SpaceForm is a real-time 3D conferencing tool for the AEC (architecture, engineering & construction) industry to present, collaborate and review projects remotely on any device – helping to improve remote collaboration and facilitate better-informed design decisions.

How did the collaboration come about?

Squint/Opera, the team behind SpaceForm, has 19 years of experience communicating projects in the built environment.

For the last 3 years, they been working with Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), UNStudio and other international architecture and engineering firms to develop this tool in close collaboration with potential end-users – making this a tool made by the industry for the industry.

SpaceForm was first announced in 2019 as a joint collaboration between Squint/Opera, BIG and UNStudio. In early March, as the lockdown started to come into effect, we saw the need for a tool like SpaceForm to be accelerated.

The platform offers virtual workrooms that can be customised around the specific needs of projects. It helps remote teams and stakeholders make better-informed decisions and keep projects moving forward.

What were the most important factors that contributed to the success of this project?

Response to need
Response to COVID-19
Existing relationships

Project funding

SpaceForm was initially funded by an Innovate UK grant received in 2018 and has been self-funded, with the support of Unreal.

Will the project continue beyond COVID-19 lockdown?

Yes – SpaceForm was originally launched in 2019. Over the last few months, however, we have switched focus in response to many of our clients needing better ways to work remotely in the current situation.

The service and platform helps remote teams and clients make better-informed decisions & getting projects moving again. This responses directly to an issue that has arisen from the covid-19 lockdown. However, SpaceForm will offer a longer-term and more sustainable way to meet, plan and review projects in the future.