facer_03

Members
  • Posts

    204
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by facer_03

  1. Roof Drainage?

    What are the proposed solutions for collection roof drainage from 

    the proposed butterfly-saddle design?

    Appears there will be a substantial flow of water to each outlet.

     

    The traditional butterfly uses a wide central box gutter as a holding

    reservoir that then allows progressive water flow to the end rainwater heads.

     

     

  2. How good will Canvas be for external scanning?

    For quality, large projects as churches photogrammetry is currently used.

     

    For a comparison of Canvas to current high-end scanners check out links below.

    USA
    https://matterport.com/

     

    AUSTRALIA
    https://www.scann3d.com.au/#step-inside

    The cost to scan the interior of a large church is approx. $1500 AUD

     

    Project home builder using VR to market project homes
    Metricon (I believe they had Scann3d scan their project homes)
    http://www.metricon.com.au/metricon-virtual-reality-experience#s3zokoyEre3wQpJ5.97

     

     

     
  3. In the comparison of 3D CAD software, there are several core questions

    that should be considered by the potential user.

     

    SIZE OF FIRM
    1. Are you a single practitioner

    2. Small practice that employs people. 

     

    TYPE OF PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN AND FOR WHOM
    1. Residential
    a. single and two storey mainly
    b. Residential one off "unique design" (sloping walls etc)

     

    2. Multi-Residential

    a. Single storey
    b. Two level
    c. Multi-Storey

     

    2. Commercial - light assumed
    a. Single storey
    b. Two level
    c. Multi-Storey

     

    3. Health

    4. Industrial 

    5. etc.

     

    CONSULTANTS USED - exchange of information
    For your likely building types, what degree of exchange of documentation do you
    anticipate with your consultants? (Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing etc)

     

    LOCAL GOVERNMENT, STATE, OR FEDERAL project types
    What will be the documentation requirements of these bodies?

     

    LOOKING AHEAD:
    Consider your practice/firm phases in the next 5, 10, 15, etc years of your anticipated practice.

    Now in reading the comments from current Chief Architect users remember to  Beware!

     

    Those active ChiefTalk participants currently using Chief Architect are I guess
    mainly mature practitioners.  Let's be generous and say they may be in practice for at least the next 5 - 10 years.

    They may avoid the impact of the exponential change in 3D CAD software. If you are a younger user of Chief Architect you may not.

     

    Now consider the rapid changes that are now evolving in software and its applications to the CLOUD use
    and to BIM (Built Information Modelling). Will the software you choose be able to exchange data and take

    advantage of this rapidly emerging environment?

     

    Is it likely or possible your chosen software will allow the integration with the available and evolving environmental software apps.?

    Will all the above occur within your selected time frame?

     

    YOUR AGE DETERMINES THE USEFUL SHELF LIFE OF YOUR FIRM / PRACTICE
    Depending on your age bracket and expected practice life the above factors change accordingly.
    The younger you are the harder it will be to pick a winner.

     

     Older practitioners can work with what they have as their client base is retiring or dying. (no disrespect intended)

     

    OPTIONS?
    So if you are a clever "Venetian merchant" you would hedge your bets.

     

    One cost effective option at present is the use of the SketchUp "suite" to enhance your workflow.

    This gives you a "toe in the door" to another evolving software program for initially no capital expenditure.

    However, the cost of software is NOT in its purchase price or upgrade price but in the
    time and energy, you will put into it over the coming years.

     

    EXAMPLE - 01
    SketchUp.

    The suite of SketchUp apps available to complement Chief Architect are:
    1. mySketchUp - free (browser use only on the WEB)
    2. SketchUp Make - free (capable of using extensions and plugins) from a selection of over 800 to do specific focused tasks.
    3. SketchUp Pro.

     

    For those interested in reviewing the merits of using SketchUp in their workflow with Chief Architect
    my following thread on SketchUcation may be of interest.

     

    INTEGRATION of SKETCHUP suite of apps with -  CHIEF ARCHITECT

    (Note: I have NO commercial arrangements with SketchUp or any software supplier)
    To view the thread you may have to sign into the "free" SketchUcation discussion group, similar to ChiefTalk.


    http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=66668&p=611560#p611560

    • Upvote 2
    • Downvote 1
  4. Chief's stated release date is the 1st qtr of 2017.

    Previously ChiefTalk members have been the "last Beta Testers" prior to the program going "public".  

     

    Therefore allow at least 6 weeks of ChiefTalk members "playing with Chief 9_Beta", then another 6-8 weeks for ChiefTalk

    to iron out any outstanding "known bugs".

     

    Therefore my guess is Feb 15 - Feb 20 at the latest :) 

     

    I wonder if there are any hidden "gems" waiting out discovery!

     You gotta dream!!

  5. Keelhauling

     

    Keelhauling (Dutch kielhalen;[1] "to drag along the keel"; German Kielholen; Swedish kölhalning; Danish kølhaling;

     Norwegian kjølhaling) is a form of punishment once meted out to sailors at sea.

     

    The sailor was tied to a line that looped beneath the vessel, thrown overboard on one side of the ship, and dragged under the ship's keel, either from one side of the ship to the other, or the length of the ship (from bow to stern). As the hull was usually covered in barnacles and other marine growth, if the offender was pulled quickly, keelhauling would typically result in serious cuts, loss of limbs and even decapitation.[citation needed] If the victim was dragged slowly, his weight might lower him sufficiently to miss the barnacles, but this method would frequently result in his drowning.

  6. HMS Courageous
    Captain 
    Jonnoxx,

     

    Ahoy!

    While your cannons are still hot, and the smoke is settling from your "friendly" broadside

    you may want to consider sending over boarding parties in the form of email copies to:

     

    1. sales@chiefarchitect.com

    2. suggestions@chiefarchitect.com

    3. info@chiefarchitect.com

     

    Then
    Make a hasty "retreat" because the "true loyal followers" of USS Chief Architect
    are going to be
     gunning for you mate and they will hound you relentlessly over the sea!

     

    Good luck and god speed! :)

     

    HMS Chief Architect_2.jpg

     

     

    • Upvote 2
  7. Chief Architect - Outside its Cube?

     

    I will not address Chief Architect's key faults previously listed. These faults or frustrations
    for professionals are self-evident, particularly when designing outside the Cube (box or room)

    Chief's business model is well defined if you study their website, review their software and follow ChiefTalk discussions.


    The Chief Architect paradigm.


    1. Chief Architect - uses smart design (now called BIM) linked to defined cubes (rooms).

     

    2. Market focus is mainly one and two level residential.  The main structure type is stud walls with a solid brick or other veneer, or cladding.

    The style is what I call "West Coast" traditional.  This style is on display on the Chief website.

     

    3. Clients mainly include DIY, bath, kitchen, ensuite designers.  Small one to three person practices specialising in using the strength of Chief to provide design and documentation for single residential buildings.

     

    The requests for improvements outside of the Cube or box is mainly from individuals or firms that seek or desire to expand their client base.

    In some cases, the option of integrating with established medium size firms would permit associations that use their strengths

    as "part of a team effort".

     

     

    Will Chief make the change - outside the Cube?

     

    Historical context:
    I have read ChiefTalk (and its older versions) for some 20 years now and read the same
    problems expressed by the new boys-girls on the block.  Left with no choice they learn
    to work with Chief's Cube while keeping an eye on other evolving software.

     

    The Opposition improves

    Revit Lt and SketchUp 2017+ are examples of options for those who want to make the effort.
    In the next few years, unless Chief changes, the above or similar software will be considered
    the "best option" for those who wish to work outside the Cube.

     

    I suspect (guess) that the percentage of Chief Architect users who are seriously looking for alternatives
    is not high. It may make "business sense" for Chief to let this segment of their existing market go elsewhere.
    Does this mean that Chief is wrong, or missing an opportunity?  I can not say, only those in authority at Chief may know.

     

    My list of Chief Architect's strategic weaknesses

     

    1. Chief is not recognised by medium to large building and construction firms as being a solid competitor or alternative

    to Revit. (ArchiCad etc)

     

    2. New graduates either have or will acquire expertise in Revit. (or other core CAD programs)
    They will not easily spend time on Chief that is not commonly used in the architectural industry.

     

    3. Chief Architect can not export its BIM information via IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) to the major software programs as Revit.

     This excludes or prevents association of small firms using Chief to work effectively with larger firms who are increasing using BIM.

     

    Put another way Chief is forever doomed to play in its "own sandbox" till the end of time or until it changes.

    So there is no specific answer for Chief but a strategic decision as to where they see its markets in the future.

     

    Given the exponential change in software (A.I.) and the power of computers, it looks like we are in for some interesting years ahead.

     

    Good luck to Chief Architect and thank you for all your efforts.

    • Upvote 2
  8. Info from website - below

    http://m8software.com/clipboards/pigeonhole/pigeonhole.htm

    ===========================================================================================================

     

     

    Pigeonhole
    The Free Organizer for Windows

     

    Ever wished you could just type stuff and find it again without having to save it and then remember what you called the file and which folder you put it in? ..... Well now you can with Pigeonhole.

    Pigeonhole shows you a grid of pigeonholes similar to a spread sheet. Click on a pigeonhole and type in whatever you want - it is saved automatically. When you want to recall the information, just move the mouse over the grid. Whatever you typed into the pigeonhole the mouse is over appears automatically in the viewer window. There are 175 pigeonholes displayed at any one time so you can view up to 175 different pieces of information just by moving the mouse over the grid...... Could anything be easier?

     

    And with the portable versions - You can take all your information with you on your key ring!.

    Pigeonhole comes in three editions:
       Standard - Runs on all versions of Windows from 98 to Windows 10.
       Portable - Runs from any flash drive (Flash drive menu available here)
       U3 - Runs from U3 Smart Drives

       (Compare Editions Here)


    Download a free copy of Pigeonhole now...

    Download Standard Edition
    Download Portable Edition (Flash drive menu available here)
    Download U3 Edition

     

    Start a new experience in computing now with the Pigeonhole Organizer.

     

    Chief Architect PRO.txt

    pidgeonhole organizer.jpg

  9. Symbol naming - for shared symbols posted in ChiefTalk.

     

    Could I suggest all Chief users adopt a naming nomenclature that is more user-friendly for future identification?

    1. Easy linking to primary grouping within Chief as Elect, Furn, Plumb, etc.

    2. Clear naming of the symbols function

    3. Picture of symbol for users to determine its usefulness for them. 

     

    This should allow symbols to be more easily located in the "User Catalogue" (User Catalog )

     

    Soooooooooooo! Using an electrical switch for a door jamb to Ensuites, Pantries or Cupboard doors:

    (actual symbol available at: 

     

     

    Elect switch_door jamb_cupd 

     

    Elect switch_door jamb_cupd.jpg

  10. Thank you, Perry, for the switch.

     

    Could I suggest all Chief users adopt a naming nomenclature that is more user-friendly for future identification?

    1. Easy linking to primary grouping within Chief as Elect, Furn, Plumb, etc.

    2. Clear naming of the symbols function

    3. Picture of symbol for users to determine its usefulness for them. 

     

    This should allow symbols to be more easily located in the "User Catalogue" (User Catalog )

     

    Soooooooooooo! Using your electrical switch as an example:

     

     

    Elect switch_door jamb_cupd 

     

    Elect switch_door jamb_cupd.jpg

  11. Nanawalls

    Folding Doors with Dynamic SketchUp Components


    Home / Folding Doors With Dynamic SketchUp Components

    https://www.nanawall.com/folding-doors-with-dynamic-sketchup-components

     

    3d Warehouse - NanaWall folding glass wall systems
    https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/collection.html?id=50f4852e4734070e6bb8d8822a6e5009

     

    Video

    https://www.nanawall.com/resources/bim-3d

     

    NanaWall WA67.JPGNanaWall WA67_open.JPG

     

     

    SEE

    http://www.nanawall.com/design-wizards

     

     

     

  12. Consider whether you are after bricks that are available to your region of interest as each brick kiln

    has a varying texture and colour.  The size of brick may also determine which colours are available.

     

    Sources:

    1. Pinterest  - general overview available.

    here is a link based on search string: "brick material textures local to California for 3d modelling"

     

    https://www.google.com.au/search?q=brick+material+textures+for+3d+modelling&tbm=isch&imgil=8CKDl3M9QdlAUM%3A%3BDTl-PTyj7w-hqM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.freetexturesdownload.com%252FBrick-Free-Textures-15063.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=8CKDl3M9QdlAUM%3A%2CDTl-PTyj7w-hqM%2C_&usg=__gRS7Dr14vmqnarQH3pBO64771Xk%3D&biw=1536&bih=760#tbm=isch&q=brick+material+textures+local+to+California+for+3d+modelling+

     

    2. Boral - brick swatches available - Australian Bricks :)

    https://ebc.boral.com.au/boraldesignlab/swatches.aspx

     

    refer also to Chief Architect Forum:

     

    Boral brick swatches.jpg

     

     

     

  13. The following is the start of a list of available VR software sites

    that provide 360 panoramic views and VR model viewing.

     

    The industry is evolving and pricing is now becoming available.

    Chieftalk viewers can list new sites, relative costs  in viewing Chief models,

    and other helpful tips.


    InsiteVR is a paid $ version
    https://www.insitevr.com
     
    GearVR 360 Images - Quick Start


    irisVR is a paid $ version
    https://www.irisvr.com


    Kubity is a paid $ version

    https://www.kubity.com/


    Sketchfab - paid $ version for control of who views model
     - free version if "world" can view your 3D model.
    https://sketchfab.com

    • Upvote 1
  14. This is getting off topic so this is my last post on VR software in this thread.

     

    Check out:


    InsiteVR 

     
    Welcome to InsiteVR! We're excited to see how VR can enhance
     the way you communicate with your clients and colleagues.
    Check out the sample project to see some 360 images and if you have
    our GearVR app follow these steps to start your first VR presentation:
     
    Quick Start - GearVR 360 Images
     
    3D Models
    For tips on uploading 360 images, 3D models, and best practices check out our documentation:
     
     
  15. Furniture - modern European 3d models - quality

    Modern European furniture d_loads at "BimObject"

    Large range of 3d models covering every item manufactured.

    (eg. doors,skylights, window hardware, plumbing fittings etc linked to mnf data)

    (http://bimobject.com/en/product) skp and 3ds - quality models

     

     

    pCon Catalogue

    European - modern furniture

    Office furniture, kitchens, meeting rooms etc

    https://portal.pcon-catalog.com/en/

     

    pCon catalogue.jpg

  16. Revizto

    This software illustrates how building design and construction will benefit from BIM.

    Revizto is one example of a possible direction of VR and BIM

     

     

    Revizto 4 illustrates how teams involved in building design and construction benefit from BIM.

     

    The evolving use of BIM, 3D Models, and Virtual Reality are changing exponentially.

    I expect that "Smart checklists" now being developed will appear in the form of something like "checkBOTS"
    [smart algorithms (AI) utilising the exponential increasing power of computers]

    ].