Project Introduction
The Dalian International Convention Center is situated in the heart of Dalian, within the eastern port area of Dalian Port. It lies on the east side at the endpoint of the extension of Renmin Road, the city’s main axis. The site covers 4.3 hectares, measuring approximately 215 meters east to west and 225 meters north to south. The building itself encompasses around 140,000 square meters, featuring one underground floor and four main floors above ground. The total height reaches about 59 meters.
The facility includes a multifunctional hall with a capacity of 2,000 people, a theater that seats 1,800, eight medium-sized conference rooms accommodating 1,000, 460, and 200 guests respectively, and 30 smaller conference rooms ranging from 60 to 80 square meters. The Dalian International Convention Center is designed to host major international events, including the annual World Economic Forum’s summer high-level conference, making it a large-scale, world-class conference venue.
Back in 2009, we collaborated closely with Blue Sky Group on the interior design of the Dalian International Convention Center. Facing a complex engineering structure at the time, we utilized Rhino and Grasshopper for visualization, performance simulation, and coordinated optimization design. This marked one of the early successful applications of BIM technology in large-scale domestic projects.
Application Highlights:
1. Visualization
Visualization means “What You See is What You Gain.” It facilitates clear communication throughout the design, construction, and operation phases of a project. By conducting discussions and making decisions in a visual context, overall efficiency is greatly enhanced.
2. Coordination and Optimization
By coordinating the work of various disciplines and teams on a shared platform, BIM helps resolve potential conflicts and clashes early. This collaborative approach leads to better-optimized solutions throughout the project lifecycle.
3. Simulation
BIM software platforms enable simulations of energy efficiency, emergency evacuation, and sunlight exposure, among other factors. Time and cost dimensions can also be integrated to monitor project progress and budget control. For the Dalian Convention Center, the focus was primarily on acoustic, sunlight, and visual analyses.
4. Drawing Assistance
The BIM model generates plans, elevations, sections, and 3D drawings, all derived from the same model to ensure consistency and accuracy across different documentation types.
5. Quantity Takeoff and Statistics
The model’s bill of quantities offers precise and timely data, enabling accurate planning for personnel, equipment, and financial resources.
6. Industrial Prefabrication
Using the model, assembly can be simulated in advance to optimize component dimensions and streamline production through industrialized manufacturing processes.
Reflecting on 2009, parametric modeling technology played a vital role in Blue Sky Group’s pioneering work in China. The various features of parametric modeling — including visualization, coordinated optimization, simulation, drawing support, quantity statistics, and industrial prefabrication — align closely with BIM technology. Through this project, our company adopted BIM as a core technical strategy in 2010. We integrated multiple BIM software platforms such as Revit, Navisworks, and Lumion, fostering collaboration between specialized professionals and BIM experts. Our commitment remains focused on advancing the construction industry’s transformation and development.
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