A WINCHESTER engineer has been recognised for his role in revolutionising building construction. 

Dr Jonathan Ingram of St Swithun Street received the Royal Academy of Engineering Prince Philip Medal for his work developing Building Information Modelling (BIM).

BIM allows users to build a virtual model containing all the information about a building, including working drawings and live data, enabling those involved to co-ordinate their work. 

It has resulted in shorter construction times, and safer builds.

Dr Ingram’s Sonata software, completed in 1985, was based on his experience of 15 years of graphics, mathematical and engineering projects. 

Sonata has since been used by around 1,000 firms around the world, in the design and build of structures including the Australian National Tennis Centre, the British Library and Portcullis House in Westminster.

Dr Ingram said: “I was very pleased and surprised to win the Prince Philip Medal. As an engineer, it is hugely rewarding to be recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineers and it makes all those years working alone in the attic worthwhile.

“The uptake of the single model has come as something of a surprise. 

“One does these things without great hopes and to see it being used extensively is gratifying.

“After my time in the attic, selling the system was difficult, because the system demanded that people had to work together. 

“This is now seen as a benefit.”

Other winners of the medal include Sir Frank Whittle for the invention of the jet engine, the inventor of the electric car and the inventor of the optical fibre.

Dr Ingram’s award was presented by HRH The Duke of Kent at the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Awards Dinner.