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BIM in brief 13.02.24: Everton’s BIM video and Autodesk’s John Walker

A round-up of BIM and digital construction stories that you might have missed in the past fortnight, including Everton’s BIM video and the passing of Autodesk co-founder John Walker.

Everton’s BIM video

Everton FC has posted a video detailing the digital construction elements of the development of its new stadium. The video features Laing O’Rourke digital engineer Craig Wallace.

John Walker: 1949-2024

John Walker, co-founder of Auotdesk, died on 2 February. According to a short obituary announced on the Scanalyst website, Walker declined to follow in his family tradition of becoming a medical doctor and attended Case Western Reserve University to pursue a future in astronomy. However, he discovered the then-new world of computers and never looked back.

Walker worked at the university’s Project Chi computing centre, where he studied computer science and earned a degree in electrical engineering.

In late 1976, Walker designed his own circuit board based on the then-new Texas Instruments TMS9900 microprocessor. This venture became Marinchip Systems, and eventually led to Autodesk.

Walker co-founded Autodesk in 1982. It went public in 1985. Walker resigned from the company in 1994.

CIOB calls for embodied carbon regulations

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is among 11 built environment organisations demanding party leaders make manifesto commitments for embodied carbon regulations in the UK, Construction Management reports.

Ahead of the general election this year, experts have issued a policy position paper seeking a commitment to reducing embodied carbon emissions in construction within two years of starting government.

Willmott Dixon’s digital apprentices

Two Willmott Dixon apprentices following digital careers have revealed to CIOB People what it’s like to continue their studies while gaining hands-on experience in the construction industry.