Architectural CADD News by Software |
Last Updated : July 28, 2001
Architrion
Latest Version : Architrion IV
Web Site : http://www.Architrion.com
Online Forum : ?
Note from Architectural CADD : Architrion is an integrated CADD software for the building industry. Architrion supports advanced modeling, true architectural objects, interactive 3D visualization and editing (Design-Track technology), smart drawing extraction, drafting tools, photorealistic rendering and animation. Supports DWG.
Comments from Architectural CADD : Architrion is currently having a hard time in the USA. Architects and Press were bewildered by several changes in ownership/support between the original french developers Gimeor, to some others, and ultimately to the canadian design firm BAGH. In the 1980's there was frequent confusion between Architrion and ArchiCAD - both 3D architectural schematic design programs from Europe that ran on Macintosh. While initially Architrion took off stronger, helped by a number of design schools in the USA and Canada as it was more flexible, many practicing architects found that, of the two, Architrion was the "user-unfriendly" tough to learn one (something virtually never heard about a Macintosh program). In 1999 the BAGH developers introduced an entirely new design, but, possibly the "Architrion IV" name meant many designer buyers didn't even look at it, having previous experience with earlier Architrions. The Architrion team in the 1997 Designers 3D CAD Shootout in Boston had some severe problems with their computer systems, so they missed a valuable opportunity to jump-restart Architrion. Rumor has it that the innovative new software being introduced from Cambridge Massachusetts called "BOA" actually stands for "Best of Architrion". Meanwhile, the BAGH people have apparently stopped developing or marketing Architrion.
BAGH developes both Architrion IV and ArchiDesign
ArchiDesign is a 3D modeler oriented towards design (kink of like SoftCAD 3D, or like an architectural FormZ). It is simpler, easier, and faster than Architrion, but lacks comprehensive 2D production drawing abilities, so it is best used by principals for schematic designs that would then get passed to Architrion or other CADD programs to finish.
Competitor in Designers 3D CAD Shootout - 1996, 1997