Collaborating with Vectorworks office

[Anonymous]

I am going to be collaborating with an office that is using Vectorworks, and want to know if anyone has experience with importing Vectorworks models.

[Anonymous]

AFAIK the only file exchange option is DXF. This may have changed in a newer version of Vectorworks. (My last experience was with v8.)

The issues will probably be much like those experienced in coordinating with AutoCAD, except that the exchange format is native to neither program.

[Anonymous]

Seriously,Buy a copy of Vector works ,IMO,it will become the Industry Standard.As more professionals move away from autodesk (dwg)and embrace Data, Analysis and 2D/3D Design .Its about the same price as Autocad LT,it also has internal Spreadsheet , database,API and much more. True collaboration only comes when one is sharing and using the same file,data,program and tools,Our focus has moved onto ,all our professionals sharing VW files ,we obtain synergy ,cost effiencies designing and Build better projects.The DWG translation is very good in VW.There have been many changes in the program and its USES since V8.For Builders like myself Data and analysis is becoming more important than the final Model.Matthew may disagree.

[Anonymous]

seriously

don't buy vectorworks

vectorworks will never ever be an industry standard

i use it regularly - under duress

it is the most awful and inefficient software i have ever had the displeasure to use

of course, it is a BIM solution, it says so on their website (www.nemetschek.com, i think).

if you could explain the technicalities of your collaboration i might have some helpful ideas

bill

[Anonymous]

Hey Bill
If you cant cut it in the drafting Department,Maybe you should give the game away,There would definitely be no hope for you on the analysis construction side.Stick to drafting boy, and VW is the best at that too.dont worry about the other uses of the program , they are a little beyond you at this stage.Why dont you ask your employer why they use it? They can contact me and Im only too happy to consult.

[Anonymous]

BDC wrote:
Seriously,Buy a copy of Vector works ,IMO,it will become the Industry Standard.

Are we moving back to stone age???

[__archiben]

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[Anonymous]

BDC,

my post was probably a little abrasive, sorry

i have some, possibly, more considered than previously, views of VW to share if you're interested

i don't think that this is repeating the thread that archiben helpfully pointed out (which seemed to be more about conceptual approaches) but anyone bored can leave now

so:

i have used vectorworks on and off for about 20 years, probably going back to one of the first iterations of minicad. when i first used it i thought it was really neat and the future of cad, i am quite conversant with all it's advanced functions

of course it has developed over the years. more and more functions were thrown in. and thats the problem, functionality was thrown in at the expense of usability. it wanted to be the solution to everything, including embroidery (seriously)

functional viewports in vw11 are, i have to say, a massive step forward

when a campanile 'tool' was added i realised that they really did not get 'it'

the core functionality of vectorworks is fantastic, equalling, and, at times, exceeding that of archicad

however, in use, it just feels like it's been written by a couple of hundred coders who don't talk to each other.

my frustration is that it could be a really good piece of software if only someone would take an overview and be prepared to give it an interface rewrite, ground up

the bottom line is that, as an architect, i want to transfer what's in my head into the means of building a building. vw and ac both do that, ac just does it at least 5 times faster for me

vw is pretty close to being a BIM solution, i'd be very happy if it got there

bill

ps

my employer uses vw because it's a heck of lot cheaper than autocad, archicad or revit

unfortunately, like most architects (in the UK at least) he sees it as an electronic drawing board. what a waste. computers can do so much more given the chance

[Anonymous]

Hey Bill
Lets see" designed by Architects for Architects" Hey dude ,you forgot about everybody else."You see information technology is about sharing Data( not just 3D Models).I've got nothing against architects I've collaborated and assisted many with setting up thir systems for costing and analysis.I've learnt much from Architects and designers 🙂 .You see I can do what you do In AC ,you just cant do what i do in VW( 2D/3D and data analysis),and I CAN DO IT TO YOUR CLIENTS .Beware of the ones that dont collaborate they will take the food from your mouth.Architects have much to fear about loosing control of design projects.You see I've seen the future,VW is still not the complete perfect solution,but its closer than you might think 🙂.

[Rob]

You see I can do what you do In AC ,you just cant do what i do in VW( 2D/3D and data analysis),and I CAN DO IT TO YOUR CLIENTS

good on you mate, I am thrilled...