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- 93% of attendees said the presentation was good or excellent
- 88% said that the XBR initiative was important, 86% said that we are tackling the core issues that they think exist
- Attendees were asked to pick one thing for us to focus on, 30% gave equal weight to Stability and Performance, 18% said Features and 16% said Usability, 9% said Interop
- XBR Graphics was the most important as 42% said we should focus on that if they had to pick one thing; new UI was second at 19% followed by Diet, Doc views and Simulation at around 11-14%
- Ratings by core area (1-not useful, 4-excellent) shows that everything rates between a “Definitely useful” and a “Excellent! That will make a big difference for me”
- XBR Graphics: 3.6
- XBR Docs: 3.3
- XBR Simulation: 3.3
- XBR Diet: 3.2
- XBR UI: 3.2
- XBR Data: 3.1
- What are the points of interest in this shot?
- Where am I intentionally placing them?
- Position – Place it in a prominent position – you might want to start with the rule of thirds for some ideas.
- Focus – Learn to use Depth of Field to blur out other aspects in front or behind your focal point.
- Blur – If you really want to get tricky you might want to play with slower shutter speeds if your main subject is still and things around it are moving.
- Size – making your focal point large is not the only way to make it prominent – but it definitely can help.
- Color – using contrasting colors can also be a way of setting your point of interest apart from it’s surroundings.
- Shape – similarly contrasting shapes and textures can make a subject stand out – especially patterns that are repeated around a subject.
- Revit 2008 Globe Link: This feature allows users to publish 3D building information models directly from Revit Architecture 2008 software into Google Earth™ mapping service. It provides the ability to acquire site information from Google Earth and import it into the Revit Architecture 2008 product for building and site layout purposes. Users can streamline preliminary project planning processes by sharing conceptual designs with clients in real time. Revit 2008 Globe Link is optimized for Google Earth version 4.
- Drawing Compare for AutoCAD Architecture 2008 software: The Drawing Compare feature enhances collaboration by using color-coded displays to show items on a drawing that have been changed, added, or deleted by other members of the design team. Changes to items such as styles, fire ratings, or other non-graphical properties are also tracked. Combined with redlining features, such as revision clouds, the Drawing Compare features help make communication across the design team clearer than ever.
- Go to http://www.autodesk.com/subscription.
- On the RIGHT side of the screen, select “Login to Subscription Center.”
- Type in your User ID and Password and select “Sign In.”
- Select “Click Here” under the text box titled “Building Solutions: Product Modules & Add-ons.”
- Under the “Architectural Solutions” category, select the link, “Click here to download Revit 2008 Globe Link,” or “Drawing Compare Subscription Module.”
- Select “Download Now.”
- Point of Sales & Manufacturing Solutions for both Residential & Commercial Industries
- Integrated package of applications that automates the design and specification/quotation process
- Autodesk Authorized Developer for more than 20 years
- AutoCAD based applications
- The most extensive manufacturer specific and generic catalog data available
- Enhanced Customer Experience
- Simplified process
- Improved accuracy and productivity
- Increase market penetration
- Create hidden global parameters
- Utilize metadata to fully deliver the promise of BIM
- Develop creative solutions using the Revit API and scripts
- Maximize your productivity in Revit
- Get out of tight jams when you have a deadline
Excalibur (XBR) public unveiling
February 1st, 2010
Excalibur (XBR) public unveiling took place on January 27th, 2010 via 3 webinars. Over 450 people joined us to review how we plan to go about the restructuring of 3ds Max and tackling some core issues to ensure that 3ds Max remains the workhorse of the industry for a long time to come. Some statistics:
Public link to view one of the sessions: http://adinc.na4.acrobat.com/p23782361/
Thanks to all of you that joined the webinars and gave us some of your time to discuss the future. We learned a lot, I hope you did too.
Author, autism advocate, and animal scientist Temple Grandin.
January 23rd, 2010
Autism
Author, autism advocate, and animal scientist Temple Grandin talked about her life, career, and body of work. Topics included autism, how she thinks in pictures, and her work with animals. She responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. Temple Grandin is an animal science professor at Colorado State University and a consultant .. Read More
Piranesi 2010 Pro
January 22nd, 2010
The world-leading 3D model visualiser Piranesi that the official releases of Piranesi 2010 Pro and Piranesi 2010 Lite will be Monday next, January 25th.
The new Piranesi 2010 website will go live on that day, but in the interim sales descriptions are included at the end of this email.
Already aware of your existing interest in Piranesi, we have pleasure in extending a special pre-release offer to you.
Based on the list price of the new flagship product Piranesi 2010 Pro of £495, and the new entry level product Piranesi 2010 Lite of £225, we are offering an additional discount as follows;
Piranesi 2010 Pro Special Price £434
Piranesi 2010 Lite Special Price £199
This offer will remain open until end of business on January 31st, 2010
Piranesi 2010 Pro users will also now have an option to purchase a twelve month upgrade and support contract. This will retail at £85 per annum. Any customer who takes up this special Piranesi 2010 Pro offer can at the same time take advantage of the above upgrade and support contract for just £65. The contract must however be placed at the same time as the upgrade above.
Here is what just one of the many 2010 Beta code testers had to say:
“I have to say that after playing around with the layer functionality for an hour or so, I think you have succeeded! The ability to apply filters and fills independent of the model layer, as well as change the way they interact with each other, is a huge development in my opinion. It makes the final image so much more editable. I have to admit that I am a layer junkie in Photoshop, so I am very excited about this new addition to Piranesi.”……. Andrea Starkey www.starkeyart.com
Piranesi 2010 Pro
As the name portrays this is the all encompassing version of Piranesi 2010. Although fully loaded with the tools needed to tackle the largest and most complex of projects, and based on new layering technology, it still remains highly competitively priced. Included in these price are two massive raster “Entourage” galleries, an optional twelve months upgrade and email support cover, a private Pro Forum, 3D glasses for viewing the amazing new 3D Anaglyph Images, and a choice of 64 or 32 bit Windows or 32bit Mac implementations.
Piranesi 2010 Lite
Lite only in name and by price, this product contains all the functionality that was found in the full blown 2009 version of Piranesi (Piranesi 5.1). To further bring Piranesi 2010 Lite to a staggeringly low entry price point the two raster entourages have now become optional selections for the product. Available as a 32bit implementation this product will now make the “Piranesi Experience” affordable to the smallest businesses.
Rule of Thirds
January 21st, 2010
Perhaps the most well know principle of illustrations composition is the ‘Rule of Thirds‘.
It’s one of the first things that budding illustrators learn about in classes on illustrations and rightly so as it is the basis for well balanced and interesting shots.
I will say right up front however that rules are meant to be broken and ignoring this one doesn’t mean your images are necessarily unbalanced or uninteresting. However a wise person once told me that if you intend to break a rule you should always learn it first to make sure your breaking of it is all the more effective!
What is the Rule of Thirds?
The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts. As follows.
rule-of-thirds
As you’re taking an image you would have done this in your mind through your viewfinder or in the LCD display that you use to frame your shot.
With this grid in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ now identifies four important parts of the image that you should consider placing points of interest in as you frame your image.
Not only this – but it also gives you four ‘lines’ that are also useful positions for elements in your photo.
rule-of-thirds
The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your photo becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more naturally. Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center of the shot – using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.
Using the Rule of Thirds comes naturally to some illustrators but for many of us takes a little time and practice for it to become second nature.
In learning how to use the rule of thirds (and then to break it) the most important questions to be asking of yourself are:
Once again – remember that breaking the rule can result in some striking shots – so once you’ve learnt it experiment with purposely breaking it to see what you discover.
Lastly – keep the rule of thirds in mind as you edit your photos later on. Post production editing tools today have good tools for cropping and re-framing images so that they fit within the rules. Experiment with some of your old shots to see what impact it might have on your photos.
“What is the Focal Point in this Picture?”
January 21st, 2010
Some other ways to ask the same question might include – What is the central point of interest? What will draw the eye of the viewers of this picture? What in this image will make it stand out from others? What is my subject?
The reason a focal point is important is that when you look at an image your eye will generally need a ‘resting place’ or something of interest to really hold it. Without it you’ll find people will simply glance at your shots and then move on to the next one.
Once you’ve identified a point of interest or focal point you then should ask yourself how you can enhance it.
6 Techniques to Enhance the Focal Point in an Image
A focal point can be virtually anything ranging from a person, to a building, to a mountain, to a flower etc. Obviously the more interesting the focal point the better – but there are other things you can do to enhance it’s power including:
Keep in mind that a combination of above elements can work well together.
Lastly – don’t confuse the viewer with too many competing focal points which might overwhelm the main focal point. Secondary points of interest can be helpful to lead the eye but too many strong ones will just clutter and confuse.
Vela Systems (field BIM)
January 19th, 2010
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been around for over a decade, but it took AEC software giant Autodesk to coin it and make it a household name. Autodesk acquired Revit Architecture about 6 years ago and in that short time has revolutionized the way our industry works. Autodesk has recently teamed up with a company called Vela Systems (field BIM), which will do to the field what Revit did to the office; revolutionize it!
If you have some time, below is a video on field BIM. If you have any questions please feel free to drop me an e-mail.
Autodesk Google Earth Plug In
January 19th, 2010Autodesk Google Earth Plug In – New Autodesk Revit Subscription Benefit – Revit 2008 Globe Link….you saw it here first.
Revit® Architecture and AutoCAD® Architecture software customers who are on subscription can gain exclusive access to product modules, add-ons, and enhancements now posted to the Subscription Center. These modules include Revit® 2008 Globe Link and Drawing Compare for AutoCAD Architecture 2008 software. Customers can locate them by choosing the “Building Solutions: Product Modules & Add-ons” link in the “Product Information and Downloads” section of the Subscription Center homepage.
Action: Start benefiting from the features of Revit Globe Link or Drawing Compare. To download:
PointKnown
January 18th, 2010
PointKnown provides best in class productivity tools for the A/E/C (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) Industry and real estate community. Our flagship product PKNail utilizes point-to-point laser technology (PPLT) for the real time data capture and creation of BIM models in the field.
The product was born out of the need to capture existing building information quickly and accurately, reduce the amount of steps in modeling and drastically reduce rework and translation time by measuring and building directly inside a BIM or CAD enabled workstation.
Our patent pending as built software and work flow process allows users to be immediately productive creating as built and existing condition building surveys.
The Ultimate Display for Construction Plans
January 15th, 2010Apple 3D Head-Tracking – The Ultimate Display for Construction Plans
The latest talk of the town in the Apple blogosphere is 3D head-tracking. Apple recently filed a patent for technology that allows users to change perspective of an object by moving their head or body. So instead of dragging your mouse to rotate a graph or chart, you simply look behind it; a more intuitive approach (at least in the eyes of Apple engineers). Here’s a quick video of how this could be used to view 3D construction plans:
The latest talk of the town in the Apple blogosphere is 3D head-tracking. Apple recently filed a patent for technology that allows users to change perspective of an object by moving their head or body. So instead of dragging your mouse to rotate a graph or chart, you simply look behind it; a more intuitive approach (at least in the eyes of Apple engineers). Here’s a quick video of how this could be used to view 3D construction plans:
With all the attention augmented reality is getting, we’re not surprised to see big players like Apple experimenting with this genre of technology. Novelty aside, there seems to be endless applications. We think the technology would be great for the construction industry. Combined with construction software, contractors could use it to visualize complex construction projects, like the example above which uses 3D building models from Synchro software.
Rumor has it the technology could also be used with more traditional 2D images like electronic building plans (i.e. digital blueprints). Using the iSight camera to detect head movement, users could potentially scroll up and down or left and right by moving their head.
We’d like to see this work with takeoff and estimating software, a system that allows contractors to measure areas and lengths to determine quantities of construction materials (e.g. how many 2×4s are needed to build a wall). This is currently accomplished by tracing an electronic plan with a mouse or digital pen. Could the same activity be performed with a head nod?
It’s probably a few years before any of this technology trickles down to the construction industry. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts on other ways – and other industries – that this could be used with.
Modeling (BIM) periodicals!
January 15th, 2010In you’re looking for something to do in your spare time this weekend? How about reading some Building Information Modeling (BIM) periodicals!
Do you have VBA code?
January 15th, 2010Do you have VBA code? Now is the time to start looking at migrating it to VB.net as the VBA IDE is being removed from AutoCAD and all AutoCAD verticals. For AutoCAD 2010 products you had to download the tools from the AutoDesk website to keep your VBA working and that is going away in the future releases of AutoCAD. That means you must migrate any VBA components in your applications to another technology for them to work in autoCAD 2011 based products.
AutoCAD® 20-20 CAD
January 15th, 201020-20 CAD is an AutoCAD® based product design tool developed specifically for woodworking professionals. Design cabinets, range hoods, entertainment centers, office furniture, store fixtures, or other “special request” items for customers and output to 20-20 Design catalogs or to machine ready code.
AutoCAD 20-20
20-20 Technologies Inc.’s Highlights
Autodesk Selects FM:Systems to Partner on Building Information Modeling and Facility Management
January 14th, 2010FM:Systems Named Autodesk Preferred Industry Partner for Facilities Management and Will Provide an Extended Support Program for Autodesk FMDesktop Software Products
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Autodesk, Inc., a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets, and FM:Systems, a leading provider of integrated workplace management systems (IWMS) and computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software, have joined together to ensure continued customer support for Autodesk FMDesktop software users. In keeping with Autodesk’s commitment to provide customers the best solutions, Autodesk will transition Autodesk FMDesktop customer support to FM:Systems. Under the terms of the agreement FM:Systems will provide Autodesk FMDesktop customers with extended support as well as an option to migrate to the firm’s FM:Interact Workplace Management Suite. In addition, FM:Systems has joined the Autodesk Preferred Industry Partner Program, a program that recognizes select third-party software developers for their innovative, industry-focused solutions.
“FM:Systems’ focus on customer success has always impressed the facilities team at The MathWorks”
“As a long-time member of the Autodesk Developer Network, FM:Systems was the natural choice to help us extend the value of BIM into the facilities management arena, and to provide our customers with continued support,” said Jim Lynch, vice president of Autodesk BIM Product Line Group. “Contractors and building owners are telling us that they want to take advantage of the valuable data in BIM for facilities management. We are excited to partner with FM:Systems to deliver this value.”
Building upon a shared goal to bring the benefits of BIM to the operations phases of a building’s lifecycle, the two companies will now work together to integrate BIM data from Autodesk software products, such as Autodesk Revit Architecture, with FM:Systems’ facilities software to support enhanced building operation and maintenance.
The FM:Interact Workplace Management Suite offers an integrated set of powerful web-based workplace management products designed to assist facilities and real estate professionals improve planning, manage performance and streamline processes. FM:Interact provides the space management, occupancy management and facility maintenance offered by Autodesk FMDesktop, and offers additional capabilities such as real estate portfolio management, lease administration, project management, move management and strategic planning.
“We are committed to supporting Autodesk FMDesktop customers,” said Michael Schley, IFMA Fellow and CEO, FM:Systems. “With a 93 percent customer satisfaction track record for our support desk team, and products that make the most of design and construction data, we’re confident Autodesk FMDesktop users will find FM:Systems a great resource for their immediate and long-term needs.”
“FM:Systems’ focus on customer success has always impressed the facilities team at The MathWorks,” said Bob Donahue, facilities planning manager of The MathWorks. “The initial roll out of our system was surprisingly fast, technical support has been excellent, and we appreciate having a voice in the ongoing direction of the products.”
FM:Systems as an Autodesk Preferred Industry Partner
Under the program, FM:Systems will work with Autodesk to create applications that complement Autodesk 3D products, such as the Autodesk Building Information Modeling (BIM) portfolio of products, and help customers simulate their ideas early in the design process as well as reduce time and cost in manufacturing or construction. Autodesk works closely with Preferred Industry Partners on a range of marketing and sales activities, and program participants may also receive other benefits, including early access to alpha and beta versions of Autodesk software, priority service support and feature requests, and access to additional co-marketing resources.
Existing Autodesk FMDesktop customers will be contacted by FM:Systems sales representatives during the next 30 days to discuss their extended support and/or migration options. A special website at www.fmsystems.com/fmdesktop has been established to provide Autodesk FMDesktop users with information and FM:Systems contact referrals. Existing customers may also call 1-800-648-8030 for immediate assistance.
About FM:Systems
By connecting people, place and process, FM:Systems helps facilities and real-estate professionals improve customer service, reduce costs and increase productivity enterprise-wide. FM:Systems Web-based software improves management of space, occupancy, moves, maintenance, leases and property. Customer results include: real-estate costs reduced by 15 percent, move spend reduced by 83 percent, enterprise productivity savings of $1.5 million and an internal customer satisfaction rate of 97 percent.
Many of the world’s leading organizations rely on FM:Systems products, including CA, Devon Energy, Freddie Mac, GMAC Financial Services, Herman Miller, Indiana University, Lockheed Martin, NASD, Northwestern University, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Progress Energy, Target stores and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
FM:Systems is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and conducts business in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information about FM:Systems, please visit www.fmsystems.com or call 1-800-648-8030.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software to help customers experience their ideas digitally before they are built. Fortune 100 companies — as well as the last 14 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects — use Autodesk software tools to design, visualize and simulate their ideas to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation for competitive advantage. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk, FMDesktop and Revit are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Short Term Planning and Lean
January 13th, 2010Draw inspiration for your dream home!
January 13th, 2010Here’s the place to draw inspiration for your dream home. Room by room, the ideas are endless! Nor-Son, Inc. has added over 175 photos to their ‘Idea Gallery’.
'Idea Gallery' Draw Insiration...
Dynamic Architecture
January 12th, 2010Dr. David Fisher’s revolutionary Dynamic Tower is the world’s first building in motion that challenges traditional concepts of architecture and heralds a new era of architecture, becoming the symbol of a new philosophy that will change the look of our cities and our concept of living.
Offering infinite design possibilities, each floor of the Dynamic Tower rotates independently at different speeds, in different directions, resulting in a unique and ever-evolving shape, and introducing a fourth dimension to architecture: Time.
The Dynamic Tower is the first 100% self-powered Green building with the ability to generate electricity for itself through the use of horizontal wind turbines and solar panels.
The first skyscraper to be built entirely from pre-fabricated parts custom-made in a factory, the assembly process of the Dynamic Tower will vastly reduce construction time, offer substantial cost savings, provide an environmental construction site and increase safety for workers on site .
Dr. Fisher states, “Modern life is dynamic, so the space we are living in should be dynamic as well, adjustable to our needs that change continuously, to our concept of design and to our moods. Dynamic buildings will follow the rhythms of nature, changing their direction and shape, minute by minute, from sunrise to sunset, season to season, adjusting themselves to the environment. From now on, buildings will be alive , creating a fourth dimension of Time, to become part of New Architecture, and transforming the shape of the skylines of the world.”
Introducing movement to our the interior and exterior spaces of our daily lives, powered by 100% Green energy and built with efficient pre-fabricated construction methods, the Dynamic Tower will change architecture as we know it, and will launch a new era of Dynamic Living.
Google SketchUp Pro: Case Study
January 11th, 2010Google SketchUp Pro Case Study with Mortenson Construction. SketchUp Pro is software for creating and presenting professional 3D models. Learn more at http://sketchup.google.com/pro
Tim Berners-Lee’s original WorldWideWeb browser in 1993
January 11th, 2010A screen grab of the first web browser… isn’t it funny how long it takes for something to come to fruition? The browser doesn’t look much different than today browser and notice the 3D model in the back window.
http://info.cern.ch/NextBrowser1.html
“Horrible Hacks™” and Other Tips and Tricks for Revit® Power Users
January 11th, 2010Class Audience
Class Highlights
SmartBIM Library ROI Calculator
January 7th, 2010
