Understanding Lux Level Requirements for Commercial Lighting Design

Lighting design plays a key role in commercial buildings which are typically used by people to perform a task or conduct an activity. To achieve their tasks or activities in a workspace, the right amount of illuminance is necessary, over-lighting is as much as a hindrance to accomplishing tasks as under-lighting. Commercial lighting compared to industrial or residential lighting involves higher initial costs, higher maintenance, longer durability and lifespan and higher service costs. To identify the illumination level requirements or lux level requirements of a commercial building, it would be useful to understand the units of measurement of illuminance, the intensity or amount of light and the efficacy of the relationship between lux and lumen.

Illuminance or lux is the intensity of the level of light and ‘luminous flux’ or lumen is the amount of light produced. Lux is the unit of measurement usually measured in foot candles, one lumen is the measurement of the intensity of the light output and is equal to one lux across an area of one square meter. Given an area you may need to illuminate, the measurement of lux helps you identify the output or lumen required. Typically, for an office which is brightly lit around 400 lux of illumination is required and an office space which uses 100W incandescent bulbs in ceiling panels would produce 1600 lumens as the output of light. When a lighting design company designs light fixtures for a large commercial area, the number of light fixtures is usually increased to get higher lumen keeping in mind the lux level requirements.

A primary factor in ensuring efficiency in light design is achieved by balancing lux and watts or managing the amount of power used to produce light. The measurement of energy efficiency or the power required for light fixtures (luminaires) to operate is known as watts or wattage. The rate at which a light fixture converts power to light or watts to lumen is known as luminous efficacy and measured in lumens per watt (LPW). Typically, an office or commercial space with ceiling panels which would use 32W T5 or T8 fluorescent lamps would usually produce 50 lumens/watt.

Lux level requirements are calculated to determine the appropriate number of lights, the type of light fixtures and the best possible commercial lighting solution, based on the size of the office or commercial space, the type of task or activity which will be conducted and the energy efficiency standards required.

In most cases, based on the client requirements of lux levels, office spaces are over-lit and are usually more than rates mentioned in the lighting standard codes and guidelines developed by professional lighting bodies. Lighting consultants and MEP engineering design teams while keeping in mind client requirements must also consider lighting codes and guidelines which mention the minimum lux level requirements that need to be maintained. Several lighting professional bodies have published handbooks and guidelines, some of which include lighting guides published by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) in the UK, the IESNA Lighting Handbook by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and guides and lighting codes provided by the Lighting Council Australia.

To improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption, several countries have presented lighting codes and green building solutions which have made lighting manufacturers develop higher energy efficient light fittings. For offices and commercial spaces, the stipulated lighting watts/m2 is considered to be within the range of 10 to 15 watts/m2. With the increase in the use of LED light fixtures, lighting consultants are required to maintain lighting watts within the range of 5 to 8 watts/m2, while maintaining lux level requirements.

To ensure commercial lighting designs provide higher energy efficiency, lower energy consumption and better control on energy usage, lighting consultants and MEP engineering design teams must consider trending lighting solutions in the industry. From LED fixtures with advanced lighting controls, energy harvesting technologies, interactive lighting to connected lighting, there are several trends which a lighting design company could use to provide high energy-efficiency and customer-centricity in lighting design solutions for commercial spaces.

Why MEP Contractors Change MEP Design Models

In the MEP environment, a building’s MEP designs are initially developed at high level and then detailed to make them clash free and installation ready. MEP designers/consultants play a significant role in design decisions, construction planning, cost estimation and documentation. While design development is typically the role of the consultant and design detailing is done by the MEP contractor, when using MEP (M&E) BIM models and Revit BIM libraries, contractors invariably need to make changes to the MEP design model created by the consultant. 

To make a design installation ready, contractors may have to make several changes to the design-intent such as resizing of ducts, re-routing of pipework, adding wall penetrations, bolt locations and datum points for hangars and changing equipment. Once these changes are made by the contractor, the design would be installation ready and will need to be approved by the MEP consultant. The question that this article seeks to answer is why do MEP contractors need to make these and other changes to MEP design models?

• To adjust invert elevations – During the installation of plumbing or drainage pipes, MEP contractors deal with the point of the bottom inside of the pipe, this is known as the invert elevations. To guide pipe design and match the invert elevation height, elevation information can be vertically adjusted at the centre of the pipe using Revit. However, if you are unaware that the elevation information is in centre of the pipe, it could cause confusion in adjusting invert elevations and create discrepancies while coordinating with other disciplines. This is the reason why MEP contractors need to manually adjust invert levels, create spot elevations for the inside bottom of the pipe and change the design models to install pipes which are coordinated with other disciplines. 
• To retrofit MEP systems into a prefabricated module environment – Planning for prefabrication of MEP components into the 3D model would not be considered by designers and therefore the contractor is the party who will make adjustments to services to allow them to fit into prefabricated modules to maximise the advantages that are gained from off-site fabrication. In several MEP projects which require prefabrication of risers, ceilings and plant room areas, MEP services drawings and modules specifically for fabricators and installers is necessary to facilitate proper installation. MEP contractors make changes in the MEP design model to ensure that services fit within modules within the ceiling or riser space to allow prefabrication of MEP components off-site allowing faster installation on-site.
• To facilitate efficient spatial coordination – When installing MEP systems, effective spatial coordination with other building services and disciplines is imperative. A consultant may leave clashes in a model as his focus will be on getting a design issue by a due date. A contractor is more concerned with actual fitting so after conducting a clash test on the 3d model, MEP contractors will invariably change design models to ensure that all services are not clashing. The installation programme of the MEP system depends on clash free layouts and MEP contractors must make sure that MEP systems are spatially coordinated with other disciplines in the 3D model before creating M&E (MEP) Coordinated Drawings.
• To deal with constructability issues – There are several factors that influence the constructability or sequence in which MEP systems are installed. Some of the conflicts that require a change in MEP design include routing, fitting and sequencing of large equipment within a given space, conflicting piping network and installation of MEP systems within a crowded space. As MEP contractors need to tackle several conflicts and constructability issues before installing MEP systems, a change in MEP design usually occurs. 
• To install MEP systems economically and efficiently – While the MEP design intent may seem to be perfectly coordinated, it need not necessarily be economic or efficient when it involves installation. There are several costs involved when changes need to be made after installation such as re-routing pipes to reduce bends, re-positioning ducts to allow supply and extract in the correct locations, changing equipment or adding wall penetrations, bolt locations and datum points for hangars. To make sure that MEP systems are installed economically and efficiently, MEP contractors must make changes to MEP design models.
• Changes in materials and components – In some cases the MEP model from a consultant is accurately modelled with specified parts, materials and components. However, in some cases projects do not have specified parts and a consultant may use library elements from Revit leaving the contractor to update the model using his planned procurement schedule. This will result in changes due to sizes and access requirements for new components such as a change from copper to plastic pipe which is thicker or a change from one set of pumps to another that may be larger and may have different valve arrangements. The knock-on effect of such component changes can mean that other systems also need to be changed. 

Given the many reasons why MEP contractors need to change MEP designs and with the adoption of MEP (M&E) BIM practices, there is an overlap in the scope of MEP contractors and consultants during the planning phase. To know more about how you can reduce the duplication of efforts, additional costs, manage project schedules and reduce scope overlap, read more in this post to find out the possible routes that can be taken.

To ensure MEP design models are installation ready for MEP contractors to use on site, a viable solution would be to work with a 3D BIM coordination specialist or MEP engineering design service provider. At XS CAD, our experienced team of MEP designers in India provide BIM support and spatially coordinated building services drawings for key stakeholders in the MEP (M&E) industry, from MEP (M&E) consulting engineers and MEP (M&E) building services contractors. In our spatially coordinated MEP building services models, we use the latest 3D MEP (M&E) modelling software (Revit MEP) and clash detection technology (Autodesk Navisworks) to provide 3D M&E (MEP) coordinated drawings which adhere to engineering standards, the structural and architectural elements within a building.

Technical and Contractual Risks Associated with BIM

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a perfect solution for architects, design and construction teams to address design implementation challenges. 3D BIM coordination facilitates an evolving workflow, interoperability and collaboration between different project stakeholders. This has widened the scope and application of concept design, design development, implementation and project delivery methods.

With 3D BIM coordination, you can collaborate with designers, engineers, building services contractors and general contractors to communicate design intent and ensure the project is implemented efficiently from preconstruction concept review to construction completion. When collaboration happens at this scale, you need to consider the associated technical and contractual risks before you adopt BIM tools:

1.Data control – When using 3D BIM models, you may have different users entering data at various stages of a project lifecycle. To ensure there is responsibility for inaccuracies and control of data entry, you must ensure BIM users sign applicable indemnities, disclaimers and warranties. This will help you in controlling the movement of data and assigning responsibilities.

2.Assignment of responsibilities – Typically in BIM projects, many team members collaborate and ownership of BIM data must be clearly stated. To avoid conflict and confusion, you need to create contract documents that should clearly define ownership and assign responsibilities when using BIM data.

3.Proprietary information protection – In the process of design development and project implementation, proprietary information may be used by team members. While your client may have ownership rights for the design, contract documents need to clearly state the ownership rights of proprietary information to ensure protection.

4.Design licensing – In certain projects, designers and contractors may provide vendor designs and specifications of material and equipment. In such instances, you need to create policies to ensure that only those designs with relevant licenses for the project are used. This will help you in avoiding licensing issues of vendor designs associated with their products.

5.Consistency in the use of technology – When adopting BIM modeling and coordination processes, to maintain an efficient and smooth workflow, you need to ensure that different project stakeholders, who need to work collaboratively, are using software versions that are compatible. All users must be informed about changes in versions and software updates. Based on the BIM environment you choose, whether closed BIM (the use of the same software and version) or open BIM (the use of neutral or compatible file formats), you need to make sure this selection is agreed at the outset of the project. This will help in avoiding compatibility issues that may arise in the later stages of the project lifecycle.

In any collaborative environment, clearly defining responsibilities and rules will help in improving teamwork of various project stakeholders. You may adopt an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) strategy to build successful working relationships and facilitate efficient collaboration between your entire design, engineering and construction teams. While there is no secret formula or a common risk mitigation strategy, you can reduce conflicts and confusion by adopting best practices and creating well-defined contracts. By clearly specifying the roles, responsibilities and accountable members or groups, it will help you to create a successful collaborative environment and embrace an evolving concept such as 3D BIM coordination.

With BIM modeling you can improve the process of concept design, design development and communication of design concept to project stakeholders and clients. As new BIM technology is introduced, the next step would be to adopt a cloud-based BIM collaboration tool, such as A360 Collaboration for Revit (C4R). With cloud-based BIM tools, you can facilitate ‘borderless’ collaboration and allow project stakeholders to work on a model simultaneously from different sites, anywhere, anytime and on any device. By adopting BIM, you can improve collaboration between project teams, optimise project duration, reduce cost and strengthen client relationship. 

How are Stakeholders helped by Residential Architectural Renderings?

 As a home builder, architect, home designer, home buyer or indeed any other key stakeholder in the development of a residential site, you may question whether a residential architectural rendering is worth the additional time and money. Residential architectural rendering has in fact played a special role in clarifying a design vision, connecting buyers and other stakeholders to the project, and verifying the design’s feasibility. Over the years, visual models of proposed developments have been a key component to more sales and more efficient construction processes, making their evolution from hand drawn sketches to immersive 3D models inevitable.

Residential architectural rendering outputs were initially hand drawn sketches of an architect’s vision for a house. Today, renderings are even more visually inviting than in the past, and can range in their depth of detail. For example, 2D and 3D architectural rendering services are often used to help market and convey the vision for the site being developed. Alternatively, residential BIM modeling is often focused on confirming the accuracy of the building or site design, by including the display of key utilities and structural components. Whether you choose to invest in a visually appealing residential architectural rendering, or a design conscious residential BIM model, producing a visual representation of your project is a key and can benefit all parties involved.

Residential architectural rendering and residential BIM modeling allows you to clarify the vision you have for the house design being created. Whether that vision relates to aesthetics, functionality or cost it can be assessed using either residential architectural renderings or residential BIM modeling. In the case of the stakeholder, a rendering of the house is one of the best methods for establishing the initial look and feel of the site improvements. A residential architectural rendering of either an interior or exterior brings a realistic, aesthetic dimension to the design process that floor plans and section drawings are unable to achieve. The productions of residential architectural renderings communicate and confirm the vision for the building being developed between the stakeholder, contractor, and the buyers.

Residential architectural rendering of the building allows your buyers to experience and connect with your project. Using an architectural rendering for a residential development allows a homebuilder to more easily sell and market the idea of the development’s design. Renderings can be from any angle, any view, in any location, offering a variety of ways to showcase the project highlights that will help to make the sale. Not only does a residential architectural rendering allow for stress-free marketing of your site it allows for stress-free design confirmation.

With respect to design feasibility and construction, residential BIM modeling or residential architectural renderings are beneficial because they add a visual layer to the design confirmation process. By visualizing the components to be constructed, another layer of confirmation is added to the building design of the site. 3D walkthroughs, renderings, or the use of residential BIM modeling may also allow for the opportunity to increase efficiency in the building design, construction processes, or the user’s interaction with the site. Ultimately, the use of 3D architectural rendering services can prevent and mitigate design errors during the construction or design that can lead to extensive financial and time-based costs.

Although they may mean additional cost and time, the visual layer that 3d renders or BIM models can bring to the design and marketing process outweigh the cost and time drawbacks. For a number of years, the quality of renderings has evolved because key stakeholders, architects, contractors, and potential buyers demand more information and visual references – they will continue to do so and therefore the importance of a reliable, experienced, potentially offshore provider of rendered images become important.

Benefits of using Revit Architecture for 3D Renders

Autodesk Revit was introduced well over a decade ago, it is software for architects, designers, MEP engineers, structural engineers and contractors. Over the years, Revit adoption has progressed rapidly in the AEC industry, which in itself has seen revolutionary developments in the same period.

Revit is available in many packages, which includes, Autodesk Revit Architecture and Autodesk Revit MEP, amongst others. Autodesk Revit Architecture provides an array of tools required for projects across a range of architectural sectors, including home building and retail  along with the ability to prepare 3D renders. It is a tool extensively used by companies providing Architectural CAD Services, Architectural Drafting Service and Architectural 3D Rendering Services.

Revit architecture utilises parametric design processes which enable seamless modification of a related environment whenever an element in the adjacent environment is changed, thus maintaining continuity within a single project file. One of the more recent tools of Revit architecture is its ability to generate 3D renders, as 3D renders enable architects, consultants and associated professionals to present their design ideas and  architectural vision through 3D images to clients and associated project stakeholders. The main highlight of architectural rendering using Revit Architecture is its capability to augment visualisation and facilitate the creation of 3D views.

Listed below are a few of the features and benefits of using Revit Architecture for 3D renders:  

• Precise sun settings in the renders –
  Revit Architecture carries settings to produce accurate colour reproduction such as proper set up of  lighting and materials. Exterior daytime renders are created by using sun setting option, allowing to  create a precise sun angle and position relative to the building. Revit Architecture also accurately portrays the sunlight for specific locations around the world, by just stating time and date with the  desired location in the settings. 

• Accurate production of Resolution -
  Based upon client requirements and the end use of the image, the resolution of rendered images can  be selected. If the rendered image is going to be used for a large presentation board then a high  resolution setting can be selected and for a relatively small image, where the level of detail is less, a  lower resolution setting can be selected. 

• Comparatively quicker than the competition -
  The majority of the competitive rendering engines utilise a high amount of CPU memory and also require advanced GPU’s, which ultimately results in a lot of time consumption to produce high quality renders. Revit Architecture is fine tuned to utilise less CPU memory and in most cases does not require a GPU to handle complex scenes and lightings, improving the overall efficiency and creating high resolution renders in significantly less time. 

• Higher reliability ratio -
  Due to advanced settings that provide the best performance under varied settings, Revit Architecture  creates renders with high resolution in much less time, where similar rendering engines fail to create renders of lower resolution. Hence, along with providing an optimum output, Revit Architecture is a  highly reliable tool to create high quality 3D renders. 

• Variety of tool options -
  Revit Architecture comes  with a variety of tool options, such as a visualisation related election tool’ in the ‘View’ panel on the ‘Modify’ tab. There are many more similar tools available on Revit  Architecture which can be useful for various tasks other than creating renders.

Revit Architecture is becoming one of the more versatile tools for overall design modeling and documentation. The ability to generate 3D renders using an array of options has broadened the appeal and use of the tool for architects and designers. There are a variety of additional benefits of using Revit Architecture for 3D Renders other than the few listed above, which are updated in every new iteration of the software, making it a sought after tool for designers around the world..

10 Reasons to Use Revit MEP for MEP Coordination

Autodesk Revit MEP is an important component used for design by the AEC industry. Globally, AEC firms are increasingly using Revit MEP to produce 3D M&E (MEP) coordinated drawings, and Revit MEP tools to update their BIM models with MEP information, and thus, enhance their architectural and engineering design development and construction documentation process. Businesses using Revit MEP are starting to realise the potential of this technology to deliver more value to the AEC industry and also manage their own budgets and profitability at the same time. Before we look at the reasons to use Revit MEP for MEP coordination, let’s briefly cover the subject of Autodesk Revit MEP for MEP coordination.

Autodesk Revit MEP for MEP Coordination

Autodesk Revit MEP, a building information modelling (BIM) software is a leading Autodesk product that is used by users engaging in MEP engineering projects. MEP is an acronym for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing which forms the three engineering disciplines addressed by Revit MEP. Using BIM software rather than CAD (computer aided drafting), Revit MEP consists of dynamic information in the form of intelligent models, letting complex building systems to be precisely designed and documented in a shorter amount of time. Within Revit MEP there are a series of intelligent models that combine to form a complete project, all stored in a single database file. With this, the changes made in one part of the model can then be automatically propagated to other parts of the model, thus reducing the timeframe to alter designs during the design process. As far as MEP coordination is concerned, it involves coordination of all building services (HVAC, pipework, public health and electrical systems) with other disciplines making up the structure of the building, fabric and external envelope, i.e. steel, concrete, false ceilings, etc.

Having refreshed our memories with Autodesk Revit MEP, let us focus on the reasons why it is useful for MEP coordination. There are of course many reasons, however a few are listed below that will hopefully demonstrate the value of this tool for coordination.

10 Reasons to Use Revit MEP for MEP Coordination

The top 10 reasons to use Revit MEP during MEP design and coordination are summarised below:

• Revit MEP produces high end building information models that represent realistic, real time design scenarios, helping users to make more informed design decisions earlier in the process. The team working on the project can better meet goals and sustainability initiatives, execute energy analysis, examine system loads, and produce heating and cooling load reports with native integrated analysis tools
• Revit MEP software’s modelling and layout tools let engineers create mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems more easily and precisely. Also, the software’s parametric change technology means that any change to the MEP model is automatically coordinated throughout the model
• The complexities of today’s buildings require leading edge system’s and engineering tools to optimize performance in both use and efficiency. As complexities increase in the projects, communicating design changes among MEP engineers and their extended teams is critical. Revit MEP’s purpose built systems analysis and optimization tools lets team members receive feedback about their MEP designs in real time, resulting in better performing designs in the process
• Using Revit MEP, the MEP engineers can more effectively collaborate and interact based on workflow and project requirements through use of a range of compatible collaboration tools such as BIM360. The software also helps to minimize design coordination errors among the extended project team, and helps to reduce design conflicts with real time clash and interference detection.
• In Revit MEP, all model information is stored in a single, coordinated database. Revisions and modifications to information are automatically updated throughout the model, helping to significantly reduce errors and omissions. Autodesk refers to this database driven simultaneous update to file output as multi-directional associatively which explains that a change in one area manifests in all other parts of the file.
• Parametric components, also called families, are the basis for all building components designed in Revit MEP. These components provide an open graphical system for design thinking and form making and offer the opportunity to adjust and express design intent at increasingly detailed levels.
• Revit MEP software is a much more streamlined and intuitive user interface that is easier to learn and adopt. Users can thus find favourite tools and commands faster, identify tools more efficiently, and discover relevant new features easily.
• Revit MEP works holistically, treating information in terms of entire building, linking mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems with the building model - thus increasing collaborative working and a team based approach to projects.
• Revit MEP updates model views and sheets, thus helping to maintain document and project consistency. With its help MEP engineers can for example, create HVAC systems with mechanical functionality and offer 3D modelling for ductwork and piping.
• Revit MEP has built in calculators that allows MEP engineers to execute sizing and pressure loss calculations as per the industry standard methods and specifications

At XS CAD, we have developed the required expertise and extensive knowledge of providing Revit 3D BIM Modelling and MEP coordination drawings services to MEP engineers, MEP consultants and MEP trade contractors in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and India. To learn more about our Revit MEP Services, drop us an email or call us for more information.

How Open BIM Facilitates Collaborative Design?

Due to its multifaceted benefits, building information modelling (BIM) is rapidly gaining traction in the AEC industry as the key pre-construction planning, construction management, and post-construction facilities management tool. Whilst many firms have transitioned to this ‘intelligent’ model-based process, the ‘real’ potential of BIM can only be achieved by open exchange of design and non-design project information amongst key project stakeholders: architects, structural engineers, MEP design consultants, MEP engineers, and other trade subcontractors.

A common challenge faced by mid-sized to large projects is that not all project participants use the same BIM application. This is where the concept of closed BIM and open BIM comes into play. The above two approaches are fundamentally different ways of looking at 3D BIM modelling.

                                                                                           

Closed BIM, also known as ‘lonely BIM’, is a BIM environment wherein the same version of a BIM application is used by all key project stakeholders. This approach may also include different trades using the BIM-compatible applications from the same vendor. As a case in point, the lead architect uses Revit Architecture to model architectural elements. The structural engineer uses Revit Structure to take the architectural BIM model as the reference and define the building’s structure whilst the MEP design consultant uses Revit MEP to model building services. Although no file conversion is required in the closed BIM approach, the process is restrictive in the sense that it only allows project participants well-versed with certain BIM tools to collaborate, thereby not allowing ‘true’ integration.

On the other hand, open BIM is a workflow wherein all participants can collaborate and exchange project information with each other using non-proprietary, neutral file formats irrespective of the BIM tools and applications they use. The information exchanged is not only limited to the BIM model’s geometric data but also includes other parametric data, such as specifications, quantity take-offs, material procurement, cost estimation, and construction phasing. Most common open BIM protocols currently in use include Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie).  

Whilst IFC allows exchange of both geometric and non-design data amongst different applications that support open BIM, COBie only allows facilities management data to be exchanged. Using IFC, the architectural BIM model created by the lead architect’s design team in Graphisoft ArchiCAD can be opened and manipulated by the structural engineer when his/her team works in Tekla Structures. Similarly, the integrated architectural and structural BIM model can be imported into Revit MEP platform by the lead MEP consultant. Once the detailed MEP design is complete, the federated model can be taken into a clash detection and 3D BIM coordination tool, such as Navisworks again using IFC format. This leads to workflow-level collaboration amongst key project members which is the essence of BIM compared to the conventional 2D CAD workflows.  

At XS CAD, we have an extensive know-how of both open BIM and closed BIM methodologies due to the fact that we have provided 3D BIM modelling and 3D BIM coordination support to architects, MEP engineers, and contractors in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and India. To find out more about how your project can benefit from our BIM modelling services, contact us.