Technology in Architectural Practice

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  • 1.  Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-11-2012 01:05 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technology in Architectural Practice and Small Project Practitioners .
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    This is a variation on the 'Vectorworks or ArchiCAD' discussion from February. I am investigating inexpensive CAD alternatives to AutoCAD.

    Has anyone used the IntelliCAD program? It claims full dwg compatibility and lists for around $200 (+/- depending on version).

    The DataCAD LT version is available for around $300. The forum comments have been positive regarding DataCAD, but does anyone have experience specifically with the LT version?

    (It appears that Vectorworks Architect retails for approximately $2400, DataCAD for $1300, ArrisCAD for $1000, and DoubleCAD XT Pro for $700. For reference, AutoCAD LT is about $1200.)

    I have a colleague who requested a recommendation for a truly inexpensive CAD program. He does not need any BIM functionality. He is more concerned with simple 2D drafting and compatibility with the dwg format for file hand-off when necessary.

    Does anyone have experience or comments regarding the IntelliCAD program or the DataCAD LT version? Thanks!

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    Ronald Fergle AIA, LEED AP
    Solart, Inc.
    Minneapolis MN
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  • 2.  RE:Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-14-2012 05:02 AM
    Hi Ronald,

    Have you ever heard of Draftsight? It is a FREE 2D professional-grade cad programme that is very similar to AutoCAD only simpler to use. A company called Dassault Systemes have created it and you can download it for free on their website.

    http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/

    Hope this helps,


    eva
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    Eva Krissilia Intl. Assoc. AIA
    Architect
    Aedas Architects Ltd
    Edinburgh

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  • 3.  RE:Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-15-2012 06:41 PM

    Call me crazy, but I go about software purchases in a different manner. Always, cheap prices are not the first factor. The first factor, or group of factors, is what do I want the software to do? In the case of CAD software, will an electronic pencil suit my need? Do I want to automate some tasks to remove tedium from the workflow? Do my projects need the level of coordination available with 3D models?

    After going through the progamming process, I will then research the software packages that meet the criteria I have established. THEN, I would ask for input from users of each of those platforms, especially those who have used more than one of them.

    Hope this helps.


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    Charles Graham AIA
    Architect
    O'Neal, Inc.
    Greenville SC
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE:Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-14-2012 05:25 AM
    Before purchasing anything, check out Draftsight; www.draftsight.com; tools simialr to AutoCAD LT; offered by reputable CAD/BIM software maker Dassault. It's available for Mac OS too. I only had limited experience with it; but am satisfied. Price: Free, cannot get better than that.

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    Cord Struckmann AIA

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  • 5.  RE:Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-15-2012 12:27 PM
    I have been happily using DataCAD since the 1980's. The 2d is excellent and I especially like drawing in an all-in-one file which allows me to keep the layers stacked. It's GOTO views allow you to set layers to quickly see just the floor plan layers for instance or the foundation.  I am not sure if the Goto Views are in the LT version, but the full version is still very reasonable. It also excels at import / export with DWG files so that most do not realize that it was not created in AutoCAD.

    I have one version of the LT for support staff to use to view drawings but since the extra seats and updates to the full DataCAD version are reasonable, we use extra licenses of the full version when we have this need.

    While I have not explored the 3d that much, I plan on doing so soon after seeing and hearing what other architects are doing with it.  It's touted as 2.5D and has some interface with SketchUp.

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    Debra Rucker Coleman, AIA
    Architect
    Sun Plans Inc.
    Mobile, AL
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