Open source is closing the affordability gap
New innovation and open-source data models are starting to come on stream that tackle the issue of prohibitive costs for small firms. Three to watch are:
3D REPO UCL and Arup have both supported development of 3D Repo, open-source software that enables you to view, share and annotate 3D BIM models stored in the 3D Repo cloud anywhere on the go. 3D Repo is also available as an Android app.
3Drepo.org
BID4Free With digitisation comes big data. The result for the tenderer is a search through vast amounts of oft-contradictory data to find the necessary information. The BIM4FitOut group aims to prevent a plethora of processes being adopted using BIM and launched the BID4Free project. It aism to develop a free BIM viewer that allows subcontractors and manufacturers to view the model, complete a take-off and return a tender at little or no additional cost.
bit.ly/bid4free
COGNICITY An initiative set up by developer Canary Wharf Group, Cognicity aims to identify and accelerate the development of new technology products and services. The Cognicity Challenge programme is open to start-up copanies that have developed a technology prototype, and mentoring from leading technology experts and Canary Wharf Group executives is available to successful applications.
cognicity.london/