Case Study of Concrete Surface Design and Construction Method for Freeform Building Based on BIM -Focused on Tri-Bowl, Korea-

While it is generally possible to install curved panels manufactured in a factory within the permitted error range on an irregular surface frame of concrete or steel, it is difficult and expensive. Freeform architecture is thus designed and constructed differently from formal buildings. In order to more easily and inexpensively actualize freeform architecture, Building Information Modeling (hereinafter referred to as BIM) has recently been applied in the construction industry. However, the related research and case analyses are not sufficient to identify the implications and contributions of freeform buildings in future similar projects. Therefore, this research will study design and construction methods for freeform surfaces, particular the concrete surface frame of freeform buildings based on BIM, focused on the Tri-Bowl project. This study attempts to analyze the pros and cons of each method for the concrete surface frame of the Tri-Bowl, and then presents the lessons learned and implications related to the design and construction process of the freeform architecture. Several implications for design and construction of concrete surface frame of the freeform building, the Tri-Bowl, are found. The first is that manufacturing and installation of a curved concrete frame is precisely performed based on the exact numerical values of materials and installation made using BIM 3D technologies, such as CATIA and Rhino. The second is that close and continuous collaboration among the different participants in the construction of the Tri-Bowl allowed them to cope with virtual conditions. The third is that design and construction processes have changed, and high quality of the surface frame of a freeform building is required.