Admin, Author at AEC Magazine https://aecmag.com/author/admin/ Technology for the product lifecycle Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:56:29 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://aecmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-aec-favicon-32x32.png Admin, Author at AEC Magazine https://aecmag.com/author/admin/ 32 32 Managing aging water infrastructure: a proactive approach https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/managing-aging-water-infrastructure-a-proactive-approach/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/managing-aging-water-infrastructure-a-proactive-approach/#disqus_thread Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:54:24 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=25473 By Keaton Clay, National Account Executive: Oldcastle Infrastructure CivilSense

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By Keaton Clay, National Account Executive:
Oldcastle Infrastructure CivilSense

Beneath our communities lies a complex network of pipes, pumps, and treatment infrastructure essential for public health, economic stability, and daily life. Much of this critical water infrastructure is aging, deteriorating, and increasingly vulnerable to failure. The consequences of failure are significant, including disruptive service interruptions, catastrophic main breaks and substantial financial losses through non-revenue water (NRW). For municipalities and water managers, shifting from a reactive repair model to a proactive asset management strategy is now a necessity.

The challenge is immense. Many of our nation’s water systems were built decades ago, with some pipes dating back over a century. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) consistently gives the nation’s drinking water infrastructure a “C-” grade, pointing to a water main break every two minutes and an estimated loss of six billion gallons of treated water each day. This NRW represents a massive drain on resources. It is water that has been abstracted, treated and pressurized at a significant cost, only to leak back into the ground without ever reaching the customer.

Addressing this issue requires a fundamental change in mindset, moving beyond emergency repairs to embrace a forward-thinking, data-driven approach to infrastructure management.

The High Cost of Reactive Maintenance

Historically, many water utilities have operated on a “run-to-failure” basis. Assets are repaired or replaced only after they break. While this might seem cost-effective in the short term, the long-term consequences are severe and multifaceted.

  • Financial Strain: Emergency repairs are significantly more expensive than planned maintenance. They involve overtime labor, expedited material procurement, and often result in more extensive damage to surrounding public and private property like roads and buildings.
  • Disruption: Unplanned shutdowns inconvenience residents and can cripple businesses that rely on a consistent water supply, such as restaurants, hospitals, and manufacturing plants, while main breaks directly disrupt and reduce access to businesses, infrastructure, and essential services.
  • Public Health Risks: Main breaks can lead to pressure loss in the system, creating a risk of contamination from groundwater infiltration. This can trigger boil-water advisories and pose a serious threat to community health.
  • Resource Depletion: Every gallon of water lost through leaks is a waste of the energy, chemicals, and labor used to treat and distribute it. In an era of increasing water scarcity and focus on sustainability, this level of waste is untenable.

The issue of NRW exacerbates these problems. It silently drains utility budgets, forces rate hikes for paying customers, and places unnecessary strain on water sources. Effectively managing an aging system means getting a handle on NRW.

The Power of Proactive Asset Management

A proactive approach to water infrastructure management focuses on understanding the condition of assets, predicting potential failures, and prioritizing maintenance and replacement activities to maximize system reliability and minimize lifecycle costs. This strategy empowers water managers to make informed decisions that extend the life of existing infrastructure while planning for future needs.

The benefits are clear and compelling:

  1. Reduced Operational Costs: By identifying and repairing small leaks before they become major breaks, utilities can save millions in emergency repair costs, reduce water loss, and lower energy consumption for pumping.
  2. Enhanced System Reliability: A planned maintenance schedule ensures that the most critical components of the network are in good working order, significantly reducing the frequency and impact of unexpected service interruptions.
  3. Improved Capital Planning: With a comprehensive understanding of asset health, utilities can develop accurate, long-term capital improvement plans. This allows for strategic budgeting and prevents the financial shock of a sudden, large-scale failure.
  4. Increased Sustainability: Conserving water by minimizing leaks is a powerful act of environmental stewardship. It protects precious water resources, reduces the carbon footprint associated with water treatment and distribution, and builds community resilience.

Implementing a proactive strategy is about moving from guesswork to data-driven certainty and requires the right tools and technologies.

Leveraging Technology for Intelligent Water Management

Modern advancements in sensor technology and data analytics have revolutionized how underground infrastructure is monitored and managed. These smart solutions provide the real-time visibility needed to transition from a reactive to a proactive operational model, allowing managers to see what’s happening within their distribution network without expensive and disruptive excavation.

This is where solutions like Oldcastle Infrastructure’s CivilSense™ prove invaluable. This AI-driven technology operates alongside existing systems, using network and sensor data to analyze network performance, identify risks, and optimize asset management. By temporarily deploying sensors that gather data to identify the telltale acoustic signature of an undetected leak, CivilSense™ transforms passive structures into active data collection points across the water network.

To further empower water managers in making informed investment decisions, Oldcastle Infrastructure offers the CivilSense™ ROI Calculator. This user-friendly tool enables utilities and municipalities to evaluate the financial impact of adopting proactive solutions, including early leak detection and predictive maintenance. By inputting system-specific variables, decision-makers can quantify potential cost savings, reductions in non-revenue water, and improved operational efficiency. The ROI Calculator provides clear, data-backed guidance, demonstrating how technologies like CivilSense™ deliver measurable value over time — making it easier to justify investments and prioritize projects.

With access to precise ROI data, water managers can transition confidently from traditional practices to advanced asset management models, ensuring sustainability and long-term savings.

This constant stream of data and actionable insights provides unprecedented system performance visibility. For water managers, this provides the ability to:

  • Detect Leaks Early: Subtle changes in flow patterns or water levels detected by sensors can indicate a leak long before it surfaces. This early warning allows crews to perform a targeted, planned repair at a fraction of the cost of an emergency response.
  • Monitor System-Wide Health: Aggregating data from multiple points provides a holistic view of the entire distribution network. This helps identify systemic issues and pinpoint areas of high water loss.
  • Predict Failures: Advanced analytics can process historical and real-time data to identify trends that signal an impending asset failure. This predictive capability allows utilities to intervene proactively and replace a vulnerable pipe or valve before it leads to a catastrophic event.

By equipping decision makers with this insight into the health of their water infrastructure systems — and leveraging financial evaluation tools like the CivilSense™ ROI Calculator — building a smarter, more resilient foundation for our communities can become a reality. It’s an investment in prevention that pays dividends through reliability, cost savings, and sustainability.

Building the Resilient Communities of Tomorrow

The challenge of aging water infrastructure is not going away. As pipes continue to age and climate change places additional stress on water resources, the need for intelligent, proactive management will only intensify. The cost of inaction is far too high to ignore.

Municipalities and water managers must take decisive steps to get ahead of the problem. This involves securing funding for infrastructure renewal, adopting comprehensive asset management plans, and embracing innovative technologies that provide critical operational insights.

Oldcastle Infrastructure is committed to engineering solutions that help build stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities. By integrating smart monitoring like CivilSense™ into the very fabric of our water systems, Oldcastle Infrastructure provides the tools necessary to manage these vital resources effectively. A proactive approach protects our infrastructure, conserves water, and ensures that our communities can continue to thrive for generations to come. The future of water management is not about reacting to the past; it’s about intelligently preparing for the future.


About CivilSense™

Oldcastle Infrastructure’s CivilSense™ is an advanced water infrastructure management platform that leverages artificial intelligence, predictive analysis, and real-time data to proactively detect and address leaks before they escalate into emergencies. With a market-leading accuracy rate of 93%, CivilSense™ enables municipalities to transition from reactive maintenance to strategic, data-driven asset management, effectively reducing water loss and associated costs. By integrating multi-source data — including GIS, infrastructure, and climate insights — CivilSense™ identifies high-risk pipeline segments, allowing for targeted interventions that enhance the resilience and sustainability of water systems. This innovative solution empowers communities to safeguard their water resources, minimize service disruptions, and optimize infrastructure investments.


About Oldcastle Infrastructure

Oldcastle Infrastructure, a CRH company, is a leading provider of engineered building solutions across North America. With nearly 80 manufacturing facilities and a workforce of over 4,000 employees, the company delivers a comprehensive portfolio of more than 16,000 products, including precast concrete, polymer concrete, and plastic components. These solutions serve critical sectors such as water, energy, communications, and transportation, supporting the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure.

Committed to sustainability and innovation, Oldcastle Infrastructure aligns its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on responsible consumption, climate action, and the advancement of sustainable communities. As part of CRH plc, one of the world’s largest building materials companies, Oldcastle Infrastructure combines global resources with local expertise to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern infrastructure projects.


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How AI Is transforming productivity in architecture https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/how-ai-is-transforming-productivity-in-architecture/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/how-ai-is-transforming-productivity-in-architecture/#disqus_thread Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:00:30 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=25419 A new Chaos white paper shows where AI adds value, where it falls short, and what should come next.

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Three years after AI hit the mainstream, it still dominates architectural discourse. A new Chaos white paper based on 2025 practitioner interviews and internal research clarifies where AI adds value, where it falls short, and what should come next.

AI as a Creative Partner in Architecture

While AI is shifting the balance of work in architecture, the designer remains central to every major decision. Instead of displacing creativity, new tools are reducing the manual steps that have long slowed early design. Tasks like documentation setup and visualization preparation are moving faster, allowing architects to devote more attention to ideas that shape the experience and performance of a project.

As a result, architects are becoming guides and interpreters, ensuring that AI-generated suggestions serve the narrative and the brief. As clients experiment with AI on their own, professional authorship increasingly depends on how well designers communicate context, feasibility, and direction.

These shifts elevate the role of judgment. When visuals match the level of development, conversations stay focused on what matters most. When iteration answers a specific question, progress becomes decisive rather than overwhelming. Tools such as Chaos’ AI Image Enhancer support that shift by refining visuals within the design environment, while still relying on architects to determine alignment and meaning. Used with intention, AI strengthens the thread of design intent that runs from concept through delivery.

Responsible Use of AI Is Critical

As adoption grows, architects are discovering that AI introduces new risks alongside new efficiencies. Some are familiar, but others are emerging only as usage spreads across real projects. Data privacy is one clear concern. Public models often learn from what is uploaded into them, which poses challenges for work containing client-sensitive or proprietary information. Some firms are now guided by contract language that defines which tools may touch project data and which must remain strictly internal.

Authorship is another area of attention. When multiple stakeholders generate ideas with the same tools, styles can begin to converge and creative identity can flatten. Designers are learning to protect the distinctive qualities of their work by curating references carefully and reviewing outputs with context in mind. Overtrust remains a risk as well, since AI can look convincing while misunderstanding the brief.

These new responsibilities are quickly becoming standard parts of delivery. Firms are establishing policies for safe use, training teams to verify outputs early, and keeping clients informed about how AI influences decisions. It’s clear that responsibility is no longer a separate topic, but rather, a core ingredient of design integrity.

AI Delivers Real Productivity Gains in Design Workflows

According to the insights from this white paper, the most valuable gains will come from eliminating redundant steps in the process rather than speeding up existing ones. Instead of rebuilding ideas multiple times, early inputs could move farther without interruption, supported by tools that understand phase, context, and performance goals from the start.

This shift is likely to be driven by AI capabilities embedded inside the authoring environments architects already rely on. When tasks like asset creation stop interrupting modeling flow — for instance, using Chaos’ AI Material Generator to turn a reference photo into a ready-to-use texture — teams keep momentum focused on design rather than tool switching.

The experts interviewed expect this transition to unfold gradually, but the direction is already visible.

The Future of AI in AEC

The firms best prepared for what comes next will be those that pair strong design judgment with adaptability and clear process discipline. AI will not replace expertise, but it will make it more valuable, amplifying the importance of skills that filter, interpret, and communicate design intent.

To design smarter with AI, visit www.chaos.com.


Download the white paper 


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The VIKTOR App Builder: Putting Automation into Every Engineer’s Hands https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/the-viktor-app-builder-putting-automation-into-every-engineers-hands/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/the-viktor-app-builder-putting-automation-into-every-engineers-hands/#disqus_thread Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:00:43 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=25147 Build tools that automate daily tasks, connect software, and streamline workflows across disciplines without writing a single line of code! VIKTOR’s latest innovation, the App Builder, marks a major step forward in making automation accessible to every engineer. Designed to turn ideas into functional applications, the App Builder empowers engineers to build tools that automate

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Build tools that automate daily tasks, connect software, and streamline workflows across disciplines without writing a single line of code!

VIKTOR’s latest innovation, the App Builder, marks a major step forward in making automation accessible to every engineer. Designed to turn ideas into functional applications, the App Builder empowers engineers to build tools that automate daily tasks, connect software, and streamline workflows across disciplines. Without writing a single line of code!

According to Stijn Jansen, Chief Product Officer at VIKTOR, the mission behind the App Builder is clear: “Engineers know their problems best. They should be able to create the solutions they need, when they need them, without waiting on IT or developers.”

Why the App Builder Was Created

Across industries, engineers still spend far too much time on manual tasks: copy-pasting data, repeating calculations, and managing disconnected models. “Instead of solving real problems,” Stijn explains, “engineers are often caught up in repetitive work. And when they try to improve their process, they depend on scarce developers or IT teams, which slows everything down.”

That’s what inspired the creation of the App Builder: the need to give engineers control over their own tools. Until now, automation and app-building were limited to those with programming skills. But most engineers aren’t coders, and they shouldn’t have to be. They know their own problems best and should be empowered to create the automation solutions they need, when they need them. With the App Builder, automation becomes part of everyday engineering.



Empowering Every Engineer

With the App Builder, any engineer can automate tasks, set up configurators, or connect different software platforms directly. No manual file handling required. Integrations with tools like Revit, PLAXIS, Rhino, SCIA, ETABS, SAP2000, Grasshopper, Excel, and CAD streamline workflows and eliminate the tedious, error-prone steps that slow projects down.

“The VIKTOR platform is built by engineers, for engineers,” says Stijn. “That means direct integrations with the tools you actually use, security and compliance built in from day one, and enterprise-level governance to ensure quality.” Unlike many no-code tools, the App Builder combines speed with transparency and accountability.

Closing the Gap Between No-Code and Full-Code

The App Builder fills a crucial gap in the current landscape. Traditional coding environments are too technical for most domain experts, while low-code tools often produce what Stijn calls “toy apps”; prototypes that lack robustness and integration. Meanwhile, standalone AI assistants can feel like black boxes, with no governance or transparency.

“The App Builder combines no-code, low-code, and full-code capabilities in one secure, transparent, and enterprise-ready environment built specifically for engineering,” says Stijn. It’s a place where engineers can automate workflows, link their favorite tools, and build reliable apps with built-in versioning, testing, and audit trails without losing control or quality.

What You Can Build

The possibilities are endless. Structural engineers can create load calculators, geotechnical teams can automate design checks, mechanical engineers can build configurators, and environmental teams can run scenario analyses.

A simple but powerful example is turning your data analysis workflow into a web app where you can upload measurement or simulation data, run calculations, and instantly generate plots and reports to share with colleagues. This kind of post-processing happens across almost every discipline, making it one of the most broadly applicable uses of the App Builder.

You can use this prompt as an example:
_
Create a web application that checks footing shear in accordance with ACI 318. The app should verify both one-way shear and two-way (punching) shear for an isolated rectangular footing supporting a concrete column.
The application should:
_
  • Accept user inputs for footing length and width, column length and width, footing thickness, effective reinforcement depth (d), concrete compressive strength (f’c), factored axial column load, and optionally the factored moments about both axes.
  • Perform a one-way shear check by evaluating shear along a critical section located a distance d from each column face on all four sides, comparing the demand to the design shear capacity defined by ACI 318, and displaying a “Pass” or “Fail” result with the governing ratio.
  • Perform a two-way (punching) shear check by evaluating shear around a perimeter at a distance d/2 from the column faces, comparing the demand to the punching shear capacity defined by ACI 318, and displaying a “Pass” or “Fail” result with the governing ratio.

Let’s say you want to build an app that reads acceleration data from an Excel file. All you need to do is define the file format for example, the column names, and the App Builder takes care of the rest.



What used to take weeks of IT support can now be done in a matter of hours or days.

Real-World Impact

Companies like KBR are already experiencing the benefits. Their engineers have built everything from simple unit converters to advanced apps automating complex processes. These tools eliminate repetitive work, reduce errors, and make sophisticated workflows accessible to entire teams. “KBR even runs workshops to spread the App Builder across their organization,” Stijn notes. “It’s incredible to see how fast engineers pick it up once they realize what’s possible.”

A Foundation for AI in Engineering

“AI should help engineers move faster in a transparent, secure, and compliant way,” says Stijn.  The App Builder provides the foundation for this vision: a place where engineers use their domain knowledge to create solutions, supported by AI and governed by enterprise standards.

Looking ahead, deeper AI assistance will make app-building even faster. Not just by generating code, but by testing and validating apps automatically. More integrations are on the way, and AI will increasingly become a transparent, reliable partner in everyday engineering practice.

Getting Started

The best way to begin is simply to try it yourself. “Start small,” Stijn advises. “Build a quick app to automate something simple. You’ll be surprised how fast it comes together.” On October 28th, VIKTOR is hosting a live webinar where engineers can see the App Builder in action, explore real-world applications, and build App Builder apps themselves. It’s the perfect opportunity to get inspired, ask questions, and see how others are already using the App Builder to transform their workflows.

👉 Register now for the live webinar and discover how you can start automating your work:

App-building is no longer limited to IT or coders. Every engineer can now create, share, and improve their own workflows, with the freedom to innovate and enterprise-level control to ensure security and quality.

Ready to give it a try yourself?
Start building with the App Builder right now!

👉 Sign up 

 

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PropVR’s digital twins help real estate developer boost revenue by 10x https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/propvrs-digital-twins-help-real-estate-developer-boost-revenue-by-10x/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/propvrs-digital-twins-help-real-estate-developer-boost-revenue-by-10x/#disqus_thread Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:52:30 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=25338 DAMAC gave its clients a compelling Unreal Engine-powered immersive real-time experience

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When DAMAC wanted an immersive and compelling real-time experience for its clients, PropVR provided a robust, realistic, and engaging digital twin framework, powered by Unreal Engine, to help DAMAC increase revenue from $40 million to $400 million.

PropVR is pioneering the creation of large-scale, photorealistic digital twins for cities, and has already modeled Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh with their procedural workflow, using 2D maps, geospatial (GIS) data, and street view imagery for enhanced realism. This approach enables rapid development, turning vast urban landscapes into immersive 3D models in days rather than months.



While city digital twins bring long-term gains for planning, infrastructure, and even tourism, real estate digital twins bring a more personal perspective—the ability to experience a future home or office space in immersive, realistic 3D before it’s built, and truly get a feel for what life or work will feel like for residents or tenants. These digital twins also give real estate developers a competitive edge by capitalizing on the novelty factor to generate deeper engagement from potential buyers during the sales process.

For DAMAC Properties, one of the top luxury real estate developers in the Middle East, this collaboration with PropVR has enabled the deployment of unique interactive experiences, powered by Unreal Engine. DAMAC was able to boost conversions from $24 million to $400 million, and improved their customer engagement by up to 400%.

How PropVR made it happen

We spoke to Sunder Jagannathan, the Co-founder and CEO of PropVR, to get more details on the company’s approach to digital twins, and about the comprehensive digital twin project the company created for DAMAC.



Q: Please tell us about your career background. What led you to found PropVR?

Jagannathan: My career has always been at the intersection of technology, architecture, and immersive experiences. Over the years, I’ve focused on blending advanced 3D technologies like Unreal Engine, XR, and AI with industries such as real estate and smart cities—creating new ways for people to visualize, interact with, and make better decisions about spaces.

At PropVR, I lead our strategy, innovation, and business growth, with a mission to scale digital twin solutions globally and redefine how environments are experienced.


Q: Tell us about your view and vision for digital twins.

J: A digital twin, to me, is much more than a 3D model. It is a dynamic, data-driven replica of a physical asset or environment that allows for real-time interaction, monitoring, and insights. It bridges the physical and virtual worlds through data integration—empowering smarter decision-making and stakeholder collaboration.

At PropVR, we bring this vision to life by creating interactive, high-fidelity 3D environments with the future potential of integrating live data streams like IoT sensors, GIS layers, and AI analytics. Our approach helps stakeholders not just visualize but deeply understand and engage with their assets.



Q: What kinds of projects does PropVR work on?

J: PropVR is a spatial technology company focused on building immersive digital twins, real-time applications, and interactive 3D experiences across real estate, hospitality, aviation, and smart cities.

Over time, we’ve developed robust pipelines that allow companies to build and deploy these experiences faster across multiple platforms.

Whether it’s for virtual sales, masterplan visualization, or smart city twins, our focus remains on making data-rich environments explorable, interactive, and actionable.


Q: Tell us more about the digital twins project for DAMAC. Why was creating a digital twin the right approach?

J: The DAMAC project involved creating a hyper-realistic digital twin of their master-planned communities to transform how they approach sales, marketing, and stakeholder engagement.

Traditional real estate sales often rely on static brochures and renders—but with a digital twin, DAMAC was able to offer interactive walkthroughs, real-time project updates, and immersive presentations. This approach enabled their teams to showcase projects globally, improve buyer confidence, and close deals more efficiently.

Today, DAMAC is one of the leading adopters of this technology in the region, actively scaling digital twins across their diverse portfolio that includes skyscrapers, communities, and branded residences.



Q: How does a digital twin help stakeholders explore the building?

J: The DAMAC digital twin has been designed as a next-generation engagement platform with several interactive features like interactive 3D navigation, AI-powered MetaHuman sales avatars, and customization of interior spaces.

Clients are able to explore the project across levels—from masterplan to location highlights, amenities, floor plans, unit layouts, and interior spaces—in an immersive, interactive format. The sales avatars offer opportunities for interactive sales conversations within the digital twin.


Q: What if the digital twin needs to be customized or expanded?

J: The DAMAC digital twin environment is highly adaptable to customization, and for expansion to other types of sales content.

For one thing, the system is set up in such a way that sales teams can easily create custom animations and dynamic walkthroughs for presentations and social media. They can also repurpose and customize content for offline touchpoints like exhibitions, events, and sales galleries, ensuring a consistent buyer journey.

They can also use the same high-fidelity assets for browser-based experiences, maintaining quality across devices.



Q: What kinds of live, continuous data does the digital twin process in real time?

J: The digital twin connects directly with DAMAC’s inventory and CRM systems for real-time sales tracking and lead management within the digital twin. It also has the capability to integrate IoT sensor data—including environmental metrics, occupancy, lighting, and utilities—to enable operational twins for smarter asset management.

While the current focus is on interactive sales and visualization, the system has been architected to scale toward live data integration for operational and smart city use cases. Future upgrades will support live construction updates, phase tracking, and inventory management.


Q: Wow, that’s a lot of features! What made Unreal Engine the right tool for developing this type of digital twin?

J: Unreal Engine provides the perfect balance of cinematic-quality visuals and real-time interactivity. Its capabilities in lighting realism, scalability, and multi-platform support—including VR, AR, web, and touchscreen—make it our go-to solution.

Additionally, Unreal’s flexibility has allowed us to build custom 3D pipelines that accelerate the creation, deployment, and optimization of these experiences across varied devices and channels.



Q: Can you walk us through the process of creating your digital twin solution, from import CAD data to final delivery?

J: Our creation process follows these structured stages:

  1. Data collection – Gather CAD drawings, elevation plans, drone captures, mood boards, and marketing materials.
  2. 3D modeling – Convert these inputs into detailed 3D models of interiors and exteriors.
  3. Environment building – Integrate models into Unreal Engine with lighting, materials, animations, and interactivity.
  4. Feature development – Add camera points of interest, guided tours, UI/UX layers, and data dashboards.
  5. Deployment optimization – Use our in-house pipeline to deploy across VR, AR, web, touchscreen displays, and high-end devices.
  6. Testing and quality assurance – Optimize for performance and compatibility across platforms.
  7. Final delivery – Deploy as standalone EXE, browser-based experience, VR/MR application, or streaming solution based on the use case.

Q: How has this digital twin improved sales and marketing?

J: The DAMAC digital twin has had a transformative impact on sales and marketing. DAMAC reported a sales jump from $24 million to over $400 million, directly attributed to the interactive digital experience.

Buyer engagement increased by over 400% across sales channels. The platform enabled global reach, allowing potential buyers to explore properties remotely with confidence.

Sales teams and agents reported faster deal closures and stronger client relationships due to the immersive presentations.



Q: How do people experience the digital twin?

J: We offer the digital twin experience across multiple formats based on the audience and use case:

  • Touchscreen applications (sales galleries)
  • Pixel Streaming sales tool with video calling (web)
  • Browser-based interactive platforms (remote scalability)
  • VR and MR experiences (high-immersion investor or stakeholder demos)
  • LED walls and experience centers (large-scale immersive walkthroughs)
  • Holographic displays (for exhibitions and events)

The choice of platform depends on the context—buyers and sales teams typically use web and touchscreen versions, while government stakeholders and investors prefer VR and immersive formats.


Q: What has been the reaction of prospective tenants?

J: Prospective tenants and investors have been highly impressed by the interactive and personalized experience. Being able to explore the project remotely, select units, view balcony options, and customize interiors has significantly enhanced their confidence in decision-making.

The customizability of the platform enables us to tailor the experience to:

  • Buyers: Unit selection, interiors, views, and amenity exploration
  • Investors: Development phases, ROI modeling, and construction progress
  • Authorities: Compliance checks, infrastructure planning, and masterplan visualization

This adaptability ensures that every stakeholder sees what matters most to them.



Q: What are the biggest learnings you gained while working on this project?

J: One of the biggest learnings was the power of interactive storytelling in real estate. Moving beyond static visuals to fully explorable environments dramatically changes buyer engagement and perception.

Another key insight was the need for ease of content updates—enabling marketing and sales teams to manage inventory changes, pricing, and availability without requiring technical intervention.


Q: What do you see for the future of digital twins?

J: I believe digital twins will evolve into living, connected ecosystems where real-time data, AI insights, and immersive experiences seamlessly converge.

In the next five years, we expect that digital twins will play a critical role in smart building operations, sustainability, and energy management, and they will extend beyond sales into asset management, predictive maintenance, and urban planning. With advancements in AI, procedural generation, and automation, creating and scaling digital twins will become faster, cost-effective, and accessible to more industries.

At PropVR, we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—shaping the future of how environments are visualized, experienced, and managed.


Company bios

DAMAC Properties is the UAE’s leading property developer with a global footprint that includes Dubai, Riyadh, Toronto, London, and Miami. DAMAC has delivered over 48,000 homes, with more than 50,000 underway

PropVR specializes in immersive 3D visualization and virtual reality (VR) solutions for real estate. Based in Dubai, PropVR offers digital twin solutions for virtual sales, masterplan visualization, and smart city monitoring with high-fidelity digital environments.

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Boosting graphics performance in Revit and AutoCAD – Special Report https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/boosting-revit-and-autocad-special-report/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/boosting-revit-and-autocad-special-report/#disqus_thread Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:21:11 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=25094 Accelerate CAD / BIM workflows with HP Z Workstations powered by the AMD Ryzen™ AI Max PRO processor

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Accelerate CAD and BIM workflows with the latest HP Z Workstations powered by the AMD Ryzen™ AI Max PRO processor

Autodesk® AutoCAD® 2026 and Autodesk® Revit® 2026 both embrace modern graphics technology, shifting more power to the GPU for ultra-smooth navigation of drawings and 3D models.

Paired with the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Max PRO processor, the latest HP Z Workstations deliver professional-grade performance for CAD and BIM in compact, energy-efficient form factors.


Download this special report to discover how:

  • The ‘Accelerated Graphics Tech Preview’, a brand new graphics technology in Revit 2026, significantly improves performance in both 3D and 2D views.
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  • The HP ZBook Ultra G1a (slimline 14-inch mobile workstation) and HP Z2 Mini G1a (mini desktop workstation) can handle the most demanding workflows in Revit and AutoCAD.

👉🔗 DOWNLOAD REPORT


To learn more about the HP ZBook Ultra G1a mobile workstation click here.

To learn more about the HP Z2 Mini G1a mini desktop workstation click here.


Sponsored by HP and AMD


 

 


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Breaking Free from Bottlenecks https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/breaking-free-from-bottlenecks/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/breaking-free-from-bottlenecks/#disqus_thread Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:56:45 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=25071 How AI-powered workstations redefine everyday productivity for power users

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How AI-Powered Workstations Redefine Everyday Productivity for Power Users

In the fast-moving world of modern work, time is precious, and every second lost is an opportunity missed. Whether it’s waiting for large project files to load, struggling with multiple applications slowing your system down, or dealing with clunky collaboration tools, these bottlenecks add up quickly. They disrupt the flow of ideas, delay important decisions, and make everyday tasks feel like a constant battle with technology.

But this doesn’t have to be the case. Lenovo mobile workstations are designed to break free from the constraints of traditional laptops. These latest devices, such as Lenovo’s newly launched ThinkPad P14s/P16s powered by AMD Ryzen™ processors, are built for professionals who need more than just a basic device. They’re tailored to handle the complex workflows that define modern work, where data, collaboration, and creative tasks often collide.

When performance meets productivity: solving multitasking and speed issues

Let’s consider a common scenario: project managers juggling multiple applications—everything from Primavera P6 and SAP to Teams, emails, and spreadsheets. Each application demands memory, processing power, and attention. But what happens when your laptop can’t handle the load? It starts freezing, stalling, and you’re left waiting.

ThinkPad P series are built to eliminate this problem. Equipped with high-speed memory, these workstations allow you to run multiple heavy applications at once, without the system crashing or slowing down. Whether it’s tracking a project or responding to urgent emails, you’ll experience smooth multitasking with no interruptions. With Unified Memory Architecture, your machine intuitively allocates system resources to handle demanding tasks, so you don’t have to worry about your computer holding you back.

The Unified Memory Architecture also benefits professionals in with 3D rendering and visualization needs, where slow model edits or long render times can halt creativity. You need great graphics memory to tackle the demanding graphical tasks. The latest Lenovo mobile workstations ensure there is no more waiting for renders to finish or materials to load—just a continuous, uninterrupted workflow that lets you focus on the creative process.

AI collaboration: seamless teamwork across borders

In today’s remote-first world, collaboration is at the heart of almost every workflow. Yet, the challenges of managing team members across different locations, software tools, and time zones are significant. Whether you’re handling data analysis, designing 3D models, or simply working on a multimedia project, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your system struggles to keep up with multiple apps running simultaneously.

The latest AI-powered mobile workstations from Lenovo, like ThinkPad P14s and P16s powered by AMD Ryzen™ processors, solve this by ensuring smooth multitasking and collaboration. Equipped with 50+ TOPS NPU for AI-driven performance, these workstations accelerate real-time on-device AI tasks, from data processing to virtual meetings. This ensures smooth collaboration even when working with large, complex files. Whether it’s editing 4K video, reviewing models, or sharing your screen during a client presentation, these machines can handle the load without delays. You’ll experience better, faster teamwork, all while benefiting from real-time security and adaptive power management, keeping you productive on the go.

These workstations don’t just eliminate lag and delays; they transform your workflow into something fluid, something that feels natural. Collaboration tools are more intuitive, creative processes are less interrupted, and even data analysis is faster. It’s like having a team that anticipates your next move—empowering you to do more, faster, and with less frustration.

Why AI-powered workstations are the future

In the past, workstations were specialized tools used only by engineers, designers, or 3D professionals. But as the demands of work have shifted, the definition of what a power user needs have expanded. Today, professionals in data analysis, project management, and even content creation are faced with AI assisted workflows that require more than a typical laptop can provide.

AI-powered workstations offer solutions to these challenges, delivering productivity and real-time processing that can handle even the most complex tasks.

Whether you’re tracking resources, analyzing data, or rendering designs, these workstations provide the power and flexibility you need to stay productive and efficient. No longer is it about whether you can get by with a laptop—it’s about whether your device can keep up with your growing workflow demands. As AI continues to reshape industries, those who are equipped with the right tools will stay ahead of the curve.


Curious about your device’s performance?

Is your current machine holding you back? Evaluate your device with the self-assessment tool to see if it meets today’s demands, or if an upgrade is needed for future workflows.

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Aging Pipes vs Global Spotlight https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/aging-pipes-vs-global-spotlight/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/aging-pipes-vs-global-spotlight/#disqus_thread Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:45:34 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=24549 Preparing Water Infrastructure for High-Stakes Events

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Preparing Water Infrastructure for High-Stakes Events

By Michael Casey
Account Executive: Digital Water Solutions at Oldcastle Infrastructure


Picture this: your city is hosting a major international event, expected to generate millions in economic impact. Municipal leaders have spent months — maybe even years — preparing. Then it happens: a water main breaks. Streets and businesses flood. Boil water advisories are issued. Hotels shut down. The event is thrown into chaos. All while thousands of visitors and members of the media bear witness — and post every moment on social media.

This is a potential risk facing cities across North America as they prepare for upcoming mega-events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympics. In 2024, the World Travel & Tourism Council estimated that travel and tourism contributed $2.6 trillion to the U.S. economy — making infrastructure stability a high-stakes priority.

Cities are investing heavily in upgrades: improving public transit, landscaping parks, enhancing security, and installing signage. But what about the vast infrastructure beneath our feet? Are the water pipes that support daily life — and major events — being properly assessed and prepared?

The Cost of Ignoring What’s Underground

Aging U.S. water infrastructure poses a major threat to transportation, economic activity and essential services. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) 2025 Infrastructure Report Card, the U.S. experiences approximately 240,000 water main breaks each year, costing $2.6 billion in repairs and maintenance.

In total, the U.S. has more than two million miles of underground pipes, many of which were installed after World War II, with a projected lifespan of 75 years. Nearly 20% of water mains have exceeded their useful life, and the results are troubling: more than six billion gallons of treated drinking water is lost every day in the U.S., the equivalent of the water held in 9,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This loss contributes to an economic impact of $187 billion each year.

Upgrading this system comes with a steep price tag. ASCE estimates that $625 billion will be needed over the next two decades to maintain and repair the drinking water infrastructure nationwide, a massive investment challenge, as many municipalities already struggle with tight budgets. Even more concerning is that nearly 70% of utilities lack a comprehensive asset management plan, limiting their ability to plan proactively and guide long-term investments.

Why Cities Need a Smarter Approach

City leaders and water utility managers know they can’t rip out and replace every pipe all at once. The answer lies in a proactive, data-driven approach that prioritizes repairs, prevents failures, and allocates budgets wisely.

If utility teams had Superman’s X-ray vision, identifying leaks and weak points would be easy. But in the real world, they need technology that can offer similar insights — without breaking the pavement.

That’s where Oldcastle Infrastructure’s CivilSense™ helps amplify the expertise of your team. Strategic use of AI doesn’t eliminate the value of human expertise. It enhances it, freeing up skilled staff to focus on critical tasks while automated tools manage routine monitoring, data gathering, and analysis. Additionally, promoting advanced digital solutions helps municipalities attract new talent, positioning the water sector as both innovative and forward-thinking.

Introducing CivilSense™: AI for Smarter Water Management

CivilSense™ is a next-generation water asset management solution that combines cutting-edge AI technology, field inspection, and advanced analytics to detect and address water infrastructure risks before they become disasters.

Backed by decades of Oldcastle Infrastructure expertise, CivilSense™ technology has unmatched accuracy — powered by AI trained on more than 2.3 million data points — enabling repair crews to prioritize efforts effectively.

The platform combines real-time AI data analysis with GIS mapping, historical infrastructure data, and climate insights to high-risk pipeline segments before failures occur. Acoustic sensors are then strategically installed across targeted areas to collect real-time information, which is validated by field inspectors and analyzed to prioritize repairs based on factors like leak severity, pipe material and diameter, and proximity to critical zones.

With an industry-leading 93% leak detection accuracy, CivilSense™ gives water utility managers the ability to:

  • Pinpoint problems before they escalate
  • Accelerate repair timelines
  • Optimize limited budgets
  • Enhance long-term reliability and system performance

With predictive AI, CivilSense™ analyzes large, complex network datasets, giving CivilSense™ unmatched precision in targeting the biggest risks and helping cities make the smartest use of their infrastructure dollars.

One major city’s water system includes thousands of miles of aging pipes, some more than a century old. In recent years, it has experienced major water main breaks and public service disruptions that underscore the urgency of modernizing its water infrastructure.

Recognizing the challenge, the city has launched a plan to overhaul the system by embracing technology like leak detection devices and AI-powered monitoring systems to stay ahead of failures and maintain essential water service for residents, businesses, and event organizers alike.

This proactive approach offers a model for other cities preparing for high-profile events. Water may not be the most visible part of the infrastructure equation — but when it fails, it makes headlines.

The Bottom Line: Preparing for Events Starts Below Ground

Cities vying to host the world’s biggest events are already spending millions to create a world-class experience. But without reliable water infrastructure, even the best-laid plans can unravel.

Investing in cutting-edge technology like CivilSense™ allows municipalities to detect problems before they surface, reduce costly emergency repairs, and ensure uninterrupted service for residents and visitors alike.


About Michael Casey:

Michael Casey is a seasoned account executive with extensive experience in AI/ML solutions for the water industry.  Michael is currently focused on solving water loss issues with next generation IoT sensors and advanced analytics to predict and prevent catastrophic main breaks and service disruptions.


About CivilSense™

Oldcastle Infrastructure’s CivilSense™ is an advanced water infrastructure management platform that leverages artificial intelligence, predictive analysis, and real-time data to proactively detect and address leaks before they escalate into emergencies. With a market-leading accuracy rate of 93%, CivilSense™ enables municipalities to transition from reactive maintenance to strategic, data-driven asset management, effectively reducing water loss and associated costs. By integrating multi-source data—including GIS, infrastructure, and climate insights—CivilSense™ identifies high-risk pipeline segments, allowing for targeted interventions that enhance the resilience and sustainability of water systems. This innovative solution empowers communities to safeguard their water resources, minimize service disruptions, and optimize infrastructure investments.


About Oldcastle Infrastructure

Oldcastle Infrastructure, a CRH company, is a leading provider of engineered building solutions across North America. With nearly 80 manufacturing facilities and a workforce of over 4,000 employees, the company delivers a comprehensive portfolio of more than 16,000 products, including precast concrete, polymer concrete, and plastic components. These solutions serve critical sectors such as water, energy, communications, and transportation, supporting the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure.

Committed to sustainability and innovation, Oldcastle Infrastructure aligns its operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on responsible consumption, climate action, and the advancement of sustainable communities. As part of CRH plc, one of the world’s largest building materials companies, Oldcastle Infrastructure combines global resources with local expertise to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern infrastructure projects.


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BBC Television Centre https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/bbc-television-centre/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/bbc-television-centre/#disqus_thread Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:00:22 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=24486 Breathing new life into a cultural icon with technology

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Breathing new life into a cultural icon with technology

One of London’s most iconic landmarks, the former BBC Television Centre, is a cornerstone of British history. After over 50 years of service, the centre underwent significant redevelopment to breathe new life into this much-loved part of the city’s skyline. In 2013, the site was transformed into a mixed-use destination, combining luxury residences, creative workspaces and premium amenities.

However, reimagining a complex once celebrated as the “cathedral of entertainment and news” presented a major challenge – preserving its cultural heritage while adapting the space for modern living.

The challenge: selling the vision before construction

The Boundary, a global creative agency specialising in the best-in-class photorealistic visuals and immersive experiences for products, architecture and the built environment, was selected to bring the redevelopment to life. The Boundary dedicated its focus on the new residential building in the complex, The Ariel – a residence yet to be built.

The team crafted photorealistic marketing visuals that honoured the site as a cultural landmark, whilst also creating a visual experience that could be imagined as a home for future residents. The Boundary’s deliverables included CGIs, animations, a marketing film, and interactive real-time tours.

The Ariel project demanded a visual narrative that would help prospective buyers and tenants imagine life within the space. Materials needed to capture atmosphere, from how light shifts throughout the day, to how textures feel, and how people move throughout the space. Bringing that level of realism to life – with both accuracy and emotion – required the right technology.


Transforming visuals with Chaos Corona

Redefining design workflows with up to 80% time savings

The Boundary relied on Chaos Corona, an easy to use rendering software for architectural visualisation, for all rendered content. The tool’s flexibility meant they could create photorealistic images and easily tweak them based on feedback, without having to start from scratch each time a change was requested by the developer. This made the design process faster and more collaborative, saving time and money for the wider project with fewer iterations being produced.

The interiors at The Television Centre showcased a complex ceiling design that went through numerous iterations. What would typically require skilled modellers several hours to model and implement changes at each design development stage was streamlined to a fraction of the time using Corona’s Slicer tool.

By leveraging the tool’s ability to modify geometry with remarkable precision, the team significantly decreased the time spent on remodelling while ensuring accuracy. They could swiftly implement the design changes while ensuring the ceiling’s intricate details aligned with aesthetic and functional requirements.

Used with the Slicer, the Corona Pattern tool simplified the mapping of the ceiling’s intricate details and complex panelling. When designs changed multiple times, the team could adapt without compromising quality or project timelines.

The Boundary estimates that Corona tools saved up to 80% of the usual time spent to generate a render as intricate as this one, without compromising quality. In turn, the ability to rapidly test and refine designs significantly lowered expenses related to mistakes and delays.

Making space for creativity

At the heart of any project lies creativity. The Boundary relied on Corona Sun and Sky were used to create initial clay compositions, offering greater flexibility and the ability to test solutions using a range of tools. Sun direction and size were changed to quickly output lighting tests from morning to night, from sharp sun to overcast. With Volume Effect, the team could create depth that would otherwise require costly volumetrics. Designs, textures and materials were trialled and refined with technology that gave the team creative licence, without the risk of costly mistakes.


When vision meets technology through partnership

Today, what was once home to the BBC is now set to be home to approximately 950 residents, enjoying a reimagined creative district with a host of new amenities. The revival of an icon was never an easy project to conceptualise, but through emotive visuals, the end goal became easier to picture. The success of the redevelopment hinges not just on technology, but on the creative teams who utilised it to its full potential.

For Chaos, each of our customers are viewed as creative partners. Projects like this exemplify that collaboration, giving us the chance to see the tangible impact of our tools while building strong, lasting relationships with the people who use them. Meanwhile, our customers can rely on technology that they can trust.

“I have been using Corona since the very initial release and never looked back. It is one of the most utilised and trusted software we use in our studio.”

Eleonora Galimberti, Senior Associate at The Boundary

This redevelopment is a testament to what happens when creative vision meets trusted technology, transforming not just spaces but the way we experience them.

Visit www.chaos.com to learn more.

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Powering your Reality Modelling Workflows: Special Report https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/powering-your-reality-modelling-workflows-special-report-2/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/powering-your-reality-modelling-workflows-special-report-2/#disqus_thread Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:00:51 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=23276 Reality Modelling for AEC special report

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Reality Modelling for AEC: Special Report

Reality modelling is unlocking new efficiencies in AEC projects, providing highly detailed 3D models across the entire lifecycle. To keep projects on track, rapid data processing is critical, so selecting the right workstation hardware is more important than ever.

Download this special report to discover how:

  • Reality modelling enhances planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
  • Alcatraz was captured in just three weeks using the latest reality modelling and compute technologies.
  • Workflow bottlenecks in photogrammetry, point clouds, and reality meshes can be overcome.
  • Lenovo’s latest AMD-powered workstations can supercharge your reality modelling workflows.
  • Visualisation is bringing reality models to life through advanced real time tools like Unreal Engine.

👉🔗 DOWNLOAD REPORT


To learn more about Lenovo workstations powered by AMD for AEC, click here.


Sponsored by Lenovo and AMD

 

 


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ARES Kudo: DWG Drawings Automation for Developers https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/ares-kudo-dwg-drawings-automation-for-developers/ https://aecmag.com/sponsored-content/ares-kudo-dwg-drawings-automation-for-developers/#disqus_thread Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:44:25 +0000 https://aecmag.com/?p=23257 Niknaz Aftahi, CEO of aec+tech, reviews ARES Kudo, a cloud-based CAD platform for DWG

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Niknaz Aftahi, CEO of aec+tech, reviews ARES Kudo, a cloud-based CAD platform for DWG with advanced Drawings Automation that streamlines DWG drawing generation from BIM data and file conversions (PDF, DGN, IFC, and Revit to DWG). Trusted by industry leaders like PTC Onshape and Dassault Systèmes, it supports collaborative editing and seamless workflow integration. Developers can learn more at the free Graebert neXt event in April.

We are only halfway into the 2020s, yet this decade has already been marked by some unparalleled tech developments in AEC town. Riding on the paradigm-shifting AI wave with an explosion in server infrastructure, more and more workflow innovations in our industry tend to be cloud-native. Furthermore, the shifts and increasing flexibilities in our work cultures are fuelling the need for digital tools and solutions that run entirely in the web browser.

Niknaz Aftahi – aec+tech

I can hear some of you arguing that cloud-based software is just the same features as traditional desktop software, moved into the browser… but it is well beyond that. It is about improving collaboration and security.

If you have ever used solutions like Google Docs, Salesforce, Slack, or GitHub, you know what I am talking about.

And it is fair to say that the AEC world is late in adopting this approach. Compare AEC with Manufacturing, for example, which already has well-established cloud-based solutions such as PTC Onshape, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and Fusion 360, to name just a few…

At AEC+Tech, we have been fortunate to test, review, and host a number of innovative design technology products, spanning early-stage design, massing and form evaluation, performative assessments, collaborative decision-making, or project and facility management, you name it. These tools are extremely competent in augmenting your design process, and solving design-stage or management problems effectively.

But something that these cloud-native workflows lack is the downstream support for drawing creation: as projects progress and become increasingly definitive, the generation of drawings regularly over the many project phases becomes crucial. True, you may harness the cloud capabilities of an AECTech product, work on the fly, and collaborate with your colleagues as you make your decisions. But when you move from design to drawing, you still have to rely on conventional (and often expensive) BIM and CAD solutions to go forward. And the biggest downside of that transition? The workflow has to be detached from the cloud and run on your machine instead, owing to the sheer size of these BIM/CAD software installations.

What these cloud-native design and management software applications need to complement them — and thus complete their workflows — is a robust option for drawings generation. Ideally, this solution would not only run on the cloud, but would also possess features that substantially accelerate and streamline the drawings creation process. And we at AEC+Tech have identified this exact cloud-native drawing creation solution, for developers to reinforce and complete their workflows: Graebert’s ARES Kudo.


ARES Kudo is a DWG-based Online CAD solution available both to end-users and as a CAD development platform. The ARES Kudo platform is used by many leading online solutions, including PTC Onshape, xDraftSight, and Trimble Connect.

What is ARES Kudo?

ARES Kudo is an online, DWG-based 2D CAD solution that runs in your web browser. It is both a robust stand-alone product and a part of the ARES Trinity of CAD software, along with ARES Commander and ARES Touch.

Thanks to a thoughtfully designed user interface that’s very familiar to traditional CAD users, shifting from a conventional CAD product to Kudo has a nearly flat learning curve. Plus, Kudo lets multiple users collaborate on the same file simultaneously — something that conventional tools hardly offer.

What really sets Kudo apart, however, is a unique amalgamation of two powerful elements: a full CAD-on-the-web solution, and Drawings Automation technology. Let’s look at both of these in more detail.


A Complete CAD-on-the-Web Solution

ARES Kudo includes a full DWG editing package that operates on any web browser. It gives you immediate access to all the tools and functions needed to create, edit, and customize drawings. As expected, you can also generate PDF or other outputs from your DWG files.

Plus, Kudo comes with a host of features to work collaboratively as a team in an instant — a signature advantage of cloud-native software. Users can add annotations, comments, and markups while working together on any DWG file. Conflicting changes are never a problem, since access to the editing capability is transferred via permissions from one user to the next.

Moreover, Kudo comes with ARES Online Drawings Automation features, enabling you to compare two DWG drawings to track changes, for example, or extract data from DWG files to CSV for schedules and quantities. Other Automation capabilities include the batch conversion of PDF or DGN files to DWG, which turns these files into drawings that can be edited in ARES Kudo. And Graebert has also announced that it will soon be possible to automatically batch-print Sheet Sets to PDF.



These functionalities make the software much more capable and robust than a conventional CAD solution, and would be a welcome complement to the early-stage design/BIM pipeline of major, emerging AECTech products out in the market.

What also makes ARES Online Drawings Automation unique in the market is the ability to schedule recurring jobs. As an end user, you could use ARES Kudo to schedule a task such as reading all your DWG files each night and converting them to PDF.

And as a developer, you could simply automate many tasks by default, anticipating the needs of your users. For instance, if they upload PDF, DGN, or Revit files, you might expect that sooner or later they will need to markup or edit them — so you could proactively convert these file types to DWG drawings upon import.


Drawings Automation from BIM Data

Perhaps the most exciting feature for developers to adopt into their pipeline is the automated generation of DWG drawings from Revit or IFC projects. Since most early-stage design tools put out a BIM (RVT or IFC) file, instant creation of drawings from this data will be a game-changer for AECTech developers.

 

ARES Kudo stands out due to its capabilities to read and extract building information and properties along with other data associated with BIM objects. This is possible because it imports entire BIM projects rather than just their geometry. Having immediate access to comprehensive building data — encompassing dimensions, thermal properties, schedules, material, colour, texture, costs, etc. — enhances the process of creating drawings, and enables Drawings Automation.

Upon importing a BIM project, Kudo reads the properties of the objects, and based on the nature of the project, automatically creates all the drawings you need (think plans, sections, and elevations). It then adds smart dimension chains, annotations, and labels on your drawings, by reading the attributes of the associated BIM objects. Simply speaking, this significantly reduces the manual input for drawing creation when compared with programs like Revit.

Integrating ARES Online Drawings Automation into your AECTech product will unlock a more complete pipeline for users to start from early-stage design and go all the way to enriched drawings — all on the cloud.


How Does the New ARES Online Drawings Automation Work in ARES Kudo?

As most cloud-native solutions do, Kudo executes the automated tasks on a distant server. Consequently, you don’t have to wait until the job is done; you can work on something else with your computer while the automation progresses.

Plus, you can batch-process multiple files and schedule recurring tasks with ARES Kudo. For example, you could set it to launch your desired  Drawings Automation routines every night, and track the progress of your BIM project as it evolves.

Developers using ARES Kudo as a development platform can create their own custom settings for the drawings the automation produces. You could achieve, for example, four different styles of drawings from the same geometry. When comparing the four drawings below, you can see how the representation of the walls, the dimensions, and the labels are different in each one, thanks to the high degree of customization possible.

Furthermore, developers have access to the ARES Online Drawings Automation technology, which can be used independently or in conjunction with the online CAD features provided by the ARES Kudo Development Platform for DWG editing. This integration allows for the creation of custom solutions tailored to specific needs for online DWG editing.

For AECTech companies creating software/solutions for design, BIM, project and facility management, cost estimation, and so on, the possibility to focus almost entirely on the 3D features and automate all the 2D afterwards is certainly innovative. As a process running automatically in the background and in real time, with the user designing in 3D with BIM or uploading a RVT/IFC file, Kudo solves a crucial problem — enabling developers to upscale and mainstream their technology to a broader audience.


How is the ARES Kudo Development Platform Benefiting Developers Already?

Join the Developer Workshop co-hosted by Graebert and Martyn Day from AEC Magazine
  • The ARES Kudo Online CAD Development platform
  • The new ARES Online Drawings Automation technology for developers
  • Examples of integrations with industry-leading solutions

Panel discussion with industry experts:
How Cloud and Drawings Automation Are Transforming the CAD Industry


Drawings Automation in Link with Snaptrude

While the Drawings Automation technology in ARES Kudo is being officially introduced at the Graebert neXt event in April, it was previously introduced in the desktop version, ARES Commander. It has also been used to complement the BIM-based workflow of the AECTech product called Snaptrude: a cloud-native, BIM-based collaborative design platform. Read this previous article to learn more and see this integration in video form: “Drawings Automation for BIM Projects (AEC Magazine, March 27, 2024).”

This partnership stands as testimony to how well ARES Kudo integrates with other developers’ tools, and to the vast possibilities it opens up for collaboration to upscale and mainstream the use of new AECTech solutions.


10 Years of Collaboration with Onshape

Onshape is a fully cloud-based 3D CAD platform that revolutionizes product design by enabling real-time collaboration and eliminating the need for traditional file-based workflows. A key component of Onshape’s functionality is its Drawings module, which is based on Graebert’s ARES Kudo technology.


This partnership integrates Graebert’s advanced online CAD technologies into Onshape, enabling users to create detailed 2D drawings that are automatically synchronized with their 3D models.


15 Years of Collaboration with Dassault Systèmes for DraftSight

The partnership between Graebert and the industry-leading 3D giant behind SOLIDWORKS and CATIA, Dassault Systèmes, around DraftSight began roughly 15 years ago. It soon blossomed into a hugely successful story, yielding a 2D DWG-based CAD desktop application that quickly amassed a massive user base reaching more than 10 million users worldwide.

Over time, this collaboration expanded beyond the core desktop product into integrations with other popular Dassault Systèmes products like GEOVIA, ENOVIA, HomeByMe, 3D ContentCentral, SOLIDWORKS PDM, and now, importantly, the 3DEXPERIENCE online collaboration platform.

This year, the desktop-based higher-end version, DraftSight Premium, is also introducing Graebert’s BIM drawings automation features. Most recently, the partnership produced xDraftSight — a fully cloud-based version of DraftSight built on Graebert’s ARES Kudo engine. Accessible through a web browser as part of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, xDraftSight enables users to edit DWG drawings online with the same capabilities as the desktop, while enjoying seamless integration with Dassault’s cloud data and collaboration tools.


To sum up,

ARES Kudo and the online CAD development platform associated with it offer an array of new possibilities for AECTech product developers. Needless to say, Kudo may be the most robust cloud-native drawing tool out there. Its bespoke BIM automation features, coupled with its ability to complement other products’ workflows and project pipelines, positions it as a strong, indispensable player in this area.

With an increasing number of developers and companies exploring partnerships to nest Kudo’s capabilities in their pipelines, it is set to disrupt conventional workflows — for the better. With all the new collaboration and opportunities unfolding as we speak, these are some very exciting times for the AECTech space!

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