​Visiting our Technology Center in Hämeenlinna, Finland, is always interesting. Not only because I usually learn about something new "cooking", but because this week I happened to ran into our summer worker in the canteen; Bruno Soto, an architect from Mexico with 15 years experience in design and documentation of buildings in the BIM environment in Spain, Qatar, Mexico and Romania.

Bruno is part of the immigrant integration program in Hämeenlinna, Finland. As part of the Finnish language course, Ruukki offered him internship during spring this year. In Ruukki Bruno has been working on the development of BIM models with Ruukki panels. These models integrate the identification data of panels in the processes of design, production, logistics, use and maintenance of the building. 

"My working experience is in a new area between IT and technical documentation, and therefore a bit difficult to explain. At Ruukki I have the opportunity to apply and develop my skills and experience for the benefit of products and customers, thus to buildings in Finland. I am very motivated with the projects I work on, and I am interested in the evolution they have in the future", he explains.

I was curious on his opinion on how Ruukki is supporting architects with services we provide.

"Innovations, products and systems for sustainable construction require a close relationship between all those involved in their application. The goal is for the benefits to be efficiently applied to the building. The feedback of all processes can provide information for the development of new and efficient solutions. That benefit goes both ways", he replies.

I also wanted to know what are the biggest differences on how architects work in Mexico, compared to Finland? In his opinion construction systems and economies are very different in Mexico compared to Finland. However, the design and documentation of building projects use the same tools. In both countries there is a development in the integration of information in centralized, coordinated and parametric models. 

"In Mexico, projects in general follow a production logic that maximizes short-term economic benefits. Bigger, faster and cheaper. In Scandinavia interest in the circular economy has driven the development of BIM models. The integration of technical information by suppliers will have benefits in management of the lifespan of buildings - and if we add the HYBRIT technology, the idea will be very powerful", Bruno adds, feeling immediately even more excited about the topic.

Bruno finds working environment and co-workers very friendly in Ruukki.

"Although I am still studying the Finnish language, it is very difficult to speak correctly. All my colleagues support me in the development of my work, and in my integration in Finland", he concludes the discussion.