A Feature-Packed Start to 2008

Happy New Year! Hope you had a relaxed and restful holiday break and are looking forward to yet another year of analysis, research, and reviews from AECbytes. Towards the end of last month, I published my report on Autodesk University 2007 which captured the highlights of the general and building industry sessions, along with an overview of some new products and updates that were on display at the Exhibit Hall accompanying the event. AECbytes starts off this month with a "Building the Future" article that takes a closer look at some of the intriguing new technologies and prototypes that were being demonstrated in the Autodesk Labs section of the Exhibit Hall at Autodesk University. These include Project Draw, a web-based vector drawing application, Content Search, a web service that allows search of generic or manufacturer-specific building products and associated design content, multi-touch navigation of 3D models on a large screen display, and others.

We then have Dominic Gallello, CEO of Graphisoft, return to AECbytes with a Viewpoint article that talks about the new professional role which is emerging in the AEC industry, the "BIM Manager." He argues that the BIM Manager is not just a nice-to-have but rather a fundamental member of a model-based design process.  The BIM Manager’s multi-faceted skills have a direct effect on the quality of projects and the reduction of overall project execution  time.  This streamlined workflow provides architects more time for design, more value for clients, and more profit.

Also on the agenda for the month is a report on the Technology for Construction section of the annual World of Concrete show that is being held in Las Vegas from January 21 to 25, allowing us to see what is the latest and greatest on the technology front for contractors and other construction professionals. The Tips and Tricks issue for this month features a detailed tutorial from Eric Bobrow on four different strategies for working on remodels and additions in ArchiCAD, as well as a tutorial from Scott Onstott which highlights a single modeling technique in 3ds Max that can be used to form a wide variety of craft objects including vases, stools, table and chair legs, ceramic tableware, art pottery, glassware, and so on.

Thank you for your continued interest in AECbytes!

Lachmi Khemlani

Editorials > January 2008