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Open source applications: The future of the construction and planning industry?

by Niklas Maczyewski and Miguel Ebbers | 13.10.2024

The development of open source software has written an impressive success story over the last few decades. Originally created as a “community project” by programming enthusiasts, open source software has now proven its relevance in almost all areas of application – from operating systems such as Linux to internet browsers and complex applications for specific industries.

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Differences and advantages and disadvantages between open source and proprietary software

The main difference between open source and proprietary software lies in the underlying source code. Open source can be viewed, adapted and extended by anyone. Proprietary software, on the other hand, is developed by companies that control the source code. One advantage of open source software is its flexibility and adaptability. Companies and developers can tailor the software to their own needs, making individual solutions possible. In addition, the strong community behind many open source projects often offers unsurpassed support and further development opportunities. On the other hand, however, there is the disadvantage of often limited user-friendliness, especially for users without in-depth IT knowledge. With proprietary software, on the other hand, users often benefit from clear operation (better UX) as well as established standards and defined further developments.

The state of open source software in the planning and construction industry

Open source software has also found its way into the planning and construction industry in recent years. Among the most popular and widely used applications are QGIS, a powerful geographic information system, and FreeCAD, a versatile CAD software that is used especially for mechanical engineering, but increasingly also in the construction industry. In recent years, open source software has been increasingly used, particularly in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM), to improve the exchange of data, perform calculations and automate processes. Several projects should be highlighted here:
    • The Blender add-on “Bonsai”, an open source software for BIM and 3D modeling, has gained considerable popularity in recent years and is increasingly used for the creation of 3D models in IFC format.
    • The open source Python library “IfcOpenShell” offers the possibility to read, write and modify IFC files without the use of software.
    • Speckle is an innovative platform that facilitates data exchange between different AEC-specific tools and enables smooth collaboration. 
    • CalcTree provides a way to transparently display engineering-specific calculations that can be flexibly customized and integrated into existing planning processes.
    • That Open Company’s OpenEngine enables you to develop your own BIM software applications
    • IfcLCA is an open source solution for life cycle analysis in the construction industry and enables the assessment of environmental impacts based on IFC files. 
    • MOD is a machine learning platform that connects developers, planners and manufacturers to promote process optimization through prefabrication.
A look into the future shows that open source solutions in the construction and planning industry have the potential to complement proprietary applications and even replace them in some areas. The increasing need for open standards and the desire for better interoperability between different software solutions play a decisive role here. The use of open source could make planning processes more flexible, independent and innovative.

BIM Open Source Week of the Bau-Rockstars

And because the Bau-Rockstars promote innovative ideas and applications in the construction and planning industry, the Open Source Week event series offers exciting insights into various solutions that have been specially developed for the requirements of the construction industry. Over three days (15., 16. und 17.10.2024), renowned speakers and experts will present current projects, use cases and possible future scenarios. Open Source Week enables participants to discover the potential of open source for their own work and gain knowledge directly from experts in the field. By networking practitioners, developers and users, we want to contribute to the spread of open source software in the construction and planning industry. We want to become a platform that promotes the exchange of knowledge and experience – an important step towards an open and cooperative future for the construction industry.
Miguel Ebbers

Miguel Ebbers

Miguel Ebbers is head of M&P's Digitalization/BIM competence center and head of consulting at the Düsseldorf office. After completing his studies in architecture and facility management, he joined M&P as a consultant in 2010. Having started with functional consulting topics, his current focus is on process consulting and digital transformation in real estate and facility management.
Niklas Maczyewski

Niklas Maczyewski

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