Review : 3D Modeling in Vectorworks 2009

I am a graduate of Architectural Technology, so far my architectural career has mainly consisted of a lot of AutoCAD use so I would class myself as a very competent user.

Although Vectorworks has been sitting on my desktop for ages, I have had limited exposure to it’s use. So when I read, on the first page of Johathan’s new book, that it was aimed at those who had already worked their way through the beginner book/course I had a few second thoughts but decided to plough on regardless.

Luckily the book is excellently laid out giving clear click by click directions to each step with plenty screenshots to show those who are not so familiar with the Vectorworks interface (like me) where to go.

The book progresses from an introduction of the simple modelling commands in Part One to giving them a practical basis in Part Two, applying them to some architectural tasks. Part Three then brings everything together with a small task to model a bus stop, revisiting all the commands learnt in the previous sections.

For $75 you get a the little spiral bound book, which handily opens out flat so you don’t loose your page as you follow along. Tucked inside the back cover is a CD with an electronic version (PDF) of the manual which contains embedded videos which provide even more explanation.

In summary, $75 may seem a bit pricey for a tiny little book, but in fact what you get is a thorough introduction to the fundamentals of 3d Vectorworks. In addition, I’ve found myself dipping back into it any time I get a little lost, so it also performs an important role as a quick, arms reach away, reference. I am thoroughly impressed by the effectiveness of this book in taking me from being a Vectorworks novice to a master of 3d Modelling. I will definitely be purchasing more of Jonathan’s future handbooks!

About the Author:
Jonathan is an architect in New Zealand and is director of ArchonCAD , a famous Vectorworks training company. It’s website (http://www.archoncad.co.nz/) has loads of written and video tutorials, some free some subscription based. He also tweets regularly here www.twitter.com/archoncad

The Book:
Title : 3D Modelling in Vectorworks 2009
Author : Jonathan Pickup
Publisher: Nemetschek North America
Purchace From: http://www.nemetschek.net/training/guides.php

Underhill Cottage Design

Here’s a sneak preview of my design for the extension of Underhill Cottage, more images and a full description to come.

Cradle to Cradle Research Write-Up Complete

Well I’ve finally finished my research on Cradle to Cradle which has been a really interesting exploration into the how and more importantly why we do what we do when it comes to sustainable design. The image above is the a wordle word cloud of the synopsis attached below.

“A myriad of issues are currently threatening the human race’s continuing survival on the planet. In the face of these issues Sustainability has become a mainstream concern however the current blinkered efficiency based approach is stuck within a world-view that is doomed to failure and not going far enough to reverse the trend of ecological destruction. An emerging philosophy, ‘Cradle to Cradle’ proposes to move beyond simply minimising negative environmental impact and draws inspiration from the laws of nature in order to redesign our industrial systems allowing them to have a positive environmental impact.
This research is centred on promoting the adoption of the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ design paradigm in Irish Construction. The objectives of the research based are structured around this primary aim, beginning with an critical evaluation of the current issues and the approaches being taken to overcome them. Then moving on to explore the philosophy and practice of ‘Cradle to Cradle’ before the focus tightens on methodologies for applying ‘Cradle to Cradle’ in construction. Irish best practice is then evaluated, in order to investigate how it performs under the principles of ‘Cradle to Cradle‘ which uncovers conclusions and recommendations on the potential of applying ‘Cradle to Cradle’ in construction.
The research follows a defined methodology. First clear objectives were defined, and the study area was determined. Once a clear focus for the research had been established the secondary sources were consulted in order to gain an understanding of current Sustainable practices, ‘Cradle to Cradle’ itself and it’s application in construction. Interviews and questionnaires have been used to gather primary information, while a case study has also provided primary information. The case study has been chosen using dimensional sampling and the data has been analysed using the humanistic model.
The research has found that our current Sustainable approach of focusing on efficiency is not going far enough by simply slowing the pace of resource usage and environmental degradation. The urgent need to redesign our systems and take a holistic approach is clear. ‘Cradle to Cradle’ offers a new philosophical perspective which has the potential to completely reverse the ongoing environmental degradation and instead create systems that actively benefit nature. In the field of construction, the ‘Cradle to Cradle’ principles have the potential to transform it from one of the most polluting industries to one that is sustaining for society, ecology and economy not just sustainable. Irish best practice has been found to be slowly moving towards ‘Cradle to Cradle’ in a rather disjointed fashion. A legislative and cultural shift that clearly defines an ambitious aim and promotes it using positive affirmative language needs to occur. It is imperative that Sustainable practice breaks free from the current failing framework and the language of guilt and negativity and instead reinvents current practices, with the aim of a system that works in kinship with nature, ‘Cradle to Cradle’ offers the guidance and principles required for this redesign.”