Well done

[patrickhubble]

I would like to congratulate Nemetschek for a fine release for VW2008.

I know how tough it can be to deal with a wide user-base, and of course these forums are usually for people to express their problems, not their appreciation.

The interface and current viewport functionality is a dramatic improvement over 12.5.

Having said that, and now having used VW2008 for a little while, I think that VW2008 would greatly benefit even more from Section Viewports on Design Layers (same as normal viewports), Snap Points to tell which point you are snapping to, and automatic wall ends to end of wall objects.

However, all in all, the program over the last couple of years has greatly improved (more so than AutoCAD in the same amount of time), and the development team is to be commended for this. Hope that VW keeps improving far into the future.

[islandmon]

oh stop sucking up... ; )

haven't you heard the old saying that , " you should never over feed a hungry lion".

Not only do we all hope that VW keeps improving ...

we all pray with our last penny ... that NNA survives far into the future.

[patrickhubble]

Not only do we all hope that VW keeps improving ...

we all pray with our last penny ... that NNA survives far into the future.

If it doesn't, NNA will most likely be bought by another company, and VW will probably keep going. Of course, if NNA owns Graphisoft and therefore Archicad, I would say it looks like it is in a fairly strong position in the market now.

However, in order to remain competitive, NNA really needs to move fast especially regarding BIM, more programmable objects and easier modelling techniques (ie. Sketchup and Microstation).

[G_Hannigan]

"if NNA owns Graphisoft and therefore Archicad"

NNA is a subsidiary of Nemetschek AG of Munich, Germany. I believe Graphisoft & Archicad are owned by Nemetschek AG, not NNA.

[Guest]

Patrick,

What would like you to see with BIM and "more programmable objects"?

[Petri]

Until one can create IFC-entities with VectorScript, VW cannot really be called an IFC-compatible BIM-program.

The standard issue of the program does not have a useful suite of IFC-compatible objects. While it may be possible to create cheap imitations of what one needs in developed countries with the Happy Meal -tools/objects provided, no-one can afford to use VW, if the BIM is supposed to be delivered as IFC.

EDIT

By "really" I mean something that would work even outside the U.S. of A. - the bright beacon of BIM. If IFC-compatible objects can only be created with the C++ API, I think Estonians, not to mention Icelandians or Tuvalese, can buy half a dozen of copies of the expensive [deleted] for the price of one localised VW.

Edited November 14, 2007 by Petri

[RubenH]

More programable objects?

1. A "Beam" object. With components.

2. More flexible walls. Walls with variable sections and angles in any direction including Z direction. Better Caps.

3. Better conection between elements (like in roof framing, and the union of parts)

4. A slab specific object. With components like walls, and caps to. And the ability to be resahaped with de 2D reshape.

5. Repetitive Unit must work on 3d. Can function like the seating layout, but in any projection.

6. All objects must work on any projection, the ability of rotate in any condition.

7. The linear material must work on 3d. Must produce clean results on hidden line rendering. Can work like the hardscape but with the ability to display hatches on hidden line rendering.

8. The stair tool must be completely reformulated in terms of geometric construction, in a way it can produce really good sections.

9. Doors: More flexible in terms of components and grouping. Maybe like the windoor tool.

10. Windows: Louvred windows.

11. Hardscape: Must display hatches on hidden line.

12. Foundation tool. A really good one. For columns, and walls. Components too.

13. Structural shapes. They need to work on 3d.

14. Handrails, better ones!!!

15. Better Grid Bubble. Radial option. And the ability to have a shoulder under the bubble.

And so on!!!

I think the aproach to have a object and the ability to have classable components is great. But we need better and more precise objects in terms of construction and elements definitions.

[Guest]

This is a great list. If these items are separate from another list you posted previously, please provide as much detail as the items you are requesting as possible. For example, "Better caps" - what do you want improved, specifically, about wall caps.

Thanks!

Now is a great time to speak up for 2009 and 2010!

[islandmon]

Mr. Gog ... thnx for that thoughtful and provocative list.

In a nutshell ... hybrid objects without the current 2d/3d disconnect.

What applies to one should apply to the other regardless of the projection.

The issue of connections is fundamental to all structure and requires a new paradigm.

Currently, VW simply avoids the connection issues. Joins are not Joints !

What is required is a straight forward methodology for the declaration and description of all structural connections.

[patrickhubble]

Hi Katie

I think Mr. Gog's list is a good start.

For the future of VW in 2009 and 2010 with the extension of current thought here's another list, and I'll be as specific as possible:

Programmable objects regarding productivity:

- automatic (not only update but default creation) drawing labelling object with sheet linking (customisable of course) such that you can move viewports around the sheets, and detail references from plans and the label itself will update.

- detail tool (draw rect or poly around area in section or plan, a detail reference marker is created with its associated 'bubble' linked to a new viewport of the detail on a sheet of your choice).

- auto title block linked with revision tool and auto updates drawing number, dates, scale ranges of viewports on the sheet, perhaps even viewport names.

- a sheet schedule object much like the table of contents page in microsoft word, which lists sheets and updates automatically. Customisable as much as possible.

- a way to handle revisions and revision clouds such that the date, and revision no. in title block is consistent.

Tool / Geometry objects:

- Floor structure tool (similar to or same as slab tool) - but enables layers of components in the same manner as walls, and like walls have options of showing hiding information in different views (section vs plan)

- Give description to any geometrical object, and a callout tool will use description to object which will update when the description is changed.

- Components in wall and floor objects can be given individual descriptions, and can be noted with the new linked Callout tool above.

- Ability to create details of at least basic complexity in 3D, but also customisable and associated with specific intersections or boundary conditions of objects (ie. top of a wall, base of a wall, wall/floor intersection, wall/wall intersection, end of wall cap) which will be assisted by Petri's suggestion above. Somehow the detailing mechanism needs to be linked in a programmable way, such that 2D details can be altered to form 3D details represented in multiple views. This already happens in a basic form for window/door objects to walls and components of wall objects themselves, but needs to apply to a customisable assembly of objects to any, if not all, conditions of an object.

- However, we would also need improved 3D visualisation tools if this approach is taken such as ability to pan/orbit around objects, a quicker hidden line mode (making more use of OpenGL is required) for visualising certain areas quickly and making areas fully comprehendable. Easy to manipulate clipping planes if required. Emphasis on 'easy' here, I refer perhaps of examples like 3ds Max in terms of the ease of looking around a model, closing in on areas and orbiting around those areas, although since a lot of us are dealing with architectural objects, a walk through interface / spectator walkthrough, similar to those found in most 3D games on the market now.

VW is getting there - but there's still a long way to go. This again, is just a start.