May - 2021 CONSTRUCTIONTECHREVIEW.COM8IN MYOPINIONAccess to parks and green spaces has been one of the defining factors of an individual's experience and wellbeing during the lockdown. The value placed on green places has never been higher. And I believe our renewed desire to `get out', to explore, to exercise and to be immersed in nature is here to stay. Everyone deserves to be positively affected by good design of public places, parks and green spaces. So, how can we realise our need for more green space with the ever-increasing pressure on our public places. One way is to better utilise the digital tools we are already engaging with in design, construction and infrastructure planning. We are in a unique position to innovatively use BIM and digital tools to increase access to and improve the quality of our green spaces.WBIM and 3D visualsBIM by its nature encourages us to design, work and collaborate in 3D. BIM readily allows us to create models that are more accessible to a range of stakeholders, including the general public and end users for many of the environments we create. BIM utilises data within the design process from ecological surveys to topographical information to provide an accurate interpretation of the space. This data can be creatively used to develop inspiring landscapes for our local communities to enjoy.It is difficult to bring 2D plans to life, but by using 3D visualisations and augmented reality we can inform and engage a wider audience at public consultations. This gives people a more realistic understanding of how an urban environment will be implemented and the opportunity to provide more meaningful feedback on how that space could be improved. During lockdowns, this has become even more important as digital models and ways of engagement have been essential to allow projects to move forward without face to face consultations. BIM has created a more efficient way to communicate designs but more importantly to bring to life the design process, to promote more open and engaging conversations. DIGITAL GREENINGBy Neil Manthorpe, Associate Director ­ Design, AtkinsIntegrated tools To realise the full power of BIM and 3D, we need to look at the integration of the visualisation and modelling tools we use across disciplines. Too often, an engineer will use one platform on a single project, an architect another and a landscaper yet another. And while a Revit model may be effective for a single building, it doesn't account for the space around the building to the extent it could. There are powerful tools like NScape that allow you to pull together technical models that are also accessible to stakeholder and community groups. Our aim should be to move towards a common data platform between disciplines that is accessible to all who are working on, or impacted by, a project.Following a cohesive BIM strategy can help deliver an integrated and multi discipline design that considers all factors particularly the experience of the end user.Data-based decision making We can also be much better at using data to inform location, type and function of green space, as well as management and maintenance. The London Planning Datahub that Atkins has created with the GLA is a great example of this ­ it allows for close to real-time planning information to be made accessible to all 36 Greater London planning authorities. This type of system could help us model a more equal provision of infrastructure across a city. For example, identifying locations where pocket parks are most needed and viable and then replicating their design to deliver them faster to disadvantaged communities. Our urban environments are built up of different layers of information from pedestrian movement analysis, climate readings to historical records. There is a narrative running through this, segments of information and data that can be utilised to optimise the design process,
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