The Chicago Architecture Biennial, which will take place September 16, 2017 – January 7, 2017, is an exhibition of more than 100 international architecture firms and artists. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who also served as White House Chief of Staff to former President Barack Obama, spoke recently at a breakfast where he announced the participants in the second Chicago Architecture Biennial.
James Welling, “8482,” 2016, from the series “Chicago, 2016-2017,” Courtesy the Artist and David Zwirner, New York and London
Generative Design has been around for several years. It came on the scene as the product “Generative Components (GC)” from Bentley Systems, used in the group formed for the express purpose of exploring architectural design “what if” with advanced associative and parametric tools, Smart Geometry, that allows users to go far beyond the limitations of traditional CAD software.
The Francis Crick Institute HOK – PLP Architecture London, United Kingdom 2011 Be Inspired Award Winner – Innovation in Generative Design
An interesting new product, Konstru, is a central interoperability platform that automates the exchange of BIM data between analysis & modeling software tools, due for launch in July. Konstru supports all your favorite and most popular design and analysis tools and allows them to communicate with one another.
Aviad Almagor, director, Mixed Reality Program, from Trimble spoke recently about one of their prototype products, SiteVision, used for accurate outdoor augmented reality using GNSS, that is currently only available for pilot customers.
Mark Reid, Vice President of Product Management at GeoSLAM Ltd talked about their recent announcement of the real-time upgrade option for the ZEB-REVO, their handheld mobile mapping system. Demonstrated for the first time at SPAR 3D 2017 in Houston, the optional upgrade includes a revised datalogger capable of undertaking SLAM registration in real-time. It has its own integrated Wi-Fi, with results that can be displayed live, as they are captured, on any web browser enabled device including tablets and smartphones.
Thornton Abbey Scan
AECCafe Voice: What are some indoor map applications for ZEB-REVO?
The ZEB-REVO handheld mobile mapping device employs a highly robust 3D Simultaneous Localisation And Mapping (SLAM) algorithm, which enables the rapid creation of a 3-dimensional model of any space.
Since it does not require a GPS signal, the ZEB-REVO is at its best in complex, enclosed, multi-level environments, without compromising on the accuracy of data collection.
User cam
ZEB-REVOs are regularly used by surveyors and non-experts alike in the construction and development sector, whether for the recording of heritage buildings in need of restoration, generating footprints of vast structures, real estate valuations or scan-to-BIM.
As the ZEB-REVO is non-invasive and easy to use (requiring minimal training for non-expert users), the device has also been lauded as an ideal scanning product for both dangerous and sensitive environments. This includes time-limited projects, such as in a precarious building prior to renovation or demolition, or occupied environments, such as colleges, nursing homes and hospitals.
Large building scan – Courtesy Geomeasure
AECCafe Voice: Can you describe your ‘modular approach?’
Structures with unusual layouts or complex networks are not a problem for the ZEB-REVO, thanks to both the modular and compact nature of the product. Unlike heavy single-function trolley-based SLAM systems, the lightweight, handheld device is ideal for adapting to difficult-to-access environments, whether that is down a narrow shaft while attached to a pulley system, or using a birds eye perspective when secured to a drone.
The ZEB-REVO can also be mounted to cars, boats, UAVs and other small-scale piloted and autonomous vehicles; making it ideal for surveying challenging indoor and outdoor multi-level environments. ZEB-CAM, which also is a modular add-on, can be quickly attached or detached depending upon the application and deployment method being used. This allows for an easy upgrade path that futureproofs the ZEB-REVO against the latest developments. (more…)
Kimon Onuma has been hosting webinars on various aspects of SEPS2BIM, the Space and Equipment Planning System (SEPS) is a standalone Government off the Shelf (GOTS) web based application and database. The recent webinar focused on how architects could tap into owners’ data, and gather more information from them for the BIM process.
SEPS2BIM authors baseline Programs for Design (PFD) and Project Room Contents (PRC) for Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Health Agency healthcare projects.
AECCafe Voice asked some users and vendors about their low cost conceptual design software to see what features are the most valuable to users in the workplace.
HP recently made an exciting announcement about their HP ZBook Mobile Workstation and Z Display News. HP ZBook G4 Mobile Workstations meet the need for business high quality workstations that are built to last. As color quality and high resolution have become extremely important to purchasers of mobile workstations in the AEC market, the Z DreamColor Displays are designed to address requirements of these high-end users. These same users are said to spend more on a display that also increases efficiency in their employees.
Leica introduced its BLK360 3D scanner at Autodesk University 2016, which was met with great awe when attendees saw how small it is. It is 6.5 inches tall and four inches in diameter, weighing 2.2 lbs., and has one single button on its housing, giving the impression of a Star Trek device.
Marty Chobot, vice president of Marketing for Invicara spoke with AECCafe Voice about the latest BIM Assure 1.2 release.
Configurable report templates let users export model data to Excel for review or further analysis. Data slices and related element data reports help users get the right data for the right elements in a very familiar and easy-to-use format.
