AutoCad or Autocad Architecture- which one to choose?

[Ausmax]

Hello,

I have been asked to draw up a Siteplan.

 

Can I ask which piece of software would be more suitable for

drawing up these plans? I also intend to use the software for

basic modeling before bringing Arch Visualisations into 3ds max.

 

Cheers

[Bruce Hart]

AutoCAD Architecture has all the 2D drawing tools of normal AutoCAD plus a a bunch of 3D parametric tools for drawing walls, curtain walls, windows, roofs, slabs etc. Parametric doors and windows can be placed in host walls where the openings are automatically created - similar to Revit. Architecture also includes mass elements, which provides a bit more functionality than standard 3D solids. If you are planning to do some AutoCAD 3D, then I would recommend Architecture.

Edited June 15, 2010 by Bruce Hart

[BobM]

Another point to note if you buy AutoCAD Architecture you also have AutoCAD which it is based on

[Ausmax]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I am guessing that if you have Autocad skills as well as Max skills for 3d Vis,

Modeling is fast tracked? Do you agree?

 

Where is the Autodesk technology, software headed? Am I right in saying that AutoCad is presenting some really good

3d modeling tools and materials.

 

Cheers

[Bruce Hart]

Hey Nigel,

This topic has been covered before, but I can tell you that alot of people use Max or sketchup to poly model, or they use a modeller with parametric architectural items (AutoCAD Architecture, Revit, ArchiCAD etc). It depends on what you are comfortable with, and the type of buildings you need to construct. Personally - from about '95 to 2004 I used normal AutoCAD to model as it was the only package I knew. Then I switched to ADT (AutoCAD architecture) and my life became a lot easier. However in the last 4 years or so, I have been using Max about 95% of the time, as most of my work involves concept design. Revit is also used extensively in my office and many of our consultants request Revit models exclusively for data exchange. I would also point out that using Revit employs a different way of working, that can be difficult to get used to if you are an experienced AutoCAD user. If you are just getting into CAD modelling, you may wish to investigate a BIM solution like Revit from the start - particularly if producing documentation is on your agenda.

 

I couldn't recommend just vanilla AutoCAD if you are in Arch Viz. There are easier ways to model IMO. I used to model everything in years past, but a substantial portion of my work these days involves receiving Revit models from Architects, which are further refined and then rendered in Max. Other people on this forum have similar work flows.

 

Hope this helps.

[Ausmax]

Thanks for that information Bruce.