CU Sep-Oct 2023

SOFTWAREfocus
and aiding efficient design exploration. The
Shaded Render Mode can now support an
unlimited number of light sources,
environmental lighting and object
reflections to create a powerful and
realistic rendering mode, which results in
higher quality rendering and more realistic
model representations.
Explaining the importance of these two
features, Dave Donley, Director of Product t
Technology at Vectorworks said, "Working
in 3D has never been better. Now you can
see the model in high fidelity context with
lighting and materials all in real-time.
Changes to geometry, materials and
lighting are instantaneous and the highquality
rendering allows you to really
understand what your design looks like.
New Shaded Rendering is one of those
features that once you try it, you will never
want to go back."
INTEROPERABILITY
With collaboration on major projects
almost obligatory, it is essential that the
design tools of architects and engineers
can talk to each other, and the obvious first
point of call in this regard is Autodesk's
Revit. Vectorworks is well up to the task,
and the latest version includes new Revit
file import options, giving users more
flexibility when working with clients and
consultants who use the software.
The new tools support the translation of
more Revit object types and provide better
organisation of imported file data, making it
easier to design a project within the context
of existing information and to reference a
Revit file directly for a more collaborative
workflow. BIM collaboration is also
enhanced with faster and more accurate
access to BIM Collaboration Format (BCF)
files. Incorporated as a separate web
palette, the BCF Manager can be kept
open to effortlessly manage model
changes, including direct connections to
cloud-based collaboration tools.
BIM FOR LANDSCAPES
The enhancements in Vectorworks 2023
are not confined to Vectorworks Architect.
Vectorworks Landmark 2023 adds
capabilities that demonstrate the software's
commitment to supporting BIM workflows,
making it an essential component of total
project development that you can achieve
with Vectorworks. This includes major
improvements to site grading with new site
modifier modes that will handle more
complex grading projects. The
improvements also make it easier to
design properly graded surfaces and
provide better car and pedestrian
accessibility, with easier control of contour
drawing and editing.
A significant part of Landmark comprises
plant selection and layout. Partnered with
Laubwerk, the latest release includes a
new and extensive library of 3D plant
geometry with a wide range of detail levels,
seasonal changes and growth
representations, complete with more
accurate 3D plant representation and
documentation.
Of a more practical nature, though, you
can't beat the ability to add hedges, fences
and railing. Using selected paths, both
examples can be run along marked
lengths, and included in 3D visualisations.
The Railing/Fences feature provides a
variety of different types and enables
landscape designers to create worksheets
to record the types, sizes and quantities of
fencing or railing being used, with full
material reporting and quantity take-offs.
Landscape design with full BIM
capabilities and workflows is now an
essential design feature for professional
landscape architects and designers, and
for architects wanting to incorporate
multidisciplinary capabilities in their
projects which involve building and site.
ENTERTAINMENT
Vectorworks is a major design tool for the
entertainment industry, and for those
creating stage shows, gigs and other
theatrical and lighting structures.
Vectorworks 2023 comes with further
improvements to the Vectorworks suite of
entertainment products.
Upgrades to the Spotlight Cable tools, for
instance, will make cable configuration
faster and more intuitive, and you can now
define the entry and exit of cables in a
cable run. The new Property View tab in the
Power Planning palette will allow for easier
selection and editing of objects in a model.
Additionally, updates to the cable path will
allow reporting of all associated cables to
a Data Tag for easier documentation.
Vectorworks 2023 also brings
significant workflow improvements to
ConnectCAD, including a faster and
more accurate way to create cable riser
diagrams and reports with an easy new
command, intuitive file organisation with
an updated class structure, and the
ability to specify device locations for
more automated equipment lists.
"Delivering these frequently requested
improvements to the existing functionality
in our entertainment products is sure to
make the upgrade process for
Vectorworks Spotlight users smoother than
ever before," said Darick DeHart, Chief
Product Officer at Vectorworks.
For more information on all of the new
features and enhancements in Vectorworks
2023, including Braceworks, ConnectCAD,
Vision and the new Home Screen, visit the
Vectorworks website below.
www.vectorworks.net
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