Case Study
COMPANY SNAPSHOT:
Public land-grant university and major research institution
FOUNDED:
1848
LOCATION:
Wisconsin
Benefits
Document transformative renovation and unique development
Review jobsite progress remotely
Share real-time access across teams and organizations
Verify work, change orders and activity
Communicate with stakeholders and the community
Excite students and the community with stunning visuals
The Challenge
Collective oversight and communication
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s gymnasium and natatorium needed an upgrade. The historic site, originally built in 1963, was long past its prime. It was small, with little natural light, no air conditioning and no longer provided adequate space for a growing campus.
The project was massive, complex, and with many eyes watching progress. Generous donors Jim and Sue Bakke, students who provided feedback on plans, the Department of Administration and the University all wanted to keep a pulse on progress.
There needed to be an easy way to track milestones, communicate updates with an engaged public and monitor the site from anywhere.
Kahler Slater in association with HOK, prime contractor JP Cullen, the Department of Administration – Division of Facilities Development (DFD), and the University would come together to tackle the challenge.
The Solution
Superior solar time-lapse cameras for on-demand visibility
The Wisconsin Department of Administration - DFD managed the project and chose OxBlue’s construction camera system to distribute remote jobsite access to all parties. As construction began in early 2021, at a time when COVID-19 impacted supply chains and beyond, the cameras helped ensure hybrid teams had effective project oversight. While internally the cameras provided a way to monitor and document progress; OxBlue’s time-lapse capability and the web app’s one-click sharing helped generate excitement amidst the community.
The Implementation
Documenting and verifying site changes
The project team used an 8MP solar Cobalt camera to automatically document activity on site. The information captured proved valuable in many ways. Since OxBlue cameras time- and weather-stamp each image, the team was able to easily review footage, verify labor hours and negotiate weather credits. When the general contractor uncovered an unknown issue with the foundation, DFD, the project architect, and University were able to understand how and why the change order was needed and adjust the scope accordingly. After-hours, the ongoing time-lapses acted as a backup security system as teams could review footage to see who was responsible if materials were left unattended or gates unlocked.
For the public, the cameras were a means of communication. Students and community members were able to click a link on the campus’ project site to access the cameras themselves on a livestream. Through the OxBlue web-app, stakeholders shared time-lapses to social media right from the camera; keeping up the excitement amongst the community.
The Results
Sharing success with stunning visuals
The camera documentation not only showcased the project but also provided valuable lessons for future facilities. With the ability to capture time-lapses, the team highlighted a key feature: landscaping that pays homage to the effigy mounds of the native Ho-Chunk Nation. Alongside the professional time-lapse, all stakeholders had a cinematic way to share the history of the wellness center’s development.
The new center boasts a 25-yard recreational pool, a teaching kitchen, sports simulators, 8 basketball courts, an indoor track, mental health spaces and an indoor ice arena. A dedicated 4,300 sq ft space for wellbeing is one of the signature features of the 270,000 sq ft UW Madison Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center. Now, the gymnasium stands as a true testament to the University’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.
