ecobuild

I'll be presenting some of the NBS Building Information Modelling developments to date and a preview of what is to come at ecobuild on Tuesday 1st March and Wednesday 2nd March as part of the Design Technology Programme (N131).

I'm really looking forward to it and it'll be a pleasure to present alongside the following people from the construction industry.
- http://www.unlimited.com/ecobuild/

South and West Yorkshire Local Authority Training Consortium

I had the pleasure of delivering a CPD session to the South and West Yorkshire Local Authority Training Consortium on BIM yesterday evening. We discussed what BIM is, some case studies and then looked at how the data in the NBS specification model could be integrated with the data in the CAD model. (and in between there was some time for some lovely pie, chips, gravy and mushy peas :)).

There were loads of questions and some real interest on the subject. Useful links on the subject below:

• The NBS BIM research:
  http://www.thenbs.com/topics/BIM/articles/What_BIM_is_and_how_it_is_being_used.asp
  
  
• Tutorials on the different methods of linking the CAD model with NBS:
  
  https://www.thenbs.com/support/softwaresupport/knowledgeBase/KB10168spec.asp
  
  
• Paul Morrell’s BIM presentation:
  http://www.bsria.co.uk/services/design/bim/bim2010/
  
  
• A recent article I have authored on the “rapid acceleration of BIM”:
  http://www.thenbs.com/topics/BIM/articles/rapidAccelerationOfBIM.asp
  
  
• The buildingSMART/BSI publication making the case for BIM (including some good case studies):
  http://constructioncode.blogspot.com/2010/07/bsi-spells-out-case-for-bim.html
  
  
• The NBS BIM Blog:
  http://nbsbrightsparks.wordpress.com/

Thanks to Clinton to inviting me down - look forward to doing it again some time.

Tour of the Sage Gateshead

We held the final session of our current Advisory Panel at the Sage Gateshead yesterday. In addition to discussions on CAD, online specification systems and proposed enhancements to NBS and RIBAProductSelector.com, we also were fortunate enough to get a tour of the building by Peter Udall from Gateshead Council who had been project manager of the construction.

It was fascinating how:

• Gateshead was chosen for the development. After proving they could make big projects such as The Angel of the North, The Baltic and the Millenium Bridge happen they had an excellent track record. Also having land in such a prime location available overlooking the Tyne helped win the bid.
• Gateshead had three main reports, the cost consultants, the lead designers (Fosters) and the specialist acoustic designers (Arup). From the start they made it clear that the quality of the acoustics and the accessibility to the public were the number one priorities.
• In terms of the acoustics, it has been designed so well, that many international musicians rate The Sage in the top 10 or even top three venues for acoustics world-wide. Gateshead are happy they have achieved the aim of providing a truly world class venue.
• In terms of accessibility, the public can always walk through the main concourse, it's not an exclusive location. For all of the events put on by Gateshead there are always tickets for £7.50 available. 

The main music hall from the drinks reception area on level 1

Peter Udall shows 16 architects around the venue - a tough audience

The magnificent coloured glass balustrade that was fitted recently to line the concourse

Impressive reinforced concrete rolling base

The main concert hall - a world class venue

Free web seminar on NBS and CAD

Our training team are running a web seminar on NBS and CAD on Friday 18 February 1pm.

Visit our website below to sign up for it:
http://www.thenbs.com/training/onlinetraining/

The Rapid Acceleration of BIM

This week I wrote another short article on Building Information Modelling for theNBS.com - The Rapid Acceleration of BIM.

It looks back at what appeared to be a big year for BIM in the UK. It also gives a little insight into some of the developments we are working on at NBS.

The article will also appear as a comment piece in the upcoming NBS BIM Survey 2010 alongside pieces by Professor Steve Lockley from Northumbria University, Dick Barker from Privica/Laing O'Rourke, Robert Klaschka from Studio Klaschka and Richard Waterhouse CEO of RIBA Enterprises.

NBS Domestic Specification perfect for Real Homes

Nice little article promoting NBS Domestic Specification in Real Homes magazine.

realhomesmagazine.co.uk/expert-advice/expert-advice/new-online-building-specification-tool

If you are in the planning stage of a major overhaul of your home or a complete renovation project, then it is essential to fully understand the building constraints and regulations before you start. NBS have launched a new useful online Domestic Specification service, which guides you through writing and completing a successful building specification.

Designed exclusively for small domestic building works, such as housing renovations and moderations, the website offers a quick and easy way to complete the specification process.

The digital service can be used as ‘pay-per-use’, to be purchased as and when require with no subscription. Each specification cost £40, plus VAT.

With guidance and editing features on hand during the process, you can be sure to get it right first time round.

For more information visit www.thenbs.com/domestic

Launched in November, NBS Domestic Specification has been a real success so far and we hope it'll get more and more use on domestic jobs throughout the UK.

Update 2nd Feb
Also quite a nice review of the product in the February edition of Building Engineer magazine:

Click image for full size