AUGIWorld Magazine - November/December 2008 - (Page 8) AutoCAD ARCHITECTURE Prepare Yourself AutoCAD® Architecture (ACA) is versatile software designed for the architecture industry, whether you are looking for a 2D product or a 3D product. Even though it is not parametric, ACA also has many tools for managing building information modeling (BIM). With this in mind, preparing for leading-edge technology in the ACA world can be difficult, but rewarding. Let’s examine what is involved. Any time you prepare to introduce a new solution into your environment—whether it’s an upgrade to a familiar software product or the unveiling of a brand new one—there are steps to ensure that the implementation will proceed without a hitch. Here’s some advice about what to do, and what to think about, before you begin space plans are completed in 3D, whereas just a few years ago, these plans were completed in 2D. Regardless of whether you decide to use 2D or 3D for a space plan, AutoCAD Architecture has everything you need. Space allocation by cost center reports are used for Medicare reimbursement in the healthcare industry and also graphically show which departments are allocated which space in each building. The reports show square footage for the current year versus square footage for the previous year and the net difference, allowing one to see who has moved where and when the last renovation for a space took place. In order to show the square footage differences, Microsoft applications are used in conjunction with ACA in a virtually seamless manner. In preparing the reports, this is where Building Information Modeling can really take off. With the use of several tools, you can attach many types of information to these spaces (but that’s another article). Life safety plans show fire walls and doors, exits, sprinklers, and the like, to help ensure the safety of all individuals utilizing a space. I also use AutoCAD Architecture for completing sets of construction drawings, 3D modeling and renderings of future and existing spaces, and much more! With this software, you are limited only by your imagination (and maybe a little programming!). Now, back to the topic at hand, new leading-edge technology and how it’s handled. My first step in evaluating the new software is to look at the new and updated features of the software. I evaluate each to decide how it could be used best in my work environment and that’s where the work really begins. How will this change affect space planning drawings? How will it affect construction documents? What are the new advantages for 3D modeling and rendering? With each change relevant to a procedure that’s already in place, I must rewrite the procedure to include the changes. Once the procedures manual and the CAD standards manual are updated, I then must pass this knowledge on to others in my department before software installation and use of the software can take place. Depending on the amount of changes, one meeting with simple handouts may do or several meetings with intense training may be needed. Once training is complete, software is installed and everyone may begin using it. Of course new technology doesn’t just stop with software. Sometimes a new AutoCAD release will require hardware upgrades, whether that means more memory, a more advanced video card, or something else. Every item must be looked at carefully. A slow computer will mean slow productivity—and that just cannot happen! Any time hardware upgrades are required, I identify specifically what’s needed and meet with our Information Services department for pricing and product reviews. The completed package is then presented for approval. With that decision made, I can then proceed with the purchase and oversee installation. Introducing new technology With new technology emerging at a fast rate, it is vital for me to learn everything I can about that technology. Is it compatible with current technology, making for an easy upgrade? Who else in the industry is using this technology and in what ways are they using it? What are the pros and cons related to my work environment? Will the new technology help to increase productivity? How many of the new features of the software upgrade will I actually use? These are just a few of the many questions that arise as I look at new technology. These questions are answered through much research and networking before decisions are made. With that in mind, let’s look at AutoCAD Architecture specifically. Each year, Autodesk releases a new and improved version of software for AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop). In my specific work environment, I use AutoCAD Architecture for several purposes including space planning, space allocation by cost center reports (sometimes referred to as Medicare Cost Reports), life safety plans, and so on. Using the software for space planning can involve several tasks— from basic space renovations, to finish plans, and even furniture layouts. As technology evolves, many Challenges Once new technology is introduced, challenges sometimes arise. One of the biggest challenges I face each day is standards compliance. CAD standards give you control over your design environment and allow you to gain more consistency in your design projects. Standards make it easier for others to w w w. A U G I . c o m 8 http://www.augi.com
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