Trimble and Frank Gehry have recently announced their plans to enter into a strategic alliance in which Trimble will acquire Gehry Technologies to integrate digital software development and on-site fabrication techniques. As a company working in 'geospatial solutions,' Trimble combines software development, communication tools and services to increase productivity in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, among others. The two companies hope that their alliance will enable complex architectural designs to be realized without the construction snags that often affect such ambitious projects.
More on the merger after the break
Gehry’s software and consulting business was established in 2002 and developed out of the firm’s efforts to adapt technology from the aerospace and automotive industries for their applications in complex architectural projects. In addition to assisting in projects developed by Gehry Partners, Gehry Technologies has provided services for numerous other projects including the Beijing National Stadium (Herzog & de Meuron) and the Louvre Abu Dhabi (Ateliers Jean Nouvel).
"This merger is a dream for me," said Frank Gehry. "In Trimble, we find a partner who has like-minded ambitions and goals to create efficiencies in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry that allow the creativity of the architectural profession to flourish and deliver value-added creative solutions within the realities of our economic times."
By working in a shared digital environment to collaborate across disciplines, Gehry Technologies has been able to realize unprecedented designs while maintaining careful control over budgets, schedules and quality. The digital consulting services provided by Gehry Technologies will be enhanced by Trimble’s technological expertise in the field to allow designers, builders and operators to collaborate more efficiently.
"We are honored to enter into an association with Frank," added president and CEO of Trimble Steven W. Berglund. "His unique architectural vision has always challenged the conventional. Equally impactful are his views on the potential for transforming the entire design-build-operate continuum. Gehry Technologies has been key in allowing Frank to realize the potential of his designs without compromising cost or schedule."
