RobiNZ CAD Blog

This is Building Information Modelling

Nearly a decade ago I saw Scott Arvin's doctorate thesis prototype software (below) which experimented with logic control of space & adjacency to create dynamic bubble diagrams. He used a mechanical metaphor to describe relationships with “strengths” expressed as springs. You could automatically or manually rearrange spaces based on the rules to generate multiple plans. As retail space plans are simply the resolution of conflicting requirements, preferred adjacencies and physical constraints it caught my interest. Recently, browsing in my file archives, I stumbled on it again and a quick trip to LinkedIn sorted out the “what ever happened to…” question.... Read more →

Thirteen years, where did they go?

According to Outlook, today marked thirteen years since I joined The Warehouse Limited. Coincidentally, yesterday a question regarding the area of a long closed store had me ferreting through an old plan* (below left) which represented TWL store design at about that time. Since then we have evolved from 2D CAD to BIM with tools that seemed like science fiction not much more than a decade ago. Although technology, and the world, has changed the reasons I decided TWL would be a good place to work remain. So, it’s back to work tomorrow! * This plan was a trace of... Read more →

Fixtures Close Up, a retail fixture blog!

I haven't found many retail fit-out/design specific blogs in my net travels. Perhaps it's a niche but given the number of shops, and potential other uses for shop fittings, I think there is an audienc... Read more →

That is Architecture, what is Retail + BIM?

If you take Building Information Model principles from Site down to Shelf/Product level the "Building" part seems limiting. I've used the term Retail Building Information Model in the past but wonder how appropriate it really is. BIM technology is the core physical data model but the extended data goes far beyond a building. I have been trying think of a better term, but not sure I have: RBIM - Retail Building Information Model DSM - Digital Store Model DSIM - Digital Store Information Model VSM - Virtual Store Model DSP - Digital Store Prototype DRP - Digital Retail Prototype DRFM... Read more →

Microsoft Labs Future Vision, tomorrows home, office and retail?

What I found most compelling about this Microsoft Labs vision of the, near?, future is the variety of display technology and form factors seen. You can see why Microsoft have invested so heavily in te... Read more →

Oracle acquire Advanced Visual Technology (Retail FOCUS)

cnet news , via All Points Blog , report Oracle have recognised the value in providing a total design solution for retail with the acquisition of Advanced Visual Technology Ltd (AVT) . Their Ret... Read more →

I know what it means, to miss New Orleans, nearly...

It was ironic that I chose the Qantas/American Airlines option over Air New Zealand/United for the trip to New Orleans because the timing and connections in the USA worked out better and it was cheape... Read more →

New Orleans? New Orleans! Next week!

On Tuesday (24/04) I’m heading for New Orleans. This is a rather last minute trip to attend a retail conference with a few days added on for the Jazz Festival . Apart from sorting flights accomodation... Read more →

Autodesk University 2006 Day 2 - Wednesday 29th

Sessions Planned; 8:00am Building Solutions Industry Main Stage 10:00am Techniques for Managing Large Projects in Autodesk® Revit® Building 1:00pm Not Your Dad's CAD: Phasing and Design... Read more →