Sustainable Design and BIM Integration: Benefits and Pitfalls
Michael Frisina, LEED AP, Project Job Captain, Dalpos Architects
ABSTRACT
The Innovative Technologies Complex at Binghamton University is a growing research facility comprising
five buildings. Two buildings are occupied functional research facilities, one is under construction and will
be complete in December, another is in schematic design and a fifth is in discussions. Binghamton
University is the Architect of record for all five facilites. The complex hosts a plethora of sustainable and
innovative technologies such as geothermal energy, photovoltaics, garden roof systems, chilled beams,
rainwater harvesting, daylight harvesting, natural ventilation and LED lighting systems, Currently, one
facility is certified LEED Platinum, one is tracking LEED Gold and the following two in design are
designed LEED PLatinum. The talk will discuss the integration of these innovative design systems with
the existing site conditions, architecture and research that occurs on the site, and how these challenges
informed and influenced LEED design decisions. We wil also discuss lessons learned throughout the
design, construction and LEED process and how those lessons influenced the decision to utilize BIM
technology.
The talk will also showcase BIM integration through the Design, Construction and Operations &
Maintanence phases. We employed BIM within the design and construction phases. Specifically, we used
a Revit workstation on the jobsite to coordinate all MEP systems with each other, the structure and the
architecture in real time. We also used BIM to inform the end users about the possibilities available
through the Operations & Maintanence phases. We will use our case study to specifically discuss how
proper use of BIM through all phases of a project can significantly streamline the process for all members
of the project team and what effect proper usage has on the end users. We will also discuss the impacts
and pitfalls of improper use of BIM technologies.
BIOGRAPHY
Michael Frisina is a LEED AP, BD&C and Project Job Captain for Dalpos Architects. He has coordinated
LEED credentials for three major capital projects and has worked intimately with the Project Architect,
MEP Consultants and Contractors on the design, coordination and implementation of sustainable
technology systems for the University. Michael is responsible for Revit coordination of all Architectural,
Structural and MEP systems during design and construction and implementation of changes to ensure
proper construction and as-built models post-construction. He is also responsible for all BIM modeling
and coordination of new lower-budget capital projects.