Integrated Design and Construction at the 250 West 55^th Street Tower

The recently completed 40-story office tower at 250 West 55th Street in Manhattan demonstrates the best in innovative structural design and use of 3-D coordination tools for design and construction. This paper describes the integrated process that was followed and some of the challenges that were met along the way. It will be of interest to design professionals and others interested in integrated construction processes. The integrated 3-D process started with the use of Revit from the Schematic design stage, and was followed through the design, procurement, and construction phases, with all major sub contractors producing 3-D or 4-D models. These models were carefully integrated by the general contractor and enabled savings in the schedule, reduction of field conflicts, and reduced project risks. The progress of the project was complicated by a suspension of construction for two years after completion of the foundations. This paper describes some of the unusual steps taken to manage this process and allow for an accelerated schedule upon restart of construction.