Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc., part of the Nemetschek Group, has released its fourth update to the Vectorworks 2024 product line, granting customers access to AI and virtual reality (VR) technologies through two brand new tools. Additionally, the latest version update features an integration with L-Acoustics – a leader in sound-reinforcement technology and the Vectorworks Partner Network’s first platinum audio industry member – along with several other enhancements to provide faster design workflows from start to finish.
“This latest software update showcases our unwavering dedication to equipping our customers with cutting-edge technology to elevate their design processes,” says Vectorworks Senior Director of Rendering and Research Dave Donley. “By introducing these tools, we are taking a significant step forward in leveraging the power of AI and VR to enable users to explore their design concepts faster and with greater detail. We believe these features will assist our users in securing more work and ensure they can deliver projects with the highest level of precision and creativity.”
Combining Vectorworks with the speed of AI powered by Stable Diffusion, customers have the new AI Visualizer. Directly available within the Vectorworks interface, this experimental tool uses Vectorworks Cloud Services for a zero-install, uninterrupted workflow to ideate illustrative concepts or create refined images using Vectorworks models from text prompts at any design stage. Vectorworks’ AI Visualizer is processed on Vectorworks Cloud Services. “Users can continue working on their designs uninterrupted while images are generated and private information is protected,” the announcement states.
Vectorworks customers can also use VR technology in their design workflows with the help of Vectorworks Odyssey, the virtual reality application based on Unity developed for Meta Quest 2 and beyond. With the app, designers and all stakeholders can experience immersive VR models with a bird’s-eye view and virtual walkthrough modes.
Using Apple’s Room Plan framework, the Room Plan feature in Vectorworks Nomad is now more advantageous, allowing customers to more easily create accurate 3D models directly from the iOS app. The new capability to scan multiple rooms and combine them into a single model, plus the added support for round and slanted walls, provides time savings when surveying existing building or site conditions. Customers will also find a new intuitive and direct workflow in the desktop app for importing files from Nomad and Vectorworks Cloud Services. With a menu command directly in Vectorworks, files from 3D scans can be found and imported straight into design layers.
Also, new advanced rendering technology in the Redshift Progressive Mode feature provides immediate feedback when finetuning 3D views directly in design layers.
For Architects and Interior Designers
Update 4 makes sharing work with project stakeholders easier. With the latest Information Delivery Specification (IDS) feature, customers can validate project information, ensuring compliance with local and project requirements. A modern BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) interface makes issue management workflows easier, with support for seamless switching between server-based and file-based BCF Managers. IFC file export is designed to make collaboration more effective by supporting sophisticated IFC assemblies and multiple buildings, along with certified quality of geometry and data, georeferenced positioning, and optimized file sizes.
Additionally, Update 4 includes increased flexibility, improved documentation, and customization capabilities for the recently implemented Cabinet tool.
For Sound and Live Event Designers
For entertainment industry professionals looking to prioritize their audio design workflows, Vectorworks 2024 Update 4 brings a new integration with L-Acoustics that allows Spotlight customers to export their models to Soundvision. The geometry of Vectorworks objects can be simplified to export lightweight and responsive models into Soundvision.
“We are committed to offering sound designers a seamless and efficient workflow,” explains Maxime Démurger, Application Design Engineer at L-Acoustics, who led the integration project. “Attaining platinum partner status through this Soundvision integration is the first step in a long-term partnership that will offer more interoperability between our tools and provide more precise 3D sound modeling.”
Equipment List worksheets integrate data displayed on the Equipment List. With the new Equipment Summary Key feature, users can adjust the alignment and scale of individual equipment objects, enabling better control over reports.
For Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers
Professionals in the Landscape industry will benefit from the introduction of two new modes of the Hardscape tool, Site Model Contour Labels and new Site Model Contour Label workflows. The Style Pick-up and Convert modes of the Hardscape tool allow users to create a smart Hardscape object from a selected shape using the active settings from the hardscape, similar to the Plant, Landscape Area, and Irrigation tools. This is designed to save time and provide workflow consistency. The Site Model Contour Labels feature offers control of the "Add contour labels" tool, allowing users to place custom labels in preferred units with fractional and decimal precision. Customers can now meet their drawing standards, labeling contours and achieving neat labels at the intersections.
This update is available to download for all currently released English language-based versions of Vectorworks 2024 and is immediately accessible to subscription and Vectorworks Service Select customers. To install the update, select “Check for Updates” from the Vectorworks menu (Mac) or the Help menu (Windows).
