by Elizabeth Bollinger

As we enter the 21st century, a unique consortium of architecture, engineering, and construction firms has formed to explore attitudes and practices in the building industry, with specific attention to implementing the efficient use of new computer technologies.

The STAR (Strategic Alliance Roundtable) Team mission is "improving the project delivery process by leveraging teamwork and technology." They aim to create a design-and-construction industry brain trust that shares insights and experience.

The STAR Team was organized by DPR Construction, Inc. as a collection of design build professionals and builders, all of whom had a common interest in leveraging 3D technology.

Founding members also include Callison Architecture, Inc., KPFF Consulting Engineers, Mazzetti & Associates, Kinetics, ACCO (Air Conditioning Company, Inc.), and Oregon Electric Group.

Seeking a Supporting Platform

The core membership first met in March, 2000. Their first order of business was to evaluate current computer technology and select a CAD application that would be used for their investigations. As a group, the STAR Team evaluated several CAD systems and settled on Bricsnet in July.

Jim Ray of DPR Construction said, "The team chose Bricsnet because it was a true 3D solid modeling application that supports 2D capabilities. Other applications on the market are just the reverse; they are 2D applications trying to support 3D. Bricsnet also displayed an eagerness to work with the STAR Team to further enhance their application to meet the needs of our team."

For its pilot project, the STAR Team built a prototype model, based on a generic building from the Means Estimating Guide. It was modeled in Bricsnet and rendered in form-Z. Image: STAR Team The prototype model, developed as a "proof of concept" to evaluate the capabilities of Bricsnet. Image: STAR Team   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.