Seeing your project in real-world context is a powerful option, and Vectorworks 2020 makes it easy with Geographic Information System (GIS) improvements.
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GIS capabilities have been in Vectorworks for a while. In version 2019, the GIS toolset supports a somewhat cumbersome workflow where users have to manually import georeferenced imagery, which could take more time than desired. 

Thanks to Esri’s ArcGIS online capabilities, third party imagery will help keep smaller file sizes without bogging down document performance. The georeference essentially exists as a background image that you can pan and zoom according to your document’s internal origin. You can link everything to the same coordinate system — and for site models, there’s a new option to incorporate geoimages as textures in 3D views.
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Along with reworked dialog boxes, these improvements mean that seeing your drawing in real-world context is much quicker, easier, and more accurate.

Meet us in London on Tuesday, 1st October, 2019 as we present the powerful new workflows in Vectorworks® 2020. Explore the future of Vectorworks while enjoying opportunities in the following areas:

​• Architecture – Discover how Vectorworks supports the entire design process with 2D, 3D and BIM capabilities. We will be presenting project case studies as well as being on hand to show the latest features.

• Interior Design – Learn how to establish a client’s vision using Vectorworks, with presentation boards, immersive panoramas, photo-realistic 3D rendering and augmented reality, while also having the tools required for collaboration.
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• Networking – Meet and connect with over 250 of your industry peers, over lunch and through casual networking opportunities. Key personnel from Vectorworks in the USA and UK will be on hand to discuss any questions that you may have.

Innovative Vectorworks BIM by Jonathan Reeves (122 page book)
​with 50 Hints and tips for Vectorworks Architect

Once you have registered for the Vectorworks Design day using the link above, please email or message me for a FREE PDF copy of my book.

This video show how to export models from SketchUP to Twinmotion and bring them to life, with a complete project based tutorial in only 45 mins. Taking the Antheaeum building by Richard Meire as an example model I show you how to add vegetation, trees people, weather and set up images and stills to create stunning presentations. ​

This #TeaserTuesday, we’re teasing an update to the Vectorworks Graphics Module (VGM) that will make Vectorworks 2020 run much smoother than previous versions.
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The VGM affects how Vectorworks generates and presents 2D and 3D geometry. In version 2019, loading tons of geometry could slow down your computer, especially on larger projects. Users occasionally reported slow frame rates when panning or zooming, and often loading files could take longer than anticipated.

The update for 2020 addresses these issues. The software will seem more realistic — as you zoom out, you’ll notice less and less detail on geometry, mimicking the way the human eye operates. As you zoom back in, geometry will load with its customary high level of detail.

This occurs at a micro level, unseen to the user — we generate geometry in Vectorworks with tessellation/triangulation, wherein the software generates more vertices to show higher levels of detail. The 2020 update means Vectorworks won’t load unnecessary vertices as the object moves farther from the virtual camera — which, for larger projects, can easily cut memory use in half.  When Vectorworks runs smoother, your designs can become reality even sooner.

Above is a small selection of the diverse range of projects the practice undertakes

About West Waddy ADP
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" Originally founded in Abingdon in 1885 the Practice passed through three generations of the West family before merging to form West Waddy in 1986. A further merger with Associated Design Partnership, Oxford in 1999 created the multi-disciplinary practice of West Waddy ADP.

The three Partners, Philip Waddy, Stephen Simkins and Andrew Bateson lead a team of Architects, Planners, and Urban Designers whom comprise a fully integrated built environment consultancy.
West Waddy operates from its riverside studio in the market town of Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The building has a long history of occupation and some elements of the original medieval dyehouse noted in Amyce’s 1554 survey of Abingdon still remain.

With a well-established reputation for good design and creative problem solving, our client base is broad and varied. Well known in Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley, West Waddy continues to broaden its horizons throughout London and the South.
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In 2014 West Waddy formed an association with Archadia Architects, London. The team at Archadia are specialists in social and private housing, healthcare, and special needs services."

Vectorworks, the first BIM software to receive IFC4 export certification, now supports your Open BIM workflows better than ever before.

In April 2019, Vectorworks achieved IFC4 Reference View 1.2 Export Certification from buildingSMART International (bSI) — the global authority driving transformation of the built asset economy through open, international standards. ​

Jonathan Reeves completed 2 days of Vectorworks BIM Training with Cambridgeshire based architects Graham Handley Architects. The practice works on a really interesting and diverse range of project types with a very bespoke attention to detail, and were keen to embrace the latest BIM workflows using Vectorworks.

Please let us know if we can help you practice make the transition to BIM with Vectororks
Jonathan Reeves / Director
BA(Hons) M.Arch Dip.Arch RIBA
Jonathan Reeves Architecture

Data visualization first appeared in Vectorworks 2017, but back then it was confined to viewports. 2020 brings data to the forefront: right in the design layer where you make your design decisions. It’s a live working environment where you can accurately discern the impact of your data, an addition that goes a long way in designing intelligently.

This feature is a useful new way to make design changes and see their impact immediately — creating an all-together proactive design environment.

"This is a very powerful new feature that allow you to visualise your BIM data in a multitude of ways to show different elements of the design to various stakeholders. Well done Vectorworks for making this powerful feature so accessible for everyone." Jonathan Reeves is an award winning architect, author and educator of Innovative Vectorworks BIM specialising in professional Vectorworks & Twinmotion Training Sales, 3D, and BIM. Websites: http://www.jra-vectorworks-cad.co.uk/  and  http://www.real-time-rendering.com

​During the summer heatwave in late July, I was lucky enough to spend two days in Sunny Bournemouth with one of my oldest clients Terence O' Rourke training a new Urban Designer who joined the team.  It was wonderful to meet the team again and see the breadth and quality of the work the practice is working on.  They use Vectorworks Architect and Landmark as their primary tools as its is the only application that covers landscape, urban design and architecture on the Mac platform. They also use a very well developed 3D/ BIM workflow for many of their projects from conception to completion, and a few years a go did contribute an excellent chapter to my book " Innovative Vectorworks BIM" Here a free link to that chapter to download:-
chapter_10-tor.pdf

Please let me know if I can help your practice develop their Vectorworks skills and tailor the software to suit what you do best. Jonathan Reeves / Director BA(Hons) M.Arch Dip.Arch RIBA
Jonathan Reeves Architecture