Two businessmen testing virtual reality headset

Can a VR-enabled AEC firm transform your project?

With the aid of virtual reality and three-dimensional visualization technologies, designers, consultants, and their clients can envision a place as though the project were in a later stage.

Affordable Housing

General contractor’s keys to a successful affordable housing project

General contractors can have tremendous influence over a project’s success in terms of schedule, budget, and quality. However, to ensure a project is put on this path, there are a few factors that must be considered.

AEC Tech

Lack of organizational readiness is biggest hurdle to artificial intelligence adoption

Managers of companies in the industrial sector, including construction, have bought the hype of artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative technology, but their organizations are not ready to realize its promise, according to research from IFS, a global cloud enterprise software company. An IFS survey of 1,700 senior decision-makers found that 84% of executives anticipate massive organizational benefits from AI.

AEC Innovators

National Institute of Building Sciences announces Building Innovation 2024 schedule

The National Institute of Building Sciences is hosting its annual Building Innovation conference, May 22-24 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. BI2024 brings together everyone who impacts the built environment: government agencies, contractors, the private sector, architects, scientists, and more.

BIM and IT are subject matter that every member of the building team should have some kind of handle on, and that everyone can derive some benefit from. Whether it’s an app to help with cost control or an optimized building design achieved through BIM, these technologies can bring your projects to the next level and beyond.

Norman Foster proposes Droneports as way to ship goods across Africa

BIM and Information Technology | Sep 16, 2015

Norman Foster proposes 'drone ports' as a way to ship goods across Africa

The structures would store cargo-shipping drones and serve as community centers.

BIM and Information Technology | Sep 16, 2015

VIDEO: See how Wiss, Janney, Elstner engineers use drones to perform building inspections

"We believe that drone usage will enable building owners to assess problems quicker and with less risk to the general public and workers,” said WJE Principal Michael Petermann.

BIM and Information Technology | Sep 14, 2015

Is Apple's new iPad Pro a game changer for architects?

A stylus, split screen, and improved graphics make designing on the tablet easier.

BIM and Information Technology | Sep 9, 2015

How is data changing the nature of design?

Advances in building information modeling allow for more thorough project documentation, but don't get lost in the white noise, writes Shepley Bulfinch’s Kyle Martin.

BIM and Information Technology | Sep 7, 2015

The power of data: How AEC firms and owners are using analytics to transform design and construction

Case’s bldgs = data conference highlighted how collecting data about personal activities can inform design and extend the power of BIM/VDC.

MIT Develops 3-D Printer that Prints Glass

BIM and Information Technology | Aug 28, 2015

MIT researchers develop 3D printer that produces intricate glass structures

The machine uses molten glass as its “ink,” contained in a “kiln cartridge” that heats up at 1,900 degrees until it is molten and pliable.

BIM, AEC, Zebra Imaging, Rendering, Architecture, architects

BIM and Information Technology | Aug 27, 2015

Zebra Imaging launches 3D hologram creator for Autodesk Revit

Company promises new product will bring "easy creation process" to holographic imaging in AEC community.

Office Buildings | Aug 24, 2015

British company OpenDesk offers open-sourced office furniture

Offices can “download” their furniture to be made locally, anywhere.

Energy Efficiency | Aug 24, 2015

Google develops Google Maps for solar energy

The tool offers high-resolution aerial maps, like the one used in Google Earth, to estimate the total sunlight a rooftop receives throughout the year.