We’ve been quietly working away in the steering committee to make a platform ready to present projects and manage donations. If you’re ready to become a regular (or one time) supporter just head over to our new OSArch Open Collective and sign up! ...

OpenProject 12.2.0 has just been released, with the biggest feature being a new integration with Nextcloud. OpenProject is an open source GPLv3 licensed web-based project management platform, with over 2 million downloads and 190 contributors. OpenProject has a BIM module, which allows basic navigation of OpenBIM models, and is one of the few open source options to use as a Common Data Environment (CDE) for AEC professionals. ...

OSArch has a new banner image! The image is courtesy of a collaboration between Ioannis Christovasilis of Aether Engineering and Ryan Schultz of OpeningDesign. These two companies are known for applying an open source approach to the AEC industry. ...

Part of our mission at OSArch is bringing people together & sharing knowledge. The OSArch Wiki plays an important role in this goal. In the OSArch Community Forum we discuss topics and on the wiki we document them. At least that’s the idea, but it takes a lot of dedicated work. ...

In the May/June issues of a leading UK AEC publication, AEC Magazine there was a 16 page special section starting on page 67 all about IFC (sponsored by buildingSMART UK & Ireland). The whole section is all about something we value here at OSArch: OpenBIM, Open Standards & even a mention for the Open Source / Free Software Community. So why is OpenBIM & Open Standards important? ...

Since this is my first article, let me introduce myself and Blender 3D Architect. My name is Allan Brito, and I’ve been an architect working with Blender since version 2.35. When I started using Blender in 2005, it wasn’t something that many architects and designers were actively doing. FLOSS was appealing because it gave me control over my workflow, and I never stopped using Blender for all my projects. In 2008, I started sharing everything I had learned about Blender for architecture on Blender 3D Architect. ...

Please welcome the new release of FreeCAD, version 0.20! Installers and images available for Windows, MacOS and Linux on the FreeCAD website and on GitHub. https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Mqh4-irSO4 This version is pretty much a “stable version”, and a continuation of the work done on the 0.19 version. It is backwards-compatible with it, which means the files you produce with 0.20 are still openable with 0.19. ...

BabylonJS is an open source web developer library to build rich 3D apps on the browser. The new version 5.0 release is one of the largest releases ever made for BabylonJS. This includes full support for WebGPU, the ability to build cross platform, web, and native apps, performance profiler, GUI editor, WebXR light estimation, node based materials, full glTF support, and more. ...

Inkscape 1.2 is the leading open source vector design program. Based on the SVG open standard, it has applications in AEC from early concept stage architectural design, sheet and technical drawing layouting, creating client presentations, PDF editing, and general graphic design for signage, design concepts, and fabricated textures on facades, panels, and coverings. ...

Have you ever thought about creating your own BIM software? The IFC.js crash course is available for signups for the next few days and will help teach you how to turn your web browser and more into a BIM app. The course is aimed at beginners, so don’t worry if you haven’t done programming before! ...