The book is officially titled “Entertainment and Lighting Design with Vectorworks Spotlight: First Edition.” Kevin Lee Allen is an award-winning lighting and scenic designer whose work includes theater, film, television, museums an corporate environments.

The book explores the use of Vectorworks Spotlight, the leading CAD design program in entertainment lighting markets, with the use of the Renderworks program for producing final renderings. “It is definitely going to be my course texbook for this semester because, despite my students having different needs than entertainment designers, it specifically lists the most important tools, commands and workflows and talks a little about each one,” said Chris Dopher, Entertainment Design, Instructor, FIT.

The new manual is intended for use with Vectorworks 2012 software and is most applicable to Spotlight 2012. It is a part of the Nemetschek Vectorworks’ self-paced training options, designed for people who like to learn at their own pace. To see all the Vectorworks training options, including this book click on this link.

The new book provides solutions for setting up projects through the phases of Planning, Tender, Construction, Interiors and As-Built drawings. It is based on ArchiCAD 14 but can be adapted to suit older versions of the software as well.

Vaneshrie Sullivan has sold and trained ArchiCAD in the sub-saharan region of South Africa almost ten years ago and worked in interior design and architecture practices using ArchiCAD both in South Africa and the United Kingdom, as well as training architects in those countries as well as the US, Italy, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Kuwait and India.

01 - New ArchiCAD interactive training book by Sullivan.

The book sells for 195 British Pounds and can be ordered here. You can also preview the table of contents on this site.

Columbia Events

A course titled “Vectorworks Core Concepts Course” takes place on March 12-13, 2012. The company says, this is the best hands-on training option to learn how to master tools, menus and commands. You can click here to see the list of topics covered. The cost of this classroom event is 700.USD. Location is at Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc., 7150 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. To register click here.

A follow up event is titled “Vectorworks Intermediate Concepts Course” and takes place on Wednesday, March 14-15, 2012. This event too is 700.USD.  To register click here.

Virtual Event

A course titled “Vectorworks Virtual Core Concepts Course” takes place online and offers the same material as the classroom course. This course takes place between Monday, March 19 – Friday, March 23, 2012. This event is 850.USD.

To register for this event click here.

This tutorial covers the workflow for residential garden designers using Vectorworks Landmark software.

“I am delighted to see the fourth edition of this book come to fruition,” said Slatter. “Vectorworks Landmark is such a huge piece of software that it can be hard for users to know where to start. This book is all about making sense of the tools and putting them into context for the garden designer, offering them a repeatable process to follow. I’ve aimed to explain ‘Why?’ at each stage of the process, so it’s much more than a dry set of instructions. I loved writing it, and I hope readers find it invaluable, too.”

“Residential Garden Design with Vectorworks Landmark” is part of Nemetschek Vectorworks’ self-paced training options. These training materials are for people who like to learn on their own and at their own pace. For more information and to purchase this tutorial, please visit: www.vectorworks.net/training/guides

Consisting of four parts, this webcast series features case studies of noteworthy building projects and dives deep into legal and management aspects of IPD, BIM, and VDC. It also covers new product and service ideas.

The webcast series will be held simultaneously in cities around the United States.

“The DESIGN [realized] program will show how successful designers, builders, and building owner’s bring design aspirations to reality and achieve other significant project goals through the best use of process and technology,” says Tony Rinella, the curriculum developer for DESIGN [realized].

“Our presenters will share practical advice as well as techniques to avoid when implementing IPD and BIM on building projects,” he noted.

DESIGN [realized]

The four webcast events are:

• July 22: A Deep Dive into the Legal and Management Aspects of IPD and BIM. Features speakers from Harness Project Solutions, Hanson Bridgett, and Zurich North America
• August 26: New Strategies and Services from the Beck Group and Lucchesi Galati Architects
• September 23: The Inside Story of Jesse H. Jones Hall Renovations with Morris Architects and Satterfield and Pontikes Construction
• October 28: The Inside Story of Seattle Children’s Bellevue Clinic & Surgery Center with NBBJ, Sellen Construction, The Seneca Real Estate Group and PCS Structural Solutions

“The multi-venue hybrid format we are using to deliver this series is an exciting new features,” says Rinella. “This approach brings national experts interactively into local communities and provides knowledge-sharing opportunities in group environments. It combines the benefits and economies of distance learning with satisfaction of first-person experiences.”

For each DESIGN [realized] event, speakers present to live audiences in “home” cities. Their presentations will be web cast simultaneously to venues across the US. Local venues will have facilitators to moderate group discussions and question/answer sessions with the speakers.

Tickets for the DESIGN [realized] event series can be purchased at this link.

Most local events will take place at local AIA venues. There are group rates available at the link above.

Access to Resources

By registering your details with IMAGINiT Technologies, you will gain access to archived webcasts of CAD and 3D training events and resources. This will include the latest industry news, industry white-papers and video archives from events.

Everyone who registers for updates from IMAGINiT Technologies will enter into the draw to win an Apple iPad 2, as well as other prizes including a Sony Playstation 3 and 3D Connexion Space Navigator 3d mouse.

To enter go here: http://www.imaginit.com.au/ipadcomp/

This context is only for Australians.

The show Seminar events will feature in-depth presentations on e-on software’s flagship Vue Product Line, as well as introduce additional products such as LumenRT and Carbon Scatter.

These seminars will also be covering, simpler ways to use these products more effectively.

Dates and Times

June 14: AIGA, Rennes – France
Philippe Ruveron: philipperuveron@aiga.eu

June 17: Weltenbauer, Wiesbaden – Germany
Berthold Grünhagen: berthold@weltenbauer.com

June 24: Siacad, Singapore
Ben Thum: vue@siacad.com

June 30: C.A.I. Systeme, Berlin – Germany
Armin Issmayer: aissmayer@cai_systeme.com

July 1: 3Dstudio.nl, Utrecht – The Netherlands
Stefan Twigt: stefan@3dstudio.nl

Fusion, Cairo – Egypt
Ayman Raafat: a.raafat@fusionvfx.com

July 5: Bardins, Szczecin – Poland
Piotr Burzynski: info@bardins.pl

July 6: Softwarediskont, Vienna – Austria
Markus Fiala: markus.fiala@softwarediskont.com

For more information

AEC Infosystems is an ArchiCAD value-added reseller serving the middle Atlantic region of the US.

Abvent’s New Artlantis Studio – Details

French-based Abvent has been producing Artlantis for years as one of the premier easy-to-use, full-featured rendering programs focused on the needs of architectural professionals. Architosh has covered the Artlantis Road Show in detail in this feature report. There are several images and animations showcasing what the latest Artlantis software can produce.

01 - Artlantis can produce still renderings, animations, and QuickTimeVR panorama and object movies so you can fully immerse yourself inside your creation. The software features plugins for ArchiCAD, Revit and Vectorworks so users can model in their BIM software and then move their models to Artlantis simply for rendering. There is round-trip functionality that enables you to alter the model back in the BIM software and then bring it back to Artlantis without losing valuable rendering settings.

The Road Show features two types of events, including both paid and free. The free event features a general overview session on the Artlantis program and its capabilities, including how it works with other leading BIM/CAD programs such as ArchiCAD, Revit or Vectorworks. The paid sessions are training oriented, open to anyone but ideally suited for advancing the capabilities of existing Artlantis users.

Next up on the Road Show stops are:

• 02 June 2011 – Washington DC: 12:30 – 2:00 PM
• 03 June 2011 – Alexandria, VA: 9:30 – 11:00 AM
• 04 June 2011 – Alexandria, VA: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• 06 June 2011 – Philadelphia: 2:30 – 4:00 PM
• 07 June 2011 – Baltimore: 9:00 – 10:30 AM

To see the whole schedule for more details and to sign up go here and click on schedule on the left.

ArchiCAD power-user Eric Bobrow, internationally recognized ArchiCAD expert and author of more than 20 Tips and Tricks articles and video tips, leads the way.

See below for details on the Best Practices Course and all of the free ArchiCAD tutorials available at acbestpractices.com.

Registration Details

To Register for the Best Practices Course on the Bobrow website. You can also access a large number of great free tutorials and training materials. Signing up for Bobrow’s ArchiCAD Tutorials email list gains you more free tips and training on a regular basis.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss ArchiCAD training options, please contact ICS at 617-576-8778 or info@intcad.com.

Another note

For users looking to advance the quality of their renderings and animations Artlantis Render & Studio are on a “Roadshow Special” sale through July 15th. 10% off and a free 3D car library.

IMAGINiT Technologies will host events starting in June, 2011. Attendees will learn about new Autodesk 2012 3D design and engineering software solutions. Events are scheduled for Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Bryan Cowles, IMAGINiT Applications Specialist and Technical Team Manager, will be on-hand at each event to lead presentations. Based in the United States, Cowles is a recognized industry speaker and has helped guide numerous clients through challenging projects. “Our technical experts have worked extensively with the new releases and they will showcase the highlights of Autodesk’s 2012 software,” says Michael Lachs, Australian Managing Director, IMAGINiT Technologies. “This is an excellent opportunity for Australian companies to examine how IMAGINiT can assist them by not only purchasing software, but more importantly how to correctly implement the products and train their staff to minimize downtime and optimize their software investments.”

You can learn more here: http://www.imaginit.com.au/2012events/

Rendering with RenderZone — You can join a webinar on April 14, 2011, at 10 – 11am EDT to learn about how to add photo-realistic rendering to your AutoDesSys bonzai 3D or formZ modeling projects. RenderZone is  the rendering engine of choice when you need full raytracing rendering. Led by trainer Matthew Holewinski of AutoDesSys you will:

• Learn about raytracing using RenderZone
• Learn how to use Sketch rendering
• Learn to easily create and apply materials to objects
• Learn techniques for applying multiple materials to the same surface
• Learn procedures to add simple but realistic lighting to your scene
• Learn how to add global illumination to your scene

To learn more and register for this webinar visit here.

Vectorworks Training – Multi-City Locations

Vectorworks classroom training is coming to various cities in the US throughout the year (2011). These courses equip you with what you need to enhance your design skills using Vectorworks. Accredited professionals can also earn CE (continuing education) credits.

• Apr 19-22 — San Francisco: Core/intermediate
• May 3-6 — New York: Core/intermediate
• May 16-19 — Columbia: Core/intermediate
• Jul 11-14 — Columbia: Core/intermediate
• Aug 22-25 — Columbia: Core/intermediate
• Sep 13-16 — Los Angeles: Core/intermediate
• Nov 8-11 — San Francisco: Core/intermediate
• Nov 15-18 — Boston: Core/intermediate
• Dec 5-8 — Columbia: Core/intermediate

Click on a link in the event above to sign up. For other Vectorworks learning resources, such as guides, visit this page.

Resolve will be showing “best practices” for Vectorworks Architect 2011 on Feb 8, tomorrow. The event will emphasize file organization, 3D workflows and new features in the latest version of the BIM software. This is a half-day session and the seminar will be in lecture format and include time for Q&A. More details on the event can be found here. To register.

Third Guild Tutorial on modo

The Third Guild is featuring a new modo learning tutorial by Martin Krol, titled: modo: UV Introduction. Krol’s tutorials feature four hours of high quality training in HD, plus sample models. The series starts off by exploring various UV projections and tools in modo before moving on to show how to apply these to create UVs for a variety of objects. The price is just 35.USD for the training plus sample models. You can inquire through the The Guild Store.

01 - Martin Krol's modo training.

Also of interest to modo users, the Third Guild’s Channel on YouTube has a series of videos on CADbuddy for modo 501. CADbuddy for modo adds CAD-like functionality to this popular 3D software package. To view these learning videos and learn more about CADbuddy go here.

02 - YouTube videos of CADbuddy for modo 501.

Andrew Parks Wins Lghtworks Image Competition

Andrew Parks is the recent winner of the Lightworks Image Competition. Andrew is a designer at Archimania in Memphis, Tennessee, where he utilizes 3D visualizations as a design tool. He uses FormZ software for his modeling and rendering throughout all phases of the design process.

For his winning prize Andrew will receive a new 16GB Apple iPad. To view the winning image go here.

Juicy Bits released an update to its 3D camera this month that takes advantage of iOS 4 and the Retina Display on the new iPhone 4. 3D Camera is an app that makes it easy to create 3D photos and share them with friends on Facebook or Twitter. 3D Camera, which earned 4.5 mice (out of five) from Macworld magazine is one of the top 100 photography apps worldwide.

To create 3D images left and right photos are captured using the built-in camera on the Apple devices. The software does the rest to align the images and create the 3D images. 3D Camera creates stereogram images that are viewed without glasses (parallel and cross-eyed) and “wigglegram” images that produce a simulated 3D effect. To learn more visit them online here.

ArchiCAD Training Events

Graphisoft has numerous ArchiCAD 14 training events coming up in France and Austria. Here’s a brief schedule:

• Free ArchiCAD training, Vienna, Austria – Jan 10, 2011.
• Free ArchiCAD training, France, Jan 11, 2011.
• Free Artlantis training, France, Jan 11, 2011.
• ArchiCAD Basic Training, Austria, Jan 11-13, 2011.

Click here to link over to these events and register.

ArchiCAD 14 Released for Switzerland

Graphisoft has also announced that the Swiss version of ArchiCAD 14 has been released. This marks the 26th localized version of the leading BIM software application. To learn more about the Swiss version visit: www.idc.ch/archicad

Macs Only Tests ATI Radeon HD 5870 Graphics Card

The website Macs Only has a test review of the latest ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics cards, comparing it to the EVGA GeForce (Nvidia-based) card in a 2008 Mac Pro. This is an interesting article for those of you out there that have older Mac Pro hardware and are curious about ATI’s latest GPUs for Mac Pros.

01 - Apple's latest Mac Pros can utilize ATI's ultra fast Radeon HD 5870 graphics cards, but so can older Mac Pros.

The ATI Radeon HD 5870 is the fastest graphics card currently available for a Mac Pro and are shipping options for the current 2010 Mac Pro workstations. The HD 5870 comes with 1 GB of ultra fast GDDR5 memory, which is actually faster memory than the memory shipping in the expensive Nvidia Quadro card options for the Mac Pros. The card works on older Mac Pros but readers should verify their exact requirements with information on the Apple website.

The Maxon Cinebench and Xbench OpenGL scores are interesting. The HD 5870 is not terribly faster than the EVGA GeForce card, which features 1 GB of slower DDR3 memory. The speed improvement is faster however, ranging from OpenGL score improvements from 19-44 percent faster. To read the full article go here.

There will be Vectorworks Core Concepts and Intermediate Concepts courses in mid November in New York City. Both courses are two day courses. Core Concepts is on Nov 16-17 and the price per course is 599.USD. The location is NYC but will be further defined soon. To register click here.

The Intermediate Concepts course is on Nov 18-19 and is 599.USD. To register click here. You can register for both for just 999.USD and you can call here: 877-202-8871.

Luxion Academic Program Finds Rapid Adoption

Luxion, the developers of KeyShot, an advanced real-time ray tracing and global illumination renderer, has announced this week that its Academic Program has found rapid adoption amongst schools and students around the world. The latest adopters including world-class leading art schools and colleges such as Art Center College of Design, Savannah College of Art and Design, Arizona State University, University of Notre Dame, and Kendall Collage of Art and Design.

ZBrush User Meeting – Montreal

Pixologic is heading to Montreal for a ZBrush User Meeting on Nov 7-9. Registration has begun and seats are limited but you can still get in on the action 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.

T-Splines Training Events

Kyle Houchens, T-Splines lead trainer, will be hosting training sessions on these dates and locations:

• Oct 27 – San Diego. Click here for more info
• Nov 11 – New York City. Click here for more info
• Dec 3 – Utah, at T-Splines Headquarters. Click here.

Webinars coming up include Jewelry Design with T-Splines on Oct 14, 11AM EST. Tips and Tricks will be Oct 19 at 1pm EST. And T-Splines has a webinars archive that is reachable by anyone. Just sign up.

ArchiCAD Events

ArchiCAD 14: Open Design Collaboration takes place on Oct 22, 12pm EST. To register click here. There are also several other ArchiCAD 14 events coming up including webinars and in-person events. You can view the complete list of ArchiCAD 14 events or BIM events here.

Vectorworks Events

There are three “with the Beta Testers” events coming up for Vectorworks users. These are all webinars and they all start at 2pm EST.

• Oct 19 – Vectorworks Architect 2011 with the Beta Testers, Click here
• Oct 20 – Vectorworks Landmark 2011 with the Beta Testers, Click here.
• Oct 21 – Vectorworks Spotlight 2011 with the Beta Testers, Click here.

Remarkable Renderworks

The tutorial uses exercise-based examples to cover basics and develop techniques that will enable designers to create impressive renderings of Vectorworks projects. The tutorial guide is intended for experienced Vectorworks users.

“Beyond the basic Renderworks tools, the book includes information about
rendering lighting scenes using a variety of techniques,” said Jansenson.
“While teaching, I’ve often found that people sometimes shy away from
experimenting with certain rendering methods because of the time it can take
to complete a rendering. One of the purposes of this book is to help reduce
the time invested in setting up renderings by providing basic lighting and
rendering guidance for different light types and rendering methods.”

Remarkable Renderworks is part of Nemetschek’s self-paced training options. You can learn more about it here.

MADCAD’s latest newsletter announces NFPA codes standards updates. In particular NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010, has been announced. Additional NFPA codes include NFPA 14 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems, 2010; NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances, 2010.

MADCAD.com is an online building codes resource for AEC professionals. 24/7 online access to searchable, full cross-referenced codes with annual subscription packages.

New FileMaker 11 Database Certification Training and Testing

Apple subsidiary FileMaker Inc. has announced the immediate availability of the FileMaker Training Series for FileMaker 11, a self-paced learning program to help intermediate to advanced database users and developers master the essentials of the new software. The FileMaker Training series is a key resource to help prepare for the FileMaker 11 Certification examination, which is also now available.

The FileMaker Training Series contains detailed, step-by-step instructions on key FileMaker development topics. The series includes a 700+ page manual and a DVD with demo files, exercises and videos to help guide users through the content.

For professional developers the FileMaker Training Series can help them prepare for the FileMaker Certification examination, which can boost their business and career by being recognized as a FileMaker 11 Certified Developer. The training series is 99.USD. To learn more go here.

BIM “sans frontieres” – ArchiCAD Teamwork Demonstrated in Europe

Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD 13’s real-time Teamwork was recently demonstrated in a large connected online BIM event. The cross-border exercise featured 20 cities in Europe’s DACH region, all connected to the industry’s first BIM server.

Early in March, Graphisoft organized its first TeamBuilding event, where visitors were treated to a live demonstration and the chance to experience first-hand the true potential of this revolutionary design collaboration technology. TeamBuilding participants were invited to work on a multi-storey building from 20 locations throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland, all working at the same time. The exercise demonstrated how flexible BIM project access is from remote locations, while also illustrating the level of transparency achieved in communication.

The active BIM Server offers a new collaborative workflow, which replaces the previous file server-based “passive collaboration” workflows. Only “delta” information packages–ie, only the changes made on the local workstations–are sent through the network instead of the entire project file. As a result, data traffic is significantly reduced, drastically improving synchronization speed.

To learn more about Graphisoft ArchiCAD 13 with BIM Server go here.

Training Description

This is a two-day hands-on course designed for all levels and users of Vectorworks 2008, 2009 and 2010. The class is intended to teach “best practices” into individual design and documentation workflows.

Windows XP machines will be provided for each attendee at the seminar with Vectorworks 2010 already installed. Participants can also opt to bring their laptops provided they have the software already installed.

The training course cost 599.USD. To learn more click here.

solidThinking, Inc., has announced QuickStart Web Sessions for February. These sessions are one hour and get you going on solidThinking so your design work  can reach its fullest expression.

Scheduled sessions in February are:

• Feb 11, 2010 – 2:00 pm  EST – register
• Feb 16, 2010 – 10:00 am EST – register
• Feb 25, 2010 – 2:00 pm EST – register

In related news DEVELOP 3D the product design blog/e-zine has a good review of solidThinking here.

SketchUp News

The latest version of SketchUpdate Newsletter had a lot of key news in it. SketchUp Pro and free is now available in Brazilian Portuguese, Korean and Traditional Chinese, this is version 7.1

New Build

Starting the year off right Google has a new build of SketchUp (version 7.1) for both free and pro versions. Google says this maintenance release fixes bugs and deals with two security issues that were reported. You can download the latest build/release here.

Google is also reporting there is a very interesting thread on using SketchUp and LayOut or construction drawings in their SketchUcation forums here.

Architosh Forums Talk

This thread shows some innovative 3D work with Vectorworks in interior design, plus currently is ending with a chat about resources for obtaining pre-made Vectorworks friendly models.

Interior design with Vectorworks. This user has done a nice job.

Kind of a lively debate takes place here but it needs some correction. And it was due. We love the passion but like the views based on facts and experiences more. Regardless, CAD and BIM are religion to many and this is not going to go away anytime soon. Revit vs everyone else views are waxed over by user William.

The Future of the Forums

Architosh’s Forums have been in existence for nearly ten years. We had an early start but software companies caught on quickly and put up their own boards to address the day-to-day needs of their users. This slowly put our boards in competition with them for user attention. Their boards naturally being more focused won that battle easily.

Our boards have moved to demonstration, viewpoints and arguments and comparison posts. But we would much rather see those comments posted in our Comments section of our news and feature posts daily. In our best stories there is a healthy mix of reaction.

The future of our boards is not entirely clear to us. We have some options technically with where we can integrate the boards into our main site and into our Users for the main site. Currently we are fast approaching 1000 members who have joined Architosh proper. This group compliments are 1000+ ToshLetter group and supplements our Forum members.

With social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook gaining the lion’s share of talk and debate, we see a future where we are able to dual-post information between Architosh proper and those sites. Sign into Architosh with Facebook credentials for example and your post comments on Architosh will show up on your Facebook Wall.

If you have any thoughts about some of this we’d love to hear them. We’d love to hear your views if you are a regular Architosh Forums Member. You can write to us at: info@architosh.com