What is opensource.construction?
opensource.construction is a non-profit initiative based in Zurich, Switzerland, aiming to revolutionize the construction industry through open source collaboration. Launched in 2022 by Maximilian Vomhof, it emerged from a frustration with the slow pace of innovation in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). The project’s core mission? To break down barriers between stakeholders along the value chain and even within individual firms, creating an environment where ideas can cross-pollinate freely. This sparks transformative solutions to shared problems — all built on common, open standards that enable high-quality data and automated processes. Simply put, it’s about making collaboration in AECO tech successful and accessible to everyone involved.
Main Benefits of opensource.construction
Here’s why this initiative matters — and what it brings to the table:
- Open innovation drives software breakthroughs transforming real estate and construction, from cloud computing to big data and simulation technologies.
- Creates a neutral ground for collaboration inspired by tech giants like the LINUX, APACHE, and ECLIPSE foundations.
- Hosts a curated project directory featuring everything from handy scripts to mature frameworks designed by practitioners for practitioners.
- Facilitates events that spark idea exchange and kickstart exciting new projects.
- Builds infrastructure to make existing projects, communities, and people visible — then supports launching new ones.
- Welcomes anyone who wants to join or contribute, fostering a growing community of software developers, digital doers, and organizations.
Open Source Foundations: The Backbone of Collaboration
opensource.construction takes inspiration from established open source foundations in the tech world. These organizations have shown how open collaboration across companies can be a powerful engine for innovation. Think about the modern web — it simply wouldn’t exist without open standards and tools. By creating a similar neutral ground in the AEC industry, opensource.construction aims to foster reliability, accountability, and trust among participants. It’s about building something sustainable, where everyone can contribute and benefit equally.
Growing Slowly but Surely
The initiative is not rushing things — it’s taking a steady approach. The first phase focuses on building the necessary infrastructure to highlight existing projects and communities. Then, it moves on to facilitating the launch of new projects and communities, hosted on neutral ground. This careful growth ensures that every step adds real value and strengthens the ecosystem. For now, the emphasis is on making the most of the project directory, the knowledge hub, and the training section — all designed to empower the community.
Project Directory: A Hub for Open Source AEC Tools
The os.c directory is where the magic happens. It’s a curated space to discover and share open source projects tailored for the AEC industry. Whether it’s small utilities that save hours of work or larger frameworks ready to plug into your workflow, this directory brings together tools created by practitioners who want to build better, faster, and more collaboratively. But it’s not just about code — it’s about growing a community of problem-solvers tackling real-world challenges, one open project at a time.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — fostering innovation through open collaboration.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — enabling smarter, more efficient construction practices.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — building cross-industry partnerships and networks.
- SDG 4: Quality Education — providing training and knowledge sharing to upskill the community.
Who’s Behind opensource.construction?
The initiative is driven by a passionate core team of committed individuals, each leading different areas to ensure steady growth and community value. Maximilian Vomhof serves as Managing Director, supported by leads in resources, training, projects, website, communication, infrastructure, and industry. Co-founder Felix Brunold also plays a key role. Beyond the core team, opensource.construction collaborates with a diverse range of partners — from gold partners like Berner Fachhochschule to silver, bronze, network, and community partners including ETH Zurich, esri, and CH Open. Together, they’re advancing open source construction and shaping the future of the industry.
