Vico Software donates $517,000 worth of virtual construction software to Ball State (5/23/2008)

Ball State students now have the ability to build the Empire State Building with the click of a mouse.

Vico Software Inc., an integrative construction software company, donated 47 copies of its Virtual Construction Suite 2008 to Ball State. Using a new technology known as Building Information Modeling (BIM), the software is made of six integrative programs that combine 2D plans with 3D models to create 5D construction solutions.

The BIM technology allows users to manage and manipulate data by using digital construction models embedded with detailed information. The integration of the programs allows the software to generate data about virtually all facets of a building project, from cost estimates to fabrication and construction.

Valued at $517,000, the Virtual Construction Suite is the world's first 5D construction management system.

"In today's BIM world, our students should leave here well-equipped with knowledge of virtual construction technology," said Don Chen, assistant professor of construction management in the Department of Technology. "The software bundle offers an all-in-one solution."

The donation resulted from a conversation between Chen and Jim Thacker, Vico Software sales coordinator. Chen originally requested the software bundle for evaluation purposes. After the conversation, Thacker decided to allow all students to use the software as well.

The software will be used by a variety of students. Although students in the construction management program will be the primary users, the software will be available to all students in the Department of Technology. Architecture students enrolled in Computer Aided Design (CAD) courses also will have the opportunity to take advantage of the software.

By Hillary Tribbett