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CADD Evaluation

Latest Version List :

ArchiCAD 7.0 --- Oct 2001 --- also see www.graphisoft.com for additional minor updates through June 2002

DataCAD 10.04 // DataCAD Plus 9.5 --- May 2002

AutoCAD 2002 --- Oct 2001 --- note that AutoCAD 14 expired 1/15/02 and AutoCAD 2000 expires Dec 2002

ArchitecturalDesktop3.3 --- Oct 2001 --- also see several "Extensions" through May 2002

VectorWorks Architect 9

Arris2001

MicroStation TriForma for Architecture

Revit 4.0 --- April 2002

Reviews (see below)

Ratings (see below)

Articles

Designers 3D CAD Challenge Competition (nee Shootout)

Analysis of Design Shootout Competition - BuildBoston'99 11/16/99

CADD vs CADD -- Testimonials from Architects who have switched from one CADD package to another

Consultants / Demonstrators / Speakers

Sources for Demonstration / Evaluation Versions

Venders

User Comments (below)

Reviews :

Architectural CADD Reviews and Ratings = http://www.architecturalcadd.com/reviewsrankadvice.html

The Architectural CADD Consultants web site has a number of articles and reviews specific to software for architects.

Articles :

AEC Tech News by Geoffrey Moore Langdon, AIA for Cadence Magazine = http://www.cadence-mag.com

The Ultimate CAD Directory - CADD News = http://www.tenlinks.com/Technology/CAD/cad_news.htm

The Tenlinks.com web site covers general CADD news for all industries including architectural CADD, and posts reviews and articles.

It now has 45 CAD Software Reviews at = http://www.tenlinks.com/Technology/CAD/reviews.htm

The Future of AEC Technology

http://www.cadence-mag.com/1999/0199/issuefocus0199.html

Jerry Laiserin

MiniCAD/VectorWorks

http://www.cadence-mag.com/1999/0299/cadoptions0299.html

Joe Greco

A New Kind of CAD-Communication-Aided Design

http://www.cadence-mag.com/1999/0699/issuefocus0699.html

Jerry Laiserin

ARRIS Architect's Studio-Version 7

http://www.cadence-mag.com/1999/0699/cadoptions0699.html

Jerry Laiserin

Conceptual Design in ArchitecturalDesktop

A step-by step guide to maximizing architectural projects through the use of Autodesk's AutoCAD ArchitecturalDesktop.

http://www.cadence-mag.com/1999/0799/tutorial0799.html

Michael Yatzus

Multiplatform AEC Design

New tools offer architects exploring CAD options the opportunity to mix and match design platforms.

http://www.cadence-mag.com/1999/1099/issuefocus1099.html

Jerry Laiserin

formZ

This 3D modeling software from autodessys joins a select minority of existing programs that can reasonably claim the ability to model almost any shape imaginable.

http://www.cadence-mag.com/1999/0399/trialruns0399.html#garcia

Emmanuel Garcia

Design Software used in Design Schools
Boston Architectural Schools	Architectural Schools in USA
Other Regional Design Schools	CADD Training Centers

ArchiCAD 6.5 Review at CADonline = http://www.cadonline.com/reviews/software/cad/1199archicad/1199archiCAD.htm

A comprehensive review of ArchiCAD 6.5 by Steven Ross

Graphisoft's comments on ArchiCAD 6.5 Review at CADonline :

ArchiCAD 6.5 Awarded Five Stars in Cadalyst Magazine's Lab Review

A rave review of ArchiCAD version 6.5, penned by veteran CAD software analyst Steven S. Ross, appears in the November issue of Cadalyst. Titled "ArchiCAD 6.5 gives architects super tools," the article details ArchiCAD's feature advances in 3D modeling, production and collaboration.

Says Ross, "With ArchiCAD you can rough out the master plan for an entire college campus, draft the production drawings for a specific building, model the details, render the scene, create an animated QuickTime VR walk-through, and plot the whole project on paper. The system generates enough data, including bills of materials, to keep a squad of accountants happy for months.

"This five-star product does it all -- and is fast and powerful. I could find no real weakness." To read the full review, visit Cadalyst's website at <http://www.cadonline.com>.

Also in Cadalyst's November issue, the article "Design for the New Millennium" features an interview with Graphisoft President and CEO Gabor Bojar, along with other CEO's and top industry executives, discussing the "perfect design process, CAD in 2005, and the challenges facing designers in the next century."

Date: 4 Nov 1999

From: <ed@wastudio.com>

Subject: ArchiCAD 6.5 Review at CADonline ---- Open GL - I don't think so...

It was quite interesting reading the CADALYST review of (beta) ArchiCAD 6.5, and also good to hear about it's overall stability (no crashes) as tested by Steven Ross. From the article, I gathered that it is more than a welcome supplement to anyone using 6.0, and I'm looking forward to using it myself - as soon as my dealer will get me one!

There was one item, however, that seems to be (in my opinion) somewhat of an error, or misunderstanding of terminology and technology. And please, if anyone at Graphisoft can shed some light on this, that would be great!

Steven Ross stated that ArchiCAD has "superb built-in rendering and presentation tools" - no argument there, but also goes on to say: "There's OpenGL graphics for Windows..." ??? Although almost every graphics card being sold today contains Open GL hardware acceleration, I don't really believe that ArchiCAD (6.0) takes real advantage of this technology in either the 2D or 3D windows.

I know that when I "spin" an object, or move around in 3D (Axo or Perspective), ArchiCAD breaks the resolution down until I stop movement, and then I can re-establish the clarity when I click on the center rectangle with the camera icon. In larger, more complex models, ArchiCAD will step me back to a wire-frame view while I'm moving around. I think that this is part of the ArchiCAD graphics language and how it addresses the screen. It makes ArchiCAD pretty fast on older machines (Windows or Mac based), but doesn't appear to be quantum leaps faster on newer generation machines (G3,G4, PIII, what have you). And it certainly does not seem to take advantage of additional OpenGL video memory on higher end video cards.

The reason I say this is that I often take an ArchiCAD model, and export it as an .lp file and then render it in Lightscape. Lightscape it truly an OpenGL product. The same model in Lightscape is totally smooth when I "spin" or move around in it. Larger models, or models with many loaded textures will slow down in Lightscape too, and I'll switch off the textures or go wireframe if it becomes unworkable. But for most projects, the combination of the OpenGL system card and Lightscape's Open GL ability offer truly excellent visualization. I just love showing a client a project in real-time this way!

Using ArchiCAD alone, I've had great success producing QTVR files, movies, and IVR Panorama files - with the fluidity that comes with those technologies. But in day-to-day operation, I really don't think that ArchiCAD uses OpenGL.

Having said all this, PERHAPS, version 6.5 DOES, in which case I would be very happy indeed! Even 2D pans would be redrawn as fast as you could drag a hand across the screen!

So, I hope someone from Graphisoft can clarify this matter here, and talk a bit about OpenGL. Now that Macs are using OpenGL cards as well, I think it's an area well worth putting in some programming effort. ArchiCAD's present graphics language was state-of-the-art, but (in my opinion) has to take another step soon. Regards to all. - - Edward Wolfstein, AIA

Date: 1 Nov 1999 07:50:41 -0700

From: Eric Blackburn <eric@bogden.com>

Subject: Re:AC 6.5 impressions

I attended a seminar whose main purpose was to demonstrate the development of a schematic design in an hour. All but one person was already a user of ArchiCAD so they instead spent the entire time showing off new features of 6.5.

In all there are some 300 improvements, many of which are huge time savers. Some are responses to long-standing requests. A few things will definitely be around to ask for in version 7.0. Some of the main features introduced include:

1. Much better 3D editing and 3D environment. Can add/edit/delete elements directly in 3D windows.

2. Improved cursor icons. Mercedes cursor now snaps to both sides of walls, but becomes bold when over the control line. Also can call up a 'scissors' icon for trimming walls in 2D and 3D

3. You now have multiple options for viewing 3D library parts (over 1100 parametric library parts included verses 600 in 6.0). You can now browse by image or by folder views, plus a few more. Most (not all) options are included in the rendered views, so you will still have to select some options by trial and error.

4. Much better GDL options under library parts.

5. Layer lists and dialogue boxes are stretchable. You no longer can only see about 8-10 layers, but could stretch the window to fill your display.

6. Ghosted reference layers with snapping to elements on the ghosted layer. You can set which layer you want to view and they do not have to be on adjacent stories. You cannot edit ghosted layers and they do not print.

7. Automatic dimensioning. The example the presenter demo'ed had about 3 levels of dimnensioning on all four sides of the building. Generally, there was an overall out-to-out dimension, dimensions to each of the corners on a side, and then dimensions to the centers of all the openings. You could then edit the dimensions normally. Options include one wall at a time, all walls, interior dimensions or exterior dimensions. It still did not generate dimensions along a curved wall with the automatic tool, but those had to be added separately.

8. 3rd party tool accessories. (wall , roof, slab, etc.) These are some powerful tools! Now included is the Roofmaker tool, Roof Wizard. A complex hip roof was created from a roof outline using the magic wand and roof tool. Then, with the new roof selected, the Roof Wizard was activated and modeled the roof with all framing members (rafters, hips, valleys, collar ties, ridges, etc. Lots of parametrics for editing. Did not see the truss options. Slab options included adding a parametric footing/foundation/sill plate to a complex slab with one click. Could not yet do stepped footings or different foundation thicknesses at different locations(don't know if you can select a portion of the added foundation and change it locally, or if the settings are global only) Wall accessories include moulding, trim, wainscoting, battered walls, etc. Very nice tool.

9. 255 pens and colors for compatibility with AutoCad. I asked if there was an easy way to change pen settings to work with older projects, or for working between different consultants and they didn't know. Could be nice on one hand, or a pain in the ass on the other if you have to change pen settings frequently. There was a 'synchronize pens' button for working with ACAD, but wasn't shown.

10. Better DWG/DXF/DGN/X-ref coordination. Better paperspace/modelspace coordination.

11. Hotlinked modules (works like hotlinks in PlotMaker), but within ArchiCAD.

12. Materials in AC have been updated to be more modern and useful.

13. Vectorial hatching and shadows in sections/elevations. Hatching foreshortens when viewed on angle or curve (very nifty feature!)

14. A new Rectangular beam tool in which you can place rectangular or circular openings (for ducts, wiring, etc.) Can establish 'priorities' for when the beam gets interrupted (at colums, walls, etc.)

15. The profiler tool is now included for creating more-complex shapes.

16. PlotMaker is a new version also, but was not shown at all.

17. New version of Artlantis. Best feature is the ability to apply new materials to separate portions of objects brought in from ArchiCAD. The example shown was the tutorial room where a wood shader was added to just the arm portion of the chair. Previously, Artlantis would add the sahder to the whole chair.

Many other features. 6.5 looks to be a must-have update. This was still a beta version, so not all items were ready for primetime. I was impressed. - Eric Blackburn

ARRIS 2001

Shipping last week after two years of development, Arris 2001 introduces new concepts to help architects better organize their architectural offices:

* Project selection pager.

* Entity style pager.

* Repeated item catalogs.

* Briefcase utility.

* Raster entity.

* 3D roof generator.

* 3D stair generator.

* 3D dormer generator.

* 3D stair generator.

* Enhanced door and window generator.

* Year 2000 compliance. More info from mailto:g.thill@arriscad.com

Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2000

From: MasterofDCAD@aol.com

Subject: Re: DBUG> Mac->Novell<-Windows

To : charlotte@farrellfaber.com writes:

<< our new tech support guy says mixed systems are very rare and that we should remove the Mac from the network >>

I have been working with Mac since 1984 (I owned the 53ed Mac ever made). I owned and opperated a retail/service computer business for 5 years. I will tell you that there is a certain mind set with most tech's. They get to a certain point in their learning and then become a little prideful about what they know. Then they begin to say things like your tech did about mixed networks as though they know when they really don't. This problem is not new. It is an old and unfortunate part of human nature. Even back in Bible times this was a prob. ("Professing to be wise, they make themselves out to be fools." and "They make confidant assertions about things they know nothing about")

I work as a consultant for 3 organizations who have mixed Mac and Microsoft networks. They work just fine. Both have their advantages. I hope you will not let this tech tell you otherwise.

There has also been a long standing Mac verses PC/Microsoft debate. The fact is that Mac is still superior in some ways, and Microsoft is in other ways. The people who use the systems in your company will tell you what works best for the work they do. Yous SysAdmin should be a little more openminded and a lot more willing to learn about Mac AND OTHER systems. Sun makes great servers and should be considedred if you want internet or web services in house. Linux is fast growing and any tech worth his or her salt will learn it and integrate it where it is the best solution.

In my years of having a shop (I work only as a consultant now) I always told my techs "Learn operating systems. That's the key to the computer industry" The ones who took that to heart are making the best money now and their clients are enjoying the best advantages of all the computer options.

Ya know... the best hamburger I ever ate was not MacDonalds. The best computer I've ever used was not a Microsoft Windows machine. I may use more Microsoft than others but I like the others better for what they do.

Arthur Futterman

Palms to Pines Mirror and Glass

Computer Administrator

CAD Drafting

The United States Center for World Mission

Computer Consultant

Owner - The Art of Software

MS Access Developer

FileMaker Pro Developer (PC and Mac)

ArchiCAD 6.5 Detailed New Features List:

A r c h i C A D v e r s i o n 6 . 5 i m p r o v e s o n t h e Vi r t u a l B u i l d i n g "! p r o c e s s i n f o u r k e y ar e a s : R e f e r e n c i n g and C o l l a b o r a t i o n , A r c h i t e ct u r a l M o d e l i n g , D o c u m e n t a t i o n a n d P r o du c t i v i t y .

Version 6.5 builds on the sophisticated tools and techniques introduced in ArchiCAD 6.0, allowing you to get more information from the Virtual Building model, spend more time on design, and communicate better with users of other CAD products.

Intelligent Referencing & Collaboration

- Hotlinked Modules for easy management of repetitive structures; edit a single source file, and all instances in the project are updated.

- Even more DXF/DWG conversion options, and intelligent handling of AutoCAD Xrefs.

- ArchiCAD and PlotMaker now use 255 pen colors to simplify the conversion to and from AutoCAD files.

- Import and export Bentley MicroStationís DGN file format.

Full-Featured Architectural Modeling

- Full implementation of editing commands in 3D window.

- Roof generation and trimming available in 3D.

- Zone tool can define three-dimensional space, to give accurate information on irregular spaces (e.g., attics), and generate free form spaces.

- Beam tool and round column, new element types to model the Virtual Building more accurately; intelligent beam perforates walls and columns.

- Gravity and hole adjustment for meshes.

Enhanced Documentation

- Flexible handling of multiple databases and listing setups, with new Format Assistant to create user-defined templates.

- Vectorial hatching and shadows can be generated in the Section/Elevation Window; sun position can be set independently from the 3D view.

- Positioning of scanned drawings or other images is made easier and more accurate with the Figure Tool, which handles and converts all major file formats.

- Custom label type library parts can accommodate 2D parametric symbols; different label types can be assigned to different object types.

Increased Productivity & Usability

- Both linear and elevation dimensions placed in Sections/Elevations now remain associative.

- Automatic dimensioning places exterior and interior dimensions of

selected building components or an entire project automatically.

- Ghost Storyî displays elements on remote stories for easy spatial reference; objects can be snapped to.

- Thumbnail browsing of active library makes finding and previewing library parts faster and easier.

- Special snap points appear on separate segments of elements; even in the 3D Window!

- The Intelligent Cursor now recognizes reference lines for both sides of a wall; connecting walls are aligned to the main reference line automatically.

- Find & Select elements using any possible combination of criteria.

And ArchiCAD version 6.5 Contains More Localized Content than Ever! The U.S.-only version of ArchiCAD includes:

-Powerful, easy to use Application Programming Interface-based on tools including RoofMaker for fast roof framing.

- Roof, slab and wall accessories, highly parametic objects such as molding systems, canted wall with fenestration, battered wall veneerr, and footing with stemwall, that can be placed to enhance the modeling of building elements.

-Customizable door, window and finish schedule templates and materials take-offs.

-Hundreds of construction details from Project Resource, MSA Detailer and Simpson Strong Ties.

-StoneCAD for ArchiCAD, interface for selecting Cultured StoneÆ textures, details and hatch patterns.

Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2000

From: JAID <jaid@ozemail.com.au>

> ...drcauto (www.drcauto.com)...makes an add-on package to ACAD LT called Smart Architect...

They have a special deal with ACAD which permits them to package an enhanced version of LT with Smart Architect. Once in Smart Architect it does just about everything you expect of ACAD as well as the smart things. We use it over R14 but I have seen it with their LT version - just as good as far as I could see. (then, I am hardly ACAD literate.) As you say, until the forthcoming upgrade LISP is missing. There are a lot of very sweet features in SmartArchitect though. Sections and Drawing Management in particular are a dream, Databasing generally is good too. Its use of smart objects and of the full windows interface must be up there with the best. Just the same, it is not a perfectly solid application. Cost here is nearly as much as ACAD full itself. Ian Johnson RAIA Hobart ICQ# 9681916

Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999

From: Becky Stevens <becky.stevens@virtualmarketing-pr.com>

Subject: Windows Magazine online reviews DataCAD 8.05

WINDOWS Magazine online features a review of DataCAD 8.05 vs. ArchiCAD on their web site, http://www.winmag.com

It is the fifth item down on the lead page, Online Extra: Design Buildings Better With CAD The powerful, complex and expensive ArchiCAD faces off against the more affordable, yet strong DataCAD in our head-to-head software review.

Date: 6 Aug 2000

From: "Ryan Ghere" <ryan.ghere@home.com>

Subject: Argos

For those of you who do not know, Argos is a program specifically targeted at the construction market, more specifically at the penalization sector. It is awesome at framing every unique situation with accurate and buildable results. www.argos.com. Vertex is the Finish parent company Argos, which has a new product out called Vertex BD the next generation of Argos. www.vertex.fi .This is a huge step above Argos but unfortunately it does not have a presence or the user support here in the US. Vertex says their biggest competitor in Finland is Archicad - it figures -

DataCAD and DataCAD Plus reviews

Here are direct links to recent DataCAD and DataCAD Plus reviews, awards, and articles that have appeared online.

CAD Systems 12/00 - Easy Professional CADD

(DataCAD 9 Review)

http://www.cadsystems.com/software/0010_datacad9.html

CADENCE 11/00 - CAD Options

(DataCAD Plus Review)

http://www.cadenceweb.com/2000/1100/cadoptions1100.html

CADENCE - Show Stopper Winners at A/E/C Systems 2000

(DataCAD Plus Award)

http://www.cadenceweb.com/news/archive/aecssawards.html

CADALYST 06/00 - Design Spotlight, CAD Spectrum

(DataCAD User Story)

http://www.cadonline.com/spectrum/spotlight/0600dspot/0600dspot.htm

CAD Systems 03/00 - Architect envisions an integrated design world

(DataCAD User Story)

http://www.cadsystems.com/profiles/0003f01.html

CADinfo.net

DataCAD vs. AutoCAD in Academia: is it David vs. Goliath?

(Article)

http://www.cadinfo.net/editorial/datavsauto.htm

Design/Build Business

"Smart" House Plans Fuel Growth for Ohio Homebuilder

(DataCAD User Story)

http://216.167.42.40/0700/features/ohio.htm

Design/Build Business

Corporate Remodel Utilizes 3D CAD

(DataCAD User Story)

http://216.167.42.40/1298/projects/cad.htm

Design/Build Business

Small Design Firm Wins Big With CAD

(DataCAD User Story)

http://216.167.42.40/0999/projects/cad.htm

CADALYST 11/99 - Design for the New Millennium

(Feature Story)

http://www.cadalyst.com/features/millennium/index.html

http://www.cadalyst.com/features/millennium/madura.html

CADALYST 10/99 - CADALYST Labs

(DataCAD 8.5 Review)

http://www.cadalyst.com/reviews/software/cad/1099data/1099data.htm

CAD Systems 04/99 - "Reliving the Past: Archaeological Sites Brought

to Life Through CAD and Virtual Reality"

(Article)

http://www.cadsystems.com/profiles/9904f06.html

CAD Systems 11/98 - DataCAD 8

(DataCAD 8 Review)

http://www.cadsystems.com/software/9811f05.html

eWeek 11/98 - DataCAD targets Autodesk's gaps

(DataCAD 8.05 Review)

http://www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0,4161,358648,00.html

CADENCE 08/98 - Feature Review

(DataCAD 8 Review)

http://www.cadenceweb.com/1998/0898/featurereview0898.html

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