Welcome to AECWeekly! In recent years we have heard more about organic architectural modeling, as such tools have become more available as add-ons to existing CAD software - but pricing has been prohibitive for all but the most exclusive architectural firms. Now, Graphisoft's MaxonForm Add-on to ArchiCAD, offered at US$595, will allow architects to make any shape they want in their Virtual Building model with organic modeling tools. Read about MaxonForm in this week's Industry News.
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Industry News
Virtual Building Meets Organic Modeling
By Susan Smith
MacBouwDesign, The Netherlands – "Future Hospitals," [ Click to Enlarge ] |
In recent years we have heard more about organic architectural modeling, as such tools have become more available as add-ons to existing CAD software - but pricing has been prohibitive for all but the most exclusive architectural firms. Now, Graphisoft's MaxonForm Add-on to ArchiCAD, offered at US$595, will allow architects to make any shape they want in their Virtual Building model with organic modeling tools.
According to Akos Bezegh, ArchiCAD Product Manager, MaxonForm is the result of the combined efforts of MAXON Computer GmbH, makers of leading free-form modeling and animation software CINEMA 4D, and Graphisoft, a leader in Virtual Building architectural solutions. "MaxonForm, seamlessly integrated into ArchiCAD, is the first solution that allows the architect to push the boundaries of conventional design and deliver the benefits of the Virtual Building," he explains.
CINEMA 4D has been a well known organic modeler on the market for years with powerful modeling, animation and rendering capabilities. MaxonForm, licensed by Graphisoft from MAXON Computers, was developed expressly for ArchiCAD and contains the modeling capabilities of CINEMA 4D without the animation, time and rendering features.
A typical workflow with MaxonForm goes like this - the user starts to work on her Virtual Building in ArchiCAD, and at some point realizes that she might need a shape that is organic which she cannot model with the internal ArchiCAD tools. So she goes over to MaxonForm, where the Virtual Building is still visible. She can see what she's been working on previously in ArchiCAD and continues to model within the MaxonForm environment. "The ArchiCAD-MaxonForm tie-up follows the natural architectural workflow," says Bezegh. "You do free-form modeling in the context of the building, and remain within the context of the building throughout the whole design process."
This integration takes a click, so when she's working in ArchiCAD and needs a particular organic shape, it's only one click from the ArchiCAD 3D window. Everything is then automatically taken to MaxonForm, which launches itself with the model set and ready for developing.
She builds organic forms, or whatever she needs, and then with one click the form she's created is imported into ArchiCAD as a GDL object - because GDL can easily handle the parameters that are built in during the process
. There's also correct 2D representation and correct section of the element brought in. The user can set the horizontal cut plane where she wants to cut this element. If the user assigns colors to this organic form in MaxonForm, then these will become parametric materials in ArchiCAD so it can be set later any time. "Also, if the user wants to edit this object again, just select it, and with a single click take the object back to MaxonForm to manipulate it with the organic modeling tools. Of course, after editing an object the materials are retained and the new object is automatically placed into the Virtual Building," explains Bezegh.
Architects: SCAU - Macary/Delamain, Parc des Expositions a Angouleme (France) |
So who wanted organic modeling for ArchiCAD? "We asked our customers what they were using in a survey, and it turned out many were already working with CINEMA 4D for organic modeling," Bezegh says. He also believes that besides architects, who have long been hampered in their design freedom, architectural students will be a big market for MaxonForm as they do not have to conform to as many real-world constraints as other designers. Students are always looking for ways to be completely creative with form. "What's more," Bezegh concludes. "MaxonForm allows users all the modeling fun they'd expect - and we all know organic modeling is addictive - and yet it still turns in a well-documented building."
Acquisitions/Alliances/Agreements
Autodesk, Inc. announced the acquisition of Solid Dynamics, SA, a French company whose kinematics/dynamics technology enables designers in the manufacturing market to simulate, analyze, test and optimize physical motion and loading in mechanical assemblies, a process known as motion simulation and analysis. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
netGuru, Inc. (Company) has entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell its Research Engineers International (REI) business and STAAD product lines to privately held Bentley Systems, Incorporated, Exton, Pa., for $23.5 million in cash.
The sale is subject to various closing conditions, including approval by netGuru stockholders and compliance with regulatory requirements. If approved, the sale is expected to close before the end of 2005. A portion of the sale proceeds is expected to be allocated to transaction costs, applicable taxes, and the retirement of outstanding debt. This business includes the market-leading STAAD.Pro structural analysis and design product line. At the time of the acquisition, Santanu Das, netGuru's chief operating officer, will join Bentley.
AirClic®, a provider of mobile process automation and optimization solutions, announced that Oce North America (Oce), a provider of digital document management technology and services, has selected AirClic MP® to streamline its parts inventory tracking. When fully deployed, up to 1,000 Oce service technicians will use AirClic MP to record shipment and receipt and return of service parts in the field.
Informative Graphics Corp. (IGC), a provider of content visualization, secure publishing and collaboration technology, announced that it has entered into an IGC International Distributor Partner agreement with Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (Malaysia). Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Fuji Xerox's Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Shanghai, China, supports and coordinates the activities of 12 operating companies in Singapore, Australia, China, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Announcements
Bentley Systems, Incorporated announced its "Double Your Productivity" promotion for AutoPLANT, the No. 1 AutoCAD-based design solution in the world. This limited time offer gives buyers of select AutoPLANT products their choice of a free second product from the AutoPLANT line.
Intergraph Corporation announced that PROJEMAR of Brazil is implementing the advanced IntelliShip® marine design software. PROJEMAR is South America's leading engineering service firm and maritime technical consultancy for the shipbuilding and offshore industries. IntelliShip will constitute the principal software for design execution for the company's continental and international projects. Projects include floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSOs), floating production units (FPUs), container ships, tankers, bulk carriers and others. The implementation of IntelliShip is directed at meeting PROJEMAR's business needs, including rapid project execution from preliminary design to construction and beyond, increased design efficiency, lifecycle risk reduction and competitive advantage.
Autodesk Inc. announced that Singapore-based gaming studio Playware Studios Asia has purchased multiple seats of Autodesk 3ds Max animation software to fuel its growth into the 3D games market and to specifically equip its team to develop the company's first Massive Multiplayer Online Adventure Game (MMOAG). Playware expects to grow its division for 3D gaming, and will rely on the reputation that 3ds Max has in the industry for "Making Better Games Faster."
Autodesk, Inc. also announced that Seven Swords, a new epic Chinese feature film by Director Tsui Hark, was realized with six of Autodesk's media and entertainment solutions. Based on Liang Yu-Shen's classic novel "Seven Swordsmen from Mount Tian," the film will be released worldwide in fall 2005.
The Adobe research team is doing a survey of opinions on Acrobat. The feedback sessions take 1.5 - 2 hours and are held at Adobe headquarters in downtown San Jose, California, USA. As a token of our appreciation, Adobe gives people $75 for their participation. We are interested in a variety of roles, including: architects, structural engineers, project engineers, and people in construction. To express your interest, please click the link and fill out a brief form.
Dexter + Chaney will showcase the newest version of its Forefront® Construction Management Software at the NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) Show 2005, September 18-20 in New Orleans (Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, booth #1420). Version 12 offers hundreds of new features, including a SQL database structure, the ability to track meeting minutes within Project Management and two new capabilities in its Document Imaging software. It also integrates Forefront with Microsoft Outlook.
Education
2005 Inaugural E-Builder User Conference Oct. 5-7
Awards
Bentley Systems, Incorporated said that seven nominations in the 2005 BE Awards of Excellence category "Plant: 3D Modeling" increased productivity using AutoPLANT's AutoCAD-based solutions. The software's central use in these noteworthy projects is further evidence of AutoPLANT's increasing popularity and success. As Bentley announced earlier this year at daratechPLANT2005, 2004 was a record year for AutoPLANT, including software sales, services sales, and recurring revenue.
Wins
EarthFirst Technologies, Incorporated announced that Ocean World, the largest marine park attraction in the Caribbean, has awarded Prime Power of Tampa, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, a design/build contract valued at $3.3 million for Phase I of a multi-phase development project in the Dominican Republic.
New Products
Repligator V12 is a very easy to use graphical effects program which runs on Windows 98/Me/NT4/2000/XP. Simply import your image file and hit F7 a few times to see which of 100 possible effects Repligator suggests. Repligator is a stand-alone program, though the Pro version can also run as a plug-in for Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop.
CmiC, provider of enterprise and project management software for the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries, has released CMiC Human Capital Management, a powerful tool for managing workforces in a project-driven environment.
QuadriSpace makes a leap in 3D publishing that shares 3D information with everyone with Document3D. The Document3D™ line of products, from QuadriSpace, lets CAD users and downstream users easily leverage existing 3D models and 2D drawings to create assembly instructions, technical publications, interactive training and other product lifecycle documents.
The new e-book, Tailoring Dynamic Blocks, provides a comprehensive tutorial on AutoCAD 2006's new dynamic blocks and Block Editor -- in just 66 pages. Smaller size, lower price: US$9.90.
Around the Web
Autodesk To Benefit From Longer Product Life Cycle, David Ng, August 19, 2005, Forbes.com - Autodesk has increased the timing of the end of life of AutoCAD 2002 from January to March, according to Piper. AutoCAD's end of life will now be aligned with the annual new AutoCAD releases, which ship at the end of March.
Upcoming Events
| NAHB - 2005 Fall Board of Directors Meeting | |
| Date: | September 7 - 11, 2005 |
| Place: | Reno Hilton
Reno, NV USA |
| The Fall Board Meeting will be held at the Reno Hilton Hotel in Reno, NV September 7-11, 2005. Please check back for more details in the coming weeks.
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| The First International Conference on Built Environment Complexity | |
| Date: | September 11 - 14, 2005 |
| Place: | University of Liverpool
Liverpool, United Kingdom |
| The becon conference is part of an exciting international event offering academic and non-academic participants a unique opportunity for learning and interaction from over 30 different academic disciplines and a range of non-academic sectors, providing a unique opportunity for participants to present and discuss their relevant specialism.
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| Australian Structural Engineering Conference 2005 | |
| Date: | September 11 - 14, 2005 |
| Place: | Newcastle, Australia |
| Technical Program
ASEC 2005 will have a strong and diverse program covering a wide range of topics pertinent to the Structural Engineering industry. The conference will provide an excellent opportunity for participants to share ideas, review current industry trends and discuss the future of Structural Engineering. The program will be held over 3 days featuring internationally recognised Plenary and Keynote speakers. Suggested program topics include: • Case histories • Concrete • Steel • Timber & masonry • New & other materials • Analysis & design • Bridges • Fire • Dynamics • Construction • Natural hazards • Heritage • Structural assessment • Structural remediation • Corrosion & rehabilitation • Marine infrastructure • Standards & BCA • Deteriorating infrastructure • Structural project management • Risk and liability
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| HRC International Historic Preservation Education Symposium | |
| Date: | September 12 - 14, 2005 |
| Place: | University of Bath
Bath, United Kingdom |
| The Historic Resources Committee of the American Institute of Architects (AIA/HRC) will hold a symposium in Bath, England, on the state of historic preservation architecture education internationally, featuring sessions held in the historic Bath Assembly Rooms and on the campus of the University of Bath, as well as tours of historic sites in Bath and environs.
The symposium will further the dialogue between academicians and preservation practitioners to define the context, issues, approaches, and strategies to integrate preservation values into first professional degree programs while also addressing European educational models.
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| IABSE Symposium - 'Structures and Extreme Events' | |
| Date: | September 14 - 16, 2005 |
| Place: | Lisbon, Portugal |
| A commercial exhibition is planned at the Symposium venue. This offers a unique opportunity for companies to display their projects, products and services.
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| Prague: 20th-Century Architecture in Transition | |
| Date: | September 17 - 23, 2005 |
| Place: | Hotel Alcron
Prague, Czech Republic |
| Conference Overview
Once the realm of the great Austro-Hungarian Empire, the heart of Central Europe is enjoying a cultural, economic, and political renaissance after emerging from a century of tumult and turmoil. The AIA Committee on Design conference in Prague will explore design of buildings, sites, and the city in relationship to the political, social, cultural, and economic transitions and the permanence of the historical, climatic, and geographic environment. The architectural heritage of the hundred-spire city of Prague provides the background for Czech Modernism of the 20th century. The conference will focus on the architecture and society of the Interwar period, referred to as the Golden Age of Modernism. To be examined are works of Art Nouveau, Czech Cubism, Functionalism, Socialist Realism, and new developments since the Velvet Revolution and Velvet Divorce. At the crossroads of Europe, the cross-fertilization of ideas between Czechs and other cultures is evident in the arts and architecture of Prague. Conference Highlights • Stay in Prague’s Jazz Age Hotel Alcron, just off Wenceslas Square. Tour and discuss the Old Town Square, Hradcany Castle, and the Charles Bridge. Visit and discuss the Art Nouveau Obecni dum (Municipal House), the Cubist Dum u cerne matky bozi (House of the Black Madonna), and the Functionalist Baba Housing Estate. • Take an all-day tour to Brno to explore and discuss Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat and the permanent exhibition pavilions built in the Interwar period. • Meet with award-winning Czech architects, including Ladislav Labus and Josef Pleskot, and noted architectural writer Vladimir Slapeta, Hon. FAIA.
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| DFI 30th Annual Conference on Deep Foundations | |
| Date: | September 22 - November 24, 2005 |
| Place: | Chicago, IL USA |
| Every Fall for the past thirty years, the Engineers, the Contractors, the Academics, the Suppliers and Manufacturers from the deep foundations construction industry have gathered to learn from each other and discuss the state of the practice and the state of the art within our field.
The DFI Member's Conference gives all industry members an opportunity to discuss, on equal footing, the technical concerns specific to the design and construction of deep foundations. Inclusive of all foundation elements and systems, the program and scope of the Conference is enriched by the presence of all disciplines in the industry, from around the world. Four Sessions over 3 days comprise a program featuring the experiences of professionals at work in today's challenging industry environment. Presenters will be selected from among abstracts submitted by the industry worldwide by an interdisciplinary committee of foundation industry leaders. Beyond the program, The DFI presents every opportunity for attendees to interact and exchange ideas with each other. We take pride that our breaks, Luncheons, Welcome Reception, and Awards Banquet reflect the appreciation we have for our Members. In 2005 we are pleased to bring the conference to Chicago.
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| Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst™ | |
| Date: | September 24 - 28, 2005 |
| Place: | Double Tree Hotel
San Antonio, TX USA |
Sessions on the following topics are tentatively planned, but all practical papers are welcome.
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| 4th ASEE AaeE Global Colloquium on Engineering Education | |
| Date: | September 26 - 30, 2005 |
| Place: | Sydney, Australia |
| This event is the major annual gathering of leaders in engineering education internationally. Since its inception in 2002 in Berlin, the colloquium has strived to be a conference with very topical themes, with speakers selected from around the world for their expertise and ability as speakers.
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| Product Lifecycle Management Road Map 2005 | |
| Date: | September 28 - 29, 2005 |
| Place: | Dearborn, MI USA |
| At Product Lifecycle Management Road Map 2005 join Donald H. Brown, leading industry analysts from CPDA, key industry players, and front-line implementation experts as they discuss their experiences in addressing strategic PLM topics. Find out about their successes in making technology work by linking it across the whole product lifecycle, the obstacles they encountered on the way, and how they developed strategies to overcome them. Product Lifecycle Management Road Map 2005 represents a strategic conference focused on the issues confronting end users in design and engineering. Presentations will cover collaboration across the whole enterprise, knowledge capture and reuse, PLM interoperability, Open CAD and tight integration, up front simulation early in the design cycle, up front manufacturing constraints, the business benefits of PLM; and more. Join the CPDA team in Dearborn, MI on September 28 & 29 to find out how PLM can deliver immediate results to your bottom line.
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| 2005 Annual Meeting & Design Awards | |
| Date: | September 28, 2005 |
| Place: | The Music Center at Strathmore
North Bethesda, MD USA |
| The Design Awards Program of AIA Maryland is held each year in September. It seeks to honor and bring attention to distinctive works of architecture created by Maryland architects. The program is dedicated to recognizing and applauding works of architecture exhibiting design excellence and promoting public awareness and appreciation of the diversity, quality and scope of Maryland architecture
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