Océ and Zaha Hadid help build knowledge base for architects

Brentwood, Essex, 27 September 2011– International architectsZaha Hadid, whose projects include the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, demonstrated the benefits of Business Information Modelling (BIM) good practice at a knowledge-sharing forum organised byOcé UKin London.

‘Utilising BIM’ was the theme of the free-to-attend event for the 40 architects, IT specialists, as well as engineering, construction and quality systems experts, who turned out to Océ’s London office. BIM is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle and involves representing a design as objects – vague and undefined, generic or product-specific, solid shapes or void-space oriented, such as the shape of a room, that carry their geometry, relations and attributes.

Zaha Hadid’s technology team discussed the challenges faced by implementing a BIM strategy and some innovative ways to maximise investments. Océ specialists focused on process software, exploring risk reduction and automating labour-intensive task techniques, and provided case study presentations and live super-fast printing on an Océ ColorWave 600 system using Océ CrystalPoint technology. 

Speaker Simon Johns, Head of IT for ZHA, said: “As a company employing 350 fully qualified architects, we use the latest systems and technologies to remain at the forefront of processes such as business information management. At any one time, we’re involved with hundreds of ongoing contracts throughout the world. We always need to have printed copies of the intricate designs available. And it’s essential to be able to print quickly with a fantastic print quality, which the Océ ColorWave 600 provides through its pioneering Océ CrystalPoint technology.”

Océ UK Managing Director Bron Curley said: “We had a good turnout, and the reaction showed just how important this topic is viewed in the industry. We also received positive feedback on our multi award-winning wide format systems where we have a leading position in the UK and continental marketplaces.”

Océ, a Canon Group company, is the world leader in print production systems for the Architects, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector.