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AEC Tech News #179

4 Oct, 2006 By: Michael Dakan


Untitled Document

Has BIM Simply Come to Mean
'3D CAD'?

Also, tradition stymies electronic distribution of construction drawings

I've read several articles lately about how architectural firms are flocking to BIM (building information modeling) work methods. I'm always interested in reading about who's doing what with BIM software, but I've been disappointed when I read further and do a little research, only to discover that all they're really doing is creating 3D CAD models.

That's certainly worthwhile, and it's a good start, but I've always felt that the real advantage of a complete building information model -- and its long-term value -- lies in its nongraphics information. Some of us have been constructing 3D building models for more than 20 years, using various software packages that operate inside of and extend standard 2D CAD programs. We've long dreamed about a model that includes, or links to, external databases of all the nongraphics data for a proposed building: specifications, cost information, energy use information, structural engineering components, equipment information and so forth. Read more>>


Transcending Typical Design

By Michelle Nicolson

Philadelphia's fashionable Walnut Street is no stranger to innovative design -- and the retail spaces housed there are often no exception to that rule. When tasked with developing a new high-end retail environment that would become The Shoe Loft, interior design firm Danielé Perna Designs put its best foot forward -- and called on 3D CAD software -- to create a space that builds on the illusion that the loft is floating overhead. 

The Shoe Lounge store features high-fashion designer shoe labels -- including Prada, Mui Mui, Marni and Christian Louboutin -- and showcases the work of New York artist Doze Green. Inspired by the concept that the bulky second-floor loft housing the shoe store looked to be suspended in midair, principal designer Danielé Perna wanted to create an environment of contrasts to instantly engage the consumer upon entering the retail space.Read more>>

Mark Your Calendar: AEC Events

Cadalyst'scomplete list of upcoming industry events is always available on our Web site.

Avatech Executive Breakfast Seminars
Various dates and locations
Avatech Solutions will host this series of complimentary executive breakfast seminars, which will focus on effective implementation strategies, executive  business issues and Autodesk technology as they relate to increasing profits and productivity. Read more

Datamat Group Tech Expo
October 6, 2006
Uncasville, Connecticut
This fifth annual event comprises speakers and sessions in tracks including Mechanical/Manufacturing and Architectural/Building. Autodesk evangelist and blogger Heidi Hewett will deliver the keynote address, "Getting the Most Out of AutoCAD 2007 -- 10 Best Features and the Move into 3D." Read more

Rhino 4.0 -- "Shape to Fabrication"
November 8, 2006
London, United Kingdom
This technology update day will include information on the upcoming Rhino 4.0 release, presentations and in-depth architecture and engineering Rhino user stories. Read more 

BE Conference 2007
April 29-May 3, 2007
Los Angeles, California
Bentley's BE Conference offers attendees hours of accredited learning, a variety of networking opportunities and technology updates across all industries and disciplines. Read more


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