Spotlight on solutions: All-digital workflows redefine construction management

How the virtual 3D model of a complex performing arts center supports collaboration and helps identify problems before they happen.

Over the past ten years, undergraduate student enrollment in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Alabama has increased by 121% with no new facilities added. To meet the need for performance space, seating capacity and functionality, construction of the 130,088-square-foot Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts is underway.

As the impressive project progresses, a complete digital 3D representation stored in a central database is helping Birmingham, AL-based MJ Harris Construction Services manage tight coordination windows, fast-paced schedules and rigorous quality expectations. High-accuracy field survey tools collect measurements to compare as-built to the model throughout the construction phase to ensure successful completion.

Constructing a safer future

This $177 million construction project involves lengthy approval processes, complex designs, numerous subcontractors and diverse supply chains. Paul Hedgepath, director of virtual construction at MJ Harris, advocates for expanding the use of technology to expedite workflows, improve safety and assist with long-term lifecycle management.

Advanced digital technologies, such as building information modeling (BIM), virtual design and construction (VDC) and artificial intelligence (AI), make comprehensive information about the building’s geometric and technical parameters easily accessible and viewable on site and in the office. MJ Harris is currently applying BIM and VDC techniques during construction of the Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts, which will contain multiple theater spaces and specialized requirements.

“I’m always drawn to technically complex projects, and this one really gives us the opportunity to apply cutting-edge tools to solve real-world problems,” says Hedgepath, who leads BIM, laser scanning and reality capture efforts across all projects. “Access to a comprehensive 3D model allows us to spot issues early, streamline collaboration and keep everyone aligned — which reduces risk and improves outcomes.”

Space to meet growing demand

One of the leading construction firms in the southeastern United States since its founding in 1995, MJ Harris specializes in commercial construction across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, industrial and institutional projects. The firm’s higher education portfolio includes academic buildings, research facilities, student housing and athletic facilities. Its approach typically emphasizes collaborative planning and value engineering to meet institutional needs while managing costs effectively.

The University of Alabama project presents several challenges that an all-digital workflow is well-suited to address:

• An accessible 3D model allows non-technical stakeholders to understand the complex design and visualize the building in its actual environment
• Digital design tools optimize the intricate spatial relationships between three distinct theater spaces (350-seat drama theater, 450-seat dance theater and 250-seat studio theater) and support spaces such as a scenery shop, various control rooms and rehearsal halls
• Specialized acoustic, lighting and sightline requirements for performing arts venues can be simulated and tested virtually
• Advanced algorithms identify potential conflicts between critical mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems

MJ Harris uses all-digital workflows even when not required because the process leads to faster timelines, reduced cost and better deliverables. “We try to capture comprehensive data in the field on every project to help assess constructability factors like budget implications, timing considerations, material selections and structural feasibility,” Hedgepath says. “I set clear expectations early with trade partners and pre-coordination is important.”

Hedgepath became involved with the Smith Family Center early in preconstruction to support coordination and field verification. “On this project, I’m using a full tech stack — AI, laser scanning, BIM, drones, robotic total stations, 360-degree photos and augmented reality (AR) — to support precision, speed and quality from design through install.”

By identifying issues early in the virtual environment, MJ Harris hopes to prevent costly changes during construction, and the trend toward cloud-based management systems encourages more effective communication among stakeholders.

Virtual problem-solving saves real dollars

A fully digital workflow has been used on the performing arts center project from the start, from data collection in the field to data processing and storage in the cloud. The Trimble X7 3D laser scanner captured data to populate the BIM to aid with design. During construction, the Trimble RTS total station integrates with Trimble FieldLink software to easily manage the complete construction layout and as-built collection process. The as-builts are compared on site to the building information model for real-time validation, while 3D point cloud as-built scans will support closeout and long-term facility management in the future.

Since the geometry in the building is intricate and MEP systems are packed into tight areas, precise measurements helped optimize the use of space and prevented conflicts in the design. The X7 was used to scan steel and other components to ensure new construction joists openings aligned with the mechanical systems before final install, which saved rework and averted negative impacts to the schedule.

“Real-time validation has been a big win using the laser scanner with a tablet in the field and scanning the steel construction helped us catch issues before they affected downstream work,” explained Hedgepath. “We’ve reduced layout time, cut down on RFIs, and avoided delays by scanning and validating critical structures before MEP install.”

A cloud-based common data environment and collaboration platform is the center of MJ Harris’ unified and integrated solution. Storing BIM data and field data in one location improves coordination and enables effective report preparation and documentation management, as well as progress tracking and deliverables sharing.

Evolution of AI

Incorporating advanced digital technology into complex architectural projects offers significant advantages. The high-profile Smith Family Center is one of the most tech-forward projects MJ Harris has conducted. In addition to 3D data capture and modeling and virtual design and construction, AI also helps the team by quickly searching submittals, specs and all documents associated with the project while in the field to facilitate decision making.

“We’re fully digital — BIM, AR, scanning, AI — the virtual and real world are tied together. AI, especially, is changing how fast we can access information and handle documentation. That’s not the future — it’s happening now, and it’s making a real difference on site,” Hedgepath concludes. “Going forward, AI will impact the construction industry more than anything else in history.”