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Good afternoon everyone, This is more of a wish list item more than anything. Dealing with different engineers that work in autocad, i find it a bit frustrating to export elevations with hatches in BIM mode to be converted into linework. More importantly, when selecting option for hatches to be converted to a separate layer, any exported elevation (not plans) hatches in vectorworks aren't converted to a different layer, instead they remain in the original layer of the wall type class. As a result the dwg files become bloated and hard to modify. Any way to change this? I know a workaround, however, its a bit cumbersome - which essentially converts any surface into a poly - that can use hatch information. This exports just fine into required hatches, just a nuissance to do for every job. Perhaps there is another way? Thanks in advance !!

Any advice over 'best' file format to use to bring objects (furniture and sanitaryware in this particular case) into VW2017. Of the manufacturers I'd like to use, Revit families are most popular, & skp, and some ifc's. I created some from a manufacturer's 3d dwg's (Morgan furniture), looked perfect but there was something in them that VW just didn't seem to like. Successful methodologies/ hints/ tips for creating good quality VW models from manufacturer's models most effectively (ie. with minimum of re-modelling & time) from other file formats would be appreciated.

CAD blogger Ralph Grabowski has an interview with the Bricscad CEO on his blog. Apart from the CEO's talk on his own dwg based CAD program it also contains his perspective on the future of CAD and how it may change. It also mentions BIM/IFC future (his perspective) and interoperability vs a move to cloud and open vs closed formats/systems, increasing regulations pressure etc. The article can be found at http://www.upfrontezine.com/2016/11/erik-de-keyser-on-the-future-of-bricscad.html Even though it does not address Vectoworks directly (except for the BIM part) of what he says aligns with things I've seen/read over the past year or two. @JimW I'm a bit curious how Vectorworks thinks the CAD/BIM market will develop and how it may affect VW users given that a lot of VW users are small offices sometimes working in multiple disciplines.

For those interested, on Architosh there is an article about a book describing using BIM and Vectorworks, it has showcases etc. as well as tips on how to use Vectorworks in BIM. Even though it is somewhat UK centric it may still be useful for those outside the UK as the underlying information can probably be used elsewhere too. http://architosh.com/2016/01/review-evaluating-the-case-in-jonathan-reeves-new-book-innovative-vectorworks-bim/

To meet the growing and ever-changing needs of architects, global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. announces its partnership with the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) to launch a new AIACC Member Value Program. The program answers an overwhelming demand from emerging and start-up architecture firms for access to and assistance with migrating to a BIM workflow. “One of the most foundational tools in the practice of architecture is the use of software to create drawings of buildings or places and, increasingly, that is powerful integrated BIM software,” said 2016 AIACC President, Michael Malinowski, AIA, who spearheaded the efforts to offer this program to California architects. As part of the program, Vectorworks will offer the following exclusive and bundled benefits to AIACC members until December 31, 2016: New Users: A 20% discount on Vectorworks Architect or Vectorworks Designer software licenses; a free year of Vectorworks Service Select, our premier software maintenance program; and a free license of Bluebeam Revu Standard for every Vectorworks license purchased. Current Users: A 20% discount on upgraded license when joining Vectorworks Service Select for the first time. Everybody: A free online seminar taught by Vectorworks expert trainers designed to introduce you to the full capabilities of Vectorworks software, from 2D/3D modeling to BIM and beyond. Vectorworks Architect is the industry’s only modeling, drafting and documentation software built with the creative design process in mind. As the architect’s BIM tool, the software enables users to tackle complex ideas in 2D and 3D, refine construction details, explore a project’s energy efficiency and streamline costs. Packing the power of the entire suite of Vectorworks products, Vectorworks Designer offers BIM modeling and rendering tools to help users draft, model and present in a single interface. The Vectorworks Service Select program offers immediate receipt of new product releases with no additional fees, priority technical support, exclusive access to content such as symbol object libraries and textures, easy account management and access to a growing library of on-demand training tutorials. Subscribers also have premium access to Vectorworks Cloud Services, offering expanded 20 GB storage, automatically-generated drawing sheet PDFs and useful file histories. The Bluebeam Revu Standard license provides a PDF solution for Windows desktop and tablet users who want to create, edit and markup PDF files. In addition, Bluebeam Studio™ is incorporated in the license offering to facilitate real-time, document-based collaboration. Both sister companies under the Nemetschek Group, Vectorworks and Bluebeam’s combined software offerings provides AIACC members with top-notch BIM software, as well as an essential tool for the construction management process at an exclusive price. “Michael Malinowski and I have worked together for years to bring this unbeatable offer to fruition, so to see our collaborative efforts in action is exciting,” said Mark Hewick, U.S. director of sales at Vectorworks. “With Bluebeam’s participation allowing for increased collaboration between architects and contractors, we look forward to providing the best BIM and PDF documentation software value program for all AIACC members.” To take advantage of the AIACC Member Value Program, visit http://www3.vectorworks.net/AIACC_Offer. For more information about the bundled offer, contact Vectorworks’ California Regional Account Manager David Dengler at ddengler@vectorworks.net or 888-646-4223, ext. 435. For those looking to learn more about the offer and how to transition to Vectorworks software, AIACC will host an introductory webinar on Tuesday, November 29 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET that will provide a program overview, feature AIACC members currently using Vectorworks, technical information and more details for members about how to access this opportunity. Register for the webinar here. Those unable to make the live airing of the webinar should still register to receive the recording afterwards.

To meet the growing and ever-changing needs of architects, global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. announces its partnership with the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) to launch a new AIACC Member Value Program. The program answers an overwhelming demand from emerging and start-up architecture firms for access to and assistance with migrating to a BIM workflow. “One of the most foundational tools in the practice of architecture is the use of software to create drawings of buildings or places and, increasingly, that is powerful integrated BIM software,” said 2016 AIACC President, Michael Malinowski, AIA, who spearheaded the efforts to offer this program to California architects. As part of the program, Vectorworks will offer the following exclusive and bundled benefits to AIACC members until December 31, 2016: New Users: A 20% discount on Vectorworks Architect or Vectorworks Designer software licenses; a free year of Vectorworks Service Select, our premier software maintenance program; and a free license of Bluebeam Revu Standard for every Vectorworks license purchased. Current Users: A 20% discount on upgraded license when joining Vectorworks Service Select for the first time. Everybody: A free online seminar taught by Vectorworks expert trainers designed to introduce you to the full capabilities of Vectorworks software, from 2D/3D modeling to BIM and beyond. Vectorworks Architect is the industry’s only modeling, drafting and documentation software built with the creative design process in mind. As the architect’s BIM tool, the software enables users to tackle complex ideas in 2D and 3D, refine construction details, explore a project’s energy efficiency and streamline costs. Packing the power of the entire suite of Vectorworks products, Vectorworks Designer offers BIM modeling and rendering tools to help users draft, model and present in a single interface. The Vectorworks Service Select program offers immediate receipt of new product releases with no additional fees, priority technical support, exclusive access to content such as symbol object libraries and textures, easy account management and access to a growing library of on-demand training tutorials. Subscribers also have premium access to Vectorworks Cloud Services, offering expanded 20 GB storage, automatically-generated drawing sheet PDFs and useful file histories. The Bluebeam Revu Standard license provides a PDF solution for Windows desktop and tablet users who want to create, edit and markup PDF files. In addition, Bluebeam Studio™ is incorporated in the license offering to facilitate real-time, document-based collaboration. Both sister companies under the Nemetschek Group, Vectorworks and Bluebeam’s combined software offerings provides AIACC members with top-notch BIM software, as well as an essential tool for the construction management process at an exclusive price. “Michael Malinowski and I have worked together for years to bring this unbeatable offer to fruition, so to see our collaborative efforts in action is exciting,” said Mark Hewick, U.S. director of sales at Vectorworks. “With Bluebeam’s participation allowing for increased collaboration between architects and contractors, we look forward to providing the best BIM and PDF documentation software value program for all AIACC members.” To take advantage of the AIACC Member Value Program, visit http://www3.vectorworks.net/AIACC_Offer. For more information about the bundled offer, contact Vectorworks’ California Regional Account Manager David Dengler at ddengler@vectorworks.net or 888-646-4223, ext. 435. For those looking to learn more about the offer and how to transition to Vectorworks software, AIACC will host an introductory webinar on Tuesday, November 29 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET that will provide a program overview, feature AIACC members currently using Vectorworks, technical information and more details for members about how to access this opportunity. Register for the webinar here. Those unable to make the live airing of the webinar should still register to receive the recording afterwards.

After fighting it for years - out of the blue the partners here have decided that we are going "Full On BIM." We are moving from a 2D only workflow (a basic one at that) - no plugin objects - no walls or doors. Any advice on the transition? Any missteps to try and avoid?

The eighth edition of the Build Earth Live (BEL) series has announced the seven winning teams for this year’s Hyperloop competition. This edition challenged teams to collaborate across borders and time zones within a 48-hour time frame by using BIM technology to design Hyperloop termini connecting Dubai and Fujairah. As headline sponsor of the event, global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. is proud to congratulate the winning teams that rose to the top. The winning teams were among 65 participating teams made up of 250 participants from 29 countries. Other sponsors include the Dubai Future Foundation, Hyperloop One and Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority. After the seven teams were narrowed down as finalists, two representatives from each team traveled to Dubai to present their projects to a live audience and judges panel. Finalists included team members from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Brazil, Japan, the Dominican Republic, the United States, France, Ukraine, Poland, Germany and Canada. Team Mobius was deemed the overall winner for the event, followed by team BIM Unlimited taking home the Best Multi-Disciplinary BIM & Use of Interoperability award. Additional award accolades included team HyperNova and Future Architect’s, who both won a Discretionary award, team BIM Fusion’s BIM for Sustainability or Constructability award, team rLoop’s Best use of BIM for Design, Drama and Excitement award and team Hyper Poland’s BIM for Innovation award. Winning team members include: Mobius: Paola Arellano Ardón, Ileana Constantinescu, Ewlina Oskroba, Simone Colucci, Livia Lastrucci, Hyun-Ju Lee, Davide Andriola, Virgil Prezeau, Araz Chury, Xavier Differdange, Paul André Jouvin, Mathilde Bottois, Clément Leroux, Ibrahima GAYE, Carlos Kemadjou Sanga, Clément Benko, Xavier Sanchez Incera, Vladana Blatnik Darras, Louis-Marie Borione, Michael Quixtner, Fabrizio Di Leta, Eric LOTHE, Yann BOUISSOU, Maxime Beaumann, Gilles Schenfele, Ioan-Claudiu Gherasin, Mourad Ghazi, Roberto D'Arienzo, José Gonzalez, Mohammed Salah, Max Gagnaire and Romain Taillard. BIM Unlimited: Alfredo Cuello, David Oliveira, Gregory Fortune, Hideaki Yoshida, Ibsen García, Jonathan Reeves, Karube Tatsuya, Kimura Takeshi, Martyn Horne, Prudsamon Kammasorn, Ramdel Guerrero, Rubén Fontana, Ryota Shintomi, Sami Patel, Takuya Nagata, Taniguchi KeiIchiro, Yasin Idris, Yosuke Horiuchi, Yosuke Horiuchi, Yukina Ohishi, Irina Angulo, Mari Pily Nuñez, Leopoldo Recio, José Miguel Tavares, Wouter Vandebergh and Rodrigo Couto. HyperNova: Ahmed Moawad Mohamed Mabrouk, Ahmed Salah AbdulRahman Kotb, Essam Omar Ali Azizeldeen, Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed Donia and Samar AbdelFattah. Future Architects: ABDALRAHMAN KAMAL Shaheen, Ahmed Nabeel Sadeq, Mohammed Akasha Farah, Mohammed Salah and Yaser Amar Alabdaly. BIM Fusion: Chris Millar, John Hughes, Ken Geary, Marc Tracey, Mark McKane, Melanie Dawson, Niali Murphy, Shervin Yousefzadeh and Victoria Cheevers. rLoop: Arpad Lorberer, Brent Lessard, Clarence Akagu, Dante Bertana, Edward Chan, Ilyas Vali, Michael Caudill, Rebecca Zhuo and Ruairidh Mallows. Hyper Poland: Andrzej Jakubowski, Arkadiusz Mackiewicz, Asem Zabin, Daniel Sierocki, Edyta Kowalski, Katarzyna Foljanty, Krzysztof Tabiszewski, Larry Kearns, Lukasz Mielczarek, Mateusz Przystal, Sebastian Wilomski, Szymon Karas, Thomas Boyster and Tomasz Smol. “We’re incredibly honored to sponsor a BIM competition with a true multidisciplinary approach at its core,” said Jeremy Powell, director of product marketing at Vectorworks. “The Build Earth Live Hyperloop competition this year had fantastic results from all the teams, and showcased a series of entries that demonstrated the great possibilities that exist when design teams collaborate with several fantastic software programs in an openBIM workflow.” Organized by Asite, the annual competition exists to raise awareness of cloud-based working, international developments in interoperability, as well as how new technology is revolutionizing construction. In past years, the winning designs were never more than models. This year’s edition was unique, as the United Arab Emirate (UAE) government is planning to build Hyperloop infrastructure in the near future, so one of the winning designs might be built. If built, the travel time between Dubai and Fujairah would be reduced to less than 10 minutes. “The Build Earth Live Hyperloop competition has exceeded all expectations. With thanks to His Excellency Saif Al Aleeli, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation backing the 8th edition of the competition, we received phenomenal international attention and team registrations,” said Tony Ryan, CEO of Asite. “In short, the response was off the Richter scale. The results speak for themselves.”

How work VW Architectural users ?

Past week I was working on a project where i needed to use surface hatches. I think it can be implemented beter. When i was thinking about this i realized its 'bigger' then only the surface hatch part. To be honest i think there should be an overhaul of how classes work an what you can do with them. In general classes should have to ability to work as materials. This would mean you would create a class for every material with al the specifications needed (including R-ratings and other properties like weight/m3 etc.) With the new forum its easier to look for previous comments and discussions about this. I will included these because some things i borrowed from there. MOCKUP AND WISHES: ability to create 1 material / classes that you can set to use different settings for different scale. When you create a viewport (1:10) on a sheet layer that's different then the scale on your design layer (1:50) it automatically uses the properties of 1:10 instead of 1:50 This option could work as class overrides do now, but more automated. For every material you can set Lambda values so you don't have to do that in your wall style. The wall styles gets the options to use the values from your class or material or just use a different value. This should work like the attributes palette works: it can be set by classes, but it doesn't have too. Ability to use hatches and tiles in surface hatches. (I'm never been able to create in a simple way a hatch as I can with tiles) I don't like how hatches work together with textures. I think this should be 2 separate things that can work together but don't have to. It should not be part or your renderworks texture but something you can set separate. Beside that I think its confusing that you have a scale for the hatch in your recourse browser, as well in the renderworks edit texture. At the moment if you change the scale of your resource it changes in the renderworks texure as well. In someway this is logic but it worked unexpected for me. You should be able to change in % the scale of your hatch in the class/material without editing the resource in the resource browser. For a section and a surface we should be able to set different hatches without overrides, so lets split that up in different options. I wanna set the pen, fill, hatch, opacity, scale, thickness separately for: sections plans elevations