Vectorworks can be used as a 2D only program, but that misses the point readers at Architosh following executive interviews on this company may recall discussions about why many Vectorworks users have held up in transitioning to 3D BIM workflows. On some level, I am surprised the company did not do this a long time ago adding Renderworks now brings photorealistic rendering into the core offering just in time as rival 3D CAD and BIM packages are all doing that in their latest releases or already have.Ġ5 – A sample rendering by the author of a real project in Vectorworks Architect 2017.
This year they have made it part of the program across the entire set of Vectorworks Design Series product line. Renderworks is the rendering add-on that has been an extra feature sold at extra cost until now. I should also mention that this seems to be somewhat of a WIP (work in progress), so there are a few issues that need to be resolved in upcoming revisions. But really the sense of actually being in the space and being able to walk around is incredible. There’s a bit of a learning curve to export the model and get oriented and in the right location when you start viewing. It’s not going to be high definition, and there are some limits on the size of the model. You can walk and look around all you want you can go up and down stairs. Put the phone in your Google goggles, and you are in. Now the image of the model will change to a stereoscopic view. Copy the link and open it on a smartphone then click on the Virtual Reality icon. You can send the link to a client, and by clicking on the link they can also view the model in 3D. It works the same as desktop mode but with added responsiveness utilizing the device’s hardware.Īfter a bit of a wait, your model will pop up in your internet viewer. Or you can save it locally.Ġ3 – Here is web view on a tablet device, the kind that are very popular on the construction site. Then while online click on the new export feature that sends the model to the Vectorworks Cloud. You the designer can take your 3D model, your BIM, of your latest project to the level of detail you want. So what does this thing do-how does it work? Simplicity is the keyword. MORE: Samsung Gear and HTC Vive Lead VR Survey But Magic Leap? In keeping with the movement, Vectorworks has now included in all their products (2017 versions) a feature they call web view and VR (virtual reality). The question is how do we best show these models to clients and others who have an interest in the project? VR is taking off now, and one can travel the world and immerse oneself virtually in all sorts of environments. However, with the use of computers we have been able for some time now to design in 3D and make detailed virtual models of our designs. In this view (web view mode) a client can fully explore a model environment. (Note to young architects and students, don’t throw away your pencils and think you can do it all with a computer.)Ġ1 – The new web view and VR features in Vectorworks 2017 add great value to AEC professionals and all designers working with environments. As a side note, I would say that the pencil sketch is still often the easiest and fastest way to convey an idea or develop a concept. We have come a long way since the days of pencil sketches and watercolor renderings. I will start with virtual reality ( VR), because my interest in that got the attention of the people at Vectorworks, and so they let me in on the feature as it was being developed. This year with Vectorworks 2017, they have also included features that in the past were add-ons at extra cost.Īs a practicing architect and longtime reviewer of Vectorworks software, this year I’ve had the chance to both use and test the latest version for several months now. This year, as in every year over the past few, they have made changes and added features that make the product better, easier to use, and richer.
I suppose the most important thing we can say about Vectorworks software is that the developers are not standing still.