Blaszt launches free BIM software beta for UK architects

Architectural professionals in the UK are being invited to join a free, no obligation Beta test for a new BIM software and service to be launched later this year.

Developed on the Unity gaming platform, Blaszt quickly and simply transforms Revit files into a fully immersive virtualised environment, retaining all the data from the original model.

Architectural, structural and MEP files can be federated to create walk through and fly through environments, with no special software or training needed to navigate. Benefits include ease of collaboration, visual clash detection and note–adding capabilities, while product, materials and design information are all readily available and accessible, as well as quantity surveys.

Co-founder and CEO Iain Melville said “Blaszt is a great tool that transforms complex Revit models into an easily accessible gaming-based interface for desktop and headset Virtual Reality. What we’re really focused on is helping the architect use these tools for effective workflow management, to keep track of and share data and to be able to easily and quickly collaborate with stakeholders right through the construction process. Our models create the arena for the much sought after common data environment, which is at the heart of BIM Level 2 adoption”.

Blaszt is inviting participants into its Beta phase which launches in April 2017. Architects can sign up and immediately utilise the software to experience the benefits and capabilities for themselves, all with no obligation. All IP and data is secure and protected and there is no limit to the number of projects or model iterations which Blaszt can accommodate.

Blaszt utilises technology developed in the US and is brought to market by two co-founders well versed in meeting the information and software needs of the AEC industry.

Arol Wolford was an early board member and investor in Revit, prior to its sale to Autodesk and founder of Construction Market Data in the US. He is an honorary fellow of the American Institute of Architects and a sought after speaker on sustainability and the impact of buildings on the environment. Arol said about Blaszt “The UK Government’s mandate on the usage of BIM brings focus to the technology challenges and opportunities facing architects. Blaszt is designed to help them manage that transition and use leading edge – yet very straightforward – technology to create better project outcomes for their clients”.

Iain Melville is the former CEO of Reed Construction Data and a senior executive with RELX Group plc. He has extensive experience in the areas of business to business software, data and information in both the UK and the US.

To sign up for the Blaszt Beta architects can contact Michael Darby at beta@blaszt.co.uk or go to the Blaszt website

The following videos demonstrate just how far you can go with Blaszt:

Video 1 - the standard free Blaszt 3D BIM model and features
Video 2 - the enhanced Unity upgraded Blaszt 3D BIM model

For more information:
Michael Darby
Blaszt Ltd.
michael@blaszt.co.uk

Twitter:
@blasztuk
Telephone: 07817 414507

About Blaszt:

Blaszt is a UK company, headquartered in Reigate in Surrey, which offers a quick, secure, navigable, high quality, data-rich and easily shared 3D BIM modelling service for Revit users. Significantly, its use requires neither expensive outlay specialist training, nor does it utilise complicated software.

About the founders:

Iain Melville, also chairman of VIMaec in the US, was previously CEO of Reed Construction Data in Atlanta, a company providing sophisticated insights into the North American AEC industry. Prior to that Iain spent over 20 years in the UK as a high level executive in business-to-business software, data and information services.

Arol Wolford, an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects, founder of VIMtrek, co-owner of VIMaec and co-founder of Blaszt, is well known throughout the North American construction industry as a pioneering figure in digital information. He was an early board member and investor in Revit, which was then sold to AutoDesk.

Michael Darby, architectural and design lead, has extensive experience of the UK market; he has been a branding and design consultant for over 30 years, including involvement with a wide range of architectural and interior design projects.