VU.CITY is a London-based company that develops interactive 3D digital models of cities to help people assess and communicate proposed changes to the built environment. Founded in 2015, it brings spatial data and city models into a shared workspace used for planning, design, consultation and presentation. 31
The platform is aimed at professionals including architects, developers, planners, local authorities and asset managers. Users can examine development proposals in their urban context, explore data layers and collaborate with project teams and stakeholders. The company also offers services such as custom 3D modelling and visualisation. 91
VU.CITY’s coverage spans cities in the UK and Ireland, as well as New York; its website lists more than 3,000 square kilometres of mapped area, with models described as accurate to 15 centimetres. 1 Its work includes a digital twin of Manchester covering 166.75 square kilometres, with 44 data layers, used by architects, developers and local authorities to plan and present projects. 7 In London, the London Borough of Haringey used the platform to show a proposed development to councillors and the public; it was the first London borough to use VU.CITY at a planning committee. 12
The company’s founding team includes Jason Hawthorne, identified as founding director and chief digital officer, and Gordon Ingram, identified as co-founder. 56 Its registered office is listed in Biggleswade, while its current website and LinkedIn page give London addresses; London is therefore the company’s main publicly presented base, though the sources distinguish it from the registered office. 2311