BIM Management
Project Name: Terminal 1 Annex & Car Park 4
Location: Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
Type: Airport
Size: 17,000 sqm & 67,877 sqm
Time: 2018
Client: BIM Academy Enterprises Ltd.
Main Contractor: Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited
Owner: Airport Authority Hong Kong
Project Description:
The Terminal 1 Annex and Car Park 4 expansion at Hong Kong International Airport was a significant project aimed at enhancing the airport’s operational capacity and passenger experience. The project introduced a new 7-storey annex to Terminal 1, which included additional check-in facilities to accommodate increasing passenger flow. To streamline baggage handling, the annex was equipped with modern baggage reclaim carousels and handling systems, making the process more efficient. In addition to these operational improvements, the annex also featured retail spaces, adding a commercial aspect to the terminal and enhancing passenger experience.
A key aspect of the project was the expansion of the existing Car Park 4, which involved the construction of a new 12-storey building. This new structure provided additional parking capacity and included community facilities for airport staff on the upper floors. The new annex and Car Park 4 were linked by a new bridge, enabling smooth connectivity between the two buildings. The total cost for this expansion project was USD 210 million, reflecting both the scale of the construction and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) Management.
BIM Scope of Work:
This project made extensive use of BIM Management to optimize the design, coordination, and construction processes. One of the key components of the BIM scope was the creation of a Level of Development (LOD) 400 BIM model for both the structural and building services aspects of the project, which included the baggage handling system. LOD 400 models are highly detailed, containing accurate information on geometry, dimensions, location, and quantities, which made it possible to address many design complexities during the pre-construction phase.
The architectural BIM models from various subcontractors were seamlessly integrated into a master BIM model. This integration ensured that different design elements—such as structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems—were properly coordinated. By bringing together models from multiple disciplines into a centralized BIM environment, the project team could detect and resolve clashes early, avoiding costly on-site modifications.
In addition to model integration, BIM Management involved close coordination with project team members through a Common Data Environment (CDE) and an Issue Tracking system. The CDE acted as a shared digital workspace where all stakeholders had access to up-to-date project information, fostering transparency and collaboration. The Issue Tracking system helped identify, assign, and resolve issues quickly, ensuring that problems were addressed in a timely manner before they could affect the project schedule.
BIM Value Delivered:
BIM Management brought numerous benefits to the Terminal 1 Annex and Car Park 4 expansion. First and foremost, it established a reliable, accurate source of information that facilitated the 3D coordination of building services and the overall architectural design. The detailed LOD 400 model allowed the project team to visualize the building’s components and structure in three dimensions, ensuring that the services—such as HVAC, electrical systems, and baggage handling systems—were properly coordinated with the architecture.
This 3D visualization also accelerated design coordination and helped create a clash-free environment. With BIM’s ability to simulate various design scenarios, potential clashes between different building systems were identified and resolved early in the design phase. This reduced the risk of rework during construction, giving the Main Contractor the confidence to proceed with construction, knowing that potential issues had already been addressed.
Furthermore, BIM Management improved team collaboration and communication. Through the use of the Common Data Environment and the Issue Tracking system, all stakeholders had real-time access to project data and could work together more effectively. This not only streamlined decision-making but also minimized misunderstandings and miscommunications, which are often major causes of delays in large projects.
In summary, the integration of BIM Management into the Terminal 1 Annex and Car Park 4 project at Hong Kong International Airport enhanced design efficiency, reduced risks, and ensured smoother collaboration among all project stakeholders. This approach resulted in a highly coordinated, well-executed project that met the needs of the client and set a new standard for airport infrastructure development.