AEC Hackathon 1.1 – Facebook HQ, Menlo Park, CA – March 14-16, 2014
Below is a press release about the AEC Hackathon 1.1 that was sent to me by Steve Holzer, one of the organizers of the event. Regular Shoegnome contributor Willard Williams attended the first event last November and loved it. He wrote about his reasons for going to the original AEC Hackathon 1.0 here. As you’ll read, the Hackathons are right in my wheelhouse. I’ve been talking with Willard about attending this or a future event, so hopefully the AEC Hackathons will continue and I’ll be able to join in. Now that I live in Seattle, San Fransisco is an easy flight. And the same time zone! That’s nice. Anyways, here’s more information about the AEC Hackathon 1.1 happening March 14th-16th, 2014 at Facebook HQ in Menlo Park, California:
First, a bit of background on what a “hackathon” is…
Essentially, it came from Silicon Valley tech companies challenging their employees to come up with breakthrough innovation over the course of a few days of around the clock brainstorming, problem solving and prototype creation.
The upcoming Hackathon is geared towards Architecture/Engineering/
The first event in November had an overwhelmingly positive response.   It demonstrated how the convergence of architecture, construction, building systems, BIM, augmented reality, 3D printing, gaming, mobile, software, etc  could come together to create new and disruptive technology for the AEC community.  It’s pretty wild to see how ‘outsiders’ like gamers view the AEC industry’s processes, tools, products, and technology with fresh perspectives and ideas!
This March 14-16 we are hosting round 2 at Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park.  One of our participants is interested in building a team around a “healthy building” hack category, and perhaps some of your team can participate! Â
We are looking to balance AEC with “tech” professionals (modelers/programmers/
AEC Hackathon 1.1Â -Â Facebook HQ, Menlo Park, CAÂ -Â March 14-16, 2014
The idea: The AEC industry is ripe for innovation. Tech companies and VCs alongside architects and contractors are looking for ways to improve the process of construction, the operation and human interaction within the built environment.‘Sustainability’ is venture capital’s new buzzword | GreenBiz.com
The AEC Hackathon 1.1 will bring together technology, programmers, and AEC industry professionals to address a problem or opportunity and develop a prototype over the course of a weekend. New hardware and software will be featured for play and use at the event including augmented reality devices and 3D printers.
The teams: There are two main categories of participants — AEC “industry” professionals and Programmers/Developers – teams will likely be a mix of both. The teams may form ahead of time via use of the Facebook or Meetup pages (brainstorming ideas is encouraged) or form organically at the Friday kickoff. Hackers or industry representatives can form a team around their own ideas, however prompts will be provided as a guideline — such as Smart Buildings, Smart Cities, Hack Facebook, Sustainability, Healthy Buildings, etc.
The schedule: Teams will form on Friday’s kickoff. By Saturday, they have brainstormed their ideas for a hack and begin working on the solution. Sunday teams will wrap up and deliver a presentation.
Each day will feature speakers and workshops for the participants to gain insights into how the industries of Architecture/Engineering/
Construction, Design, Facilities Management, Geospatial, BIM, Augmented Reality, the ‘Internet of Things’ and more will be represented in the breakout sessions.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, as will dinner on Saturday night. Facebook’s facility comes equipped with an open snack and drink bar.
Find more info here:
Nathan G
Definitely going to be some serious brainiacs at this conference! Looks really fun
Pingback: Shake some trees, make some noise | Paradigm Shift
Pingback: Self-awareness vs Environmental-awareness: A working definition of BIM