Digital Design in 2016 An industry snapshot of Australia Dr. Ben Coorey, Director of Institute of Digital Design Australia Executive Summary In October 2016, the Institute of Digital Design Australia (IDDA) conducted a survey with Architecture & Design readers with the aim of sharing the key trends, challenges and forecasts associated with digital design tools in the Australian architectural design industry. Architects, engineers and construction companies were asked a series of questions about digital design. The key findings are published in this report, followed by recommendations from IDDA Director Ben Coorey and further information on the state of digital design software.
About the Author Dr Benjamin Coorey is a parametric design expert and Architect, specialising in Spatial Analysis and the codification of design logic. He is the director of IDDA which provides a rapid learning platform for members to learn digital design. Dr. Benjamin has also established a research hub that is pioneering a state of the art digital design analysis platform. His research aims to provide Architects, Designers, Developers, Planners and Engineers better access to real-time feedback that will improve the quality of design and provide confidence in designing and delivery complex solutions. Training Current training Current skill levels Learn it themselves / Youtube Run private workshop Paid online training No training Attend public workshop 2D Documentation 3D Modelling BIM Rendering Parametric Design Scripting Animation 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 Collaboration Current software used Revit ArchiCAD Sketchup Rhino 3DSMax Grasshopper Vectorworks Microstation Dynamo V-Ray Python Maxwell Lumion Other 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Many respondents found other people the biggest challenge, whether it was other consultants who were not strong with BIM, or difficult client expectations
Adoption Revit ArchiCAD AutoCAD Grasshopper Rhino Dynamo Sketchup Keyshot Maya 3DS V-Ray Vectorworks Microstation Other New software in the next 12 months Respondents rated themselves highly for 2D Documentation, 3D Modelling and BIM, but lower for more advanced applications like Rendering, Parametric Design, Scripting and Animation. When we asked on software plans for the next 12 months, the advanced applications were hardly to be seen. It appears that most companies are quite content with the status quo software programs and sticking with the core skills of 2D Documentation, 3D Modelling and BIM. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% The cost of software was a significant challenge for many respondents. Autodesk is the dominant software provider, with many firms currently using AutoCAD and Revit. AutoCAD and Revit were in the top three software programs to be implemented in the next 12 months as well. ArchiCAD, Sketchup, Rhino and 3DS Max were the three next highest adopted programs. There is a long tail, all the other programs were used by less than 10% of respondents. Respondents also found it slow and difficult to create high quality presentation models. About the Respondents 500+ 6% 51-500 14% Senior Executive/ Team leader 24% Individual Contributor 22% 11-50 15% Company size 1-10 64% Job Title Manager 1% Owner/Founder/CEO 51%
Engineering firm 6% Government Corporation 3% Other 6% Other consultants not good with BIM 13% Hard to manage clients 5% bugs 5% Hard to keep up to date / No time to learn 22% Design Firm 17% Type of firm Architecture firm 55% Single biggest challenge Building / Construction Firm 9% Building Design firm 2% expensive 17% Slow/hard to create good presentation model 20% Our Recommendations Many firms need upskilling but simply don t have the time to do so. Firms should explore and evaluate faster ways of skilling up staff. vendors and resellers need to find creative ways to relieve the software pricing burden on small businesses. Businesses should also look at flexible and floating licenses to keep software costs manageable. Where possible, firms should look to work with clients and other consultants who are compatible with their digital design tools. Incompatibility is leading to large amounts of unproductive effort. Sole operators can join online communities or industry meetups to foster better connections. Firms who only provide standard offerings should certainly consider widening their offerings to more advanced applications. Parametric design, Rendering, Scripting and Animation are initially harder to learn, but provide improved workflows, designs and presentation models once mastered.
The Comprehensive Guide to Digital Design The software that the AEC industry is using has evolved from standard 2D drafting that has been fundamental to the profession to fully integrated 3D modelling environments that contain building information, design analytics and programmable interfaces. This brings a plethora of new tools and processes as you can see from this snapshot into the industry. These tools are allowing more complex designs, performance driven design, rapid prototyping and the move to mass customisation and digital fabrication of building elements. This guide describes the main categories of digital design software, provides the benefits and drawbacks for each type of software and highlights some of the available software on the market.
CAD CAD (Computer-aided Design) software is used by architects, designers, engineers and more to create precision drawings and technical illustrations. It can be used to create both 2D and 3D models and is standard documentation tool in the industry and design process. Key software products: AutoCAD, Microstation Benefits Produce accurate designs and drawings to scale Shallow learning curve - easy to train staff with a strong existing knowledge base and industry experts Reference consultant drawings for collaboration between disciplines and within a team Excellent file compatible with 3D and BIM programs. Drawings can be imported/exported from one program to another Drawbacks Drawings are independent and not linked across a project. Additional work in coordinating, checking drawings and reducing discrepancy errors throughout a project. Need to implement policies and checks to ensure drawing styles and office standards are adhered to across projects. AutoCAD Used mainly for 2D and 3D design and drafting, AutoCAD is used by drafters, engineers, surveyors and architects to design and document projects accurately and efficiently. It is an industry standard. Microstation Microstation is an information modelling environment to design and document 2D and 3D designs. It is used mostly for architecture, engineering and construction as it favours dimension-driven design, allowing users to create accurate drawings and geometry for their project.
3D Modelling 3D Modelling software focus on geometry creation and rendering - allowing the design of 3D objects from the conceptual phase to detailed design most often with the ability to prepare your model for fabrication. They are used in multiple disciplines including Product Design, Architecture, Engineering and Animation. 3D modellers offer maximum design flexibility with geometry being able to be constructed and manipulated with little constraint. Key software products: Rhino, 3DS Max, Maya, SketchUp Benefits Designers can work with flexible geometries, making it easy designs anything you can imagine. Most 3D modellers have a parametric engine to automate geometry construction Enables rapid iterations and exploration of potential design solutions in 3D Produces file formats that are compatible with 3D Printers, Laser Cutters and CNC robotics. Drawbacks You may encounter different types of geometry (Mesh, Subdivision or Nurbs). These are fundamentally different geometry types and may limit the modification of geometry when working between applications. Documentation is not automated and there are a series of processes and software typically involved to create high quality orthographic drawings (plans, sections, elevations) from 3D models. Rhino - Rhino is known for its ability to create versatile and accurate 3D models using NURBS surfaces. It s fast and easy-to-use interface allows plugins that permit drawing, analysis, digital prototyping and fabrication of each project. The Rhino software is compatible with most other design platforms, with designs being able to be transferred to and from other design, drafting, CAM, engineering, analysis, rendering, animation, and illustration software. 3DS Max 3DS Max is a professional 3D computer graphics program used for animations, design modelling, rendering images and is a tool for compositing solutions for games. 3DS Max is often the tool of choice for Architectural Rendering professionals and can accept geometry from the major CAD / BIM applications. Maya Maya is a 3D computer animation software used for modelling, rendering, simulation, texturing and animation tools for artists, animators and modellers. You can perform advanced Character Modelling, Rigging and Texturing workflows and work with cutting edge dynamics including Fluids, Hair, Cloth and Particle Systems. Maya also has tools to produce Subdivision models to create organic characters or architectural forms and allows you to work with rigid and soft bodies to simulate collisions and dynamic systems. SketchUp SketchUp is an easy-to-use 3D modelling software allowing you to generate 3D forms from simply drawing lines and shapes, and pushing / pulling them into 3D forms. It contains simple tools such as stretch, copy, rotate and paint to create quick, customisable 2D documents and 3D models. You can easily convert your 3D models into scaled drawings and documents using Sketchup s Layout tool. The intuitive interface has made it popular tool for Architects.
BIM Building Information Modelling (BIM) software allow the 3D modelling of buildings using tools that replicate real world element. A building can be designed using floor slabs, walls, doors, windows and roofs. Most importantly, the 2D drawings are generated from the 3D model, allowing you to edit the model in Plan, Elevation, Section or 3D and all views update concurrently. 3D visualization of a project and has the capacity to minimize errors due to human error and can identify any potential design clashes. Key software products: Revit, ArchiCAD Benefits BIM offers a collaborative design process, increased productivity and workflow efficiency. BIM is great for reducing errors and ensuring consistency across your project as you operate in an integrated 3D model where plans, sections, elevations and 3D views are all interrelated. You can produce detailed schedules and extract building data directly from the model. Post Construction, BIM can benefit owners / occupiers as the detailed model can be used for facilities management. Drawbacks Like all design software, the initial cost, training and implementation of BIM resources is expensive. BIM models can often be slow to update and re-load the model between team members, especially in larger projects. Complex geometries can be difficult to represent / integrate due to the rigid structure of a BIM model. Revit Revit software is designed specifically for a BIM workflow where it ranges from the concept state to construction. Revit models can be designed with precision with built-in tools available to enable team collaboration. Revit also has specific toolsets available for Structure and MEP engineers. Revit now comes with Dynamo standard which allows powerful visual scripting. ArchiCAD ArchiCAD is used by architects, designs, engineers and buildings to design, document and collaborate on building projects. It is also used for visualisation and performance with options for accurate, live-feedback about your building design s energy consumption. You can share an interactive BIM model using their cloud sharing app BIMX.
Parametric Modelling Parametric Modelling offers a flexible, automated method to create complex design models. It permits a quick method to explore, iterate, change and test design models until an appropriate solution is found. Users can embed intelligence and constraints into their designs which can be both powerful and problematic. Geometry that is dependent on each other may reduce design errors further down the track but may also make editing difficult for those who did not create the model initially. Key software products: Grasshopper, Dynamo Benefits Using Parametric Modelling you can embed intelligence into a design, allowing designers to easily re-use this intelligence through all stages of the product lifecycle. Create a variety of models with custom interfaces to tweak individual features within defined ranges Automatic updates to the model if changes are made to the design Drawbacks There is a steep learning curve for designers who must learn how to think programmatically Building constraints into the model can sometimes complicate the design process Model updates may take some time if you are working with complex geometry It may be difficult to adjust a model s final geometry as it must be built into the chronological steps that combine to create the design Grasshopper Grasshopper is a graphical algorithm editor that is integrated with Rhino s 3-D modelling tools. It requires no prior knowledge of programming or scripting but allows designers to build and generate data-driven forms using a visual programming language. Dynamo Dynamo is a community-driven open source tool for graphical programming in design. It is plugin to the Revit software that extends BIM with the data and logic environment of a graphical algorithm editor.
Rendering Architectural renders are useful to visualize a design concept, ranging from simple drawings to computer-generated images reflecting real-life situations. Video game engines are now available to designers and offer entirely new presentation possibilities. Whilst the visualization process may be time consuming and often tricky to find the right settings to perform the job (colour, lighting, framing, composition, angles to convey moods and more), the final image is a persuasive and key communication tool between the designer and end user. Key software products: V-Ray, KeyShot, Lumion, Maxwell, Adobe Photoshop Benefits Architectural rendering is often a necessity- renderings can win competitions and commissions Three-dimensional spatial experiences provide opportunities to comprehensively explain projects and understand the experience of a building before it is built. Rendering can often inform the design process especially in regards to material selection. Rendering is a service that can be outsourced Drawbacks Architecture visualisation is a multi-step process that often requires the use of more than one software package. Rendering can be very time consuming. Need to source or create a library of materials and entourage element to produce photo-realistic renders V-Ray V-Ray is a rendering plug-in developed by Chaos Group for use in media, entertainment and design industries such as video game production, industrial design, product design and architecture. It is the most powerful rendering engine for artists and digital designers and contains all the lighting, shading, and rendering tools you need to create quick, professional, photoreal imagery and animation. V-Ray is fully integrated into your favourite 3D applications including 3DS Max, Maya, Rhino, SketchUp, Blender, Modo and Nuke. KeyShot KeyShot is rendering program that allows you to create fast, accurate and amazing visuals. It has a real-time workflow so you can see material, lighting and environment changes instantly as you design and it includes scientifically accurate material and environment presets. KeyShot has integrated plugins for all the most popular 3D modelling software including Rhino, Revit, SketchUp, 3Ds Max, Fusion 360, Creo and Solidworks. Lumion Lumion is visualisation software built specifically for Architects and enables designers to create videos and images without prior training. You can edit and rework your project in real time with fast rendering tools and options to create on-the-spot, customisable videos. It is fully compatible with your favourite software including SketchUp, Revit, Vectorworks and Allplan. Maxwell Known for its quality and realism, Maxwell is a rendering software focused on lighting and contains a library of real-world materials with a minimal set-up time. Adobe Photoshop Photoshop is known as the world s best photo editing software with tools to create and enhance your photos, images, 3D artwork and more. Photoshop is typically used post-production to add in People, Trees and add visual enhancements to renders.
Analysis It is now easier than ever to gather real-time analysis on the performance of a design with a range of analysis software emerging that plug directly into your design environment. These programs provide quick feedback for any current design. Key software products: Archistarr, Sefaira, Ladybug + Honeybee, Kangaroo, Karamba Benefits Get real time feedback during your design process with accurate data to achieve performance-driven design Drawbacks There is a limited range of software available to determine and extract architectural analytics from a design. There is also a steep learning curve for those who do not know how to use the programs available already Analytics can be time intensive to produce. ArchiStarr Archistarr introduces a suite of design analytics providing you the ability to assess the performance of your design across a range of environmental, configuration and design criteria. It also allows comparative design within your portfolio and benchmarking across the design database. ArchiStarr has plugins to integrate into your favourite CAD/BIM modelling workflows for real-time analysis as you design! Sefaira Sefaira Architecture provides performance analysis within your 3D environment. It interprets models in real-time, delivering analysis and results while you design. The program makes it easy to understand how a building s orientation, form and fenestration impacts performance and provides energy and daylighting feedback as you work. They currently support plugins in SketchUp and Revit. Ladybug + Honeybee - Ladybug and Honeybee are two open source environmental plugins for Grasshopper to help designers and engineers create an environmentally-conscious building design allowing sunlight, daylight and other environment analytics. Kangaroo Kangaroo is a plugin to Grasshopper 3D that is a live Physics engine for interactive simulation, optimization and form-finding. Karamba - Karamba is another Grasshopper plugin that has parametric structural engineering tools to provide an accurate analysis of spatial trusses, frames and shells.
Summary The software that the AEC industry is using has evolved from standard 2D drafting that has been fundamental to the profession to fully integrated 3D modelling environments that contain building information, design analytics and programmable interfaces. This brings a plethora of new tools and processes as you can see from this guide into the available technologies. These tools are allowing more complex designs, performance driven design, rapid prototyping and the move to mass customisation and digital fabrication of building elements. If you would like to share your thoughts on our blog, we d love to hear from you! Get in touch with the IDDA community via Facebook. Written by Dr Ben Coorey Edupreneur, Registered Architect, Digital Guru and IDDA Director About IDDA Top Schools use IDDA to rapidly teach digital design. IDDA is an online learning platform developed by Dr. Ben Coorey, PhD to rapidly master 3D Modelling, Product Design and Architectural Drawing. Our Live Expert Chat team is always on hand if students ever have questions, enabling teachers to focus on student projects rather than basic software skills. IDDA tracks student competency and provides on demand teacher resources. A free trial of IDDA is available to schools at www.idda.com.au/trial