IES Architectural Suites

The IES Architectural Suite and Architectural Suite Plus provide integrated sustainable analysis tools for architects to use from the earliest stages of the design process through to detailed design. With training included, the packages offer a cost- and time-effective way to achieve green design goals. Multiple design iterations can be assessed rapidly, helping maximize the environmental performance of the final design. All the tools are integrated around a central 3D model that can connect directly with Google SketchUp®, Autodesk® Revit®, and via gbXML with other 3D design tools, eliminating the need to rebuild geometry. Download a free trial today...

Vectorworks Architect 2009 — Realize Your Most Inspired Visions

Vectorworks Architect's approach to BIM lets you improve your design process instead of trying to replace it. With the industry's leading 3D modeling core, Vectorworks Architect 2009 enables you to draw efficiently, using the design workflow of your choice. Design the way you want. Use the best in architectural 3D to visualize your design and build your information model. Query the model for information at any time and, using the IFC standard, move your BIM models to a growing selection of validation, analysis, and construction applications. To learn more, request your free trial...

Standarizing Project Management

Primavera, a project management software company, is offering a free white paper download, "Winning the Battle for Performance: Standardizing Best Practices with Technology." The paper discusses how to maintain a strong competitive position in the volatile construction market by increasing efficiency through implementing standardized business processes and operating procedures based upon organization-wide technology. The white paper is also a guide for choosing the right technology to best promote standardization within engineering and construction firms.

Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Extended

Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Extended includes all the functions of Acrobat 9 Pro, plus a range of additional features for business and technical professionals. Acrobat 9 Pro Extended includes PDF Portfolio for unifying a wide range of content, Adobe Presenter for creating interactive presentations, and the new Adobe 3D Reviewer for expanded 3D capabilities. It also provides the ability to convert 2D and 3D designs to PDF, convert and share video in PDF, and create PDF maps. Download a free 30-day trial for Windows users:

Revit Global Light Utility for 3ds Max

IMAGINiT Technologies, a RAND Worldwide® Company, has developed the Revit Global Light Utility for Max, a utility for Autodesk® 3ds Max®. With a single click, it turns on/ off multiple lights coming from the Autodesk Revit® and other CAD applications, as well as native 3ds Max lights. In addition to "all on/ all off," the utility allows you to separate each specific kind of light (such as daylight and photometric) or selected lights. The combination of Revit Architecture and 3ds Max Design enables designers to extend the BIM process. Revit Global Light Utility for Max is expected to be the first in a series of tools developed by the IMAGINiT design visualization team. Free download for a limited time.

Insulated Metal Panel Performance

Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) typically consist of an insulated core, exterior and interior metal skins, double tongue-and-groove joinery, and concealed clips and fasteners. Installed outside the metal stud cavity, IMPs are suitable for exterior walls or roof systems, and can also be used in conjunction with other panels for multi-component solutions. They can increase the thermal efficiency of the building envelope to 95 percent. The panels incorporate a water, air, and vapor barrier in a single-unit wall assembly with R-values that range between R-14 and R-48. Available in a wide range of color and styles. Download a white paper on IMPs from the Metal Construction Association.

Explore, Validate and Convey Your Design Concepts with 3ds Max® Design 2009

Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2009 software enables architects, designers, and visualization specialists to fully explore, validate, and communicate their creative ideas — from initial concept models to final, cinema-quality presentations. This comprehensive 3D modeling, animation, and rendering solution includes Exposure™ lighting simulation and analysis technology which provides invaluable assistance in attaining LEED® 8.1 certification for creating more sustainable designs. Additionally, 3ds Max Design 2009 offers tightly integrated workflows and a higher level of data interoperability with AutoCAD® and Revit® — based products for projects involving building information modeling (BIM) and Digital Prototyping so you and your clients can experience your designs before they're real — helping to win more projects. Download a free trial today.

Mitigating Risk in AEC Project Execution

Spar Point Research of Danvers, Massachusetts, surveyed leading AEC principals, counsel, and professional liability insurers on the topic of risk management in architecture, engineering, and construction projects. There was a consensus that many of the industry's current practices, despite being designed to shield firms from risk exposure, are, in fact, increasing the likelihood of project failure. The participating executives agreed that more frequent and deeper sharing of information across the entire project team can improve the team's clarity of understanding, reduce the likelihood and severity of problems, and increase control over a project's outcome. Download the white paper commissioned by Newforma, Inc., a developer of project information management software.

Sustaining Infrastructure White Paper from Bentley Systems

In "Sustaining Infrastructure," Bentley Senior Vice President Buddy Cleveland explains that the world's infrastructure assets (including buildings) — and the professionals charged with designing, building, and operating them — have critical roles to play in meeting global challenges, ranging from CO₂ emissions to chronic hunger, unsafe bridges, severe weather, the depletion of nonrenewable resources, and others. For Bentley, these challenges fall under the broad umbrella of sustainability. For a free copy visit:

Policy Assessment on High-Performance Buildings

This policy recommendations report was prepared by the High-Performance Building Council, with the SBIC serving as its Secretariat, in response to Section 914 of the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005, to address defining "high-performance buildings" based on comprehensive and measurable criteria. The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) advocates formation of a building industry coalition to assess current consensus standards and rating systems. View report in PDF format:

Design Tools News Headlines

Search previous architecture news in the ArchitectureWeek Library

Design Tools Last Week

Design Tools Department Archive