Cadalyst

AEC Tech News (#318)

20 Sep, 2012 By: Cadalyst Staff


Vectorworks Updates CAD/BIM Product Line

Version 2013 of the company's design software portfolio improves 3D modeling, rendering, interoperability, BIM workflows, and overall performance.

By Nancy Spurling Johnson

Nemetschek Vectorworks, a provider of CAD and building information modeling (BIM) software solutions, introduced the Vectorworks 2013 product line, including Vectorworks Designer, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals, and Renderworks.

"The world of design is changing. BIM has a continuously growing influence on the AEC industry, cloud technology is adding freedom and convenience to the design process, and the competitive economy is increasing the need to create stunning presentations to win business," said Sean Flaherty, CEO of Nemetschek Vectorworks. "Whether you're an architect, a landscape professional, or an entertainment designer, we know your process as a designer is evolving. With Vectorworks 2013, you'll discover new tools and forms of collaboration to support your design practice, streamline your workflows, and improve your efficiency."

The Vectorworks 2013 product line contains more than 80 improvements, including new commands and tools. Performance has been improved in many areas of the program, including wall network manipulation, hidden line rendering, changes to Vectorworks Spotlight lighting devices, and 2D navigation of Vectorworks scenes. Read more »

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Nancy Spurling Johnson is editor-in-chief of Cadalyst.
 

    

Renaissance Man

User Profile: Architect Doug Patt pursues many interests — and can't keep what he learns to himself.

By Cyrena Respini-Irwin

Doug Patt is an independent, licensed residential architect whose talents range from hand drawing to digital design. He's also a classically trained painter, speaker, and inventor who has developed products including an architectural birdfeeder and a machine that makes plastic fabric. Passionately dedicated to teaching, Patt also finds time to share his knowledge via his new book, How to Architect, and through a YouTube channel and web site by the same name.

How do you prioritize your many pursuits?

Lately, most of my time is spent doing architectural work, making instructional videos, and writing. My primary method of making money is currently architecture, so that's the priority. I like to work hour by hour; when I get bored, I move on to something else, then get back to my priorities once I'm reenergized. It sounds insane, but it's efficient.

How did you become interested in architecture?

I didn't want to go to college; I wanted to be an actor. When I told my parents, however, they advised against the frivolity. My dad suggested architecture, since I loved building with Legos and drew all the time.

There is nothing else as all-encompassing as architecture: It comprises aspects of philosophy, psychology, sociology, physics, mathematics, language, sales, art, material science, invention, and of course design. My favorite part of the job is working with the clients and general contractors in the field. One thing I don't like, however, is the constant pressure to feed the beast. For a self-employed architect, staying busy can be quite a challenge — particularly in a bad economy. Read more »

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Cyrena Respini-Irwin is Cadalyst's senior editor.

   

Mark Your Calendar: AEC Events

 

BIMx and the Porsche Design Tower
September 25, 2012
12 Noon ET
GRAPHISOFT will present this free, online seminar to show how its BIM (building information modeling) technology was used to model the 57-story Porsche Design Tower. Read more »

Fall BIMForum
October 10–11, 2012
Tacoma, Washington
With the theme of Facilities Management, this fall's BIMForum will explore the state of the industry and what the future holds for BIM (building information modeling) and facilities management. Read more »

AVEVA World Summit 2012
October 10–12, 2012
Paris, France
At this year's event, targeted at plant and marine industry senior managers, AVEVA will demonstrate the interface and functional capabilities of its new 3D design software. Read more »

For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com. Are you hosting an event that you would like to include in our calendar? Submit details at least two weeks in advance to news@cadalyst.com.

   

What’s New at Cadalyst.com

 

Archaeologists Dig Up New Uses for GIS
Tech Trends: Researchers apply modern technologies in search for ancient relics. Read more »

Vuuch Joins Autodesk Developer Network
Technology that captures informal interactions of product-development stakeholders now integrates directly with AutoCAD and Inventor. Read more »

Stand Up for Old-Fashioned Communication!
Swap those endless e-mail trails for brief face-to-face meetings and watch solutions unfold quickly. Read more »

Social Obligations
Are Internet watering holes a great source of CAD information — or just a great way to waste time? Read more »

Recommended Hardware for CAD, Part 1: AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit and Other Autodesk Applications
Here at CADspeed, we get a lot of questions about buying new hardware for CAD applications. While the answer to, "What CAD hardware should I buy?" varies widely based on the person asking the question, it always starts in the same place: with the requirements of the CAD software you plan to use. Read the CADspeed blog post »


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