Overcoming Tough Challenges, IKEA Renovation Project Delivers Another Satisfactory Result
Release Date:
2021-09-22
On August 12, the IKEA Xuhui store in Shanghai held a grand opening ceremony, attended by more than 100 guests, including representatives from all participating construction units, heads of various IKEA departments, and representatives from the Installation Branch’s project team.
The renovation project for the IKEA Xuhui Store is an independent retrofit project undertaken by the Installation Branch. The scope of work includes the replacement and procurement of equipment for the commercial spaces on the 1st and 2nd floors, the commercial rooftop area, and the basement mechanical rooms; the replacement of existing systems; and the interfacing of certain retained legacy systems with the new systems. The total renovation area is approximately 34,808 square meters, with a MEP engineering contract value of RMB 43.18 million.
Although the Installation Branch had collaborated with IKEA on multiple occasions prior to this project, this marks its 13th IKEA assignment, and the experience gained from those earlier engagements has provided a solid foundation. Unlike previous projects, this is the Installation Branch’s first renovation undertaking, presenting numerous challenges and significant construction complexity: First, the schedule is extremely tight, with only three months allocated for demolition and installation, necessitating round-the-clock overtime and relentless effort—a routine for the project management team. Second, it is essential to ensure the uninterrupted operation of all systems in the mall’s office area; specifically, the fire-suppression piping system, along with certain electrical and fire-alarm systems, are interconnected with the renovation zone. To safeguard the office-area systems, the project team has implemented meticulous coordination and scheduling, conducting renovation work exclusively at night while rigorously verifying that all office-area systems are fully operational by the following morning. Third, noise-reduction measures must be strictly enforced: given the proximity of a residential community on the south side of the site, appropriate noise-control strategies are indispensable during nighttime operations to avoid disturbing local residents. Fourth, safety management poses considerable challenges, as mechanical and electrical installation work overlaps extensively with activities undertaken by other contractors; thus, the project team must rely on effective coordination and communication to ensure construction safety. Fifth, the system design requires careful optimization: building upon a thorough understanding of the existing systems, the project team must refine the new system design, leveraging BIM-based spatial modeling to manage the spatial layout of all pipework within the renovation scope, including equipment foundations and ceiling arrangements.
This project commenced in April 2021 and was scheduled for a three-month construction period. In view of the tight schedule and heavy workload inherent in renovation projects, under the wise leadership of Yu Fengbin, Deputy General Manager of the Group Company and General Manager of the Installation Branch, and with the coordinated planning of Project Manager Wu Chao, the project team rigorously adhered to the overarching guiding principles of “prioritizing quality, accelerating the schedule, controlling costs, and ensuring safety,” thereby proactively advancing all aspects of the work and guaranteeing that each task was completed on time, to the required standards, and with assured quality. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the entire project team, the project successfully obtained the fire safety acceptance certificate on the first attempt on July 13. At the acceptance site, both the end-user organization and the quality inspection authorities commended the project highly, unanimously affirming that the project team had truly delivered “high-quality, efficient performance; customer satisfaction; scientific management; and a people-oriented approach.”
Through this project, the project management team has accumulated extensive experience in the construction management of renovation projects. All members expressed their commitment to leveraging this opportunity to deepen their learning in renovation project management, while continuing to uphold the management philosophy of “integrity, standardization, innovation, and efficiency.” They will strive for continuous improvement, work diligently and systematically, explore new markets, and prepare the company to undertake more renovation projects, thereby making a greater contribution to the company’s steady and sustainable development.
(Chen Hua, Installation Branch Company)
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