Case Study: Brown University achieves real-time BIM coordination and accelerated prefabrication with Trimble MEP

Mechanical Contractor Pushes Design-Build Envelope at Brown University

Brown University engaged Arden Engineering Constructors as the mechanical contractor for a new $78 million, 80,000‑square‑foot engineering building — the university’s first whole‑building Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) effort — which demanded real‑time coordination, extensive prefabrication and fast turnaround to meet a tight schedule. To meet these challenges the project team relied on Trimble MEP tools, most notably Trimble MEP’s SysQue for Revit, alongside cloud collaboration platforms (Autodesk A360/BIM 360 Glue) to move from 2D workflows to fabrication‑ready 3D models.

Trimble MEP’s solution — SysQue integrated with A360/BIM 360 Glue and Trimble field systems (RTS, Field Link and TX6 scanners) — enabled live model collaboration, automated BOMs and spool drawings, and precise field layout. The workflow let Arden prefabricate HVAC, plumbing and MedGas systems (creating spool drawings down to 0.5" lines), streamlined coordination across the IPD team, helped Arden win the contract on the strength of its technology, and kept the project on track for its planned fall 2017 completion.

Brown University

William Cameron

BIM Manager