Case Study: Nikken Sekkei achieves more effective BIM-driven architectural design with Graphisoft Archicad

Nikken Sekkei advances BIM across 40 countries with Graphisoft Archicad

Nikken Sekkei, a large and successful Japanese architectural design firm, sought to evolve its use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) beyond basic design quality and efficiency. Their broader challenge was to lead innovation across four areas of "ICT use in architecture"—digital fabrication, simulation, computational design, and IoT integration—which required a robust digital platform to manage these processes together. The vendor, Graphisoft, provided its Archicad BIM software as this essential platform.

The solution centered on using Graphisoft's Archicad to facilitate open BIM collaboration and integrated design. This enabled Nikken Sekkei to execute complex projects like the "On the Water" guest house and the "Passenger Terminal Building No. 3" at Narita Airport, using the software for detailed environmental simulations, structural and MEP coordination, and client communication. The results included deliberate, high-quality designs with no "accidents," cost-effective solutions for the low-budget terminal, and a proven path toward unifying the four ICT areas. Graphisoft's platform allowed the firm to visually present benefits to clients and contractors, speeding up understanding and streamlining the entire design and construction process.

Nikken Sekkei Ltd.