[acronym] is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 Public Sector CAD Awards.

This new innovation contest is the first of its kind that challenges federal, state and local government agencies to share the creative ways they have used digital design/CAD software to improve the performance of their agency and enhance the delivery of citizen-centric services.

Our winner, runners up and each of our finalists all underscore the commitment of public sector organizations and the contracting community that supports them to deliver unrivaled innovation and value through the use of digital design tools.
Meet our winners and read about their projects.

Joe Porostosky

Manager, Facilities Information and Technology Services, Ohio State University Medical Center

Project: Using BIM to Build a Foundation for Customer-Focused Facility Information

Currently implementing a Building Information Modeling (BIM) project to improve the visual presentation of Medical Center facility floor plans and conduct energy modeling. Transitioning from AutoCAD to Revit, floor plans are now available in 3D and dramatically improve how information is presented helping to improve decision making on how space is used and renovated. These models will also provide the foundation for improved wayfinding for patients and visitors, further reducing stress during what is often a very emotional time in their lives.

Read more about Ohio State University Medical Center’s achievement and their partnership with Columbus, Ohio-based
design firm – DesignGroup.

Related Article
The Ohio State University Medical Center BIM Implementation Project Featured in January Issue of Building Design+Construction

Dale White, David Roberts, Ammon Phoenix

Rich3D

Project: Equipping the War Fighter with Advanced 3D Virtual Training Systems

The USMC and Navy required highly interactive 3D tools to deliver complex animated virtual training and simulation environments for helicopter pilots, crane operators, and more. Using a variety of 3D design tools from Autodesk and others, Rich3D developed and deployed the very first interactive 2D imagery driving articulated 3D content.  This was accomplished using a ubiquitous tool in the U.S. government, an Adobe Acrobat document.

2D content responds to user mouse input to perfectly simulate the logic of real world counterpart, user input causes response from 3D data sets, and more. For example, levers deploy an outrigger, buttons and switches make fuel flow.

This unique training approach and tool set was deployed on a secure and easily updated content management system – with a minimal learning curve for users. The interactive training model has eliminated operational errors by ensuring proper training in support of these complex military systems, saving the tax payers millions of dollars in potential repair costs.

Safiy Abdur-Rahman

BIM Manager, New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC)

Project: Improving the Delivery and Operation of one of the largest Public Building Campuses in the World while Enhancing the Built Environment for our Citizens

Working with over 20 city agencies, DDC designs and builds the public facilities and street infrastructure on which the future of the most vibrant city in the world rest. DDC employs a variety of digital design and CAD tools together with GIS and BIM tools to bring best practice and the use of technology to improve project delivery while being asked to do more with less. Using BIM models DDC has tackled these challenges head-on – minimizing errors in the design process, improving collaboration across stakeholders and reducing project complexity, while making more effective use of public funds.