Tekijä: Tomas Westerholm

624 proposals on A-D Museum competition

We are thrilled to announce that the public gallery of proposals for phase one of the prestigious architectural design competition for Helsinki’s upcoming museum building of architecture and design🏛️🎨 has been launched on Tietoa Competition Cloud platform.

Explore the visionary designs submitted by talented architects from around the world 🌍 and witness the innovative concepts that could shape the future of Helsinki’s cultural landscape. This open competition, organised in collaboration with Museum of Architecture and Design, is a landmark opportunity for architecture enthusiasts and professionals alike to engage with some of the most inspiring design ideas of our time.

Check out the gallery and stay tuned as the competition moves forward into the next phases. Let’s celebrate creativity and the future of architecture together! 🌟

How it works under the hood for 624 proposals?

Competition Cloud offers a unique approach to running competitions, combining automation with expert-driven customization. This hybrid model allows for a perfect fit for any competition, whether it’s a small local event or a large international challenge. But what exactly happens behind the scenes to make this system so adaptable and efficient?

A Solid Foundation: Pre-Built Features At the core of Competition Cloud is a comprehensive set of ready-to-use features. These include tools for collecting submissions, managing participant data, and conducting evaluations. The submission process is streamlined, allowing participants to upload their designs, ideas, or proposals directly into a structured database. The system automatically processes these files, ensuring they meet the required formats and standards. This prevents errors and speeds up the overall competition flow.

Visual content, like architectural plans or design layouts, is processed into raster image pyramids, making them easy to navigate and review—whether you’re working from a high-speed office connection or a mobile 4G or 5G network. The result? A smooth experience for judges and organizers alike, who can sift through submissions and engage in discussions without delays.

Customization for Every Competition While the system’s built-in tools handle much of the heavy lifting, what sets Competition Cloud apart is its ability to adapt. Not all competitions are alike, and that’s where expert intervention comes in. As the competition evolves, specialists can step in to make real-time adjustments, ensuring that the platform aligns perfectly with the unique needs of each event. Whether it’s a specific judging criteria or additional features requested by the organizers, these modifications ensure that every competition runs smoothly, no matter the complexity.

Hybrid Efficiency: The Best of Both Worlds The hybrid nature of Competition Cloud means that it’s both automated and customizable. Routine tasks like submission management and initial evaluations are handled by the system, reducing the workload for competition organizers. Meanwhile, experts remain on hand to manage more complex tasks, such as adjusting evaluation methods or providing real-time support for unexpected issues.

This combination ensures that each competition benefits from the efficiency of automation without losing the flexibility that comes from human expertise. It’s an approach that delivers the best of both worlds: speed and adaptability.

Seamless Collaboration Another key feature is the platform’s collaboration capabilities. Competition Cloud isn’t just a submission tool—it’s a space where judges, organizers, and participants can work together. With features like tagging, chat, and collaborative evaluation notes, the platform allows for clear communication and efficient decision-making. This makes the evaluation process more transparent and ensures that everyone involved has access to the same information, all within a secure and well-structured environment.

Tailored to Success At the end of the day, Competition Cloud is built to ensure success for both organizers and participants. It saves time by automating routine tasks, reduces errors by enforcing submission standards, and offers the flexibility needed to handle any competition, no matter the size or scope. Whether it’s a local architectural competition or a large-scale urban planning challenge, Competition Cloud can adapt to deliver a seamless, efficient, and tailored experience.

By blending automation with expert input, Competition Cloud delivers a platform that not only meets the needs of organizers but also enhances the quality and efficiency of the competition process itself.

Overview of the Competition Cloud Process

Competition Cloud serves as a platform for managing competitions by handling submissions, processing data, and allowing secure access for jury members. It provides an efficient way to manage competitions through a combination of web-based applications and cloud infrastructure, ensuring smooth submission, evaluation, and data handling processes.

Submission Phase

Competitions are opened to the public through a website.
Participants submit their entries (usually PDFs with metadata) via an anonymous submission portal.
Each submission is linked to a unique ID, which allows users to access and update their submission.
Submissions are stored in Firebase, part of Google Cloud, and the process is secured through encrypted credentials.
When the submission period ends, the portal automatically closes, and the backend system is locked to prevent further modifications.

Data Processing and Security

Once the submission phase is over, Tietoa staff processes the data offline. This involves generating models or formats for the jury to review.
Security measures include daily backups, 256-bit encryption for data at rest, and secure HTTPS/TLS encryption for data in transit.
Data is stored in EU-based Google Cloud regions, with further options for specific secure storage zones.
All submissions are processed in a secure environment, ensuring compliance with GDPR and other data protection standards.

Judgement Phase

The processed competition data is published for the jury to review. Jury members access the submissions through a secure web application.
Each jury member has personal login credentials managed by Firebase, and only authorized users can view the submissions.
The jury platform allows collaboration between members without exposing personal details or confidential submission information.
Public versions of the competition data can be published separately, stripped of personal or sensitive details, and made accessible via a public website.

Data Cleanup and Removal

After the competition concludes, the data related to the competition can be retained or removed at the customer’s request.
When requested, Tietoa will remove all related data by deleting the Vercel applications and Google Cloud projects. This includes removing backups and any public data shared through cloud storage.
The platform has strict procedures in place to ensure complete data removal when requested, maintaining compliance with data protection regulations.

Security and Backup Protocols

The document outlines the robust security features of the platform, including encryption and regular data backups.
Submissions are stored securely in multi-tenant environments, with physical and network security measures provided by Google Cloud.
The platform ensures data resiliency through geographically distributed backups and hourly backups retained for 30 days.

Summary of Tools and Technologies

The platform relies on Vercel for managing web applications, Google Cloud for storage and data processing, and Firebase for handling authentication and database services.
Tietoa’s on-premises tools are also used for processing submissions and managing competition data locally.

The use of BIM in renovations

The role of BIM and reliable initial data (Applied BIM) has become a decisive factor in renovation construction. Renovation projects involve various unique characteristics – considering the structures to be preserved, the inadequacy of old plans, and unexpected challenges are just a few. Through building information modeling, potential risks can be identified in advance and solved before they become expensive and time-consuming problems.

Image of data models created for the design needs of Espoo Cultural Square, from above and below ground.

Image of renovation BIM model created for the design needs of Espoo Cultural Square, from above and below ground.

BIM modeling is not only the privilege of new construction but also an essential part of successful renovation projects. Renovation projects involve numerous risks, extensive problem-solving, and design issues that require individually defined and measured initial data for the site.

Information modeling is a crucial tool during the design phase, and it helps mitigate surprises that lead to

increased costs,
schedule delays, and
deterioration in quality.

Image of the WDBE award-winning site coordination of protected structures and technical systems at Finlandia Hall.

In renovation projects, the original plans and documents may be incomplete or outdated. Without reliable, BIM model-based initial data, plans cannot be coordinated with the structures to be preserved. This can lead to unexpected and costly problems as well as construction changes. For example, a simple mistake like a hole in the wrong place can cost thousands of euros to fix.

The result of poorly dimensioned or inadequately coordinated plans may be, for example, construction changes that are costly and time-consuming. This can lead to extended costs for planned modifications and schedule changes, where, for example, a one-day delay can cost up to 6,000 euros in general site expenses alone. Information modeling helps identify and avoid these risks in advance.

BIM models enable smooth collaboration between all project participants, such as designers, builders, and clients, leading to a more unified and efficient workflow. At their best, BIM models allow stakeholders to participate in the process without even realizing they are involved in building information modeling.

The benefits of information models in renovation construction are significant

Information modeling is not only a privilege of new building projects; it is also an enabler of successful renovation construction. New measurement technologies, such as laser scanning and photogrammetry, make it possible to document even complex starting data accurately, quickly, and in a format compatible with BIM models. Information model-based initial data help better understand the current state of the building and identify and assess potential problem areas that may arise during construction.

With building information models, clear and unambiguous plans can be made that are understandable to all stakeholders. This leads to better quality, fewer design errors, and fewer changes during construction. BIM models help the project team plan a project that stays within schedule and budget.

Major players like the City of Helsinki and Senate Properties have already made information modeling for renovation projects a standard practice. Information modeling is becoming more widespread among other actors, and the new Building Act, which comes into force on 1.1.2025, will bring information modeling into all construction. The new Building Act requires that building permit plans be submitted in BIM model format.

“The building plans and special plans for the renovation and modification work of a building must be submitted to the building control authority in information model format or otherwise in a machine-readable form for the renovation and modification work.”

The role of information models and digital initial data in renovation projects of heritage buildings

In the renovation of heritage buildings, the importance of information models and initial data becomes even more pronounced. These buildings require special attention to preserve their architectural and cultural values. Information modeling and digital initial data allow for the detailed documentation of old architecture, which is necessary for considering the current state with the same precision in the plans. At the same time, modern technology, such as new HVAC systems, can be designed and integrated into the structures without disrupting the building’s historical value. For example, the architecturally significant Töölön Kesäkatu designed by Kurt Simberg was intended to retain its original appearance despite the renovation, even though the residential building needed to accommodate significantly more building systems. In such renovation projects, BIM model coordination and the measurement of reliable initial data are essential.

BIM models play a key role in renovation construction. They provide an effective tool for risk management, improving design, and efficiently executing projects. Especially in the restoration of heritage buildings, information modelling is an invaluable tool that allows historical values to be preserved while updating the building to meet modern requirements.Contact us to explore what benefits high-quality building information modeling can offer you.

Viinikanlahti International Architectural Competition

Tietoa Finland revolutionizes urban planning by digitalizing – Now involved in the implementation of the idea competition for Viinikanlahti, Tampere

Innovative aspects of the idea competition for Viinikanlahti include presenting the most important source data with Weup air-map UI, the jury using electronic tools alongside traditional meetings, as well as returning the competition entries as 3D models on the second stage of the competition.

Tietoa Finland participates in the implementation of the idea competition for Viinikanlahti that has attrected international attention, by supplementing the Weup air-map used in the competition and by developing additional electronical tools for digitizing the traditional competition process. In the future, this development results in the possibility to implement a complete cloud service with a strictly limited title ”architectural competition”.

Scale models and drawings on paper have become out-of-date, which is why nowadays the designers are asked to present the designs in digital form. The Competition Toolkit™ developed by Tietoa solves significant problems of digitally implemented design competitions, such as using file formats that are incompatible with most common CAD software as well as presenting unstuctured and unnecessarily plentiful information. Judging tool™ simplifies the jury work by uniforming the visualization material of all competition entries as well as by a handy browsing tool. In the Weup airmap™ UI, designs can be viewed as zoomable 360° panoramic shots and as 3D models.

The potential of the tools developed by Tietoa is pretty promising. Please do not hesitate to contact. You will get the best solutions for your exact project. The experts and professionals are at your service.

https://viinikanlahti.weup.city/ -> Weup air-map of Viinikanlahti
https://tampere.weup.city/viinikanlahti-competition -> Competition web page
https://www.tampere.fi/viinikanlahti -> City of Tampere web page

Weup air-map™

Tool for making building projects understandable

Weup air-map™ is a user interface made of high-resolution panoramic aerial photos. It works on browsers on all devices. The application allows a new way to navigate above the target area at the most suitable height for perception.

3D models of future buildings, traffic routes and area boundaries can be embedded in the aerial map with geographic accuracy. Images, text and videos can be linked with objects. Alternative plans can be compared, viewed in different directions and zoomed in. The user experience is easy and controlled.

Weup has proven to be an excellent tool for illustrating hard-to-understand projects. Professionals and laymen can easily communicate with a visually pleasing aerial view.

Use cases:

Source material for architecture competitions
Regional development and campus areas
Land use planning and zoning
Planning and documentation of building sites

Benefits:

Facilitates external and internal communication
Reduces resistance to change
Life-cycle thinking – upgradeable as the project progresses
Everyone understands the project easily

Ask for further information:

Ilkka Terho
Director, customer relations

Tel. +358 40 506 9133

Competition toolkit™

Playbook for architecture competition organizers

The revolution in 3D-modelling and BIM have opened new possibilities in design and visualization. However, at the same time it has made it difficult to organize competitions.

The source material is in miscellaneous file formats and it cannot be opened in the most common CAD software
Most city models only work in their own operating environments
Information is unstructured and unnecessarily plentiful
Receiving competition proposals is laborius
The work of the jury is difficult when the visualization material of the proposals is difficult to compare due to inadequate guidance
Further use and development of competition proposals is a separate stage of work

Competition toolkit™ is a “playbook”, from which you can buy the modules you need:

The Weup-airmap shows the source material embedded in panoramic images
3D source material package: well prepared city model and other 3D materials in a form that actually opens in most common CAD software
Automated service for submission and receipt of competition entries
The jury can compare the entries with a fluent judging tool
Well-managed and co-ordinated competition material provides material for publishing and zoning – Life Cycle Thinking

Tietoa Finland Ltd. has 20 years of experience in visualizing competitions. Competition toolkit™ was gradually created to meet the growing need. To its current form, the tool has evolved in the Helsinki High-rise, Tampere Viinikanlahti, Helsinki Junatie and Helsinki East Urban Centre competitions. Realized benefits:

A well-prepared competition data attracts more participants
Competitors can focus on design when the output data is illustrative and pre-structured
The competition organizer saves time by automating the competition processes
The work of the jury will be made easier as the proposals have been instructed to be comparable and easy to read
Digital competition data reduces the need to travel to meetings
Not all suggestions need to be treated as physical posters, even the entire competition can be judged without complicated prints
Time saving also brings financial savings

Ask for further information:

Ilkka Terho
Director, customer relations

Tel. +358 40 506 9133

Glue monikäyttäjä-VR minimoi kokousmatkustamisen tarpeen

Etäläsnäolo 3D-mallien sisällä tapahtuvissa kokouksissa on vihdoin oikeasti mahdollista. Osallistujat esiintyvät avatar-hahmoina, jotka on toteutettu siten, että vuorovaikutus on aitoa ja luonnollista.

Rakennushankkeissa tämä mahdollistaa esimerkiksi virtuaaliset tietomallikokoukset ja rakennuksen tulevien käyttäjien osallistamisen jo varhaisessa suunnitteluvaiheessa. VR-silmikoiden luoma aito 1:1 mittakaava ennaltaehkäisee kalliita rakennusaikaisia muutostöitä. Silmikoiden käyttämisellä on tähänkin asti ollut kiistattomat etunsa, mutta vasta toimivan monikäyttäjäominaisuuden myötä kokemus muodostuu yhteisölliseksi.

VR-silmikoiden lisäksi kokouksiin voi osallistua kaikilla päätelaitteilla. Silmikkokäyttäjät voivat virtuaalikäsillään osoittaa, piirtää ja tehdä muistilappuja. 3D-objekteja, kuten kalusteita tai seiniä, voidaan siirtää kokouksen aikana.

Tietoa on Glue Custom Experience Lab-kumppani
Kysy lisää: 040 506 9133
ilkka.terho @tietoa.fi

Tripla – suuren rakennushankkeen havainnollistamisratkaisut

Helsingin kaupungin laajentumisen keskeisin piste 2020-luvulla tulee olemaan keski-Pasilan alue. Triplan kolmen korttelin kokonaisuus sekä eteläpuolelle kohoava tornialue muodostavat uuden tärkeän toiminnallisen keskuksen Helsingin ydinkeskustan kupeeseen.