Innovation and Research Demonstration Center
The Innovation and Research Demonstration Building of the China Architecture Design and Research Institute (referred to as China Academy) is situated between the West Second Ring Road and West Third Ring Road in Beijing. It is part of an urban organic renewal project, designed with a focus on creating high-quality office spaces that harmonize with the surrounding urban environment.
This building features 14 floors above ground and 4 underground levels, covering an above-ground area of approximately 21,000 square meters. The design takes into account sunlight exposure and the maximum allowable building size relative to nearby residential areas, shaping the building’s form through an inverse sunlight pattern to optimize natural light.
Aligned with the development plan of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, this project aims to be an efficient, energy-saving, and intelligently controlled green building that meets China’s three-star green building standards. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is employed throughout the entire lifecycle of the project — from design and construction to operation. A full professional BIM approach is adopted, with team members being designers, ensuring maximum immediacy and consistency in design processes and information models, ultimately delivering a truly green building.
Layered Outdoor Terraces
A distinctive feature of this building is its outdoor terraces, which cascade downward in layers due to the building’s form being cut back to accommodate sunlight conditions. The project leverages the three-dimensional capabilities of Revit models to convey complex information that traditional two-dimensional methods cannot adequately represent. This approach addresses challenges such as structural processing, roof construction systems, and comprehensive equipment layout. Lighting and thermal environment simulations are conducted for the terraces, guiding the arrangement of activities for people using these spaces.
Lowered Platform Structure and Integrated Piping
To ensure seamless accessibility between indoor and outdoor areas, the platform’s structural elements have been lowered. This integration requires coordination among multiple disciplines. BIM’s collaborative capabilities play a crucial role here, enabling timely and accurate information exchange across disciplines via 3D methods, which significantly streamlines problem-solving.
Comprehensive Diagram of Pipelines Along the Platform Axis
Historically, BIM’s effectiveness was often judged against the standards of two-dimensional construction drawings. However, the Chinese Academy aims to fully exploit BIM’s 3D advantages by sharing information through numerous sectional and elevation drawings, including comprehensive management plans and detailed curtain wall designs. This approach explores the potential to revise traditional 2D drawing standards in China.
Visual Comparison of Platform Building Components
During the detailed design phase, adjustments to building components are common. For the platform, the Chinese Academy uses Revit to quickly replace railing components through the family system and employs Autodesk 360 cloud rendering services for visual comparisons.
Simulation of Platform Monitoring Points
The openness of the outdoor terraces presents operational challenges for maintenance and security. To meet property management requirements for monitoring all outdoor areas, Revit cameras combined with real camera parameters were used to simulate the number and placement of surveillance points. This simulation informed the relevant design decisions.
Heat Analysis of the Platform
Using DXF data, the Revit model was imported into Ecotect Analysis to simulate heat gain and sunlight exposure across different seasons on the platform. Despite facing north, the terrace receives sunlight for most of the year. These insights guide the placement of green vegetation and designated activity areas for occupants.
Sunlight and Shadow Analysis of the Platform
Similarly, the Revit model was used in Ecotect to analyze seasonal sunlight and shadow patterns. Based on this analysis, the orientation of stairs connecting the outdoor terraces was adjusted to enhance environmental comfort for users.
Study of Energy-Saving Behavior on Terraces
Health is a key concept of this green building project. The numerous open terraces encourage healthy activities, and stairs connecting each floor offer a more energy-efficient and healthier alternative to elevators. The Chinese Academy combined Revit models with IES VE software to compare usage times of stairs and elevators during peak periods, such as lunchtime trips to the cafeteria. Simulating evacuation as a walking evaluation revealed that elevator wait times can be nearly 40% of walking time, highlighting the efficiency advantages of stair use. These findings provide a basis for optimizing elevator operation during busy periods.
Wind Field and Comfort Analysis on the Platform
Revit models were imported into Simulation CFD using SAT data to simulate wind velocity and comfort levels on the platform across different seasons. This analysis helps determine optimal window and air intake placements and predicts when conditions are suitable for outdoor activities.
Open Curtain Wall System
Visual Comparison of Building Components
The building features an open curtain wall system composed of ceramic panels and louvers. During planning and detailed design, various software tools are used to analyze lighting, shading, and heat gain. Real-time feedback on effects and costs is generated based on different material component sizes.
Multi-Scheme Visualization of Ceramic Panel Curtain Wall System
In Revit software…
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Simulation of Traffic Environment in Urban Organic Renewal Zones
Harmonious urban development is a fundamental goal of green building. Simulation analysis based on regional environmental models plays a crucial role. Beyond natural environmental analysis using Simulation CFD software, traffic analysis is also important. For example, adding two access points to the west side road could be evaluated through BIM simulation to understand the impact on peak hour traffic. However, due to professional constraints, this application area is still under study.
Research on Maximum Building Capacity Through Sunlight-Based Form Cutting
This design emerged from sunlight considerations. Early in the process, the Chinese Academy obtained the original building volume by performing Boolean operations on sunlight cones and building volumes within sunlight calculation software, then imported the results into SketchUp. Although a somewhat rudimentary BIM approach, the Institute has attempted to use Vasari and Ecotect for seamless integration with Revit in later detailed design stages, although ideal results have not yet been achieved.
Simulation of Multi-Layer Platform Drainage System
The tiered platform design offers many opportunities for BIM-based study and optimization. Designing the drainage system for multi-story roofs presents challenges. By integrating drainage design with the building form and simulating rainwater volume relative to drainage facilities on each floor, the Chinese Academy continues to explore effective solutions.
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