How Takenaka Corporation Integrates ArcGIS for Smarter, Safer Buildings

In the fast-paced world of architectural design, the ability to rapidly access accurate site data is crucial. But for decades, architectural designers have faced a major challenge: sourcing critical site information from multiple sources. Traditionally, designers manually gathered city planning maps, zoning regulations, and disaster risk data from government websites, compiled them into spreadsheets, and cross-checked for accuracy. The process was not only labor-intensive but also prone to errors. This increased the risk of inaccurate designs and regulatory misalignment.

Beyond the inefficiencies of data collection, designers also struggled with analog methods for map tracing and site planning. The lack of real-time, integrated geographic insights created bottlenecks in decision-making and project execution.

Recognizing these obstacles, Takenaka Corporation, one of Japan’s leading general contractors, has pioneered a new approach by integrating geographic information system (GIS) technologies into its building information modeling (BIM) tool. This approach has changed the way design professionals access and apply location-based intelligence.

Integrating ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Experience Builder has transformed how Takenaka’s design teams collect, analyze, and apply GIS data. Ultimately, this integration drives efficiency and safety across all projects. 

To solve for these issues, Takenaka integrated ArcGIS into its proprietary Design BIM Tool. This system combines GIS and BIM data to improve project coordination. By putting GIS technology in its platform, Takenaka lets designers quickly get GIS data, like zoning laws, climate conditions, and disaster risks, with just a click.

“Automated geocoding with ArcGIS Pro allows designers to enter a project’s address, and ArcGIS instantly retrieves essential data, eliminating the need to search multiple platforms. This has made design workflows faster and more accurate, cutting data collection time from half a day to just one or two hours,” said Shouichi Senda, senior chief expert in the BIM Promotion Group in Takenaka’s Design Division.

Takenaka also used ArcGIS Experience Builder to create user-friendly applications that visualize spatial data. The apps make it easier for project teams to analyze and interpret key information. The advanced spatial analysis capabilities in ArcGIS Pro help Takenaka’s design teams assess earthquake and flood risks with unprecedented precision. By integrating disaster simulations into early-stage planning, architects can proactively design buildings that are safer and more resilient.

The benefits of ArcGIS extend beyond efficiency gains. With a connected GIS and BIM ecosystem delivered by ArcGIS Enterprise, all stakeholders—including architects, engineers, and project managers—can now access a single source of truth for site-related data. This fosters better collaboration and eliminates discrepancies between departments, ensuring that every decision is based on the most up-to-date and reliable information.

These enhancements extend to the field, where ArcGIS Field Maps and ArcGIS Survey123 enable seamless data collection from site visits. Now, field teams can contribute accurate, real-time insights back into ArcGIS. Using ArcGIS Online to update data automatically, project teams are always working with the latest site conditions. This helps to reduce design errors and follow local rules.

By embedding ArcGIS technologies into its Design BIM Tool, Takenaka Corporation has enhanced the architectural design process, making it faster, more accurate, and more collaborative. Designers can now easily access and analyze real-time site data, which boosts project efficiency and ensures that buildings are designed to be more resilient and sustainable. As Takenaka continues to innovate, its GIS-powered approach serves as a model for the future of digitally integrated construction in Japan and beyond.

Takenaka is continuing its digital transformation journey by expanding its GIS integration efforts. The company plans to use ArcGIS CityEngine and ArcGIS GeoBIM to develop digital twins, which are fully interactive 3D models that simulate how buildings will perform in real-world environments. These digital replicas will help designers optimize energy efficiency, assess environmental impact, and refine construction logistics before starting the actual building process.

Takenaka is also exploring the potential of GIS in broader smart city development, where public and private data sources merge to inform sustainable urban planning. By enhancing the synergy between GIS and BIM through ArcGIS GeoBIM, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s shift toward data-driven, intelligent construction solutions.

To view the original article written by Esri Japan, please visit: https://www.esrij.com/industries/case-studies/178942/