“The application of IoT technology, centered on BIM, not only enables three-dimensional visualization of building information models but also equips every component and device with sensing capabilities and vitality, elevating building operation and maintenance to a new era of smart buildings.”
— Chen Lei
“Starting with Galaxy SOHO and Wangjing SOHO, this efficient energy-saving management system—a BIM-based property management platform—will be implemented across all ongoing and future SOHO China projects. We aim to collaborate with outstanding partners to enhance our buildings’ energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, ultimately improving the quality of life for our occupants.”
— Pan Shiyi
Introduction: As the global construction industry grows in scale, complexity, and pace, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has matured and is gaining wider adoption. However, current BIM applications mostly focus on the early design and construction phases. After building completion and handover, the BIM data and models often remain underutilized despite significant investments by owners. This article explores how SOHO China applies BIM technology in the operation and maintenance phase.
Since June 2013, Borui Shangge and SOHO China have boldly integrated BIM with energy management systems, customizing a 3D energy efficiency management platform tailored for SOHO China. Over time, additional systems have been incorporated into the BIM operation and maintenance platform across SOHO projects, greatly supporting property management. This marks a significant step for Borui Shangge and serves as a pioneering effort in the broader BIM operation and maintenance market.
The practical applications of BIM are vast, and the current SOHO projects represent just the beginning of what BIM platforms can achieve. We continuously strive to integrate more systems and functionalities into these platforms. Looking ahead, BIM will extend beyond property management into commercial management and other domains. We believe that soon, BIM operation and maintenance platforms will unify all building information and operational applications, becoming a leading trend in the construction industry.
iSagy BIM: A BIM-Based Property Management System
SOHO China, a prominent real estate group in China, has consistently embraced new technologies to enhance architectural value and improve customer experiences. In June 2013, it advanced energy management systems for Galaxy SOHO and Wangjing SOHO, while Borui Shangge integrated these systems with BIM technology to deliver a comprehensive property management solution.
This BIM-based solution combines spatial data with real-time information, enabling property managers to intuitively access building details, current data, and energy-saving statuses through a 3D platform. As a result, it has evolved from a 3D energy efficiency management platform into a full-fledged BIM operation and maintenance management platform. This innovation promises to revolutionize the lifecycle management of public buildings.
Figure 1
This initiative integrates BIM technology, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to cover property management systems such as information overview, hydraulic balance, mechanical ventilation, sensing, lighting, elevators, temperature distribution, and video surveillance. It serves as a comprehensive tool for managing building information during operation and maintenance phases.
Mechanical Ventilation
Figure 2
By integrating BIM technology, the mechanical ventilation system’s status—including equipment, pipelines, and valves—is presented clearly and intuitively in 3D. The system’s spatial information is organized by classification and layers, enabling detailed analysis at the building, floor, or device level (see Figure 2).
Property managers can easily monitor airflow and water volume balance, as well as the opening status of each air outlet through the BIM interface. Combined with ambient temperature data, air and water flows can be adjusted in real time to optimize comfort and efficiency. Maintenance personnel can confidently handle pipeline repairs with the system’s clear visualization, eliminating confusion caused by complex piping layouts.
Vertical Transportation
Figure 3
The 3D elevator model accurately represents the spatial positions and attributes of actual elevators, including entrance and central elevators, as well as the floors they serve. Attributes such as elevator type (standard or escalator), model, size, and capacity are clearly distinguished using solid shapes representing each elevator type (see Figure 3).
The BIM platform visualizes elevator usage and energy consumption, allowing property managers to monitor performance intuitively. By analyzing pedestrian flow and movement patterns, managers can optimize elevator operation strategies for better efficiency.
Temperature Monitoring
Figure 4
The BIM platform collects real-time data from temperature sensors throughout the building (see Figure 4), and also integrates information on humidity, carbon dioxide levels, illumination, and air cleanliness.
The temperature distribution interface visualizes sensor data in public areas using colored spheres, allowing managers to filter sensors by temperature range and review historical trends. This provides a clear overview of indoor environmental conditions. Adjusting HVAC and ventilation systems based on this data can lead to significant improvements in comfort and energy savings.
Water Balance
Figure 5
By communicating with water meters, the BIM platform clearly displays the building’s water network and helps assess water balance effectively.
Analyzing pipeline data enables quick identification of leaks for timely repairs, reducing waste. The platform also provides clear pipeline location information, simplifying renovations and avoiding hidden work challenges (see Figure 5).
Tenant Information
Figure 6
The BIM platform manages tenant information as well as their energy consumption and costs (see Figure 6).
This function extends to business information management. When integrated with mobile devices, merchants’ promotions, event updates, locations, and reviews can be pushed directly to customers. This not only enhances tenant engagement but also increases their value.
Basement Equipment
Figure 7
The platform clearly displays the status and location of basement equipment (see Figure 7).
In typical buildings, equipment and power rooms are located in basements. Through the BIM system, managers can monitor equipment operation, spare parts, and maintenance records. When combined with an intelligent parking system, it also shows parking status, assists customers in locating available spots and vehicles, and helps staff manage the garage efficiently.
Video Surveillance
Figure 8
Integration with the video surveillance system displays camera locations clearly. Clicking a camera icon opens live video feeds. The platform supports multiple video streams on one screen with seamless switching, similar to traditional security systems (see Figure 8).
This enhanced location clarity and continuous video retrieval greatly improve the system’s functionality compared to conventional setups.
Data Analysis
Figure 9
The data analysis page breaks down Galaxy SOHO’s energy consumption using a tree-structured model, allowing examination by time periods and categories. It also supports comparative analysis across different sub-items, helping managers extract deeper insights from this visual and rhythmic data (see Figure 9).
The BIM operation and maintenance platform’s applications extend far beyond those described here. As a top-level building platform, it connects diverse systems and spans multiple fields including property management and commercial operations. Its high-visualization capabilities enable small technological innovations that significantly enhance user experiences.
Imagine a future where customers no longer worry about finding parking, keeping track of their children in shopping centers, or choosing stores. Instead, they can fully enjoy the merchant’s offerings, increasing engagement and value for businesses.
Throughout this project, we collaborated closely with SOHO managers to elevate management standards and maximize building value. Integrating energy management, building automation (BA), and parking systems is just the start. Future enhancements include merchant information management (event push notifications, location, introductions), customer services (lost and found, child care), equipment records, system operations, and more.
BIM is a highly visible, integrated platform that enhances traditional systems’ capabilities. By incorporating positioning and information systems, it creates richer user experiences. SOHO’s BIM operation and maintenance platform is our initial foray into this field. Moving forward, we expect BIM technology to expand into public facilities like commercial centers, offices, airports, and museums—offering better management tools and experiences for building operators worldwide.
About Borui Shangge
Beijing Borui Shangge Energy Saving Technology Co., Ltd. is one of China’s earliest high-tech enterprises focused on developing, implementing, and operating building energy management solutions. Committed to promoting healthy industry development through innovation, Borui Shangge delivers top-tier building management systems, products, and services to clients operating large-scale public buildings.
Borui Shangge’s professional BIM operation and maintenance team develops tailored solutions based on client requirements. Their expertise spans from initial design to big data applications, resulting in a pioneering BIM-based property management system that has been successfully applied in real-world projects.
Currently, Borui Shangge’s products are widely used across commercial buildings, government offices, campuses, hospitals, hotels, large parks, digital cities, and more.
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