Paper Paper Paper

By Andrew Wyne

This week’s blog entry is about something that architecture firms around the country use quite frequently…Paper…it gets used many times a day. Whether it is for an in office document or technical drawing going out to the contractor, paper is being used. Depending on the firm there are countless checks and rechecks over drawings that get red marked and just thrown away. Well there has been an initiative that was started by AIA (American Institute of Architects), that HKS has taken upon themselves to join up and change their firm to be paperless. This would include cutting down on paper use between associates in the firm as well as giving presentations digitally as opposed to using paper. You can find their objectives here: http://info.aia.org/_InfoDataRepository/files/HKSGreenOpPolicy_2011.pdf

With the use of a few different computer programs like Bluebeam PDF Revu it is very possible to red mark and comment on all drawings that are in the PDF format and be able to make necessary changes. The program also has many different options for editing and creating PDF files. You can read more on Bluebeam and how it is affecting the contractors at this website:

http://constructioninformer.com/2009/07/07/the-blossoming-of-paperless-construction-projects/

Vela Systems is a company that created software for tablet PCs that can be used on job sites where the contractors can have the most up to date information and plans. They can use special pens to make marks directly on the tablet. The software can interpret the pen strokes as well as also be used to highlight any part of the drawing. This way whenever a change order comes through it can be instantly looked at on the job site and the appropriate changes can be made sooner. Vela system has also collaborated with Autodesk for seamless integration in the system and its ability to operate with CAD drawings. Find more information at:
http://www.velasystems.com/cianbro/