Category: Features
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My Lessons Learned from Software Development
I’ve been involved in software development in both my own and our clients’ companies. There are a few things that I’ve learned over the years about software development. Perhaps you can find some of these experiences useful. I think that there are basically two paths to software development: problem-based and idea-based. Both approaches can create…
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A New Perspective on Mapping Construction Sites with the Crane Camera System
In this interview, Julian Norton, Business Development Manager of Pix4D, talks about the company’s innovative mapping system for construction sites. Pix4D has just launched an early adopter program and is looking for test users. Can you say a few words about your company’s background and mission?Pix4D was founded in 2011 as a spinoff of EPFL, a leading…
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Augmented Reality for AEC – Interview with Charles Woodward of VTT
Augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are hot topics right now. I had a chance to meet with Professor Charles Woodward, principal scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. He is a pioneer and globally renowned authority on AR. Can you say a few words about your background and what you’re doing at VTT…
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The Smartest Office Space – Interview with Janne Orava of Smartblock
A few weeks ago, I was a speaker at a seminar on the future of office work. At the venue, I noted a cube-like object with two gentlemen sitting inside. I stepped in, and I was immediately sold on the concept. It was a Smartblock, an idea and product that I’m sure will stick. The…
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REDI: High-rise Housing and Service Hacking
When you come to Helsinki by boat, the most prominent buildings on the skyline are a few churches. In fact, the city of Helsinki has not favored high-rise buildings, until now. Several projects that will reach unprecedented heights are under construction, and I visited one of them, REDI. Meeting at REDI Living Lab Juhani Katko,…
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How to Evaluate Sustainability Innovations in Construction
I attended a doctoral dissertation defense at Aalto University in Otaniemi on Friday, September 15, 2016. The candidate, Juho-Kusti Kajander, M.Sc. (Econ.), presented his thesis on how construction industry companies can evaluate their sustainability innovations and the economic benefits of innovation investments. Juho-Kusti’s thesis is titled “Evaluation of sustainability innovations in the construction sector.” In his…
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Forerunners Connect with Startups at ReCoTech – Interview with Anssi Salonen
ReCoTech is a SLUSH side event that will bring together real estate and construction forerunners and startups on November 30. I had the pleasure of meeting with Anssi Salonen, Project Manager at RAKLI, and learning more about the event. RAKLI is the Finnish Association of Building Owners and Construction Clients. Its members are the most…
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How BIM Lives After the Handover – Interview with Hans Kristian Grani
I had the pleasure of meeting with Hans Kristian Grani, CEO of Areo, a software startup from Oslo, Norway. We discussed their solution to make building information models and other building data usable and useful after the construction phase. Background Hans Kristian, who holds a Master of Science, talked about his background as a civil…
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Your Next Vision – A Guide for Creating a Compelling Vision for Your Company
Does your company need a compelling vision to take you to the next level? To help you on the journey, we wrote a guidebook, Your Next Vision. How this book came about What is the new way to create products and services in today’s online world? First, build your audience. Then, understand them. Finally, create…
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CO2 Performance Ladder: Cut Emissions, Save Costs and Win Business
Reducing your company’s CO2 emissions is not optional, especially if you operate in the EU. The CO2 Performance Ladder is a tool that helps companies in improving their environmental and business performance. In this interview, Brian Heikamp, Project Manager at The Foundation for Climate Friendly Procurement and Business, explains the tool and the benefits of…