of service. More information at http://www.maeda.co.jp/english/outline_e.html

About Graphisoft:

Graphisoft is the pioneer and leader in developing Virtual Building(TM) solutions. For 25 years, Graphisoft has been empowering the broadest community of architects to deliver model based projects that are better designed, more predictable to construct and less expensive to operate. Further media requests for information can be made to Akos Pfemeter at: Email Contact

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