I recently purchased Spore Galactic Edition, and yes it’s really a time drain. I had not realized why I like this game until recently. You get to design things parametrically, for fun!?
OK, this is silly, I know. But very addictive. The controls are interesting and so easy to learn to use. If you are unfamiliar, I’ve embedded a link to one of their tutorials on YouTube. Be prepared for silly-tecture. The return to serious posts will be soon, promise.
Yup… and there it is: http://architechure.blogspot.com
We didn’t think Phil would ever find the time to join the rest of us down here. Good luck in your new venture(s) Phil. 
We’ll be watching.
I, like some others out there have decided to join the Apple Mac community. I’m testing out my new MacBook Pro with VmWare Fusion running Windows XP Pro and Revit 2009. The key to running any OS in virtualization is to dedicate the right amount of RAM. Based on many recommendations, I’ve decided that the RAM and hard-drive speed were the two areas worthy of spending my dough. This arrangement runs so much faster than all previous workstation-quality laptops I’ve used. The beta version of Fusion 2 looks promising in that there will be more sophisticated (but still experimental according to the documentation) video drivers. I will post the results from my benchmarking tests in a future post.
The website refresh happened recently, and you can now read up more on the new versions of Revit and all the Autodesk software that you use, and sign up for the new travelling roadshow – The Autodesk Experience Tour. In not too long you’ll be able to download a trial, for those not in the MyFeedback beta community – or if you’re on subscription it will be on it’s way to your door soon (exact dates for each product not confirmed yet):
If you are a customer on subscription for AutoCAD or Revit products (including all vertical applications aimed at the AEC markets), you will have access to the new Impression 2 available at no additional fee. This much anticipated second version has so many improvements, they can’t all be mentioned here but here are some of my favorites:
Read Lisa’s final post, to find out exactly how to download your copy today.
On the topic of rendering, as many folks asked (but I could not speak about) at AU… I can now say Yes; Revit Architecture 2009, and the other discipline-specific flavors, will have the mental ray rendering engine embedded. This is going to really enhance the workflow of the designer. And… as if that was not enough, the new 3ds Max Design 2009, which appears to be taking the place of VIZ has an excellent workflow taking models from Revit and adding that extra zing. With the ability to export to FBX file format, and having mental ray ProMaterials in Autodesk 3ds Max Design, importing the model geometry with lights, materials, and cameras will be more fluid and much more accurate. I wish I could show you some sample renderings, but that will have to wait a bit longer. For now, enjoy the press announcements and some of the other blogs mentioning the new products.
Visit the Autodesk World Press day website for more information on the latest product announcements: http://www.worldpressdays08.com
Other blogs talking about 2009 products:
Well, I must say I’m very impressed with the Venetian Hotel and Casino so far. The rooms are great, and it’s not too far to walk to the convention area. I wasn’t in attendance last year, but this is so much different than the last Autodesk University in Vegas I attended at the MGM Grand.
For those attending this week, I’ll be at the Revit Mixer this evening at 7:30. Anyone who signed up for Revit classes should have received an invite. I’m glad the tradition continues. I look forward to meeting some new users and reconnecting with customers that I’ve worked with at Autodesk Consulting. See you there.
I’m all warmed up and ready to present my first of two classes, Leveraging Revit Projects in VIZ, Tuesday morning at 10:00, right after the main stage presentation. Shaan Hurley hints that there will be some very exciting stuff. Even as an employee, I can’t say I’m sure what amazing things will be showcased. My other class, held Friday at 8:00am, features Pre-Design and Planning in Revit Architecture. It is a lab, so space is limited, if it hasn’t already sold out. This should prove to be a very exciting week.
While updating the look and feel of this site, I inadvertently duplicated some of the posts to the RSS feed. I hope this doesn’t cause too many problems out there. For some reason, all data that I migrated from the old version of the SQL database came in with the wrong dates, even though they appear correct within the structure of the site, the feeds are messed up.
One bonus for those out there who were reluctant to comment, I no longer require user registration. You must have to answer a simple question to avoid the spambots (let’s hope).
Registration for Autodesk University (AU) 2007 will be open very soon… this month, in fact. The event may not be until the end of November, but you must be sure to book early before all the best hotel rooms are gone. See Shaan’s post on why… and if you are having a difficult time convincing the boss – whether that person is your manager, yourself or your spouse – there are some excellent tips from Lynn Allen to help justify the expense. The learning opportunities alone will pay back many times over.
This will be my third attendance of AU, and this year I will be an instructor of two classes:
See you there!
I thought it was about time to update the look of this journal with a style that is more clean, and flexible for viewing. So here is the new look, based on the WordPress theme, HemingwayEx. I’m sure this will be a departure point for making the look and feel my own design. Drop me an email using this form, and let me know what you think.