The realisation of a new central laboratory at University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) is being carried out within an Integrated Project Delivery (IPA) framework. This approach represents a first-time application for UKD. Formitas AG and its sister company Carpus+Partner AG were entrusted with the BIM implementation of the project. The planning process, which began in January 2026 and is scheduled for three years, integrates the execution from the outset. Transparent communication and shared responsibility within the project team are key principles of IPA. The commissioning of the new building, which will unite six institutes, is scheduled for the end of 2033. The conversion of the existing pneumatic tube system is already planned for 2027.
Within the IPA structure, BIM management, for which Formitas is responsible, is an integral part of the core team. The benefits of BIM for the IPA team manifest in optimised collaboration, enabling higher planning quality, a reduction in errors, and increased cost transparency and control. The visual communication of the BIM models supports decision-making and helps manage project complexity. Carola Brockmann, BA-Ing. Architect and client representative at UKD, emphasised the advantages resulting from the early representation of interfaces and potential clashes, as well as precise quantity take-offs for initial cost estimations. This creates cross-trade transparency from the outset and fosters trust between project partners.
Structure of Integrated Project Delivery and BIM Management
The IPA model is characterised by close and equal collaboration of all parties involved from the very beginning of the project. This includes the executing companies already in the planning phase. The project phases at UKD are divided into Stage 1a (IPA contract start to preliminary design), Stage 1b (detailed and approval planning including final target costs), and Stage 2 (detailed design, construction execution and commissioning). Upon entering IPA contract Stage 2, the target price for the overall service is jointly agreed. This agreement forms the financial basis for the IPA partners and regulates their participation in target price overruns or underruns at project completion.
Within the framework of the new central laboratory building at UKD, Formitas is responsible for BIM and information management, as well as overall BIM coordination. The specialists are in charge of CDE administration using Dalux-Box and BIM-based evaluation of model data, such as areas and costs, via dashboards of the building data platform Konektor. This methodology makes it possible to continuously monitor compliance with the planning target agreed jointly with the Ministry of Culture and Science (MKW) NRW. In addition, Formitas is involved in the IPA-wide tool and information setup and is developing a strategy in cooperation with UKD for the future linkage of BIM model data with the CAFM system for building operations. The contract with Formitas AG was awarded as part of a joint application under VgV through the building and laboratory planner Carpus+Partner AG.
Cooperative Project Partners and Future Use
The cooperative attitude of the project partners forms the foundation of every IPA project. Transparency and openness characterise communication. At the Düsseldorf site, the partners work at a shared project location (Co-Location) and utilise Lean methods. Training and workshops, complemented by innovative approaches such as Graphic Recording and Last Planner, support the team. The definition of common goals and benefits serves to increase motivation and is a crucial factor for project success. In addition to Carpus+Partner as the client of Formitas, the following IPA partners are involved:
- —University Hospital Düsseldorf
- —Klett Ingenieure GmbH (M&E Planning)
- —Mainka Bau GmbH & Co. KG (Construction Execution)
- —Rud. Otto Meyer Technik GmbH & Co. KG (Technical System Execution)
Structural engineering is the responsibility of B+G Ingenieure Bollinger und Grohmann GmbH. The new central laboratory at UKD will in future unite six laboratory institutes under one roof, including the Institute of Medical Microbiology & Hospital Hygiene, the Institute of Virology and the Central Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics. The aim is to optimise pathways between diagnostics and patient care, as well as efficient resource utilisation. The new building, with a usable area of approximately 15,000 sqm, will bring together modern laboratory technologies for research and areas for teaching.
