Any architects on here?

[Hanslow]

Thanks for popping in for a look

I'm doing a bit of research on what 3D modelling tools architects use these days? If you could, could you list your/the top 3 industry standard 3d modelling tools used for building/architecture purposes?

Or does anyone know where I might be able to find such info?

Thanks

Steve

[Batty FTO]

ME!
CAD programs such as
AutoCAD has good 3d modelling and basic rendering,
Microstation is as above with slightly better rendering but less compatible.
Although Revit is a 3D drawing package, it is an AutoCAD program, and so overlaps slightly...

Sketchup is great for conceptual (sp.?) designs and can look great....

For pure rendering use Viz or 3D Studio Max...

hope that helps

M

[Hanslow]

Cheers for the info

Any more?

[FrenchTVR]

Not totally my field as I specialise in structural steel, but Architectural Desktop is a good package. Based on Autocad & Mechanical desktop it has good parametric functions and fairly powerful rendering tools. As with all Autodesk stuff it can be exported directly into 3D studio Max or Viz for the full lights, camera, action treatment.

Squiggle is an American add-on for Autocad that gives lines a more 'hand drawn' feel, taking away some of the sterile traits of the computer produced drawings.

>> Edited by FrenchTVR on Thursday 10th February 15:12

[chassis 33]

What do you want it for? I can let you have a 30day trial of Revit v7 if thats any use? Revit is an Autodesk product but it is one that Autodesk have bought so its not as based on Autocad as you might think.

Regards
Iain

[Ian V]

I'm not sure either with architectural, I'm also in structural steelwork like French TVR and I us Strucad 3D modelling system.

[Hanslow]

chassis 33 said:

What do you want it for? I can let you have a 30day trial of Revit v7 if thats any use? Revit is an Autodesk product but it is one that Autodesk have bought so its not as based on Autocad as you might think. Regards Iain

I don't actually want any of them. I really am doing some research into what are the main tools being used in the architecture/building field. Once I have a list of tools, top 3 or so, I need to compare feature lists which I can get off the manufacturers websites.

Thanks for the offer though

[chassis 33]

Hanslow said:

[I don't actually want any of them. I really am doing some research into what are the main tools being used in the architecture/building field. Once I have a list of tools, top 3 or so, I need to compare feature lists which I can get off the manufacturers websites. Thanks for the offer though

Oh right ok, what you'll find it that they all offer pretty much the same thing, if you do a comparison between 3D packages in the mechanical field, SolidWorks, Inventor & SolidEdge all offer pretty much the same prduct, just wrapped up in different colour schemes, (slight lie cos they're bassed on differend kernels so operate slightly differently), likewise the software perceived as "high end" CAD programs, ProE, Catia, Unigraphics etc affer very simular features.

Alot of CAD policy is based on what the company uses historically. The architects firm im involved with uses AutoCAD cos thats what they used when they first got a computer in 1983, so have stuck with the AutoCAD releases ever since. I've a friend working at another practice who swears by Microstation, because they've always used it.

Hope these ramblings help in some way!

Regards
Iain

[Hanslow]

They do indeed Iain, thanks (and everyone else) for taking the time to respond

Time to hit the manufacturer's spec lists now