Ensuring Quality and a Unique Signature with BIM
Quadrant4 sets high-quality standards. All projects we deliver must meet the standards we have established. Our clients and partners deserve nothing less. But how do you embed this quality standard along with Quadrant4’s own creative and technical signature in both the design and execution? We discussed this with Kurt Felicia (Modeler at Quadrant4) and Martin de Vet (Project Leader at Quadrant4). Both have completed advanced training in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and are eager to share what this means for Quadrant4.
Kurt: “I’m responsible for managing and maintaining the Quadrant4 library. This includes the technical, color, and pricing standards we use. I create and keep everything up-to-date. As a result, the design drawings we deliver (both analog and digital) showcase the Quadrant4 signature.”
Martin: “As a project leader, I’m deeply involved in various projects. I act as a link between the ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ and participate in construction team meetings. I support our project managers. My main task is to ensure that our technical requirements are upheld during execution.”
Kurt: “The BIM training we completed is quite generic. Participants include employees from construction and installation companies, as well as from the client’s side. That dynamic is interesting because BIM is about embarking on a journey together. It provided a realistic reflection of actual practice. I gained many insights on smart standardization, particularly on how large construction companies approach this.”
Martin: “In a project, you agree beforehand on who contributes what and in what manner. Then, you need to document and adhere to these agreements. It’s about moving from creating rules to following them, requiring internal and external support. Quadrant4 is currently in the implementation phase. In 2025, we’ll regroup with other course participants to share our experiences.”
Martin: “With BIM, you essentially create a digital twin of the building to be constructed. It’s an exact one-to-one match. Imagine saying, ‘The cable tray is already neatly along the wall.’ This gives you complete control, resulting in fewer errors, greater efficiency, and higher quality. After completion, it also forms the basis for effective management and maintenance of the building.”
Kurt: “You build the entire structure in the computer. Errors, such as the height of a pipe conflicting with the roof height, are avoided. Color, dimensions, materials, prices, and codes—everything is included. BIM started years ago but is now in a development phase. We are establishing fixed agreements based on Dutch standards within the entire construction industry.”
Martin: “You invest more in the preliminary phase, but you more than recoup this in the realization phase.”
Kurt: “We are now setting standards for our entire company, followed by a comprehensive implementation phase. We organize presentations for our colleagues to fully involve them in the process. Does everyone understand it? What are the lessons learned? How can we make even more improvements together?”
Kurt: “Clients definitely benefit from working with BIM. All issues have already been identified because the building has essentially been constructed once already. So, we won’t encounter these problems along the way.”
Martin: “It’s simple—execution runs much more smoothly with BIM.”
Martin: “I certainly anticipate further developments in sustainability. Owners, for instance, are placing more value on recycling the materials used. These are documented in a materials passport. With a digital building, you know exactly where and how many reusable materials are incorporated.”
Kurt: “I think we’ll soon move away from 2D, especially in our market. You’re also seeing more tablets being used on construction sites. There are even robots that mark where walls should go directly on the floor. In BIM, you can link elements to time and location, allowing you to digitally build the structure while considering the time factor. This helps determine, for example, if and when an (additional) crane is needed.”
