3D model-based software supplier Graphisoft's decision to give “more than a quarter of a billion pounds” worth of software, including timber building systems, to UK and Ireland universities and colleges has been praised by the UK construction industry.

Graphisoft, whose software includes Archicad and a bespoke timber frame add-on Framewright, says its Built Environment Future Foundations initiative is worth £253m and will benefit 280 tertiary institutions teaching a relevant course over five years.

The company's calculations take into account the commercial cost of software licences for both the institutions and students' own personal copies, as well as support and study curriculum programmes.

“We welcome this initiative and it will be of great benefit to students of architecture and other built environment disciplines,” said Andrew Roberts, architecture subject co-ordinator of the Centre for Education in the Built Environment.

“If we produce students trained in modern 3D technology we will help solve one of the major problems that besets the construction industry,” said Chris Wood, research and development director at the Wates Group.

Woking-based Graphisoft, whose headquarters are in Budapest, recently supplied its Archicad package to The Oak Frame Carpentry Company Ltd.

Framewright was developed specially for the company by Archicad distributor Encina.

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