AINS Group: Feasibility studies in master planning

AINS Group: Feasibility studies in master planning

AINS Group have been using Giraffe to deliver services since 2022, combining architectural design and feasibility analyses into the same digital application, significantly speeding up the initial phase of design development across many projects.

“Architectural design and feasibility calculations are combined into the same process, which speeds up the review of options in the initial phase and reduces planning costs,” says Jukka Kettunen, Director of Urban Development at AINS Group in Finland. “Traditionally, an architect makes a plan that is sent to a cost estimator for evaluation. After this, the revenue side may be evaluated separately. With Giraffe, these skills and data come together.”

Giraffe utilises advanced parametric planning, where architectural plans and profitability calculations are seamlessly integrated. The technical implementation of the application enables visual cityscape analysis and real-time feasibility calculations during planning. It can be used to calculate parking needs, optimize apartment distribution, and ensure full utilization of building rights.

For the AINS Group, the idea to transform this project process was born from a practical need. Jukka Kettunen has worked as an architect and urban developer for over 20 years. His experience in the field showed a clear need for a more efficient tool. “I have always been interested in feasibility calculations alongside architecture. It was frustrating that there was no tool on the market that would combine these perspectives.”

Case Linnanniemi, Turku, Finland

In the Linnanniemi development project in Turku, the city was able to effectively compare development options and their economic impacts with Giraffe.

“We made three alternative plans for the City of Turku, which examined the profitability of different uses and the effects on the cityscape. Visualizations and financial calculations helped decision-makers to understand the differences between the options in a concrete way”, Kettunen says.

Practical benefits are visible in the project

Giraffe’s biggest advantage is the time savings it brings. The duration of project planning prior to site planning can even be halved compared to the traditional process. This brings significant savings in both time and costs.

“The most important choices in terms of the profitability of a construction project are made at an early stage. It is estimated that over 80 percent of the project costs are determined in the project planning phase. Giraffe helps you make informed decisions right from the start”, Kettunen emphasizes.

Responsibility and future development trends

AINS Group is constantly developing their service offering to meet the changing needs of the industry. The next step for their team is to integrate carbon footprint calculation and other responsibility indicators.

“Our goal is also to return a broader role to architects in the early stages of projects, as is the case in Germany and the United States, for example. Giraffe enables a multidisciplinary, even deeper dialogue with the client and user, when profitability calculations are included from the beginning”, Kettunen sums up.

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