Vectorworks

Vectorworks is a comprehensive, streamlined CAD design application with advanced 2D and 3D capabilities, and a flexible design environment for a wide range of requirements for secondary school, tertiary education and beyond in to the commercial world.

It is an easy to learn, parametric, 2D/3D object drawing program (objects such as stairs, tables and chairs or theatre seating, for instance, are drawn with a click and parameters changed with pull-down menus). It includes several gigabytes of library items including trees, windows, plumbing, electric and electronic symbols. A modern scripting language can be used for control or to create new parametric objects. The built-in worksheet database can be used to count and calculate and appreciate applied math. The latest Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is included. Vectorworks creates interactive fly-through movies. It can read and write all versions of AutoCAD and desktop publishing images, it can unfold shapes and print to XY cutters and even to 3D model makers.

The Vectorworks Designer suite is made available for teachers and schools which incorporates all the Vectorworks modules with the following applications in the real world:

Architect- architecture and building engineering, air conditioning etc, solar movies
Landmark- landscape architecture and urban planning, plant layout and counting, terrain modelling, roading, cut and fill calculations
Spotlight- set design and theatre, event, and exhibition planning
Machine Design - mechanical engineering
Fundamentals - 2D drafting, basic 3D modelling, sophisticated 3D Nurbs modelling
RenderWorks - a high-end 3D rendering engine, provides photorealistic and hand-rendered effects, integrated into any of the Vectorworks modules

Because of its diverse range of design tools, Vectorworks Designer can be used throughout the school curriculum, for example:

• Drama - set, seating and lighting design
• Graphics - desktop publishing
• 3D modelling and manipulation and walk through
• Geography - terrain modelling and manipulation of GIS data
• Applied maths - worksheet database for a practical use of applied maths
• Programming - VectorScript is a programming language to automate functionality within Vectorworks
• Technology and Design - designing structures, buildings, products, interior design - including furniture, manipulating room layouts and landscapes. Creating, modelling and presenting all in one application.

See some examples of work done using Vectorworks software here.

Students and teachers can register on the student portal area of the Megabits website. Here you can apply to receive a free fully working copy of Vectorworks for a year for your own (non commerical) use, regardless of whether your school already has the software. (A Student License watermark appears at the top and bottom of printed drawings made using the free software, and the file format is different to the commercial licence.) This useful resource allows students and teachers to work from home on their school projects without cost. If the school has the same version of the software then the student and teachers can take their documents to and from school and home. Free learning resources are also available in the training section of this student portal.

Registered students can join the New Zealand Vectorworks user group of students and professionals. This provides an opportunity to network and attend free online meetings and training.

For specific details and more information read the Vectorworks FAQ page and Macworld magazine’s review.