This article explores the functionality of Graphisoft’s new BIMcloud service, which was launched towards the end of last month in Tokyo, Japan. It looks at how BIMcloud is different from the BIM Server technology that was introduced in 2009 in ArchiCAD 13 to better support model-based collaboration, the problems it was developed to solve, how it can support collaboration by the extended design team and through mobile devices in addition to traditional computers, its deployment options, and additional capabilities.

URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/feature/2014/Graphisoft_BIMcloud.html

In this article, Chris France, the author of many previous AECbytes articles on the implementation of the “cloud” in AEC, presents a detailed case study about the successes and challenges that Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, an international architecture and design firm, encountered on its journey to the cloud. It comes from his 11 years experience as the CIO of the firm, and his first-hand knowledge of its cloud initiatives captured in this case study, along with the lessons learnt, can be used as a strategy document for other AEC firms embarking on their cloud journey.

URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/buildingthefuture/2014/LittleCaseStudy.html

This article looks at recently developments in AEC technology, including the new version of Tekla Structures that has just been released; a new  ColorByNumber plug-in for Revit; the ability of Sefaira to now perform daylighting analysis in addition to energy analysis; the launch of EcoDesigner STAR by Graphisoft for ArchiCAD-based energy analysis; a new cloud-based project collaboration and workflow management solution called Kenesto; a new version of the collaboration and model review solution, BIMreview; the next generation of the ArchiCAD-based FM tool, archifm.net; and finally, the ability to create accurate building floorplan survey data using the Orthograph app on an iPad.

URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/newsletter/2014/issue_68.html

This article provides an overview of the Future City competition, an annual competition where middle school students design a “future city” based on a specific theme, creating a virtual model using SimCity as well as a physical model. It takes a closer look at how SimCity is used and discusses the many benefits students get from participating in it, while also highlighting some of the key problems with the competition itself and how it is conducted.

URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/feature/2014/FutureCityCompetition.html 

This article provides an overview of some of the key AEC technology products that were on display in the Exhibit Hall at Autodesk University 2013 last month, including ArchVision’s upcoming RPC Creator, Axomic’s OpenAsset BIM plug-in for Revit, Sefaira for Revit for easier early stage energy analysis, ElumTools which provides integrated lighting analysis for Revit, the latest versions of Trelligence Affinity and Solibri Model Checker, updates from FM:Systems on its BIM for FM capabilities, the new Revit add-ins for CTC’s Revit Express Tools, updated versions of Ideate BIMLink and Ideate Explorer, the enhancements in the TurboSite app for documenting site visits and fieldwork, and Transoft’s AutoTURN for Revit which now enables vehicle simulation and swept path analysis without leaving the Revit environment.

URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/feature/2014/AU2013_Exhibitors.html

This article captures the AEC-specific highlights of the just-concluded Autodesk University 2013, with the latest technology updates and upcoming developments from Autodesk including  the expansion of its Autodesk 360 cloud platform and services, the integration of Dynamo with DesignScript, a new browser-based version of FormIt and its new built-in energy analysis capabilities, and several new products and services, as well as several case studies of projects and firms using Autodesk products.

URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/newsletter/2013/issue_67.html

This article follows up on the recent overview of Bentley’s Year in Infrastructure 2013 Conference, with a dedicated look at the projects that were selected as the finalists in the building-related categories of Bentley’s annual Be Inspired awards, the winners of which were announced at the conference.

URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/buildingthefuture/2013/BeInpired2013.html

This article discusses the main updates from Bentley at its recent Year in Infrastructure 2013 Conference held in London, including the official launch of its cloud
software service called Bentley CONNECT, updates to its suite of mobile solutions including the introduction of its Field Supervisor app, and new and upcoming features in MicroStation, ProjectWise, and AECOsim Building Designer. It also provides an overview of some other sessions at the conference, including a fascinating look at the London 2012 Olympics, the planning that went into the design of the infrastructure for it and how the execution was accomplished.

URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/newsletter/2013/issue_66.html

This article captures the semi-annual update of the main developments from AEC technology vendors in the last six to seven months, including an overview of the 2014 version of Nemetchek Vectorworks that has just been released, the latest developments from Assemble’s cloud based platform for extracting data from BIM models, a new mobile app called Field3D for viewing IFC models, a new EnergyPlus integration that boosts Sefaira’s energy analysis capabilities, the latest developments in Newforma’s suite of tools for project information management, a new TurboSite plug-in for AutoCAD from IMSI/Design, a new way to view SketchUp models on the iPad using Viso3D, updated Revit add-in tools from CTC, and finally, the developments in ArchVision’s RPC content creation and management tools.

URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/newsletter/2013/issue_65.html

In this article, Antonio Ruivo Meireles, who is the Innovation Manager of Mota-Engil, a large building company headquartered in Portugal that has more than 20,000 employees worldwide, describes a more advanced integration of the BIM process implemented at his firm, in contrast to the “Hollywood BIM” implemented by most builders. He discusses the BIM implementation strategy followed at Mota-Engil in detail, along with the key pointers that emerged from it that should be helpful to other construction firms adopting BIM . There is also an extended discussion of the main benefits of BIM for a builder, based on Mota-Engil’s experiences with it.
URL: http://www.aecbytes.com/buildingthefuture/2013/BIM_MotaEngil.html