Archive for December, 2009
Designed for architects, planners and interior designers, VisualARQ (developed by Asuni CAD) is a Rhino plugin for creating and editing architectural models. It adds parametric 3D objects like walls, columns, doors, windows and stairs that are suitable for 3D modeling and 2D documentation. For detail on features and to download a trail version go to [...]
Passivhaus Schools The Route to Low Energy Schools in the UK? 11 December 2009 | RIBA, London This very succesful one-day conference explored how the German low energy Passivhaus standard could provide a solution to achieving low energy buildings and improved air quality in UK schools. Click on “Conferences” in the aecb.net menu, or go [...]
Modelur is a SketchUp plugin for parametric urban design. It offers basic tools for quick and effective urban design. In contrast to traditional CAD tools, where the building is described by its width, length and height, Modelur uses parametric approach, in which the building can also be designed by a combination of desired final parameters, [...]
Here is a handy sliding metric/US unit conversion tool for thermal performance units as well as ventilation, distances, areas, volumes and currencies amongst others. This design tool on the Passive House Institute US website is courtesy of Wolfgang Moeller.
Sustainable, or green design, are buzzwords of contemporary architecture. For reasons that vary from meeting energy codes, managing increasing fuel costs, reducing waste, expression of personal values, or the desire for self-sufficiency, more people are thinking green. How can Building Information Modeling (BIM) help to design better “green buildings”? Matthew W. Brewster, founder of AEC [...]
“Since 2002, the “Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings” (2002/91/EC), which is applicable throughout Europe, has been the basis of national legislation in the EU. Now, the European Parliament has ratified a new version of the directive. According to this new version, EU member states must ensure by 31 December 2018 that all newly [...]
“With the development of our plug-in to Google SketchUp and the expansion of our products to include more early design stage tools aimed at architects, interoperability with Macs is becoming increasingly important to our customers” commented Dr Don McLean, Founder and Managing Director of IES. “I’m delighted that the <Virtual Environment> has now been successfully [...]
MADRID—The Cabinet of Spain on Monday passed a law to establish minimum and maximum temperatures for public buildings. Buildings such as shops, bars, airports, cinemas, railway stations and airports cannot be cooled below 26°C (79°F) in summer. During winter, thermostats cannot be set higher than 21°C (70°F). The Economic Sustainability Law is designed to reduce [...]
