Ian Keough, senior technical designer at international multidisciplinary engineering consultancy Buro Happold, has launched the ‘goBIM’ App.

     The tool enables Building Information Modeling (BIM) – the generation and management of building data using three dimensional, real time, dynamic building modeling software – to be viewed on iPhones and therefore in remote locations including on site.

     The launch of the iPad, commercially available in the US from 3 April, is set to radically increase the power of App since designers will be able to view models on a much larger scale.

     While there are several Apps that enable users to view three dimensional models goBIM will be the first iPad-compatible App to enable users to navigate models and review data tagged to model elements (such as materials, manufacturer information and volumetric information).

     Ian said: “The majority of building designers still use two dimensional drawings to communicate design ideas and this can result in confusion and the waste of manpower and materials.

     “While the new App is designed to increase the accessibility of three dimensional BIM, the launch of the iPad will unlock the potential of the App and help drive productivity in building design and construction.”

     Ian is inviting building designers to trial the App and provide feedback to help guide development of the tool and new functionality. He has also released an ‘application programming interface’ which allows developers to create their own exporters for any platform.