Canada BIM Council has recently launched a new initiative designed to further bridge Academia and Industry by hosting events that provide educational value, networking opportunities and a platform to showcase educational institutions across the country.
Event partners NORR Limited and Algonquin College supported the event and played host to the Inaugural CanBIM Satellite Session on April 13th inside the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence. Attendees were a diverse mix of Industry and Academia, as were the presentations. CanBIM Satellite Sessions offer a presentation from the host educational institution (Algonquin College), a student presenter and a series of industry professional with proficiency in BIM. "These events are intended to create a bridge or a point of connection between Academia and Industry" states CanBIM Executive Director, Gerry Lattmann.
Hosted by CanBIM Director and Chair of Education & Research Committee, Pietro Ferrari and introduced by Eric Marois, Academic Chair, Civil and Building Science, Algonquin College and Chris Janzen, Dean Faculty of Technology and Trades, the evening kicked off with an intriguing presentation from Darrell deGrandmont, Project Manager and Consulting Architect from Windmill Developments. Darrell shared insight into Windmill Developments' process of incorporating people and stakeholders into their developments and how this results in sustainable projects.
Algonquin College's Alexander Yang, Project Manager, Construction from the Applied Research Office treated the audience to an introduction and an explanation of the College's Applied Research Program and the value they bring to the industry.
Industry presenter Tony Dolan, Construction Division Manager, Black & McDonald, shared his company's experiences, processes and efficiencies gained from using 3D technologies within mechanical systems.
Graduate Students from the Architectural Technology Program, Amy Picknell and Jacob Kelly presented their work on the Chaudière Events Centre; Westwind Design. "The presentation was very impressive, the student work was on par with or perhaps above some of the professional industry work I have seen with regard to R&D and visualizations" notes Thomas Strong, Director of VDC Services, EllisDon Construction.
Kirk Stalkie, BIM Manager from NORR Limited presented how NORR is implementing BIM into their work flows to improve how effective their design process can be. Kirk provided a look into what NORR is doing now, methods they are exploring and what they are expecting in the future, showcasing why NORR Limited is a leader in BIM.
Patrick Lalonde, BIM Manager, EllisDon construction showcased the Ottawa Light Rail Transit project. Providing an insightful look into the many layers of complexity that a project of this magnitude can deliver, while also showcasing how EllisDon is using technology to improve their processes and deliverables.
The night concluded with a lively and insightful discussion about BIM, the future and how technology will lead to innovation. Moderated by Eric Marois, the panelists included industry leaders Paul Lavallee, BIM Coordinator Architecture49, Al Douglas Operations Committee, buildingSMART Canada, Stephen Fai, Associate Professor Carleton University, Jean Carriere, Business Development Manager, Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), and Thomas Strong Director VDC/BIM, EllisDon Construction.
