Architectural CADD News by Software |
Last Updated : July 28, 2001
ArchiTECH.PC
SoftCAD International = http://www.softcad.com
Latest version : ArchiTECH.PC
Web site : http://www.softcad.com
Online Forum : ?
Note from Architectural CADD : ArchiTECH.PC is a comprehensive architectural CADD package, with 2D production, 3D modeling (surface), planning, site design, rendering and much more. It bears more than just a passing similarity to ArchiCAD - it shares the same roots. In 1991, when it looked like the whole design world was turning Macintosh, Graphisoft sold the GDL sourcecode to this group of dutch geniuses who wanted to see if they could create a Windows version. Since then the two programs by the two different companies (ArchiTECH.PC by SoftCAD and ArchiCAD by Graphisoft) have been developed in different directions. ArchiTECH.PC developed a far more powerful roof generator, landscape design, and a seperate 3D modeler - SoftCAD 3D - which creates GDL objects still parametrically modifyable in ArchiTECH.PC. SoftCAD has participated in the Designers 3D CAD Shootout in 1997, 1998, and 1999 and did stunning work with several in the jury ranking them first place.
Comments from Architectural CADD : Fabulous software, which even has a companion free form (albeit not solid modeling) 3D modeler, which just cannot seem to get a good foothold in the USA. In this particular case, we at Architectural CADD are totally puzzeled by this (why architects tend not to consider this great software) and only have theories. Possibly USA architects, since they have smaller offices with higher staff turnover than in Europe, like lemmings want to go with what they percieve "the crowd" is using, to avoid having to train staff. Yes ArchiTech.PC is harder to learn and use than the similar ArchiCAD, but it is less than 1/3 the price and has even better roofing capibilities and the companion SoftCAD 3D. Anyway, SoftCAD Intl., to make headway, is currently pushing the SoftCAD 3D modeler as a tool even AutoCAD offices can use as a supplement, and even makes a light version of SoftCAD 3D available as a FREE download on the web. This strategy may be working as apparently there have been hundreds of thousands of reported downloads of SoftCAD 3D.
(ArchiTECH.PC and SoftCAD 3D)
SoftCAD International
SoftCAD.3D Lite 1.16 is now available for free and can be downloaded for free at http://www.softcad.com or mailed for the cost of shipping. Also downloadable is a series of training exercises that guide new users into the world of 3D.