The Saxony-Anhalt State Office for Construction and Property Management, together with the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences at its Köthen campus, has awarded Formitas AG the contract for comprehensive Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination for a new research facility. The Interdisciplinary Research Center for Sustainable Food Production (InFonaL) is planned to occupy approximately 19,000 square meters of campus space and is expected to be operational by 2026.
The project is financed by federal and state funds. Formitas’ Berlin office will handle the BIM coordination, covering project phases 1-5 and 8. Tasks include evaluating planning alternatives, visualizations, preparation of planning documents, support for approval processes, quantity and cost estimation, and construction documentation.
Scope of BIM Coordination
Formitas will act as the overall coordinator for BIM implementation across four performance stages: preliminary design, project documents and construction documentation; detailed planning; preparation and participation in procurement; and construction supervision and documentation. The company will oversee BIM specialist coordinators for disciplines including architectural design, structural engineering, and technical building equipment (covering electrical systems, HVAC, laboratory design, cold storage, and lift systems). Formitas will integrate individual specialized models into a comprehensive master model, ensuring collision detection and model analysis. Responsibilities also include maintaining the BIM Execution Plan (BAP), verifying data compliance with client information requirements (AIA) and the BAP, and ensuring the fulfillment of use cases defined by project and specialized planning teams.
InFonaL: Advancing Sustainable Food Research
The planned research facility will focus on developing innovative and sustainable food solutions, utilizing new raw materials and repurposing existing byproducts. It will consolidate two scientific work areas, currently housed in separate locations, and provide practical research environments with state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. The research strategy aligns with the 2020 position paper of the German Council of Science and Humanities, aiming to address global challenges in food security, health promotion, and climate neutrality. The center will pursue application-oriented research, identify scientific fundamentals, and collaborate with industry partners to develop solutions that bolster Germany’s competitive edge in the sector.
Planned Facility Structure at Hubertus Site
The new research building will be located on the Hubertus site of Anhalt University, northwest of the city center, replacing the current sports field in the southwestern area of the campus. Designed by Heinle, Wischer & Partners of Dresden, the facility will feature laboratories, including two biosafety level 2 (S2) labs, office spaces, seminar rooms, a library, storage areas, and communal spaces. The site will also include approximately 25 car parking spaces, 25 covered bicycle parking spaces, outdoor facilities, and a waste collection area. A new access road from Fasanerieallee is part of the development plan.
