Senior Housing Project Case Study
Among this year’s sponsors of the OAA Conference is Graphisoft, which has shared the following article with OAA members.
Relativity Architects (RA) is an award-winning California architecture and design firm in Los Angeles, recognized for its innovative and progressive projects that often demand creative and efficient architectural solutions. Its portfolio includes diverse projects from motion picture studios and tech facilities to hospitality, affordable and multi-family housing, and commercial, residential, civic, and institutional buildings.
One project is the Vista Woods Apartments in Pinole, California—a senior housing project designed by RA. It offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units to provide affordable housing options for seniors. The design incorporates community areas, recreational grounds, and sustainability features like drought-tolerant plantings. It's a thoughtful and much-anticipated project to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Pinole.
Software and Tools
Recently, RA transitioned to using Graphisoft Archicad, BIMcloud, and BIMx for their projects, citing significant advantages in design flexibility, communication, and collaboration once they made the switch. The firm appreciates Archicad's user-friendly interface and powerful tools for complex modelling.
Associate principal and in-studio director Ginna Claire Nguyen added, "We chose Archicad because it is a better design tool, allowing more flexibility and creativity in modelling complex or unusual shapes. Archicad allows us to leverage the strengths of any software our diverse team of consultants may choose."
RA employs a team that thrives on collaboration, relying on Archicad as its BIM authoring tool to support the firm’s mission to create meaningful contributions to its projects. Archicad and cloud-based tools have enabled RA to collaborate effectively with team members within and outside ofCalifornia, including international partners. This approach allows for asynchronous work and enhances project coordination.
The software works simultaneously with people in different locations using the same model. According to Alex Alvarez, senior project architect and BIM manager, this collaboration reduced errors, and there was no need to rebuild or instances of the model crashing. Using Archicad and
working in the cloud allowed collaboration with the firm's in-house and project team members elsewhere.
To design around the steep site for Pinole Woods the RA team had to devise solutions for intricate vehicular circulation requirements despite a 20 to 30-foot drop across the site. The project included a new bus stop, parking, and a business right next door, offering ride-share to assist seniors who no longer drive from place to place.
“Archicad made it possible to work with our civil engineers who happened to be using different BIM software. We could set up a quick and smooth workflow with them, which was great. Working through this with the civil engineers and looking at it in 3D made it easy to share information.”
Design Philosophy
RA's design philosophy emphasizes innovative and efficient architectural solutions, often for progressive projects that demand creativity. Their use of Archicad is aligned with this philosophy, allowing for greater design exploration and client engagement.
Vista Woods demonstrates RA’s commitment to creating impactful and sustainable designs while leveraging advanced software tools to improve collaboration and project management.