A unashamed pitch for Twinview

While typically, I don't use my blog to promote Space Group products or services, after reading Peter Apes's book, "Show Me the Bodies," which sheds light on the factors contributing to tragedies like Grenfell, I couldn't help but think how our digital approach developed over 25 years could help prevent future disasters.

?I would say that, wouldn't I, but hear me out...

?In 2010, we launched BIM technologies to coordinate design information, encouraging clients to use Building Information Models to de-risk their projects and provide accurate digital as-built 3D information

When we launched Bimstore in 2011, we committed to hosting manufacturer-specific products only, anticipating the future value of performance data in digital components. While it might not have altered the outcome at Grenfell due to the lethal ACM cladding, accurate digital product data will be crucial for monitoring and identifying material types in the future.

Twinview, our digital twin, was launched in 2020, specifically for the construction and property sector. Our primary aim was to provide building owners with a centralised platform to maintain and update all building information—a concept now known as the Golden Thread.

While some argue that the Golden Thread isn't a software solution, software plays a vital role in delivering its principles. Had Kensington and Chelsea TMO utilised Twinview to host their building information, the Fire Brigade could have accessed crucial building layouts and fire strategies.

The replacement of half-hour flat doors with unrated ones might have been prevented if the specifiers were aware of the walls' fire integrity, a detail that Twinview could have stored. Access to maintenance information on Twinview may have prevented all door closers on flat doors from being removed.

?Our platform's built-in Facilities Management features record all changes, ensuring an up-to-date building history and, importantly, who made the changes, providing accountability. Additionally, Twinview's specific QR code feature, placed in fire panels, gives firefighters instant access to vital fire-related data, including evacuation procedures and plans.

In addition, Twinview has an accompanying tenant app to communicate between tenants and property managers, providing feedback and issue resolution, which was non-existent at Grenfell Tower.

Everything developed by Space Group over the past 25 years addresses challenges in the built environment. From the advantages of parametric software 25 years ago to the current development of Artificial Intelligence tools, each innovation aims to tackle specific issues.?

Twinview is arguably our most significant software, potentially saving lives by providing easily accessible building information. Despite opposition to software solutions to address the Golden Thread, we've invested millions over seven years in Twinview. After reading "Show me the Bodies", if it improves building safety, it has been worth every penny!