Architect Magazine | Technology, Software: based software developer Vectorworks has announced the release of its 2018 BIM software. The latest release includes updates to existing Vectorworks add-ons, Architect, Spotlight, Landmark, Fundamentals, Designer, and Vision packages, and introduces Braceworks, "a structural load analysis add-on module targeted to designers and riggers working on temporary entertainment structures," according to the developer's press release.
6 comments:
Wow Vectorworks has come a long way since I first started back in 2009. It is almost unrecognizable. But I am excited to explore all the new features this year as I get back into CADing. I am so excited to work with the updated truss and motor/rigging elements, something that has been long in the waiting for me. Having not use VW in several years I am not sure if it has been resolved, but I hope to see a reduced time in rendering 3D. I looked like in the video that you can actually edit in 3D. That is amazing.
I am incredibly interested to see what more they can add to the software in upcoming years. One thing that really struck me about this update was the mention of geolocated tree placement. To me this is an intriguing step towards CAD design where the rendered display will perfectly mirror the desired outcome, now even including the trees. It is incredible how much detail the creators of this software can include.
I am by no means a computer person or a technology inclined individual, and I have always done my drafting and design work on paper, but I know this kind of work in the industry leans towards computer program as the preferred platform. I've read draftings off of Vectorworks before, and I know plenty of people who use it all the time. The specs and the demonstrations of the new Vectorworks described and shown in this article and video seem awesome. This program seems to let so much happen at once and be able to provide convenience (at a steep price) to designers. It is so cool that a computer program can do things like analyze a rigging set up and render 3D models. My question is this: is the program as easy to use as the flawless movements in the promotional video show? Is the program user friendly? If I, a person is not am interested in learning how to draft and design in a computer program, is Vectorworks something easy for me to learn how to use?
I must say that I am sad to see an article like this on green page. It seems like such a tease. To be honest it has been a somber end for me and the mighty Vectorwork. It was my preferred drafting software mainly because of the commands that it offers and the ability to intuitively draw in 3D. If I'm being honest before the beginning of this year I was prepared to come and to tell everyone that I was going to be drawing in Vectorworks because it was the program that I was familiar with. But after some long thought and talking to people with more experience I have decided against this. I have been told by more than one person that you really can't know enough CAD software because of how many options there in the various industries. The part I struggle the most with is the lack of features across the board. What one program does well another program will not. :( Big dilemma if you ask me.
I have used Vectorworks for about two years now and I am always amazed by all the things it can do. The changes made in Vectorworks 2018 seem significant, but not significant enough to cost $2,000. I do not understand why the program is so expensive, but luckily I have been able to use the educational version. But for professionals in the industry, $2,000 is a lot to earn back from freelance projects. Although the author is an architect, this article still applies to anyone that uses this program. I hope that eventually Vectorworks can lower their prices and make it easier for more people to design and learn.
Thanks to my good friends Chris and John Walker I have been told for years about the superiority of Vectorworks and I am finally starting to believe it. I have heard that the cad program is more flexible and intuitive than the Autodesk products. 3D modeling is supposedly much more fluid and less aggravating than AutoCAD. Chris Norville was talking to me last year about how drafting could be rendered by “taking a picture” of your 3D model (which Inventor can do – with some finicking). The ability to export/import BIM and DWG files allows for smoother file sharing (AutoCAD, however, cannot export to or open a Vectorworks CAD file). It also appears as if Vectorworks actually listens to their clients reviews and advice (a definite improvement to yelling at the brick wall that is AutoCAD). I am aware, thanks to my friends and articles like this that I should switch drafting programs, or rather, become adept at both.
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