YSA Design pioneers the use of BIM in cruise ship industry

Build Information Modelling improves accuracy in ship design and building projects, saving time and money
YSA Design pioneers the use of BIM in cruise ship industry
Virtual reality and BIM allow for more efficient ship design, according to the Norwegian design firm (Image: YSA Design)

By Alex Smith |


Norway-based design firm YSA Design is close to completing the first-ever cruise ship construction project to be conceptualised, designed and executed using one Building Information Modelling (BIM) process.

BIM allows for the creation of a 3D model that can be used across all the design and execution phases of a project. It improves the traditional process of superimposing 2D drawings from utility contractors onto a 3D model, offering greater accuracy and enabling simulated walkthroughs. This allows final decisions to be made at an early stage of the project, saving time and costs.

“The same 3D model is used by designers, shipbuilders, outfitters, plumbers and electricians,” said Georg Piantino, senior architect for YSA Design. “Now, a virtual tour can take in everything from ‘big picture’ items such as cruise ship atriums, to the fine detail of piping arrangements in awkward spaces. Right from the outset, even before steel cutting or materials selection, collisions can be identified and colour-coded by severity so that the resolution process can begin.”

The firm has also made use of virtual reality (VR) to help owners, builders and contractors to better understand space in terms of their size and atmosphere.

“VR makes it possible to see and ‘feel’ the space immediately, and to experience the impact that changes of atmosphere or materials can have before construction has begun,” said Piantino.

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