Finland pavilion ’Kirnu’ was designed with an eye on sustainability since the very beginning
Finnish technological know-how will be paraded in the World Expo 2010 opening soon in Shanghai, China. From the 1st of May until the end of October, altogether 12 of the Expo pavilions will showcase the use of Tekla Structures BIM (Building Information Modeling) software. Tekla is an official partner in the Finland exhibition during the event.
Finland pavilion ’Kirnu’ is surrounded by water
The pavilions of the World Expo 2010 are specimens of modern architecture and construction skills. Their curved, asymmetrical geometry requires a great deal from the software in use. Finland pavilion ‘Kirnu’ was a challenge both in terms of geometry and complexity of its steel
structure. It was designed by Helsinki-based architects’ office JKMM. Another Finnish company, Lemcon Ltd, is in charge of its construction.
“From the day that Kirnu was chosen for the Finnish pavilion it was quite clear that there is a need for 3D steel design software,” said Jouni Lehtonen, construction manager for Finland at the World Expo and representative of Finland exhibition organizer Finpro.
Nearly 60 meters in diameter, the steel-tube frame of the pavilion consists of variable cross-sections and unique curved shapes. Tens of thousands of bolt connections are needed to keep them together. It would have been impossible for engineers to design this structure into 2D drawings by using just traditional 2D software.
“We knew that Tekla Structures is Finnish software and one of the best on the market, so it was quite an obvious choice,” said Lehtonen.
Tekla brings sustainability to construction sites
Main theme in the Shanghai Expo is ”Better City, Better Life.” More than half of the world’s population lives in cities, which has led to many problems. A big challenge for the near future is to find methods of construction that are sustainable and preserve natural resources.
The Finland pavilion is a laboratory for sustainable building, presenting Finnish solutions for future urban construction. The goal has been to develop energy-efficient, low-emission and environmentally friendly solutions both in terms of construction method and maintenance properties. In Kirnu, the use of energy is being lowered by, for example, light surfaces and natural ventilation. Carbon dioxide emissions are being reduced by recycling and re-use of materials. The outer façade of the building will be covered with scale-like shingles made of paper/plastic composite sheet, a Finnish industrial recycled product.
After the Expo, the Finland pavilion will be disassembled, sold, and taken to new use. Modeling its steel connections with Tekla Structures enables it to be rebuilt in another location. In addition, building information modeling minimizes expensive and unnecessary miscalculations.
Switzerland pavilion combines nature and technology
“Using Tekla Structures software all necessary building information is gathered into a 3D model database, which all project disciplines can share. This way it is possible to significantly decrease mistakes and costs in planning, site management, and project scheduling,” says Executive Vice President of Tekla Risto Räty.
Pavilions require a great deal from modeling software
Tekla recieved an internationalization award from the President of Finland in February 2010. The company has customers in nearly 100 countries. International operations account for more than 80% of net sales. In the World Expo 2010, Tekla Structures was used to model and build altogether 12 exhibition pavilions: in addition to the Finland pavilion, these include the pavilions of Germany, Sweden, United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Macau, Italy, Luxembourg, and host country China. Moreover, the theme pavilion of the Expo as well as its Performance Center were modeled with Tekla Structures.
”The pavilions of the World Expo are architecturally ambitious and thus extremely challenging to build. Tekla Structures was chosen as the tool for so many pavilions because that is exactly where the strength of our software lies: in structural design of complex buildings,” Räty says.
Rich in details, the Netherlands pavilion ‘Happy Street’ consists of several small pavilions
Other modern structures modeled with Tekla software include world’s highest building Burj Khalifa, Bird’s Nest stadium of Beijing Olympics, Wembley stadium of London, and recently opened SkyView gondola of the Globe stadium in Stockholm.
”Success of course is a fine thing for Tekla and says much of our company’s esteem internationally. The Shanghai Expo awakes interest around the world, especially for its pavilions,” concludes Räty.
For more information and images:
Tekla Corporation
Anne Silvennoinen
anne.silvennoinen(at)tekla.com
tel. +358 40 549 7007
or
Maija Hakala
maija.hakala(a)acsanafor.fi
tel. +358 50 33 828 73
For more information about
Tekla and building of Finland pavilion: http://www.tekla.com/fi/solutions/references/Pages/suomen-paviljonki-kiina.aspx
Finland pavilion and exhibition: http://www.finlandatexpo2010.fi/paviljonki
Shanghai Expo: http://en.expo2010.cn/
Tekla
Tekla’s model-based software products make customers’ core processes more effective in building and construction and infrastructure management. Tekla Corporation has area offices and partner organizations worldwide. International operations account for more than 80% of net sales. Founded in 1966, Tekla is one of the longest operating software companies in Finland. More information at www.tekla.com
Tekla Structures
Tekla's technology creates new opportunities for the construction industry. Tekla Structures, the most advanced BIM (Building Information Modeling) software on the market, provides an accurate, dynamic, and data-rich 3D environment that can be shared by contractors, structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, as well as concrete detailers and manufacturers. The highly detailed as-built structural models created in Tekla Structures enable the highest level of constructability and production control. Centralizing model and non-model based data into the model allows for more collaborative and integrated project management and delivery. This translates into increased productivity, elimination of waste, and an enhanced value for structural modeling. More information at www.teklastructures.com