Success Story: Chandavarkar & Thacker Architects

Chandavarkar & Thacker Architects (CnT) is an architectural firm in Bangalore, India that has operated since 1947. And not just “another” architectural firm, for CnT holds the distinction of being Bangalore's first architectural firm. Its designs include software campuses for Infosys and Wipro.

But until they moved to BIM [building information modeling] with Revit Architecture, they had trouble visually representing the interiors and exteriors of buildings to technical and nontechnical people. Collaborative design was cumbersome, because they used one application for 2D drafting , and a separate one for 3D visualization. They tended to focus on external views, because modeling interiors was too time-consuming.

Director of CnT, Prem Chandavarkar, says, "Since implementing Revit Architecture, we have been able to reconcile all our needs in a single design platform."

CnT and a structural engineering consultant are using a single Revit model to develop the 350,000-square-foot Brigade Rubix commercial complex on a triangular site. The design team opted for a Rubik's-Cube-like design of three interlocking layers of three stories each – with the middle layer twisted by 45 degrees and featuring a green roof on the middle layer that doubles as a park for the neighborhood.

Monthly Building Solutions Webcasts

IMAGINiT Technologies invites you to join our monthly informational webcasts.

October Schedule:

• Revit Demonstrations - Oct 3
• BIM Presentation and Demonstration Webinar Oct 6

For more information and to register for the following webcasts click here.

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Blog: Free Revit Components

IMAGINiT's Architectural Blogger, Daniel Hughes, shares his insight on Autodesk architectural software including Revit Architecture and AutoCAD Architecture. In this month's newsletter, Daniel shares an excerpt from his blog:

I kept seeing the ARCAT website pop up in Google linked ads; so I finally picked it. ARCAT's free Revit (BIM) family components link is located in their Web site's left margin under BIM Objects. The Revit Component Family and System Family Content includes:

• USG Revit Wall Styles Library
• Kawneer BIM-Revit Models
• Revit Family Downloads from Visa Lighting

To find out what Daniel will be sharing next, visit his blog at: www.rand.com/imaginit/architecturalblog

Blog: Backburner Troubleshooting

IMAGINiT's Media & Entertainment Blogger, Mark Gerhard shares his thoughts about the entertainment and design visualization industry. This month, Mark explores the benefits of design visualization:

Last week must have been Backburner week. I had 3 different support calls for Backburner issues from 3 separate clients. Here are some general tips regarding Backburner troubleshooting:

1. Full install? You should have a Full install of Autodesk 3ds Max (or 3ds Max Design) install on all server and manager machines, not just backburner.

2. All machines have names that start with letters only (no numbers at the beginning).

3. All machines have same OS (either 32 bit or 64 bit). Mixed environments are discouraged.

Read the full Backburner Troubleshooting entry.

To find out what Mark will be sharing next, visit his blog at: www.rand.com/imaginit/visualizationblog

After you select a color from the PANTONE color book in Revit 2009, your computer's keyboard may stop responding.

This is a known bug  with Revit 2009 products. To solve this problem, press the F key on the keyboard while Revit is open. This reactivates the keyboard.

Green Building Design: Energy-Efficient Design 

To support green design, Autodesk has two extensions for AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP [mechanical, electrical and plumbing]:

• MEP Analysis Extension -- 25 utilities for understanding better how building systems perform before they are built, reducing energy costs and environmental impacts. Available free as a preview from Autodesk Labs at labs.autodesk.com/utilities/mep_analysis_extension/
• HVAC Load Calculation Extension -- sizes HVAC [heating, ventilating, air conditioning] equipment for peak cooling and heating load analysis of commercial buildings. Available to subscription customers of AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP only.

Autodesk Efficiency Stimulus Program

From August 18, 2008, through October 17, 2008, the Autodesk Efficiency Stimulus Program offers unprecedented savings of up to $2,000 on select Autodesk products. Promotion is available to US Commercial Clients only.

View Stimulus Program here

On March 14, 2009, Autodesk will be retiring upgrades from AutoCAD® 2006, AutoCAD 2006-based products, Autodesk® VIZ 2006, Autodesk® 3ds Max® 8 and Autodesk Inventor® Series 10 software. Upgrade from July 19, 2008 through October 17, 2008 and you could save up to 15%.

Retirement Program details

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Still using AutoCAD® R14, 2000, 2000i, 2002, 2004 or 2005? Save up to 35% off your new Autodesk software license with the Autodesk Legacy Program, from July 19, 2008 - October 17, 2008. Autodesk Legacy Program.

Finance your complete business solution with attractive rates offered by our Financial Business partner--Key Equipment Finance on 12, 24 and 36 month terms. (conditions apply).
Favorable Financing

This promotion has been extended for U.S. Government clients through September 30, 2008, eligible AutoCAD LT® software clients can trade up (crossgrade) to AutoCAD® 2009 software or an industry-specific vertical solution for one low promotional price.

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Autodesk VIZ to Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2009 Cross-grade Promotion

From July 21, 2008 through October 17, 2008 clients using Autodesk VIZ 2006, 2007, or 2008 can purchase new seats of Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2009 for a special price when purchased with Autodesk® Subscription. The level of discount is determined by the version of VIZ currently owned.

VIZ to Autodesk 3ds Max Design

Autodesk Maya Legacy Program

The Autodesk® Maya® Legacy Program is an offer running from August 11, 2008 through April 17, 2009 which provides customers in the United States and Canada with valid licenses of Autodesk® Maya® Complete 7.0.1 software or Autodesk® Maya® Unlimited 7.0.1 software, the opportunity to purchase new licenses of the latest Autodesk Maya Unlimited product available at time of purchase at up to 30% off when purchased with Autodesk® Subscription.

Maya Legacy Program details

Autodesk Maya Unlimited -- Autodesk Mudbox 2009 Promotion

The Autodesk® Maya® Unlimited -- Autodesk® Mudbox® 2009 software promotion is designed to provide customers with a free download of Autodesk® Mudbox® 2009 (expected to be released in October 2008) for each new seat of Maya Unlimited 2008 software or Maya Unlimited 2009 software (when available) or each cross-grade from Autodesk® Maya® Complete 2008 software or Autodesk® Maya® Complete 2009 software (when available) to Maya Unlimited 2008 or Maya Unlimited 2009 (when available) respectively, that is purchased from August 11, 2008 through January 16, 2009.

Autodesk Mudbox 2009 Promotion

e-SPECS Promotions

The following e-SPECS promotions are available until September 30, 2008.

For all e-SPECS Promotion click here