BIM modeling – rooting for the underdog: Vectorworks
I tend to root for the underdog when I watch sports. A number of months ago I began testing affordable alternatives to AutoDesk for my practice. After looking at a number of AutoCAD impersonators, I finally decided to try Nemechek’s Vectorworks Landmark. However, staying true to this blog’s purpose, I wanted to quickly share with you their Architect platform.
As the drafting paradigm is shifting from 2D drawing to integrated, intellegent 3D drawing (Building Information Modeling, or BIM), AutoDesk is heavily pushing its platform Revit. Most of what I hear and read is that Revit is too extensive for most mid to small size firms. Although I am using Vectorworks Landmark because of its key landscape and site design components, it is their Architect series that is most popular, and a strong alternative to Revit. From what I am reading, is gaining ground on AutoDesk and ArchiCAD, little by little.
In addition, this economy is beginning to force a lot of firms to look at their current workflow and software. Should you upgrade to Revit, move into a subscription (which is AutoDesk’s end goal), or look at other options? Vectorworks Architect is about $1800-2000 per seat, which is well below half the cost of Revit. For an additional $500 you can include RenderWorks, a modeling and high end rendering component whose quality is just a few notches below 3D Max and others.
Here are links for additional information for those that may be interested. I hope you find this information to be helpful. Feel free to post any comments.
http://www.nemetschek.net/architect/index.php
http://www.nemetschek.net/library/index.php?movie=presentations for video demonstrations
