Release 3 of Architectural Desktop announced

Autodesk has announced the availability of Autodesk Architectural Desktop, Release 3 for conceptual design, architectural design development, and construction documentation.

Autodesk, announced today the availability of Autodesk Architectural Desktop, Release 3 (ADT 3), an integrated suite of Web-enabled tools for conceptual design, architectural design development, and construction documentation.

Expanding the capabilities of earlier versions, Release 3 helps architects focus on essential design activities while reducing the workflow inefficiencies and drafting inaccuracies that typically occur during the successive phases of design development.

Facilitating the production of more accurate construction documents, Autodesk Architectural Desktop streamlines and integrates design and construction processes and potentially reduces costs.

The result is an intelligent building data set offering increased value to the building owner in post-construction facilities planning and management.

"With ADT 3's expanded building model, architects can now realise many of the productivity benefits that were just a vague promise when the technology was first introduced two years ago," said Phil Bernstein, FAIA, vice president of Autodesk's Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Market Group.

"By automating the drafting process, we're freeing up time for greater creative exploration of design alternatives, which clients can more easily visualise through the 3D model.

More Versatile ADT Platform New architectural objects and enhancements to the existing object library-including curtain walls, stairs, roof slabs, and window assemblies-enable architects to use Autodesk Architectural Desktop more effectively on a greater variety of building types, including large-scale institutional and commercial facilities.

"We're absolutely thrilled with the new curtain wall tools," said Julie Gilman, director of technology, for Cambridge Seven Associates, a Massachusetts-based firm currently using Architectural Desktop on the new $65-million Kuwait National Petroleum Company Headquarters and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

"We can now generate an entire fa?ade, like the curved wall of the KNPC, in no time.

It's much more effective than working manually, and the improved online help makes it easier to use.

Our senior designers are also becoming more interested in the technology since it lets them test out their designs and quickly view alternatives.

Autodesk Architectural Desktop deployment flexibility allows architects to continue their existing drafting practices in 2D while supporting migration to a 3D building model that allows for a more comprehensive visual understanding of the design.

"CAD hasn't fundamentally changed the way we work, but object technology will," said Derek Whitfield, CAD systems manager for the Washington, DC office of HOK, which standardised its nationwide practice on ADT software earlier this year.

"As architects deepen their understanding of intelligent objects, they'll be able to focus more on design and less on software.

ADT 3 makes a significant leap in this regard, allowing architects a natural way to express design intent.

Key Benefits of Autodesk Architectural Desktop ADT 3 offers the following key benefits: Increased productivity--New and enhanced architectural objects-including walls, structural members, window objects and window assemblies, curtain walls, railing objects, roof slabs, stairs, and AEC polygons-reduce design development cycle time and make the design of complex objects easier and more intuitive.

* Improved co-ordination and accuracy of drawings-2D and 3D elevations and sections update dynamically to reflect design changes, ensuring more accurate and better co-ordinated construction documents that include scheduling information, associative dimensioning, and detail routines.

The new Display Manager enables users to control the level of detail and structure in working drawings across a design project.

* Greater ease of use-An improved user interface, streamlined commands, and intuitive help system, with features including the new Style Manager, Layer Manager, and Push Pin, simplify user task management within Architectural Desktop.

* Enhanced collaboration and workflow efficiency through Internet design features-All of the Web-enabled tools of AutoCAD 2000i are accessible directly within the Architectural Desktop environment, allowing users to collaborate online with other project team members, publish drawings to the Web, easily access design-oriented content and standards from the Point A industry portal, and host projects through Buzzsaw.com.

* Added value downstream in the project lifecycle-Designer-to-designer and designer-to-contractor interaction are enhanced through seamless integration with other Autodesk AEC solutions; intelligent building data can be accessed and mined by building owners for facilities planning and management information.

In addition, Autodesk Architectural Desktop continues to support the interoperability goals of the IAI and IFC initiatives and provides global support for specialised application development by third-party software developers.

Availability and Pricing Autodesk Architectural Desktop, Release 3, is available worldwide in International English.

Versions in French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Asian Pacific languages will be available within 30-60 days following the release in International English.

The UK recommended retail price for a full copy is ?3,600.

Back to top