BSA Committee on Design Software
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2. 3D Modeling Software
ArchiDesign ----------------- BAGH = http://www.Architrion.com/
ConceptCAD ---------------- Virtus Corp.
DesignWorkshop ---------- Artifice Inc. = http://artifice.com/foyer.html
EasySite ---------------------- Cad Easy = http://www.cadeasy.com
Facade ------------------------- Facade Inc. = http://www.facade3d.com/
FormZ ------------------------- Autodessys Inc. = http://www.formz.com/
PalladioX --------------------- Nemetschek Systems Inc. = http://www.palladiox.com/
Rhinoceros ------------------- McNeal Assoc. = http://www.rhino3d.com/
SoftCAD 3D ----------------- SoftCAD International = http://www.softcad.com/
Strata3D ------------------------- Strata Corp.
thinkdesign 4.0 --------------- think3 = http://www.think3.com
TrueSpace -------------------- TrueSpace = http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/features/software/1519/_open.htm
Zoom --------------------------- Abvent = http://www.abvent.com/
3D StudioMax --------------- Kinetix (Autodesk) = http://www.ktx.com/
3D StudioViz ---------------- Kinetix (Autodesk) = http://www.ktx.com/
SketchUp --------------------- LastSoftware = http://www.sketch3d.com
Arcon --------------------------- DataCAD LLC = http://www.datacad.com
Swift 3D --------------------- = http://www.swift3d.com/
TurboCAD Pro ------------ = http://www.turbocad.com/xyza/
User Comments :
In this category, for architects, the leaders are DesignWorkshop, FormZ, SoftCAD 3D, PalladioX, and Viz.
In architectural schools the most predominant software is FormZ, probably because of its flexibility in design (free form curves, subtractive boolean solid modeling) and the fact that it runs on Macintosh (preferred by most faculty) as well as Windows.
For AutoCAD users, the best supplemental modeler that runs inside AutoCAD is PalladioX, which is a basic $95 add on (and is expandable to full architectural CADD features with other modules). Users of AutoCAD ArchitecturalDesktop will find that the live link to 3D Studio Viz is so strong (for rendering in particular) that it becomes the de-facto best choice for them.
For ArchiCAD users looking for more flexibility than they have in ArchiCAD's internal modeling (and don't care to learn GDL programming) will find that Zoom has a better link to ArchiCAD than FormZ as it has a direct translator (i.e. no limitations of DXF) which will also retain lights, materials and textures.
Both DesignWorkshop and SoftCAD 3D offer free downloadable light versions over the web, which are excellent.
For those modeling for absolute photorealism with LightScape, the modelers with direct links (to create an LP file) work best - ArchiCAD, 3D StudioMax.
Mac / Windows --- FormZ, DesignWorkshop
Macintosh Only --- Zoom
Windows Only --- SoftCAD 3D, ConceptCAD, EasySite, Facade (requires AutoCAD), PalladioX (requires AutoCAD), Rhinoceros, 3D StudioViz
WindowsNT only --- 3D StudioMax
Ultimate 3D Links
Cad Easy
EasySite 1.10 (US$298) for AutoCAD 2000 is a conceptualization and presentation tool that brings site modeling to AutoCAD users who may have little or no knowledge of 3D CAD, or who may not be experienced in creating digital terrain models. http://www.cadeasy.com
think3 Ships thinkdesign 4.0
Last week, think3 began shipping thinkdesign 4.0. The company says it "is fulfilling its commitment to deliver a significant new software release to annual subscription customers every six months." http://www.think3.com. Features include: - Single-click drawing generation. - Fully associative layout. - Control and manipulation of views and groups. - New production drafting functionality. - Standard parts library and library manager. - "Capture & Playback" instant replay of design sessions.
Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2000
From: "M.H.Geisler" <mhg@mhgeisler.com>
Since I'm fairly experienced in this area and have used many products, I'll give you my short answer: "There is no perfect 3D Modeling and Rendering Program". They all have their strengths and weaknesses. For all of us, being able to get something done FAST is really important. Here's my quick review:
FormZ is currently the fastest modeler on the market. Once you learn it, you can really "fly". Learning curve for me was very serious. I think it's overpriced compared to VIZ. 2 features make it especially cool for my use. It has a button to make all verticals parallel (gets rid of three-point perspective when you don't want it), and the photomodeling /photomontage feature is the fastest and easiest out there.
3D Studio Viz is by far the best and fastest at rendering and animation for architecture. And with the high-end Lightscape lighting and rendering engine now operating with a direct tie-in to VIZ, there's not much in the market to compete at the same price-point. Unless you're going to get into character animation, you don't really need 3D Studio Max. Nearly all the "architectural-type" plug-ins available for MAX will work in VIZ. I use Studio VIZ almost every day, in combination with DataCAD, via dxf and dwg export/import. Very slick. Although the modeler is not as quick as FormZ out of the box, you can hot-key and reprogram everything, and the new release 3 has made a huge improvement in interface design. It's still not quite as fast as FormZ for modeling, but they're gaining ground with each new release. My money is on VIZ, to surpass FormZ in the next couple of updates. I actually prefer the VIZ interface, because it made immediate sense to me, coming from a CAD/PC background (as opposed to Apple/MAC), and I was productive within the first couple of hours.
Since you can buy VIZ with it's superior rendering and animation for less than the FormZ basic modeling/rendering package you can tell where my preference is.
For NURBS work, if your designs use a lot of curves and non-linear elements you need RHINO, or Truespace. I actually use Truespace 4.3 quite a bit, for working with meshes and more organic shapes, since I find it's faster than working in VIZ. Hmmm... you might want to check out Truespace... there's a tremendous amount of functionality at a very reasonable price point. Unusual interface that takes awhile to figure out, though.
However, having said all this, I do an awful lot of modeling right within DataCAD. DCAD is a very quick and straightforward product for most architectural modeling. I can't wait to get DCAD+ and do as much as possible right within DCAD. If you can wait until DCAD+ is released, that's my first recommendation, (and I'm sticking with it). Here's hoping we'll all be very pleased. Regards, Markus
Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2000
From: SDESIGNA@aol.com
I have had DataCAD+ for a few months now and DCRender+ for longer, and can speak with some certainty about their respective merits.
I was fortunate to have hosted a meeting here at our offices for Uli and Helmut of DCRender + CAPCAD, DcadLLC and some of the Dcad Power Users on the East Coast . I was hoping to have completed my "Meeting Notes" on this very informative get together , but unfortunately have not......yet....
ARCON is a very able Modeling and Visualization Program that in it's stand alone configuration can allow a user to develop FAST 3D Models , Rendered for Viewing on Screen in a Dynamic Window...meaning forget animations....it's happening AS you sit there....this includes a vast library of materials , framing and estimating calculator as well as some VERY cool export file formats...VRML, Metafiles...etc....
DC+ will have it's own Version of ARCON for Fast Visualization ( Like you now use Quick Shader) ....so that as you Draw you simply go to DCViz and WHAM....there is your Model WITH Textures....etc.....pan , zoom, fly around....in..out...edit textures...etc...
You'ld think this would be enough.........but NO Friends.....you can NOW, via your Macro Tool/Mool Box get right into DCRender (or PLUS for upgraded Power Users) which is an AWESOME rendering program.....many steps above ARCON and Renderize and in many respects Lightscape and some other "big guys"...this is not a program for " representations" ...it is the real deal....and very easy to use.....with RayTracing, radiosity...auto normals, paralax adjustments....solar calculations....Huge Library and a lot more....All for the price of One Datacad+ Seat.......very nice .....
David K. Sargert
ASID - IIDA - MIES - CSI
Sargert Design Associates Inc.
971 Main Street - PO Box 30057
Springfield, MA 01103 USA
www.sargertdesign.com
800-206-3030-v
413-737-3604-f
Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2000
From: Nick Pyner <npyner@tig.com.au>
I know all the talk is about DCRender etc. but FWIW I see that egghead.com is selling Simply 3D for $43.99 which I assume is a substantial reduction.
For those not aware of it, this is a newer junior version of Renderise Live. It is full 32 bit, faster, has a far better engine and reads RL files. It is also crash-proof. The drawbacks are that its cataloguing is a joke and there is no camera animation. Documentation is thin but adequate, particularly if you have some experience with RL.
I don't think there is any doubt that Micrografx is changing direction and is about to abandon S3D, which is a real shame. It's a good programme. Nick Pyner, Dee Why Beach NSW
Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2000
From: "Peddle Thorp NT Architects" <peddlethorpnt@octa4.net.au>
2D v 3D
I would like to add our experiences in moving more towards 3D modeling to obtain 2D documentation. This methodology which we have been using now for almost 10 years, has undoubtedly saved us time (and money) when compared to the more 'traditional' way of hand drawing sections and elevations then, perhaps onto a 3D view/sketch of some sort at the end. I know of several local practices who only produce a 3D CAD model of their proposal AFTER they've completed all elevations, sections and so forth. In contrast we use the 3D model as a design aid then extract elevations and sections at the end once we and our client(s) are happy. We have also found that this method reduces the amount of client changes during design development, (not all clients can piece together plans, elevations and sections to form a mental picture of what it will look like), as they can more readily visualize the proposal. DataCAD's walkthrough and Quickshader combination is ideal for 'on-the-spot' views which promotes feedback from the client during the early stages. This approach has genuinely won our practice work as well as repeat clients. The only 'drawback' of the 3D visuals is the more client's see, the more they want!
With regards to efficiency, we no longer require the same numbers of staff to produce the same end result, hence we can run more projects simultaneously or during downturns in the Industry, (and tighter fees), still service our work with fewer staff than previously. This has all led to a reduction in overheads (less mouths to feed!), yet our production has increased- we turn over more work than say 10+ years ago. I often teach my students to use the software (DataCAD) to work smarter, not necessarily harder. regards Mark BellPeddle Thorp NT ArchitectsDarwin, NT Australia
Swift 3D
Swift 3D enables designers to quickly create or import 3D images and animations and export them to the Flash file format.
CAD to non-CAD Translation
Okino specializes in 3D data translation software. Unlike other companies who do CAD-to-CAD or solids-to-solids (such as the Catia converter from CIMSOFTEK), Okino moves CAD data to non-CAD platforms, such as all 3D animation packages (Maya, 3D Studio MAX, SoftImage, Lightwave), visual simulator packages (OpenFlight), and virtual reality packages (VRML and others). For the last 1.5 years, Okino has been developing several unique translators:
SolidWorks importer based on the little used "OLE for Design and Modeling" API interface. This allows NuGraf, PolyTrans, Maya, and 3DS MAX to directly imported assemblies from a running and resident copy of SolidWorks, with no intermediate files necessary.
Solid Edge import converter that imports data directly from a running copy of Solid Edge with no intermediate files. See http://www.okino.com/conv/filefrmt.htm
Maya is becoming a dominant player in the 3D animation world, but no 3D data translators exist for it. With the introduction of Okino's PolyTrans-for-Maya software, Maya users now have access to all major 3D file formats. See http://www.okino.com/press/ma010100.htm
Alias|Wavefront
StudioTools 9.5 is a new version of 3D computer-aided industrial design (CAID) software family, and will be available in March with 100 new features. StudioTools includes DesignStudio, Studio, AutoStudio and SurfaceStudio.
A number of CAD programmers got together in Boulder CO to create (yet another) easier-to-use 3D CAD sketching program. Calling themselves @Last Software, they created SketchUp and unveiled the software at the show. President Brad Schell gave me the demo, which reminded me a lot of John Lynch's 3D drawing software. This software, however, is purely meant for easily creating 3D architectural concept drawings. It even includes a real-time "jiggle" mode (similar to the popular Squiggle software) that changes CAD's perfect lines into something resembling multiple pencil lines. Download a demo from http://www.sketch3d.com Ralph Grabowski
TurboCAD Pro
Top-of-the-line, newest release of a powerful CAD program compatible with the latest AutoCAD 2000, has the ACIS-based solid modeling engine, over 16,000 CAD symbols, and over 700 3D symbols for US$99
TurboCAD Pro v.6.5, normally priced at US$299.95 available for a limited time at only US$99 download price. Affordable, easy-to-use CAD program compatible http://www.turbocad.com/xyza/
Objects --- Free
http://www.digitalanimators.com/HTM/Resources/3dModels/3dModelsMain.htm
3D Animals, 3D Futuristic, 3D Interiors, 3D Galactic ,3D Aircraft, 3D Miscellaneous, 3D Vehicles
Objects --- Commercial
ObjectsOnline