formZ 7 Highlights

The whole program has been dramatically updated, including a streamlined user-interface (UI). formZ 7 has some new dramatic dynamic modeling tools with new parametric capabilities.

There is a new roof tool that quickly builds simple and complex roofs. And the parametric stairs tool has been updated as well. There is also a new Contour Doctor tool that helps clean up contour line data.

formZ 7 features non-destructive clipping planes (sectioning planes) just like SketchUp and you can model directly inside these clips. formZ 7 has a top class-A NURBS modeling engine and can produce dramatic shapes and forms. While SolidSmack remarks that formZ has always been a great architectural modeler the new formZ 7 will bring powerful new tools to the product design market.

This is significant for AutoDesSys because the “maker” market and digital prototyping are both powerful new trends in design. formZ 7 will feature tools helpful for digital fabrication makers.

To read the article and see some of those YouTube videos go here.

formZ 7 has a new modern user interface with a lot of new functionality and enhancements to existing formZ functionality. Many steps have been automated with the new UI. There is less picking and more doing, the company says.

01 - formZ 7 has bold new features and a modern interface

Discovering formZ 7 – Seminars

January 18, (which is today) there will be a new webinar titled: What’s new in formZ 7, Part 1: Parametric modeling in a modern fluid interface. This free event takes place at 1pm-2pm EST and you can register for it here.

Part 2: Visualization, rendering and fabrication and presentation, takes place on January 25, 2012, and is at 1pm – 2pm. EST. You ca register for it here.

There are also Webinars On Demand covering bonzai 3D and formZ. A full list is here.

Luxion has recently announced support for Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya, allowing faster, more direct import of these file types into KeyShot, the GPU-based real-time rendering system.

This new capability was demonstrated last week at Autodesk University, 2011, in Las Vegas. Already KeyShot supports direct import of Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Alias, AutoCAD and FBX formats. To learn more about KeyShot go here. www.luxion.com

formZ News

AutoDesSys has recently announced the public beta of formZ version 7, a major update to the venerable innovator in the area of modeling, rendering and animation. FormZ 7 features a new interface and new parametric modeling capabilities that allow either numeric “parametric” manipulation or what the company is calling “free-form” manipulation.

The company’s previous webinars are also all available on-demand for viewing at your own leisure. You can click here to check things out, including new webinars on version 7 FormZ, plus webinars on bonzai 3D.

Vectorworks Modeling Webinar

Nemetschek Vectorworks will be hosting a “Best Modeling with Vectorworks 2012″ webinar December, 15, 2011. Wes Gardner, Assoc. AIA, Architect Industry Specialist at Nemetschek Vectworks, Inc., will be presenting the webinar.

Wes will be presenting some of the latest new modeling tools in Vectorworks 2012 and showing how to model an object appropriate to any industry and how to create a great looking presentation using Renderworks, the program’s affiliated rendering software package.

The webinar is on Dec 15, at 2pm EST. To sign up for the webinar visit this link.

AutoDesSys has three job posts listed and given that they are still posted we assume that these positions are still available. The company may be in the process to hire as it expands its product offerings with the rollout of the updated formZ 7.0–a major modernization to a highly regarded and heavily used 3D software tool.

One position is focused on just 3D Rendering. This person will be responsible for helping to set future directions for 3D rendering across its product offerings. There is mention of experience with rendering API’s like OpenGL and Direct 3D, which are OS-oriented. There is also mention of API’s like Mental Ray, LightWorks, Vray and others. It may be interesting to see if AutoDesSys expands formZ to support other renderers. In the past the company has had a long-term relationship of sorts with Electric Image, but that company and its famous and quick rendering and animation solution has fallen behind in both public attention and studio use.

These days integration with newer renderers is a vital consideration for any powerful product design, architectural modeler or general modeling application like formZ or bonzai 3D. Such tools should integrate with the newer generation of rendering tools, with new generation GPU tools and possible with the four main professional 3D suites.

Mobile – Android and iOS

AutoDesSys may be looking to not just modernize formZ’s user interface–which it did with version 7–but update other tools. A new opportunity exist for an application OS interface engineer. The advert mentions Android and Apple iOS operating systems experience in addition to Windows. This person will be responsible for the integration between our application suite and the operating systesms on which they run.

There is a third position open for a modeling expert or programmer. This person will joint the formZ development team.

All of these positions seem like good opportunities. It will be interesting to follow this company has it wraps up and rolls out formZ 7 and how it moves forward from here now that both its longtime flagship program and its newer bonzai both have been modernized.

To learn more about these positions click here.

formZ 7 News

formZ 7.0 has what the company is calling a “game-changing” ‘intuitive interface. All model building is dynamic, intentionally tentative, and continuously changeable, which allows you to explore and experiment with no restrictions during the design process.

Back in October the company showcased the new formZ 7 at the ACADIA Conference, referring to the newly updated program as outfitted for the new parametrics of digital design. That day the new Reshape tool was covered to explain how to sculpt and conceptual design ideas with ease. New parametric controls allow for endless experimentation and iterative design.

This new game-changing interface gains on what the company learned from creating bonzai 3D, its powerful NURBS program that is as easy to use as SketchUp but with true class-A NURBS. New intelligent smart interface guides help you model in formZ 7 more efficiently. New parametric, numeric and free-from modeling choices can be dynamically changed during design. There are powerful new digital fabrication tools, plus easier NURBS modeling.

Get Your Copy

You can donwload a free beta 5 version of the new formZ 7 here by just filling out a form. There are also webinars covering the new formZ 7. Unfortunately, the company often gives very little notice with such webinars and the first one passed yesterday. Part 2 of the new webinar series covers Visualization, Rendering, Fabrication and Presentation and will give potential users a good view of the new formZ 7 and its new interface.

That webinar is scheduled for 17 November 2011. To register click here.

IMSI has their new Renditioner Pro rendering application for those who model in Google SketchUp. Now available for both Mac and PC, the powerful but easy to use software offers fast approaches to photographic renderings. Key features include:

• High performance cameras and lights
• Extensive Libraries of content
• Snapshots – offers convenient way of saving a particular configuration at any given time
• Flexible Image control and Rendering
• Easy UI (User Interface)

Renditioner Pro retails for 149.USD and you can learn more here.

RenderZone and Bonzai 3D Seminar

Matthew Holewinski from AutoDesSys will host a webinar on using AutoDesSys RenderZone software with Bonzai 3D or formZ. The webinar takes place on September 7, 1pm – 2pm EDT.

RenderZone adds a full arsenal of tools to assist with anything from simple scene development to your most demanding rendering needs. Learn how to use Sketch rendering, raytracing and other rendering methods. Add materials and colors and light your scenes with Global Illumination.

To register click here.

Summer of modo Issue 3

Summer of modo Issue 3 is now out. There are free tutorials from Matt Cox focused on rigging in modo. There are also some catch up links to issues 1 and 2. You can download the Summer of modo Issue 3 here.

In the next issue Matt Cox will show how to create a custom UI, plus free furniture models and more.

The Vectorworks folks have been a bit more quiet than usual these past few months but their latest newsletter showcases some interesting news tidbits. First off, celebrated architect, Daniel Libeskind is noted for his affect on inspiring the next generation of architects.

Studio Daniel Libeskind has offices in Zurich, Switzerland and New York City. The architectural studio has been using Vectorworks Architect for many years now as their primary design and construction documentation software tool. You can read the full profile here.

In other Nemetschek news, Vectorworks author, Janis Kent, AIA, CASp, has a new book titled, “Stepping Thru Accessible Details: A Compilation from the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Building Code for Commercial Projects.” Architects may want to check into this invaluable aid for accessibility design.

Bonzai 3D Webinar Today!

AutoDesSys has a free bonzai 3d webinar today that showcases the modeler with the use of the Maxwell Render. The MaxwellZ plugin brings Next Limit’s superb photo-realistic rendering software technology to bonzai 3D.

01 - MaxwellZ plugin for bonzai 3d brings the power of Next Limit's amazing rendering engine to the very powerful and easy to use bonzai 3D modeling program.

This webinar starts at 1pm, July 26, 2011 and runs for 1 hour. To register go here.

FastTrack Schedule Compatible with OS X Lion

AEC Software has announced that FastTrack Schedule has passed compatibility tests with Apple’s new big cat, Mac OS X Lion (10.7). FastTrack Schedule 9.1 and higher will run on Lion. There is a blog post here about it.

With the new Maxwell Render plugin bonzai 3d users can enjoy the performance of the Maxwell Render rendering engine directly inside their modeling platform. Users can convert materials between the two programs as well as view Maxwell materials directly inside of bonzai 3D.

“We are excited to see this connection between Maxwell Render and bonzai 3D,” says Juan Canada, Lead Developer of Maxwell Render. “The integration is exceptional and it will offer bonzai 3D users an opportunity to produce the best quality images with Maxwell Render.”

“We are very pleased with the release of Maxwell Render plugin for bonzai 3D, as it will add some great advanced rendering capabilities to the refreshingly easy to use modeling flow of the program,” says Alexandra Yessios, VP of Sales and Marketing at AutoDesSys, Inc. “You can create imaginative forms smoothly and effortlessly and then render them with all the global illumination effects that so successfully compete with reality.”

The Maxwell Render plugin adds five new light types for illuminating your scene, including Maxwell’s Physical Sky, IES for manufacturer-accurate lighting, and a parametric ’soft box’ which works just like its photographic counterpart. These light types help you leverage Maxwell Render’s legendary Multilight feature.

To learn more and download the program and plugin go here.

The first webinar on Bonzai 3D is on 27 Jan 2011 at 12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT and is focused on a project called the Valencia Opera House. John Alexander is the host and will walk attendees through an exploratory recreation of the “Palau de la Arts” in Valencia, Spain, otherwise known as the Opera House by Santiago Calatrava.

01 - Valencia Opera House, modeled in Bonzai 3D.

This project was modeled in Bonzai 3D and Alexander will demonstrate its modeling and alternative variations on its form utilizing Bonzai 3D’s powerful NURBS modeling tools. To register for this event click here.

Next week on 2 Feb 2011, at 12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT, Matthew Holewinski from AutoDesSys will conduct a webinar on RenderZone for Bonzai 3D and formZ. RenderZone is the company’s full raytracing render software and enables photorealistic image creation. To register for this event click here.

On Dec 14 and Dec 15, 2010, there will be a two-day, hands-on training course on Core Concepts for the new Vectorworks 2011 software. The class is designed for individuals who wish to incorporate best practices into their design and documentation workflow while experiencing the Vectorworks application’s full range of capabilities.

The specific location in Boston has not been determined, but the fee for the course is 599.USD. To register click here.

On Dec 16 and Dec 17, there will be a two-day, hands-on course on Intermediate Concepts for Vectorworks 2011. This is a more advanced class. You can take both classes for 999.USD or either of the two for the price specified above. To register click here.

Rendering with RenderZone for Bonzai 3D and formZ

On October 28, 2010, AutoDesSys will be offering an online Webinar on rendering with RenderZone for both Bonzai 3D and formZ software by AutoDesSys. Matthew Holewinski from AutoDesSys will demonstrate the power of photo-realistic rendering using RenderZone software from AutoDesSys to extend the power of the company’s two leading modeling and animation programs, Bonzai 3D and formZ.

You can learn more and register here.

AutoDesSys, which has recently updated Bonzai 3D, has announced a Bonzai 3D Introduction Webinar for October 14, 2010. Matthew Holewinski from AutoDesSys will demonstrate how to use Bonzai 3D to accelerate the 3D design process using its intuitive interface and flexible modeling tools.

The event takes place on Oct 14, 2010, at 12pm -1pm EST. You can register here.

ArchiCAD Webinar on Oct 22

ArchiCAD 14: Open Design Collaboration is the title of a webinar on using the latest BIM technology from Graphisoft. The event will focus on how the architect can collaborate more affectively with his consultants and overall team using ArchiCAD 14’s collaboration technologies like IFC technology and the BIM server. As noted:

• Unprecedented Coordination – ArchiCAD 14 turns IFC technology into full-fledged workflow solutions, enabling collaboration with engineers, regardless of their discipline or preferred software
• Real Time Collaboration with Graphisoft BIM Server – enables the entire team, regardless of geo-location, to work simultaneously on the project model
• Full Control – there is a parallel process of design and documentation built into the ArchiCAD 14 workflow

To register for this event go here.

Other ArchiCAD News

Graphisoft has announced that the Spanish version of ArchiCAD 14 is now available. Earlier this month the company also announced that the Portugese version of ArchiCAD 14 was also released. To learn more about the latter visit this link. To learn more about the Spanish version of ArchiCAD 14 go here.

Bonzai 3D 2.2. – New Items

Bonzai 3D 2.2 is now available in French and Czech (as well as previously available in German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Japanese and English). Floating licenses are now supported on networks. This allows for the software to be installed on a number of machines and simultaneous use is allowed up to the number of licenses purchased.

Also is is an included Abvent Artlantis filter for those who are rendering their Bonzai 3D models in Artlantis. Disappointingly, Google has changed its licensing and technical requirements regarding its Google 3D Warehouse and Google Earth and direct access to both from Bonzai 3D 2.2 is no longer supported. The fundamental capabilities of connection still exist they just require an extra step or two, says the company. The Add Component from 3D Warehouse button has been replaced by a new Import Component button.

You can still import images from Google Earth into Bonzai 3D 2.2 and AutoDesSys has produced a set of instructions. To learn more about version 2.2 or to obtain a license or demo visit: http://www.formz.com/products/bonzai3d.html

Holewinski will explain how bonzai 3D is used to accelerate the 3D design process with its intuitive interface, flexible modeling tools and extensive visualization capabilities.

In this webinar you will also learn how bonzai 3D can be used further down the production pipeline with worry-free geometry. This webinar will give you the insight into why bonzai 3D is fast becoming the 3D modeler of choice in all design disciplines.

Date, Time, Registration

The seminar on the Web is free and is on Thur, June 17, 2010 at 12:00pm – 1:00pm EST (GMT – 4hrs). To register visit this link.

AutoDesSys will be at the American Institute of Architects National Convention next month, June 10-12, in booth #2375. The company has recently updated Bonzai 3D to version 2.1 which includes an updated SketchUp 7 importer/exporter. Additionally, the famous developer of formZ has also introduced OpenClip technology for PowerCADD users who use formZ and Bonzai 3D. You can read that full report here.

Nvidia PhysX and CUDA News

The new Autodesk Softimage 2011 product includes the integration of two key Nvidia technologies: Nvidia PhysX and Nvidia CUDA. Recently Architosh reported on the first CUDA-based rendering GPU-driven ray tracer engine. CUDA is similar to OpenCL utilizing language that takes advantage of computational resources on graphics processing units (GPUs). The latest Softimage 2011 enables real-time simulations using Nvidia PhysX, a powerful physics application programming interface (API) or “engine” accelerated by Nvidia’s Quadro graphics cards.

T-Splines updated to version 2.3

T-Splines for Rhino 2.3 has been released this month. T-Splines for Rhino 2.3 features integration with two other products based on the Rhino platform, Grasshopper and Orca3D. Users of Grasshopper, a generative modeling program based on Rhino, can use free-form T-Spline shapes as the basis of Grasshopper-generated models. Similar integration with Orca3D, a marine architecture oriented plugin for Rhino means that naval architects can cut sections through T-Spline hulls.

“T-Splines is of the greatest value to the busiest designers, because it allows them to iterate more quickly between designs and converge on the desired shape,” said Matt Sederberg, CEO of T-Splines. To learn more visit them online here.

OpenClip

The ability to copy and paste 2D vector drawing data into 3D programs has always been difficult and required extra time, planning and sometimes work-arounds. Now with the new OpenClip technology plugin you can actually copy and paste precision vector objects from one program to another.

OpenClip technology enables seamless copy and paste of 2D vectorial data from PowerCADD on the Mac to formZ or bonzai 3D. Once inside these program you can execute a simple extrude function to generate 3D walls.

The OpenClip plugin is free and available for those who are on the Mac platform and use PowerCADD 8 and either formZ 6.7 or bonzai 3D 2.0.

To try this feature out if you do not have bonzai 3D or formZ simply download a trial of bonzai 3D here.

bonzai 3D 2.0 is the most formidable challenger to Google’s SketchUp and is based on a class-A NURBS engine and formZ technology. In the webinar you will learn how robust models created with bonzai 3D can be used further down the production pipeline with worry free geometry. The webinar will feature:

• quick overview of bonzai 3d
• overview of the intuitive interface and how it speeds up modeling processes
• the advantages of true solids modeling
• the benefits of NURBS modeling
• a sample project and workflow
• ways bonzai 3D plays well with other applications
• how to make components like doors and windows
• extensive visualization features including photo-realistic rendering with Global Illumination using the Renderzone plugin from AutoDesSys

Space is limited so hurry to register for this free bonzai 3D webinar. Click here.

To learn more about bonzai 3D go here.

New Items in formZ 6.7

Version 6.7 brings general improvements throughout the program. At the top of the list are updates to AutoCAD 2010 DWG and DXF file support and a new version of Spatial’s ACIS modeling geometry kernel which includes support for SAT r19 files.

All users of the Family Plan will receive formZ 6.7 on DVD automatically. The company expects to start sending these updates out by the end of the week. Non-Family Plan members who are current can update for a minimum fee by ordering directly through the AutoDesSys portal.

Bonzai 3D News – More Langauges

AutoDesSys would also like to inform users that bonzai 3D has now bee localized for Italian, German, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Japanes.

To learn more visit AutoDesSys online here http://www.formz.com/

bonzai 3D 2.0 is available for Mac and Windows and there is a free trial version available for download that gives you 30-days of use. This includes self-teaching video tutorials that making learning bonzai 3D very easy.

AutoDesSys has taken a unique approach with bonzai 3D compared to their direct “sketch modeling” competitor, Google. Rather than simply produce a simple to use but powerful modeler, the company has created an optional photo-realistic rendering plugin from their RenderZone technology found in big sister application formZ. A trial version of this plugin is also available and the cost is 399.USD.

For more information visit the bonzai 3D website here.http://www.bonzai3d.com/

Bonzai 3D New Capabilities

New in version 2.0 of Bonzai 3D is dimensions, advanced NURBS modeling tools (it already had basic NURBS in version 1), a new walkthrough tool, and clipping planes (for real-time sections), to name of a few of the new features. A summary of all the new features can be found here.

Bonzai 3D is a direct competitor of Google’s SketchUp and like that program features an easy-to-use push and pull interface. However, Bonzai 3D is related to formZ and like that program has true water-tight NURBS and solid-modeling capabilities.

Renderings

You can now make stunning renderings from your Bonzai 3D models with the new RenderZone Plugin for Bonzai. This optional software is related to AutoDesSys’s formZ rendering technology and can add photo-realistic rendering capability to this sketch modeler. The RenderZone renderer provides the ultimate in photorealistic rendering with Global Illumination based on Final Gather, Ambient Occlusion, and Radiosity, for advanced simulation of lighting effects and rendering techniques. A trial version of the plugin is included with the bonzai3d 2.0 download.

To obtain the plugin you can contact your local dealer or AutoDesSys directly at: sales@bonzai3d.com or go to:

http://www.bonzai3d.com/bonzai3d_purchaseN.html

Pricing is 399.USD. Non-US pricing varies, refer to your local dealer. The RenderZone Plugin is included in the annual student edition.

Free Update Download

To download your free update to Bonzai 3D go here:

http://www.bonzai3d.com/bonzai3d_update.html

New in Bonzai 3D 2 beta 2

There are several new features in this latest beta 2 release. Here is a list summary:

• Multiple object parameters in the Parameters tab of the Tool Options palette are available
• Content groups are now embedded into project files
• Content groups can now be edited directly in the project
• Groups can now be edited
• Objects can easily be isolated when working in complex models
• NURBS curve and surface tools have been enhanced
• Control over the color of object edges has been added

Bonzai 3D 2 beta 2 offers 3D dimensions, 3D clipping planes (non-destructive sectioning), a Walk-through tool, new NURBS tools for blending, merging, and extending curves and surfaces, overhauled printing, adjustable size of tool icons, improved view navigation workflow and more.

There are also new features in the RenderZone beta 2 plugin for bonzai 3D. There is new decal support, baked textures, partial area rendering and Sketch rendering.

The RenderZone plugin offers photorealistic rendering including global illumination and ambient occlusion. It is compatible with formZ RenderZone Plus and allows the smooth transfer of rendering information between two applications. Bonzai 3D 2 beta 2 includes a watermarked version of the RenderZone plugin.

To learn more visit them here online: http://www.bonzai3d.com/bonzai3d_homeN.html