Re: General Questions on Architectural Desktop

[Aaron Denkins]

What exactly is this program and what benefit does it have over the industry standard AutoCAD? ???

[mrbuds]

Architectural Desktop works along side AutoCAD. It allows you to draw in 2D exactly like you would in AutoCAD but while you are drawing it as also putting it in 3d format for you. Here is some links for info on the product.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/section/0,,630501-123112,00.html

if you have any trouble with the link just go to.

www.autodesk.com

In there products section you will find architectural desktop. Once you visit there and do some research come back and let me know what you think. Also if you have any more questions just let me know. ;D

[billsta]

mrbuds,
you think architectural desktop is in direct competition with ArchiCAD (cant believe i said that dirty word)? ;D

i havent explored with desktop just yet, but know of the 'NEW' stuff that is avalible..

im just not a big fan of the 'Other' CAD system ;D

[mrbuds]

I must say Billsta the though of useing another CAD program besides AutoCAD made me feel sick. :-X I must say I have never use ArchiCAD or even heard of it, but if you look at the links I posted above you will see that Architectural Desktop is made by the same people that invented AutoCAD (Autodesk). It does not take functionality out of AutoCAD it just adds more features and options to it. Read the links above and then let me know what you think. If you are still interested after that I will give you some more sites, info etc.....

Is Archicad a run off of DataCAD at least that is what it looks like to me.

Mrbuds

[billsta]

i have used desktop before at Uni. but didnt really explore all the abilities it has. but did found a few goodies like the windows and doors blocks. however, tried abit with the plan->3D thing, and i didnt like, most likely due to the fact that i was just LOOKing at it. i feel by drawing on plan and automatic generate 3D seems a bit restricting and not my type of cake. i'd use viz any day.
guess i need to explore the program, but its one of those do it at your own timer, and im lacking "my own time" ;D

what im most concern about desktop is its campatiblilty with VIZ? havent tried, but there still seems to be some not so right when transfering file between R14/2000 and Viz. havent tried 2002 or ADT, wonder if you have those experience.

atlast, you havent heard of ArchiCAD? (www.graphisoft.com/) aint you lucky. i wish i never did. but it seems that lots and lots of people did move to that program, because of its ability of transforming 2D plans to 3D images similar to ADT, however i dont think it holds as much 'Hidden' capabilities as CAD 13, it was really appealing to those who are not so computer inclined people, that was their Ver.5, but now they have Ver.7 think is quite good. *cough* similar to the mircostation movement.. :-/

[mrbuds]

Well good to see this section is getting some response! ;D Now billsta may I ask what version of Architectural Desktop you used? The newest version being 3.3. I do know that if you used a version like 2 and under you would be disappointed. As for Viz I have used 3d studio Max a lot but have yet to use Viz i imagine it is quite similar to Max except more functions to use with CAD programs correct? Back to ADT have you read about the use of massing studies and intelligent objects in ADT? If not I would read up on this. i believe it would change you mind on the program.

Mrbuds

[bturner]

Billsta,
Adt 3.3 works pretty well as an exchange to/for Viz 4. Besides exporting, Viz 4 does have a file linking feature to ADT. If you make changes to the model in ADT it is updated and reflected in your viz model. This works well for me to produce both construction plans and use the same "model" for my renderings. This makes the whole process much faster and more accurate.

Hope this helps,
Beau

[mrbuds]

Hey thanks Beau! It is always nice to get other peoples input! I have been contemplating on getting 3d Arch Viz due to the price. But I think it will be a well made investment work along with ADT. Thanks for the Advise

Mrbuds *:)

[superjari]

I just got ADT 3.3 last week...

I just looked at it quickly and tried some stuff out; it seems to work just like AllPlan the inserting of let's say doors windows or walls...

Do you guys think for 3D designing it works better than drawing the 3D yourself, in other words, does ADT 3.3 have enough possibilities of changing parameters for inserting objects like the walls, doors and windows?

[superjari]

I just tried some stuff out in ADT 3.3...

I just tried importing a drawing into VIZ with the file manager. In VIZ the window was just one layer, is it possible to make a window transparant or something but leave the windowframe not transparant?

[bturner]

Congratulations on your recent purchase of Architectural Desktop. I do hope you attend some kind of training or get a good book, as ADT has a rather large learning curve to get it to work for you. For 3d modeling of Architectural Objects (Walls, Doors, Windows, Curtain Walls etc...) ADT is an excellent product for that.

"...does ADT 3.3 have enough possibilities of changing parameters for inserting objects like the walls, doors and windows?"
Yes it does. You can use it straight out of the box and be able to change almost any parameter you wish. The easiest way to change the parameter is with the Properties dialogue box. Highlight an object and you will see the parameter you can change.

One last piece of advice for ADT modeling is to get to know and understand Display Reps. There is so much you can do with them.

To answer your other question regarding VIZ exchange and the all on one layer issue, What settings did you use in the file link manager?

Have a great day,
Beau

[superjari]

THNX for the reply! *8)

Here are the settings I used in the file manager:

http://CAD-Designs.web1000.com/site/test4/filelink.htm

[bturner]

Have you tried setting your window and frame on different layers in ADT? The way I would go about this in ADT is to have all styles that use glass (windows, curtain walls and doors) , place these on a different layer or color than the frame.

Post back if you have any further questions.

Have a great day,
Beau

[superjari]

OK, I tried to explode the window twice, and now it seems to work, you gave me a great idea, THNX!!! 8)

[mrbuds]

Hello everyone! Sorry I have not posted in a while. Us Canadians here were enjoying Thanksgiving on the weekend. To much turkey! :-X
Bturner thank your for helping Superjari you gave some great advise! Keep the question and the advise posting! ;D

[superjari]

Well, as I'm new to the program, I'm sure I'll have more questions...

But hey, THNX again for the help... 8)

[nextvkin]

bturner mentioned getting a good book on ADT - can you recommend any as I'm trying very hard to understand the Display System & Layer Management in ADT 3.3. I don't have any problems with Autocad 2002, but when it comes to ADT, it's a different cuttlefish ;D ???

[bturner]

nextvkin,

The understanding of Display Reps takes some time and training to fully understand. Once you get a better understanding they can do so many things.

I can recommend a few good books and websites for more information. The first thing I would recommend to look at is some of the brain dumps. There is one in particular that may interest you for "Display Control in ADT" by Matt Dillon. There are several places this is available. One of which is http://www.stardsign.com/BrainDumps/Display%20Control%20Revealed.htm

Other books to make note of:

Mastering Autodesk Architectural Desktop - By Paul F. Aubin

Architectural Desktop 3 Book - By H. Edward Goldberg

Soon to be released - Autodesk Architectural Desktop: An Advanced Implementation Guide - By Paul F. Aubin


Area on the web to make note of:

http://www.archidigm.com/classroom/index.htm - Great site

I do hope this helps to get you started. If you have a specific display control problem post back, or even better lets start a new thread for this section on display control and display reps.

-Beau

Eastern Virginia AutoCad Users Group
http://www.evaug.com

[nextvkin]

bturner & Beau: Thanks heaps for your response, shall visit the sites you mentioned. :)

[mrbuds]

Hey great URL bturner & Beau!! :D

I have a site that might also give some assistance in ADT.

http://www.caddigest.com/subjects/adt/

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Hope it helps!

Mrbuds