Essex: 3DOn launches App for architects

TWO Essex-based businesses have teamed up to create a ground-breaking new product designed to simplify architects’ working practices – and cut their costs.

Colchester-based Junari, which specialises in bespoke applications and customer relations management systems, has pooled its expertise with architectural visualiser CG Eye, based in White Colne, to launch a joint venture, 3DOn, which offers a unique “App” for iPhones and iPads.

The ARchitecture App uses sophisticated augmented reality technology to enable architects to view, “walk around” and check their designs as though the building had already been built.

Paul Smith of CGEye said the ARchitecture App had taken nearly a year to develop, with all of the work being done in-house by software engineers at Junari’s offices. It has now been accepted and is available through the App Store.

“This is something quite revolutionary and has far more applications than just the building world,” said Mr Smith. “The potential is massive. Already we’re starting to see interest from other business sectors and we’ve had considerable interest from the United States.

“This App enables an architect to go out on site and, using nothing more bulky than an iPhone or iPad, see their entire plan in situ. The architect can do all kinds of useful things like checking the roofline and viewing the building from various angles and perspectives, even from the inside looking out.”

The ARchitecture App also enables architects to create picture montages, and then to make changes to their designs without the need for multiple expensive models.

Steve Austin of Junari said: “We’ve tested it out with several UK architects and the feedback is very positive. They’ve recognised they can make all the changes they need and see their revised plans very simply and quickly without needing to have further models made.”

3DOn also plans to take the idea further and develop the product for the marine and aircraft industry.