Mac OSX Mountain Lion and Software Compatibility for Architects
Apple has released the latest version of their operating system: Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. Over 200 new features have been integrated into Lion with the intent to streamline your work and life. Some of the highlighted features include the built in iCloud that keeps all your content updated and in-sync with your Apple products, a unified notification center to help you stay updated on everything, and ready-to-go dictation that makes typing optional.
Although this all sounds great, what about software we architects use on a daily basis?
A word of advice before you upgrade:
AutoCAD and New Macbook Pro’s Retina Display
“If I were a drafter, I’d drop everything and buy it.”
So said Rob Maguire, the product manager for Autodesk’s AutoCAD, describing the new 3D-rendering drafting applications that will run on Apple’s latest MacBook Pro.
The new MacBook’s distinguishing feature is its souped-up Retina display - which boasts 4 times as many pixels as its predecessor, 75% less reflection, and 29% higher contrast.
The implications for architects will be practically life-changing. But there is a catch…
Get the scoop on the new AutoCAD App for Macbook, after the break.
Autodesk Project Vasari 2.1
Autodesk recently released their Project Vasari 2.1, an easy-to-use, expressive design tool for creating building concepts. Vasari goes further, with integrated analysis for energy and carbon, providing design insight where the most important design decisions are made. And, when it’s time to move the design to production, simply bring your Project Vasari design data into the Autodesk Revit platform for BIM, ensuring clear execution of design intent.
Project Vasari is focused on conceptual building design using both geometric and parametric modeling. It supports performance-based design via integrated energy modeling and analysis features. This new technology preview is now available as a free download and trial on Autodesk Labs. More videos and information on the software after the break.
Autodesk announces AutoCAD 2012 for Mac
Today Autodesk announced AutoCAD 2012 for Mac OSX, offering native support for Mac OSX Lion, and AutoCAD WS for Mac (the cloud/mobile solution for CAD drawings).
Autodesk also announced AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac, available for immediate download at the App Store (US$899.99).
The new portfolio of AutoCAD products for Mac expands options for millions of users of the popular design, documentation and collaboration software. AutoCAD 2012 for Mac was built specifically for OS X Lion and helps users create stunning designs on their platform of choice. AutoCAD LT for Mac enables users to document designs, optimize workflow and collaborate with colleagues and clients. AutoCAD WS for Mac enables users to view and collaborate on DWG files through the Mac interface. In addition, AutoCAD WS users can plot DWG files to PDF or DWF formats and sync with their cloud-based AutoCAD WS account, making files accessible from their AutoCAD WS mobile app. AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac and AutoCAD WS for Mac are available exclusively in the Mac App Store.
More images after the break:
Autodesk and USGBC Announce Multifamily Midrise Design Competition
Autodesk, Inc., a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, announced at the AIA 2011 National Convention in New Orleans that it has partnered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to sponsor the organization’s Multifamily Midrise Design Competition. The contest is geared to provide design professionals and students with a unique opportunity to present their solutions to sustainable, multifamily midrise design.
Design professionals and students are invited to submit their ideas for a new four-to-six-story residential mixed-use building/complex, in combination with a gut-rehab renovation and recommissioning of an adjacent existing building. Specifically, competition entrants will be tasked with delivering ideas for reenergizing the 1300 block of Oretha C. Haley Boulevard between Thalia and Erato streets in New Orleans via design and adaptive reuse architecture, with consideration given to the former elementary school that still stands on the grounds.
For more information, please go to the competition’s official website.
Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac video tutorials
As we told you earlier, Autodesk for Mac is now shipping and you can download a free trial.
After the break you will find more videos to get started on this new version. Happy drafting!
Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac now available
A few months ago we told you that Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac would be available on October. We just found out that it started shipping today, and you can also download a full 30-day trial. Students can also download a free version.
Anyone already using it? Share your thoughts on the comments section!
AutoCAD WS: AutoCAD’s mobile app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
As we told you a few weeks ago, Autodesk has launched an iOS based mobile app for iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch. AutoCAD WS will be available soon for free, and you will be able to view, edit, and share DWG files on your mobile devices. More about it after the break.
Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac OSX in October, iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch versions announced
It all began last year when Autodesk sent a survey to its customers asking how they imagined AutoCAD for Mac OSX. Then, back in May, we saw an early preview of the software running on Mac. This was a leaked version, and Autodesk didn’t say anything (we asked!) about it.
But today, Autodesk issued a press release confirming it: Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac OSX will be available to the public in October, at a MSRP of $3,995 (same as the PC version – Autodesk Education Community version available for free).
The announcement also included a free mobile version of AutoCAD for mobile devices, specifically for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
And this announcements clarifies some things. Back in May we sat down with Phil Bernstein, VP of Industry Relations & Strategy at Autodesk, and talked about AEC software, social networks and the cloud.
Phil said something very interesting in regards to integration of Autodesk software: “3 screens: computer, cloud and mobile”. More than new, standalone versions for mobile devices, Autodesk is pushing forward the integration of workflow and collaboration across their software (not only Autocad), a move in which the cloud will play a key role. A hint of this was seen earlier in Autodesk Butterfly (part of Project Bluestreak), a technology developed by Autodesk Labs.
This move will sure change a lot of things. Collaboration, SaaS (Software as a Service), and eventually lower costs, among others.
You can pre-order a AutoCAD for Mac starting tomorrow.
Revit for Mac? Let the rumors begin.
Autodesk Autocad for Mac (Sledgehammer Beta 1) on video
A few days ago we showed you a series of screenshoots of the first Autodesk Autocad for Mac Beta (codename Sledgehammer), a preview of the UI improvements that we are going to see for this platform.
This video by ItaliaMac shows more details about the User Interface and mouse (touchpad) gestures.
Many of our readers are very excited about this new version, and we hope it sees the light before the fall semester.
Autodesk Autocad for Mac, Sledgehammer Beta 1
Almost a year ago we told you of a survey Autodesk was conducting regarding the UI and printing capabilities of Autocad with Mac users, the first confirmation of Autodesk finally working on a version for this platform.
Federico Viticci from Macstories posted several screen shoots of Sledgehammer, the first Beta of Autocad for Mac OSX, running on a 64-bit machine. The UI presents several changes from what we were used to on the Windows version, and I´m happy to see mouse gestures (supported by Macbook’s touchpad and the Magic Mouse).
Not much details out there, but we do have a meeting with an Autodesk rep in the following weeks, when we will try to get you more details.
In the meanwhile, take a look at the following screen shoots and tell us what you think: Is Autodesk going in a good direction with this new version (more than an adaptation) of Autocad for Mac? Does the UI seem usable for you? What would you add?
Autodesk Butterfly: Online CAD collaboration
With BIM, project collaboration was possible. But online collaboration over CAD drawings hasn’t been easy yet, with some applications that work very slow or in a limited way.
But a new project coming out of Autodesk Labs promises to make online CAD collaboration feasible: Autodesk Butterfly.
As you can see on the above video, sharing works on a very simple way over email allowing people to work on a drawing at the same time. I gave Autodesk Butterfly a try at their technology preview website (no need to sign-in, just hit Try Now) and the flash interface loaded fast. It is very intuitive to use if you have used AutoCad, and the version control system allows you to go back to previous states of the drawing.
An iPhone version would be great, as it would allow you to do on-site review and annotations. Anyway, the preview looks very strong, and maybe we will have a full version of this tool available soon.
Autodesk Launches Online Game on Green Building
Did you know the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States is buildings? In fact, 38 percent of all carbon emissions in America come from powering our buildings, and according to McKinsey & Company, energy efficiency measures alone can tackle about half the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 60 to 90 percent by the year 2050.
But, what can be done to spread the word? How can engineers, architects, landlords, and the like –as well as the general public –be encouraged to address building performance? Autodesk, the California-based software design firm recently launched an online game, called RETROFITS , to help educate everyone–from industry professionals to teachers, parents and students –about green building issues.
Designed as half quiz show and half fast finger action, REFTROFITS builds awareness about the benefits of green building renovation as players compete for a place on the high points leader board. You can play it right here.
Seen at triplepundit.
Autodesk Assistance Program
Although it seems that the economy has left behind it’s worst days, the fact is we are still going through an economic crisis. Many architecture offices and companies have had to let good people go. If you were one of them, you might be wondering how to advance your career in this challenging global job market.
In order to get ahead in the workplace, you need to invest in yourself by increasing your knowledge and expanding your skills. And the good news is that Autodesk can help you get back in the game.
With the Autodesk Assistance Program you can take action today to gain a competitive advantage in your field. The program offers free software license, free online training, reduced-cost classroom training and certification. You can go to Autodesk official website to learn all the details.
AD Interview: Phil Bernstein
During the past AIA Convention we sat down with John Bacus from Google Sketchup to discuss how this tool can help architects on their workflows, with a tool that is easy to use, fast and extensible.
We also had the chance to talk with Phil Bernstein, faculty at Yale and currently the Vice President of AEC Industry and Relations for Autodesk. Given his background and current position, I immediately scheduled an interview with him as I wanted an architect on the industry to tell us more on how BIM is helping out architects in several ways.
Phil was very clear and precise on this, and the idea of this interview is to help our readers to make a decision on adopting BIM solutions, and also to help architecture students to see how learning to use a BIM software can help them in their future job seek.
As an example on the importance of BIM, I asked early this morning on Twitter what our readers think on adopting BIM and if arch students feel like they need to learn this before graduating. Here are some answers:
- eclosson @archdaily ; ive used REVIT 4 3yrs…valuable tool 4 small firms, wrkn on athletic complex in Romania w/ team of 6-8, only possible w/BIM
- roddimo @archdaily BIM is inevitable and you better get on the wagon if u want the next job. Clients are now asking for it
- cvandevere @archdaily BIM is a process. There are a number of tools/programs that can assist in that process and it’s implementation. #bim #revit
- ryansinger @archdaily I use it and like it. For simple projects line drawing works and you can use your hand instead of CAD
- berntstenberg @archdaily Re: BIM–not yet. Perhaps it’ll be standard someday, but I think only for big projects. We do res. remodels–still draw faste …
- archop @archdaily @ my firm economy put halt on moving to BIM, but it is inevitable. Also the community College I teach at will begin offering i
- DanielCon @archdaily I have never worked on a project where BIM made the process easier or smoother. I’m sure everyone will have to learn it but why?
- Numaru @archdaily I’m an architecture student in Korea. Even thought my class mates don’t know BIM well, we feel pressure of BIM.
- Winter_Street @archdaily we bite the bullet – here’s our recent blog post on the investment and rewards [of BIM] http://bit.ly/13u9NA
Autodesk announces Ecotect Analysis 2010 and free Guide to Sustainable Design
A few years ago i started using Ecotect v4 for energy analysis on projects. I gotta say that is a very easy to use tool, with a very short learning curve that lets you conduct several analysis on the design phase of your projects, such as shading, energy consumption, airflow, acoustics, lighting, etc. Also, during the process of analysis, it shows you on a very didactic way new terms and how they affect the project.
Easy, fast and accurate. What else could you ask for?
Well, these software was acquired by Autodesk as of last year and was released as Autodesk Ecotect 2009. And now during the AIA 2009 Convention they announced Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2010, the latest version of the software that offers improved integration with Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 and Autodesk Revit MEP 2010.
And continuing with the teaching spirit of the original version of Ecotect, Autodesk has launched the Autodesk Guide to Sustainable Design, a new free online resource for designers that illustrates sustainable design principles, decisions and technologies for every phase of the building project lifecycle.
More screenshoots of Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2010 after the break:
Autodesk Autocad for Mac OS X
Update: Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac OSX has been confirmed and will be shipped in October. More info here.
When I switched to Mac, I had to figure out how to run Windows on it, as the CAD (CAM) software I use the most wasn´t available for that platform: Autocad. It has been years since that and Autodesk never show any indications of an upcoming Mac OSX version, so i gave up on waiting and tried other solutions: Vectorworks, Sketchup, even Illustrator!… but I always missed Autocad.
But today a friend told me Autodesk sent him an email asking to complete a survey for their next generation of Autocad products for Mac OSX.
Some interesting questions appear on the survey, such as the importance of the command line, how do you plot (from model/layout), 3d capabilities and the relevance of an Autocad LT version.
Well, it seems Autocad for OSX will be available on the future… we just don´t know when.
You can take the survey here and help Autodesk shape this version.
