TOWERS
DUO
« FULL BIM »
Objectives
Developed by Ivanhoé Cambridge and Natixis Assurances and envisioned by Jean Nouvel, the Duo Towers are one of the first high-rise operations conducted in “Full BIM.”
The highly distinctive nature of the project and its mixed program expose an unprecedented interplay of technical challenges. This includes the multiplication of networks and standards related to the scope and nature of the operation, as well as complex simulations that position these networks and construction methods based on the inclinations of different facades. These simulations simulate their effects, behaviors, and coherence in implementation and operation.
Indeed, the structure presents several world-unique characteristics such as:
- The incline of facades, making each floor different from the one below or above, and each floor having a different span,
- The opening of towers to the public, leading to a plethora of norms and regulations to comply with,
- The vertical program mix, requiring complex engineering of circulation and networks coherent with environmental objectives,
- Accessibility of towers in a constrained environment and under ongoing traffic (immediate proximity to the Parisian ring road and the Austerlitz railway yard), advocating for finely organized supply.
EXECUTION DIGITAL MODELS
SHARED MODEL VERSIONS
ACHIEVEMENTS
Partially in response to these challenges, the decision to pursue a “Full BIM” collaboration was made. The concept of an evolving digital twin over time, while retaining all historical and future project data, marks a significant innovation in our field.
Our BIM teams initially engaged in the design phase as BIM managers, and later during the implementation phase through a specific mission related to monitoring the modeling of execution models and creating a digital As-Built documentation. This crucial step now allows maintenance stakeholders to adopt a digital twin and complete the design-construction-reception cycle with operation, thereby making BIM in operation a tangible reality.
Artelia’s contribution was to envision and implement a BIM model that evolves into a digital twin. The digital twin of the Duo Towers is the first of its complexity to chronicle the BIM journey from its inception. Our concern was to preserve the “heritage,” meaning all data, calculations, simulations, and characteristics within the digital twin, regardless of its technical and digital evolutions.
BENEFITS
Following the efforts of our BIM teams, here are the benefits for our client:
• Enhanced maintenance management: Maintenance stakeholders can now utilize a digital twin of the Duo Towers to optimize equipment management, anticipate maintenance needs, and improve building durability.
• Complete lifecycle of the structure: Provides a holistic view of the project and facilitates decision-making at all stages of the building’s life.
• Time and efficiency gains: The use of a digital twin for maintenance management saves time and enhances efficiency in planning and executing maintenance and repair activities, while minimizing costs.
• Preserved digital heritage: Preserves all data and characteristics of the building and enables easy and continuous system evolution.
“In its design, Building Information Modeling (BIM) had a crucial dimension. And this Full BIM dimension allows us to use the digital model during the operational phase of the Duo Towers, to an unprecedented level as of yet. […] Over 100,000 m² of offices have been fully modeled in BIM. All 3D-modeled surfaces, every room, every duct, every electrical outlet is cataloged in the model. Consumption control, predictive maintenance, third-party applications… everything in the Duo Towers will be optimized to ensure no loss of comfort. And in the end, this greatly enhances the asset!”
Martin Chevallier, Director of Asset Management, Europe at Ivanhoé Cambridge.