NEW YORK UNIVERSITY COLES DORMITORY, NEW YORK, NY

The feasibility study was commissioned to investigate using pre-fabricated building modules as a viable alternative to a traditional design/build delivery system. The original master plan, outlining the University’s expansion plans for the next 25 years, located the 13-story seven dormitory towers above the existing Coles Sports Center. The proposed development is comprised of 383,000 gross square-feet with 730 dorm rooms located above a podium base housing academic and retail facilities.

The University directed the design team to explore the implementation of pre-fabricated modules as a basis for the study. Working in collaboration with the University and the architectural team, Dagher Engineering provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing/fire-protection design services. Various room configurations were considered by the design team to determine the optimum layouts that would support the implementation of prefabricated building modules.

BIM software was used extensively to seamlessly integrate the engineering systems into the modular building envelope. The use of the software enabled the team to devise various fabrication and transportation strategies that would promote implementation of an accelerated construction schedule and minimize site installation of the engineering systems.

The final report submitted to the University highlighted the following benefits of incorporating MEP/FP systems within a pre-fabricated modular building envelop:

• High level of quality control is available in factory installed systems;
• Systems are installed in a controlled environment;
• Reduction in the amount of shop drawings required;
• Reduction in field installation time;
• Standardized installation of systems is feasible throughout the building;
• Reduction in punchlist items; and a
• Reduction in on-site waste.