I usually find inspiration just about everywhere! Anyone who knows me personally, and is familiar with my work, would have a hard time arguing that I am not a creative individual. From my graphic and web design skills, to photography to fashion, or to just looking for different inspiration in my surroundings.
For this blog I wanted to share my passion for design, but this time around, I've seriously hit a roadblock. I tried to go around it, "ERR", no go! I've tried to go over and under, "ERR"! FINALLY, I was able to just move it by looking at the source and finding the inspiration right HERE!
Julie Weber! Yup, Julie Weber is my source of inspiration! Julie is our resident "Green Queen", a gal who is creative by nature, passionate about the environment and a provider of some of the most informative blog posts we've got to offer. How could I possibly compete?!? I have put together this roundup of some of her best to showcase the information that she has been able to provide the community. With the addition of some design related blog posts that I find inspiring!
 |
BIM Software and the Integrative Design Approach
...Why is early collaboration important when building a “green” building? Planning upfront creates a better flow of communication, more room for innovation, and often times more opportunity for cost savings.... |
|
Green your Spacesaver Mobile System with LED!
...As a rule of thumb (green thumb, that is) you can take big or small steps as you begin your sustainable journey... |
|
Reflections on the Biosphere
...all these concepts, goals...whatever, must work together to create a single living environment... |
|
Who says library shelving and lighting can’t be designer?!?
...due to the nature of the building design the use of light is a critical design element. To ensure the book stacks dovetail with the principal design concept at Seattle Central Library, the static shelving systems throughout the library are decked out with translucent acrylic materials... |
In addition to those posts, take a look at this video. An introduction to how Spacesaver has adopted Revit Software and BIM environment with mobile shelving and other storage models.
These models are available to download through spacesaver.com in the Design Resources and on AutoDesk Seek. Please don't forget to register for updates if you are interested in ensuring that you have the latest and greatest models.
I hope you find "Bringing Design Back!" as inspiring as I do!
Katie Lowell - Storage Enthusiast
In my former life as an interior designer, I rarely thought about high-density mobile shelving solutions for my clients. Why, you ask? Turns out, I had several misconceptions about the product:
- I thought high-density units were too expensive
- I thought high-density shelving was just for records and files
- I thought high-density mobile units were pretty ugly
- I thought any room above the first floor wasn’t structurally sound enough for high-density mobile to be installed.
- I thought that high-density mobile was not an efficient use of space unless you had a large central filling area.
Turns out that I was wrong about all of the above, and never even knew! Gasp!
High density is actually, most often, a less expensive option. Take the following example:
 |
In this 18'X30' room we can fit 42 five drawer lateral files, providing 6,930 lateral filing inches in the space at $5 - $6 per inch. |
 |
Regardless of the mode of operation (manual, mechanical assist or powered), you can store the same 6,930 lateral filing inches in just 32% of the space, or as shown here, you can increase your storage capacity by 316% percent for $2 - $3 per filing inch. |
| High-density shelving is definitely not just for records. It is for all kinds of “stuff.” Think dinosaur bones, football helmets, books, golf bags… it is a way to save space in any interior space. Had I only known… |
|
|
|
High-density mobile units are totally customizable. Had I wanted to use metallic paint and 3form end panels I could have done that very thing! Look at this very sexy storage solution! |
| With Spacesaver T-rail, you can use high-density mobile units on any floor you need. The heavy-duty rail helps disperse weight. |
 |
Rule of thumb is that if you are using 5-7 lateral files in your work area, high-density mobile will save you more space and money (lateral files can be up to $800 a pop).
Using Revit? Click here to access our BIM Models.
Julie Weber - Storage Enthusiast
Spacesaver has been striving to make Revit® families of our products that the A&D community will actually use. It's been a busy year at Spacesaver developing and publishing the Revit® models of our products, sharing and listening to the community, tweaking the models, and then re-publishing them at our Design Center.
Now that Spacesaver's Revit® models are in tip-top shape, we felt it was time to partner with none other than the leading source for Revit® models on the internet ... Autodesk® Seek.
If you go to the Autodesk® Seek website for the answer to the above question, they will tell you that they are "the on-line source for building product information that allows designers to search, select and specify building products ... along with associated design files such as ... specifications, product descriptions, and 3D models."
They will go on to share that, "while working in their design applications such as Revit®, architects, engineers and designers can obtain accurate, information-rich results using the Autodesk® Seek search functionality embedded within their applications."
"...embedded within their applications..." This is worth repeating.
Yes, it is like a search engine built right into the software, that has a direct link to a HUGE library of high quality Revit® models at your fingertips. This is powerful!
Spacesaver Revit® models are now available on Autodesk® Seek!
Storage Solved!
Ronald Chisholm, P.E. - Storage Specialist
Spacesaver has embraced the BIM movement, and has created Revit® models for your BIM processes. (Revit®is the software tool.) If you are active in this process, you can download and take advantage of the Spacesaver Revit®families for several of our products.
Visit the Spacesaver Design Center
!
A couple months back, I posted a simple review of the findings detailed in a McGraw-Hill Construction SmartMarket Report on the business process called “BIM” (Building Information Modeling). To my surprise, as well as to the astonishment of some of my colleagues, the blog post with the catchy title garnished several hundred views from the general public. (In case you missed it … BIM Boosts the Bottom Line with Bankable Benefits!) Serendipitously, I touched on a subject that brought forth a bit of traffic to our growing web-site! Mission accomplished! 
As a result of the success of that post, I’ve decided to spot-light the BIM process yet again, only this time pass over it from a higher perspective. I wish to tell the BIM-tale to a larger audience, one that may not know anything about BIM and or its benefits. I aim to answer a few basic questions:
- What is BIM?
- Who is using BIM?
- Why are they using BIM?
If I can answer these questions successfully, new readers may have a better idea of what BIM can do for them, as well as create a bit of traffic to our growing web-site! Again, mission accomplished! So, on to the lessons:
What is BIM?
BIM is an acronym for “Building Information Modeling.” Our friends at Wikipedia start off their definition by describing BIM as a “process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. Typically using three-dimensional real-time, dynamic building modeling software.”
Let’s break Wiki’s account down into three key points:
- Process
- Building data
- Software
First of all, BIM is described as a “process.” It is not something you can hold in your hands; rather it is a step-by-step, sequential, series of tasks that allow for the “generation and management” of a building. It is not a tool used to erect the building, rather it is the process used by those in the construction field to go about creating and using a building. Let me go further.
The second point references “building data.” What is this? Let’s take a moment to think about the building you are sitting in right now. There are walls, ceilings, and floors. There are carpets, windows, and furniture. There are electrical wires, heating/ventilating ducts, and pipes. Get the picture? All these things are elements of a typical building. This is basic building data.
And as a final point, “three-dimensional software” is the tool used to bring about the BIM process.
Hence, to paraphrase, by reversing the order of the above points, BIM begins with a three-dimensional software package, that utilizes all the building data, in order to communicate the process of erecting and managing a building.
Who is using BIM?
With the initial lesson out of the way, the next question is much easier to answer.
Identifying the individuals that are using the BIM process is simple; they are the ones that are involved in the design, erection, and managing of a building project. This typically starts with the owner, architect and/or designer, those responsible for the creative spirit behind most buildings. They can use the BIM three-dimensional software (tool) to express their ideas, and put them down for others to see. They are the individuals that are involved in the design phases of a construction project.
The process continues with those individuals that handle the building “data”; remember the walls, windows, doors, ceiling, etc. These individuals are typically the contractors (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and their respective suppliers (bricks, wires, and pipes). The same BIM three-dimensional software (tool) is used to identify, estimate, track, and schedule the building phases of our construction project.
Why are they using BIM?
“And now the answer to the million dollar question!” (And believe me; it’s all about the dollars!)
BIM is being used by the individuals identified above because … It saves them money!
All the architectural renderings, construction documents, estimating, material order forms, schedules, etc. can all be combined into one package. All used to improve collaboration between stakeholders.
This brings us full circle, returning to my blog posting a couple months ago! Take another peek! BIM Boosts the Bottom Line with Bankable Benefits!
Storage Solved!
Ronald Chisholm, P.E. - Storage Specialist
Spacesaver has embraced this BIM movement, and has created Revit models for the BIM process. (Revit is the software tool.) If you are active in this process, you can download and take advantage of the Spacesaver Revit families for several of our products. Visit the Spacesaver Design Center, for your Revit family needs!
McGraw Hill Contruction, 2010: www.bim.construction.com "Who's using BIM, and Where Are They Getting the Real Business Value?"
The business value of Building Information Modeling (BIM) was recently placed under the microscope by McGraw-Hill Construction, with their findings detailed in a 52 page SmartMarket Report published in 2009. You can get the full report in the BIM Special Section of their website, or you can continue reading below as I try to summarize some of the highlights:
Three BIM tidbits immediately jump out of their report:
- Almost 50% of the industry is now using BIM
- All BIM users plan significant increases in their use
- Majority are experiencing business benefits directly attributable to BIM
This should catch the attention of those that may be skeptical about the BIM paradigm shift, and/or answers to those asking the questions about who is using BIM and whether or not they are receiving any real business value from their investments. This information does not show that trend is simply upward; it shows that the trend is on a rocket ship! The full use and acceptance of BIM is on track to become an industry standard in HALF the time it took AutoCAD.
Additional findings point to the facts that companies are reaping higher ROI on their BIM investments, even during the lean economic times:
- Two-thirds of BIM users see positive ROI on their investment
- 93% of BIM users believe there is potential to gain more value in the future.
BIM is also being seen as a way to get a leg up on the competition:
- Half of the users are offering new BIM services to their clients
- Two-thirds say BIM is providing the ability to maintain repeat business
The caveat of BIM comes in the form of productivity improvements gained through the efficiencies it provides; primarily from clash detection, resulting in a reduction of errors and change orders.
The themes of productivity and profitability are taking shape in the BIM business case.
Spacesaver has embraced the BIM movement, and has created Revit models for the BIM process.
You can download and take advantage of the Spacesaver Revit families for several products. Visit the Spacesaver Design Center, for your Revit needs!
Storage Solved!
Ronald Chisholm, P.E. - Storage Specialist
McGraw Hill Contruction, 2010: www.bim.construction.com "Who's using BIM, and Where Are They Getting the Real Business Value?"
Sign up to receive notifications for new or updated storage Revit files!
For architects and designers working with Revit®, this is where storage gets solved, so why not get notified when we offer more storage models for Revit? In addition to the Revit models we offer you full descriptions and specs that make it simple to specify and integrate innovative storage solutions in your designs. Sign up NOW!
The latest additions to the Spacesaver Revit Library include Mobile Storage with Cantilever Shelving as well as our Double-Wall Shelving (Case-type) product line.
Our growing collection of Revit families are available for immediate download at the Spacesaver Design Center!
The traditional 4-Post version of our Mobile product line was the first revit model we released earlier this year. Today, by popular demand, we offer the Cantilever shelving option for our Mobile product line. The cantilever shelving products are particularly popular with Libraries and Universities.
A cantilevered mobile storage solution can be delivered in manual, mechanical assist, and powered (Eclipse) versions. Each offers their own unique solution to your storage needs.
Spacesaver's Case-type Shelving (double-walled) provides an attractive, highly
adaptable storage solution for practically anything you wish to store. They are designed for both stationary and mobile storage applications, and offer a wide-range of options.
You can download and take advantage of the Spacesaver Revit families for several of our products. Visit the Spacesaver Design Center, for your Revit Family needs!
Storage Solved!
Ronald Chisholm, P.E. - Storage Specialist
Sign up to receive notifications for new or updated storage Revit files!
For architects and designers working with Revit®, this is where storage gets solved, so why not get notified when we offer more storage models for Revit? In addition to the Revit models we offer you full descriptions and specs that make it simple to specify and integrate innovative storage solutions in your designs. Sign up NOW!
Read more about how BIM can boost your bottom line!
For architects and designers working with Revit,
Spacesaver® is where storage gets solved.
Visit our design center Now!
You'll find descriptions, specs, and downloadable 3D objects from Spacesaver Corporation that make it simple to specify compact shelving, storage lockers, weapons storage, evidence lockers, book shelves, and more to integrate innovative storage solutions in your designs.
Get registered Now for updates
as we expand our library of Revit® models for BIM.
Visit us at NeoCon2010 to see real-life storage examples on the tradeshow floor outside the Healthcare Pavilion (8-1004), and in our permanent Showroom (11-117)You'll see the storage solutions you can specify up close and personal.
Read more about how BIM can boost your bottom line!
The Spacesaver Revit object library continues to grow, with the addition of our popular Rotary File Cabinets. The new Revit models of our Rotary File Cabinet offering are available for immediate download at our new Design Center!
Spacesaver Rotary Storage Systems are the space-efficient and cost-effective alternative to lateral and vertical files. They offer the same or greater capacity than conventional file cabinets in a fraction of the floor space.
You can download and make the most of the Spacesaver Revit families for several of our products. Visit the Spacesaver Design Center, for your Revit Family needs!
Storage Solved!
Ronald Chisholm, P.E. - Storage Specialist
For architects and designers working with Revit®, this is where storage gets solved, so why not get notified when we offer more storage models for Revit? In addition to the Revit models we offer you full descriptions and specs that make it simple to specify and integrate innovative storage solutions in your designs. Sign up NOW!
Read more about how BIM can boost your bottom line!
BIM/Revit® objects, by Spacesaver, are now available at Reed Construction Data's SmartBuilding Index.
Reed Construction Data delivers construction project information and services to support contractors, distributors and building product manufacturers; they have become a leader in Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Spacesaver is proud to partner with them!
Aside from having a presence on RCD's SmartBuilding Index, Spacesaver's growing BIM/Revit® object library can also be found at our own Design Center.
Other Spacesaver Revit® objects currently available for download, include:
Check them out!
Ronald Chisholm, P.E. - Storage Specialist
Sign up to receive notifications for new or updated storage Revit files!
For those architects and designers working with Revit®, here is where storage problems are solved, so why not get notified when we offer more storage models for Revit? In addition to the Revit models we offer full descriptions and specifications that make it simple to specify and integrate innovative storage solutions in your designs. Sign up NOW!
Read more about how BIM can boost your bottom line!
Do you need manufacturers' Revit models for your public safety or library project? We've got ‘em!
We blogged about our initial Revit model offerings (mobile shelving and personal storage lockers) a few weeks ago, and introduced you to our new Design Center! Today ... our library continues to expand; we've got new Revit models!
You can now download and make the most of the Revit families for our Evidence Lockers and Cantilever Shelving / Book Shelving lines.
Spacesaver's line of DSM Evidence Lockers are designed to provide secure chain-of-custody solutions for law enforcement agencies and facilities handling evidence. Our evidence storage solutions may even assist you with your CALEA practices (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies).
Cantilever Shelving (or book shelving) is ideal for academic, corporate, public and legal libraries, as well as many general office applications. The storage options are endless! Let our cantilever storage solutions help you with your storage needs
Whether you are designing storage solutions for the local sheriff, or librarian, let Spacesaver provide you with the Revit tools you need to complete your project!
Please visit our Design Center, for your Revit Family needs!
Storage Solved!
Ronald Chisholm, P.E. - Storage Specialist
For architects and designers working with Revit®, this is where storage gets solved, so why not get notified when we offer more storage models for Revit? In addition to the Revit models we offer you full descriptions and specs that make it simple to specify and integrate innovative storage solutions in your designs. Sign up NOW!
Read more about how BIM can boost your bottom line!