Beca’s transformative digital solutions were a key part of Auckland Transport's initiative to remove seven pedestrian-only level crossings.
The project aimed to increase the station’s capacity through a range of measures, including removal of at-grade entry to the station and extension of the platform. Additional changes included modernisation of facilities such as improved lighting and shelter.
Among the notable digital solutions, Beca developed a 3D printed representation of the new station with Braille descriptions, providing a tactile way for blind and low vision stakeholders to understand the proposed changes. These efforts improved safety and earned the project a New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) award for community engagement.
The use of a 4D project model in the Homai Train Station project allowed for detailed simulations of the construction process which enhanced the project’s flexibility and precision.
“We connected the preliminary design to our construction schedule and then simulated the various construction activities,” says Beca’s Digital Innovation Leader for Transport and Infrastructure, Jack Donaghy.
“This showed up limitations in terms of the type of machinery we could use and even made us change the form of the bridge itself.” This approach identified potential issues early, enabling more effective planning and risk mitigation.
The 4D model also facilitated better stakeholder engagement by offering a visual and interactive tool. This comprehensive feedback mechanism ensured that the final design met community needs more effectively. By integrating such innovative capabilities, Beca improved project outcomes and strengthened relationships with clients and the community.
Looking ahead, Beca’s team understands that developments in data and analytics are essential to improving processes throughout the asset management lifecycle.
Andrea Hughes, Beca’s Manager for Digital Products and Services, expects the next few years to bring significant advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). This will be critical to support clients’ decision-making processes, allowing them to unleash the power of their investment in data across the asset lifecycle.
Establishing data systems which support multiple phases of the asset lifecycle, automation, machine learning, AI and digital representations of the real world will drive efficiency and value in future projects, Andrea says, and ensure that Beca continues to deliver exceptional solutions in an increasingly competitive market.