Current News
bonzai3d 2.1 Released
May 5, 2010
bonzai3d 2.1 adds new features and tools and significant improvements to existing ones. A trial version can be downloaded HERE>>
What's new in bonzai3d 2.1?
Dimension unit display: Dimension styles have been enhanced with a new option: Include Units.
NURBS by Lofting tool: New options have been added to the N-Loft tool.
Match View tool: A new option, Angle Only has been added to increase the flexibility of the view matching process.
Snap to ghosted objects: A new Snap To Ghosted option has been added to the Object Snaps Options palette.
SketchUp 7.0 import: The sketchup importer can now import files created with SkecthUp 7.
Find a more complete list of improvements HERE>>
Things Just Became Easier!
May 5, 2010 Evan Troxel
"It’s interesting how my history with AutoDesSys comes full circle. After I spent a few years away from form•Z, they released a new application for designers called bonzai3d. I jumped at the opportunity to beta test the application and hopefully help form it into a great app for architectural designers. After all of the years of experience I’ve had with form•Z, both professionally and in teaching it, I knew exactly where bonzai3d needed to go to become the go-to modeler that I and so many others needed. What was so unexpected was that AutoDesSys had already built the application that I had been needing for so many years.
...Over the last year, bonzai3d has changed the landscape of conceptual design tools in my field of architectural design. I always welcome another tool in my toolbox, but bonzai3d is my go-to tool for the majority of my work. The tools it offers are so numerous and powerful that I hardly need to go to another to get my job done. When I need to do that, I can because it plays so well with the other tools that are out there." READ FULL ARTICLE>>
Copy and Paste from 2D to 3D!
April 21, 2010
Webinar: Introduction to bonzai3d
April 15, 2010
Join this webinar to hear Matthew Holewinski from AutoDesSys demonstrate and explain how bonzai3d is used to accelerate the 3D design process with its intuitive interface, flexible modeling tools, and extensive visualization capabilities.
Discover how the robust models created with bonzai3d can be used further down the production pipeline with worry free geometry.
This informative webinar will give you insight into why bonzai3d is fast becoming the 3D modeler of choice in all design disciplines.
• You will experience:
• A quick overview of many significant features and capabilities in bonzai3d.
• The intuitive interface and how it speeds up the modeling process.
• The advantages of true solids modeling.
• Nurbs modeling and how organic forms are created and edited with ease.
• A sample project including a final rendering to observe project workflow.
• Ways that bonzai3d plays well with other applications.
• How components, doors, and windows are easily managed.
• Extensive visualization features including photo-realistic rendering with Global Illumination using the Renderzone Plugin for bonzai3d.
much more…
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM EDT or 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM EDT
REGISTER HERE
form•Z 6.7 RELEASED
March 16, 2010
AutoDesSys is pleased to announce the release of form.Z 6.7. This is a maintenance release while development centers on the release of form.Z 7.0 later on in 2010.
Version 6.7 brings general performance improvements throughout the application. In addition to correcting reported irregularities, it adds support for DWG and DXF 2010 to facilitate import/export from and to Autocad. The stability and performance of smooth modeling operations is enhanced through the incorporation of an updated version of ACIS that includes support for SAT r19 files.
All users on the Family Plan will receive form.Z 6.7 on DVD automatically. We expect to start sending the update by the end of the week.
Users who are not on the Family Plan, but are current on either version 6.5 or v 6.6, will be able to update for a minimal charge by ordering directly online from the AutoDesSys portal.
Users on versions 6.6 can order their DVD update online by going HERE, for a charge of US $45.00 plus shipping.
Users on versions 6.5 can order their DVD update online by going HERE, for a charge of US $75.00 plus shipping.
form.Z users on any other version will need to contact AutoDesSys sales or their local dealers for pricing and to order this update. Please CLICK HERE to select your ordering method.
Academic users of the annual student edition of form.Z can only obtain the update by downloading it. You will receive instructions on how to do it by going HERE.
bonzai3d 2.0 & RenderZone Plugin Released
February 4, 2010
bonzai3d 2.0
brings a number of new features including dimensions, advanced NURBS modeling
tools, walkthrough tool and clipping planes (real time non-destructive
sections) just to name a few. A summary of the new features is listed below.
RenderZone Plugin adds the ability
to create stunning presentations and visuals, as an option. It
offers the ultimate in photorealistic rendering with Global Illumination based
on Final Gather, Ambient Occlusion, and Radiosity, for advanced simulation of
lighting effects and rendering techniques. A trial version of the plugin is
included with the bonzai3d 2.0 download.
bonzai3d 2.0 is a FREE UPGRADE for all users who bought b3d 1.x. Get it here:
Self-teaching video tutorials make learning b3d a cinch.
Amazingly simple... with simply amazing results.
bonzai3d 2.0 New features
3D Dimensions: 5 new dimension tools have been added including linear, angular, radial, leader lines and notes. Dimensions are associated with the objects that they reference and update dynamically as the model is changed.
NURBS modeling: Six new NURBS modeling tools for extending, merging and blending curves and surfaces enhance bonzai3d’s smooth modeling capabilities. The Blend tools feature an innovative interface that makes surface blending easy and intuitive.
Walkthrough tool: This new tool enables real time point of view animation through a scene, including collision detection.
3D Clipping planes: This feature cuts models open to reveal interior spaces without destroying the model. The clipping planes are preserved in their own palette so that they can be recalled as needed. Clipping planes are an effective working and presentation tool.
Components: The bonzai3d 1.0 Content feature has been drastically improved and is now called components to match industry standards. Components are managed in the new Components palette. Component groups are now embedded in the project files making them portable and editable directly in the project. The Component tools have been reorganized and a specialized tool for repositioning windows and doors has been added. The hole created by window and door components is automatically healed when a door or window is moved, deleted or replaced.
Printing: It has been completely overhauled and adds the ability to print to a specific scale.
Preferences: The size of the tool icons can be changed through a new option in the Preferences dialog. Additional options control the display of the tool names in the icons.
Views menu: New items for Home, Previous, and Next views have been added.
Help: The Project Info dialog has a new tab for tracking linked files.
Parameter editing: Object parameters in the Parameters tab of the Tool Options palette can now be edited on multiple objects simultaneously.
Group editing: Groups can now be edited in the project. This eliminates the need to ungroup and re-group when wishing to make a change to an object in a group.
Object isolation: Objects can now be easily isolated when wanting to work on them and they are part of complex models.
Colors of edges: Control over the color of object edges has been added with the new Edge Color attribute
Transformations: Applying operations such as move, rotate, and scale on large models has been optimized.
DFX/DWG extensions: Support for AutoCad 2010 has been added to the DXF/DWG translator.
Localizations: bonzai3d is now localized for Spanish and German. Additional localizations for Italian, Japanese, and Chinese are in progress and will be released shortly.
RenderZone plugin: Last but not least, the RenderZone plugin, which includes Sketch Rendering, is now available and a trial version is included with bonzai3d v2.0.
AutoDesSys Launches New Web Site
February 3, 2010
Welcome to the new AutoDesSys web site, preceding the release of bonzai3d 2.0 and RenderZone Plugin. It combines the form•Z and bonzai3d web sites under the company umbrella and re-organizes products, related items, and support, to better serve its customers. Comments and suggestions are welcome to make visitors' experience valuable and informative.
2009 Student Awards Announced
October 26, 2009
AutoDesSys held the 17th Annual Awards
Banquet of its Joint Study Program to reward student projects executed using
form•Z. The event took place in Chicago, during the ACADIA (Association of
Computer Aided Design in Architecture) conference which was held at SAIC
(School of Art Institute of Chicago). The school’s ballroom where it was held, is reminiscent of the old glory
of the city’s turn of the century elegance, while the 200+ audience that filled
it, represents the progression of the digital tools that serve the
architectural industry and community and have led design to studies and
executions unheard of even twenty years ago. form•Z has led this evolution
since the 1980s when it was conceived and introduced to the market to fulfill
the much needed digital three dimensional representation of design. To this day, it offers the most
complete set of tools for three dimensional design in a single software
package.
All the winning projects can be seen at
http://www.formz.com/academic/2008-2009/html/0809All.html
Front row; Sarah Jester, Lindsay Kunz, Rebecca Pitt, Mara Schweikert, Elizabeth Suina, Sean Obrien
RenderZone Plugin For bonzai3d Beta Testing Released
October 12, 2009
AutoDesSys announced the start of the beta testing process for:
(1) bonzai3d 2.0
(2) RenderZone plug-in for bonzai3d
All
b3d license holders are invited to beta test the new plugin by downloading b3d 2.0 and install it using their current
license number. Current users of RenderZone Plus as well as other rendering experts are also invited to test the new RZ plug-in. For details go HERE>>
•
The RenderZone plug-in offers photorealistic rendering, including
global illumination and ambient occlusion. It is compatible with formZ
RenderZone Plus and allows the smooth transfer of rendering information
between the two applications.
•
b3d 2.0 offers 3D dimensions, 3D clipping planes (non-destructive
sectioning), a Walk-through tool, six new NURBS tools for blending,
merging, and extending curves and surfaces, overhauled printing,
adjustable size of tool icons, improved view navigation work-flow, and
more.
AutoDesSys
looks forward to making these developments available to the 3D industry
soon. It welcomes beta tester feedback and looks forward to offering
significantly better tools for design projects.
bonzai3d 2.0 Beta Test begins
October 12, 2009
AutoDesSys announced the start of the beta testing process for:
(1) bonzai3d 2.0
(2) RenderZone plug-in for bonzai3d.
All b3d license holders are invited to beta test the new features (see below) by downloading b3d 2.0 and install it using their current license number.
The bonzai3d 2.0 beta also includes the RenderZone plugin. Look for details on how to obtain these applications HERE>>
• b3d 2.0 offers 3D dimensions, 3D clipping planes (non-destructive sectioning), a Walk-through tool, six new NURBS tools for blending, merging, and extending curves and surfaces, overhauled printing, adjustable size of tool icons, improved view navigation work-flow, and more.
• The RenderZone plug-in offers photorealistic rendering, including global illumination and ambient occlusion. It is compatible with formZ RenderZone Plus and allows the smooth transfer of rendering information between the two applications.
AutoDesSys looks forward to making these developments available to the 3D industry soon. It welcomes beta tester feedback and looks forward to offering significantly better tools for your design projects.
bonzai3d Update 1.2 Released
September 22, 2009
AutoDesSys is pleased to announce that the bonzai3d version 1.2 update has been released.
bonzai3d
1.2 is primarily a maintenance update for the application . This includes
compatibility with OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard). Note that bonzai3d is not
yet a 64 bit application hence it does not yet take advantage of the
new 64 bit support in Snow Leopard. We plan to support this in the
future in form•Z, but Spatial (ACIS) and Lightworks still need to
deliver 64 bit versions of OS X before we can! Note that with
Snow Leopard compatibility, we re-gain 3D Warehouse support on OS X
that Google recently broke in OS X 10.5.
This version includes Japanese and Italian localizations.
There
are also a number of important bug corrections including the export of
images with shadows and sweeping along non planar wire paths.
If you have a registered copy of bonzai3d, you can update this by going to bonzai3d's Help Menu and selecting Check for Update.
If
you currently have an unexpired trial copy, you can return to the same
link from where you downloaded the trial version previously and
download an updated trial. (If you don't have this link, just fill out
the form on This Page and the link will be sent to you automatically.)
bonzai3d Workshop in Chicago
September 9, 2009
LOCATION: Chicago
DATE: October 21, 2009
TIME: 9am - 4pm
A one day workshop that will cover the workings of bonzai3d, its ease of sketching and generating 3D models, and its self-learning facilities. It will move quickly to the actual design of architectural forms that go significantly beyond what is possible with both traditional manual means and other more conventional 3D modelers. The workshop is set to encourage intense hands-on participation and exploratory design that starts with quick sketches that lead to robust modeling and even fabrication. Participants will actually be encouraged to prepare their designs for 3D printing that will occur after the end of the workshop.
Presented at ACADIA Conference 2009 by Chris Yessios, founder of AutoDesSys, and b3d master instructor, Matthew Holewinski, this is a workshop you don't want to miss. For details and to sign up for the workshop CLICK HERE>>
3D MODELING AND PRINTING CONTEST
August 4, 2009
AutoDesSys has teamed up with Shapeways to offer a 3D Modeling and Printing Contest that starts the first day of Siggraph and runs for a month – August 4 to September 4, 2009.
AutoDesSys has a passion for 3D modeling! Shapeways is
passionate about creating!
Together they
are inviting designers from all industries to build their dream home or any
object in it with bonzai3d.
Contestants who do not own bonzai3d, can download the free trial version from HERE>> All models submitted for judging must be created with bonzai3d tagged b3d and uploaded
to Shapeways’ site HERE>>
1st
Prize $300 3D print of your model + form•Z RenderZone
Plus -Prize valued at $1,800
2nd
Prize $200 3D print of your model + bonzai3d – Prize valued at $700
3rd
Prize $100 3D print of your model + bonzai3d T-shirt – Priceless!
For more
details GO TO>>
AutoDesSys is dedicated to producing the most advanced tools for all those
engaged in the articulation of 3D forms. It researches and provides the
latest technology in the 3D industry and develops cross platform products that
support 2D, 3D, photorealistic rendering, and animation.
Shapeways is a 3D printing and production service that harnesses the
power of a global network of 3D production service partners to ensure
cost-efficient, reliable manufacturing and order fulfillment of 3D designs
starting with custom 3D printing.
For additional information contact bonzai3d_info@bonzai3d.com
bonzai3d 1.1 Released
July 31, 2009
Bonzai3d 1.1 fixes a number of irregularities reported by users after the
introduction of the application to the 3D industry in mid June, significantly
improving stability and overall feature and tool functionality. Beyond these corrections a few new tools
have been added as a prelude to the next major release that will bring
dimensioning and photorealistic rendering among other enhancements. Both bonzai3d 1.1 and the next
upgrade are free of charge to all registered users.
The
new toolset in version 1.1 includes
Swivel tool – a new view tool that navigates the
view by changing where you are looking (but not the point from which you look)
Set View – adds a way to make
it easier to navigate
around the objects that are being worked on.
Smooth modeling performance – performances of all operations
involving smooth objects have been improved across the board.
User’s manual –over 100
new pages have been added to the manual
Help and Video access – selecting the Manual item from the
menu invoked when right clicking on a too icon, now takes you to the
appropriate place in the manual for the tool is discussed. Likewise selecting
View Video takes you to the most relevant video for the tool.
For more details CLICK HERE>>
Mid-summer Sale - 25% off form•Z RenderZone Plus
July 24, 2009
To help out with the economic downturn, AutoDesSys is offering 25% discount on all new licenses of form·Z RenderZone Plus 6.6, and a free upgrade to version 7.0 when it is released during the winter months of 2009/2010.
This offer is for new user licenses only. The purchase of additional licenses to an existing form·Z license qualifies for the 25% discount, but not for the free v. 7.0 update. You may contact a dealer near you or AutoDesSys Sales (sales@formz.com) or more information. Take advantage of the 25% discount and order form•Z RenderZone Plus HERE>>
Development for form·Z RenderZone Plus 7.0 is in high gear. AutoDesSys is working on a revamped interface, new tools, and some major enhancements to modeling operations.This is truly the next generation of form·Z.
bonzai3d for VISIONSELL
June 29, 2009
Two brand new products have teamed up to revolutionize the way people buy homes and real estate agents sell them. Transforming Architecture is launching a new concept, VISIONSELL, a product for architects that will facilitate real estate sales by helping buyers visualize how they can turn an "ugly duckling bargain" into their dream home with the help of bonzai3d. Bonzai3d is the software of choice for VISIONSELL to engage architects with homebuyers. Side by side, the architect can offer design solutions that prospective buyers can see immediately. These ideas may include an addition, floor plan alteration, or even raising the roof. The architect helps clients visualize the changes and obtain the necessary information to make an educated buying decision.
After evaluating several different software applications for the task, Karen Pitsley, AIA, President of Transforming Architecture, and the mastermind behind VISIONSELL, selected bonzai3d, even though she was still working with the beta version. "The potential was so obvious, it was an easy decision", said Pitsley. On one hand you have an easy to use, yet powerful and robust set of tools that can take you from a quick sketch, all the way to detailed representations, construction drawings, and 3D prints. On the other hand, you facilitate buyers and sellers, architects and real estate agents. A win-win situation for all involved. Learn more about how to use bonzai3d in this capacity on YouTube HERE>>
10 Reasons Why You're Going to Love bonzai3d
June 17, 2009
The facts: bonzai3d is a new 3D modeler developed by AutoDesSys for quick, easy, simple, yet robust 3d modeling. Why bonzai3d might you ask? It is here to fill in the gap for a simple and easy to use application on the fly without restrictive limitations down the road for a dead end!
The goal is to offer conceptual and sketching stages of design, yet CAD accurate models that can be used further down the production pipeline such as construction drawings, renderings, animation, fabrication, rapid prototyping with 3D printing, or with any application that depends on good clean solid 3D models.
You can think of bonzai3d as a small and intuitive application, but BIG on features and capabilities it offers. A smart modeler that's constantly thinking behind the scene and anticipates your next move, making decisions for you based on what you are doing and where the cursor is, thus helping speed up the modeling process.
Out of the hundreds of available features, AutoDesSys has picked 10 to tell why we think users will love and get excited about bonzai3d. Allow us to engage your attention for a few moments with the countdown (also available online HERE>>):
#10 bonzai3d offers EASY SCULPTING with
- Draw and insert on faces
- Reshape faces
- Offset faces or segments
- Done with REAL TIME BOOLEANS
#9 bonzai3d offers a FLUID, POWERFUL and SMART INTERFACE with
- Automatic guides
- Intelligent snapping
- Speeds up the modeling process
#8 bonzai3d offers CLASSIC MODELING TOOLS with
- REAL TIME DYNAMIC EDITING of
3D walls
Primitives
Revolves
Sweeps
Helix Shapes
and more...
#7 bonzai3d offers DEFORMATIONS that work on any solid or surface
- Twist
- Bend
- Bulge
- Taper
#6 bonzai3d offers SPECIALTY TOOLS peppered throughout the application
- The ROOF TOOL (Create parametric solid roof)
- The STAIR TOOL (Create parametric solid stairs)
- The TERRAIN TOOL (Meshed, Stepped, or Triangulated contours)
- The SECTION TOOL (Interactively cut sections using real-time Booleans)
- Generates true solid objects
#5 bonzai3d offers CONTENT LIBRARY with
- Trees, Furniture, People
- Doors and Windows that automatically insert openings
- Create your own content from any b3d file
- Or download from 3D Warehouse
#4 bonzai3d PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
- 20+ importt/export formats
- Import aerial sites grom Google Earth
- Insert models from 3d Warehouse
#3 bonzai3d offers ADVANCED REAL-TIME RENDERING with
- 300 materials
- Live interactive texture mapping
#2 bonzai3d offers the MATCH VIEW TOOL to
- Match a bonzai3d model with a background image
#1 bonzai3d offers ORGANIC FORMS
- If you are tired of being limited to "boxy" shapes, how about NURBZ modeling
- Create edit, and sculpt complex forms
But wait!! There is more! FREE EMBEDDED VIDEO TUTORIALS make learning bonzai3d a cinch.
To watch a demonstration of the above follow this LINK>>
THE BOTTOM LINE: Easy, Fun, Smart and very Affordable at the introductory price of US $499!
bonzai3d RELEASED
June 11, 2009
AutoDesSys is pleased to announced the release of bonzai3d, its newest product and contribution to the 3D industry. Bonzai3d is a small, intuitive application with BIG capabilities. The goal is to offer conceptual and sketching stages of design, yet CAD accurate models that can be used further down the project pipeline for construction drawings, renderings, animation, 3d printing and so much more.
Bonzai3d was developed to fill in the gap for an affordable, quick, easy, simple, yet geometrically robust 3D modeler without restrictive limitations that can quickly bog down a project. It has a fluid, smart interface. It offers easy sculpting with real time booleans and all the classic modeling tools with real time dynamic editing. The Roof, Stair, Terrain, and Section Tools help architects articulate and communicate their thoughts clearly. If you are not happy with the boxy look, you can create organic shapes with NURBZ modeling to create, sculpt and edit complex forms. Bonzai3d also comes with Content Library, 300 Materials, Textures, and 20+ import/export formats.
Get more information on bonzai3d, and find out how to obtain it HERE>>
Predefined Materials Set for form•Z
May 21, 2009
Intuitionusa.com has updated and enhanced the Predefined Materials Set for form•Z - Industrial Design Series. These materials fit neatly into your Predefined Materials so that they are always at your fingertips without making your file's size larger. These materials can be used for all kinds of Industrial Design projects such as Exhibits, Stores, Buildings, and Products. There are also many Corians and Wilsonart Solid Surfaces which allow you to quickly view different material combinations and have the name of the material handy.
You can find the Predefined Materials Set for form•Z HERE>>
More bonzai3d Impressions
May 18, 2009
As more 3d industry analysts and press publish their reports about AIA 2009, and their take on bonzai3d the more positive impressions surface about bonzai3d's tools, power, and capabilities. Two new reviews by Lachmi Khemlani of AECbytes and Anthony Fausto Robledo of Architosh, reflect the bright future ahead for this new application that left AIA attendees inspired and hopeful at the thought of having an entry level tool they can use as a stepping stone to the next level of their project, whatever it may be, instead of facing a dead end at the end of a day of modeling. Khemlani opens her section of the overview of the Conceptual Design secion of her AIA 2009 report by saying: "In the conceptual design space, while Google was there to demonstrate version 7 of SketchUp, it seemed to be over-shadowed by the new bonzai3d from AutoDesSys Inc." (To read the entire article at AECbytes click HERE)
Robledo sat down with Chris Yessios, president of AutoDesSys, and had a candid talk with him about bonzai3d. His wrap up of the conversation and the demo he saw at AIA was this: "With a combination of strengths ranging from robust modeling kernel
technologies to advantages in modeling creation and editing–to solid
strengths in learning the application–bonzai3d is clearly the
front-runner rival to Google’s popular SketchUp, and is well worth
reviewing for anyone interested in an easy-to-use but powerful modeling
application." (You can read the entire article HERE)
bonzai3d Impressions
May 8, 2009
We are getting the first impressions and feedback about bonzai3d from the press at AIA 2009 in San Francisco. You can read Kenneth Wong's (Desktop Engineering) and Anthony Fausto-Robledo's (Architosh) observations and watch a video by Kenneth following these links:
http://architosh.com/2009/04/aia-formz-makers-announce-bonzai-3d-release/
http://www.deskeng.com/virtual_desktop/?p=229
bonzai3d Shines at AIA 2009
May 1, 2009
AIA attendees were very impressed with bonzai3d. As time went by and word spread, more and more visitors came to see the latest offering by AutoDesSys. You could feel the excitement, not only from the visitors, but by the AutoDesSys team in San Francisco that was energized by the warm welcome and the appreciation for its power and the robustness the entry level modeler received. One attendee, Suad Mahmuljin, could not contain himself and promptly exclaimed: "this is like Sketcup on steroids"!!!!! Needless to say he also said that he will be buying it as soon as it is released.
DOWNLOAD and test drive bonzai3d.
Let There b3d at AIA 2009
March 17, 2009
Check out the latest on bonzai3d in San Francisco, April 30 - May 2, at booth 1639, during the AIA 2009 National Convention. AutoDesSys will be demonstrating its latest product along side form•Z at the Moscone Convention Center. You are invited to join the excitement it has generated during the beta testing period. Register for the conference HERE>>
New bonzai3d Tutorial Videos Released
March 16, 2009
Bonzai3d tutorial videos are a great resource to learn this application quickly and easily. More are being released constantly and beta testers have found them invaluable in the learning process. Watch the videos to learn about the features and tools of bonzai3d and how to streamline your 3D productivity simply and powerfully. You can find them HERE>>
bonzai3d Public Beta Launched
February 5, 2009
The much anticipated new 3D modeler, bonzai3d, is now available to download. Find out more details about bonzai3d at bonzai3d.com and download your copy HERE
Bonzai3d is a new 3D modeler developed to fill in the demand for a quick, easy, simple but, most importantly, geometrically robust approach to 3D, based on design industry essentials and designer requests.
In many ways, bonzai3d is an offspring of the form•Z experience of the past 20 years. At the same time, it is a different application with a fresh approach to 3D modeling, aimed at delivering your conceptual design and sketching ideas on the fly while maintaining the option to transform them into accurate and robust models that can be used for construction drawings, can be smoothly rendered, and manufactured.
To participate in the forum discussion about bonzai3d CLICK HERE
form•Z Special Offer
February 4, 2009
form•Z RenderZone Plus 6.6 is being offered at 25% discount plus a free update to version 7.0 when it is released.
For details go HERE>
form•Z Joint Study Student Awards Announced
October 17, 2008
AutoDesSys, Inc. announced the 16th annual student awards, at the annual conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA), held at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis. The awards were presented by Chris Yessios, President of AutoDesSys. Awards of Distinction received a copy of form•Z RenderZone Plus and one thousand US dollars. Honorable Mentions received an annual academic license. Congratulations and prizes were extended to the winners at a dinner that AutoDesSys sponsored for the conference attendees. All of the winning projects can be seen HERE>>
With an academic program that involves Universities and some High Schools worldwide, AutoDesSys supports and subsidizes the “Joint Study Program” (JSP) to facilitate the teaching of design with digital tools - 3D in particular. Currently in its 17th year, the JSP offers the use of form•Z in academic departments that are interested in educating their students in the articulation of three dimensional forms. The goal of the JSP is twofold: It aims to promote education in 3D modeling and computer enhanced design, and to contribute to the evolution of computer driven design tools. At the end of each academic year, the faculty members in charge of administering the JSP are invited to submit a report with feedback and samples of student work that are compiled by AutoDesSys into the annual Joint Study Report, aptly named "Partnerships in Learning". In addition to this, each year, a guest editor invites colleagues from member schools to submit articles for the "Joint Study Journal", a collection of thematic and intellectually stimulating views that present new and challenging ideas in the fields of digital design. Edited and reviewed by prominent members of the global academic community, these articles cover various aspects of digital design and represent the work of faculty, students and researchers in the field. This is inspirational reading for anyone desiring to explore how advanced digital design is influencing the future of architecture as well as other industries engaged in three dimensional expressions. Both the JSP Report (on DVD) and the Journal (in print) are widely distributed in the academic community and form•Z users world wide as well as any others who may be interested in them. There is no doubt that the form•Z Joint Study Program is unique, contributes to academics in unparalleled ways, and remains a testament of AutoDesSys' passion for research, development, and its contribution to the advancement of the 3D industry.
One of the traditions of the JSP is the nomination of student projects for awards that are presented to a distinguished jury comprised of five individuals outside of AutoDesSys, both experts or theorists of computer aided design. They are charged with selecting the award winners in a setting that does not disclose names of the nominees or school affiliations. This year the jurors were:
Craig Beddow, Craig Beddow Design, Architect, Minneapolis, MN
Beth Blostein, Associate Professor of Architecture, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Robert Brainard, IDSA, RBID, Industrial Designer, Danbury, CT
Frank Elmer, FAIA, FAICP, Principal, Lincoln Street Studio, Columbus, OH
Susan Melsop, Assistant Professor of Interior Design, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Award recipients are selected based on the grading they receive from the jurors in the following categories listed along side the winners’ names. For a complete and detailed list of the projects with graphic illustrations VISIT>>
This year five awards of distinction and six honorable mentions have been granted. The nominated projects were divided in five categories: Architectural Design, Interior Design, Fabrication, Visualization/Illustration, and Animation.
1. Architectural Design
Award of Distinction: Student Name: Farzam Yazdanseta
School: University of Maryland
Honorable Mention: Student Name: Ben Mokri
School: New School of Architecture and Design
2. Interior Design
Award of Distinction: Student Name: Poppy Weston
School: University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
Honorable Mention: Student Name: Rachel Chotin
School: Rhode Island School of Design
Honorable Mention: Student Name: Oriel Poole
School: Drexel University
3. Fabrication
Award of Distinction: Student Names: Drew Weinheimer, Keith Labutta
School: Pennsylvania State University
Honorable Mention: Student Name: Cheng-Yuan Huang
School: Tamkang University
4. Visualization and Illustration
Award of Distinction: Student Names: Lauren Segapeli
School: Texas Tech University
Honorable Mention: Student Name: Marielis Suarez
School: Rhode Island School of Design
5. Animation
Award of Distinction: Student Name: Sophia Chan
School: Rhode Island School of Design
Honorable Mention: St. Names: Andréanne Houde, Sandie Janelle, Simon Leclair, Valérie Ouellette, Ralph Potvin
School: CÉGEP de Saint-Laurent
BonZai 3D draws much interest at Siggraph 2008
August 14, 2008
A pre-beta version of BonZai 3D, AutoDesSys’ new 3D modeler, was shown at Siggraph, in Los Angeles, August 12-14, 2008, and drew an enthusiastic welcome by both current form.Z users and the general attendee public. The most common comment heard around the AutoDesSys booth was: "Finally an easy modeler to sketch with, but producing robust models that can export geometry correctly and can even go to fabrication". Find out the highlights of bonZai 3D HERE>>
form•Z 6.6 and form.Z RenderZone Plus 6.6 Released
July 1, 2008
AutoDesSys is pleased to release update form•Z and form•Z 6.6 and RenderZone Plus 6.6. This version includes the following improvements.
Foremost, update 6.6 offers corrections to irregularities reported to AutoDesSys since our previous release and introduces a variety of stability and performance enhancements. Some of these can be attributed to new and updated versions of the Lightworks libraries for rendering and of the ACIS libraries for smooth modeling. form•Z 6.6 also offers a few new features, mostly in the area of export/import.
New export/import translators and additions to existing
Collada (.dae) files can now be imported to and exported from form•Z, using a new translator. Collada can be used to transfer object geometry, textures, and other 3D data.
Google Earth (.kmz) files with 3D content can now be imported into form•Z and vice versa. Also, Google Earth views can now be created as textured objects directly in form•Z, after they have been captured in Google Earth.
Google SketchUp (.skp) files can be imported directly into form•Z through a new translator, which includes support for textures that import smoothly into RenderZone Plus.
The DWG/DXF translator now also supports the 2007/2008 formats and has been updated to support text elements better.
The ZPR (Zcorp) translator now also supports version 2 of the ZPR file format.
More tree symbols
The form•Z tree symbols have been enhanced with over 30 new trees including seasonal variations and palm trees.
This update is free of charge to all form•Z users who subscribe to the form•Z Family Plan and will be sent to them on a DVD. Users on version 6.5.6 will also be able to update their software through automatic update. However, this method will not include the tree libraries. A DVD that contains the update and the tree libraries can be obtained for the cost of processing and shipping for 6.5 users. ORDER HERE>>
AutoDesSys previews new 3D modeler, BonZai 3D
May 15, 2008
AIA 2008 Convention, Boston - AutoDesSys is pleased to preview BonZai 3D in Booth 22139.
What is BonZai 3D?
BonZai
3D is a new 3D modeler developed to fill in the demand for a quick,
easy, simple but, most importantly, geometrically robust approach to
3D. A response to those who wish to express their thoughts graphically
in 3D, on the fly, without too much hassle, and then be able to advance
to the next level of detailed solid modeling and production, if they
wish to do so.
In many ways, BonZai is an offspring of form•Z.
At the same time, it is a different tool and represents a fresh
approach to 3D modeling. The BonZai tools have resulted from
experiences, experiments, research, and user input of the past 15
years. Its goal is to support the conceptual and sketching stages of
design with utmost ease, but also the production of accurate and robust
models that can be used for construction drawings, can be smoothly
rendered, animated, and fabricated (i.e. printed in 3D). All this and
more at an affordable price.
You can think of form•Z as the
Swiss army knife of 3D modeling and BonZai as a pen knife you carry
around to depend on for quick solutions to all kinds of immediate needs.
Anatomy of Bonzai
BonZai
is the next generation of ease of use, combined with underlying solid
modeling, that leads to effective workflow that minimizes input effort
while maximizing productivity. It offers all the basic tools a
designer needs to present one’s ideas in a 3D representation. It is
built on form•Z’s trademark strengths that include solids and nurbz,
multi-platform support, reliable Booleans, import/export file
translators, and above all its solid reputation for the mark of
excellence in 3D.
Some of the individual features in BonZai are:
• Fluid, powerful, and smart interface.
• All the classic modeling tools (extrusions, sweeps, transformations, etc.).
• Real time Booleans.
• NURBS curves and surfaces.
• Smart 3D drawing.
• Dynamic graphic editing.
• Push/Pull tool for easy sculpting and shape editing.
• Advanced OpenGL rendering with shadows, transparencies, and textures.
• Graphic texture map editing.
• Over 200 free materials (texture maps).
• Content library for trees, furniture, entourage elements.
• Support of 3D Warehouse.
• Google Earth and SketchUp file compatibility.
• Over 30 export/import formats for easy inter-operability.
• Embedded video tutorials
When to Expect bonZai 3D?
What
is presented at AIA 2008 - BOOTH #22139 - is a sneak preview of what’s
to come in the summer of 2008. AutoDesSys expects to start public Beta
testing soon.
form•Z User Wins Lightworks Image Competition
May 14, 2008
AutoDesSys is very happy to announce that the first Lightwork Design Image Competition award has gone to Paal Reksten of Opus Architects, in Norway. Congratulations to a long time user of form•Z for his masterful use of the tools in RenderZone.
According to the Lightwork announcement on its web site, "There was a fantastic response, with entries submitted from across the globe, created using a broad variety of different LightWorks-based applications and illustrating a range of different sectors." Several entries came from form.Z users. You can see the winning entry and submissions here>>
Webcast: Modeling for 3D printing
May 13, 2008
This webcast hosted by Z Corp, describes tools in form•Z that help create models targeted for 3D printing, adding relief to surfaces and cleaning up data for dependable exporting with ZPR files, including textures. You can see a Displacement tutorial and project examples, review 3DPrinting related tools such as Doctor, 3DPrint, Attributes Display resolution, etc. To link to the webcast click here>>
New DXF/DWG Beta Plugin
March 14, 2008
A new form•Z DXF/DWG (beta 1) translator is available. This updated plugin adds support for the DWG 2007/2008 format and includes export of DWG materials. There are also a number of improvements in the handling of text elements. This plugin is compatible with any version of form•Z 6.5. It is available to all registered form•Z and form•Z RenderZone Plus v6.5 users. Download >>
form•Z Joint Study Journal Published
March 14, 2008
The Joint Study Journal is a collection of academic articles that deal with practical and philosophical issues relating to 3D design, that pre-occupy faculty, students, and researchers. The title of the 2007 Journal is "Digital Intentions, Explorations, and Accidents." The guest editor is Andrzej Zarzycki, Professor of Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. View JS Journal>>
Patch 6.5.6 released
March 13, 2008
Version 6.5.6 offers corrections to irregularities reported since the previous update. Users running version 6.5 will be patched automatically once they respond to respective prompts. The patch may also be applied manually after downloading it by clicking here>>
Version 6.5.4 released
November 14, 2007
Version 6.5.4 offers corrections to reported irregularities and is also the first release of form·Z RenderZone Plus in Japanese. This is one more localization in addition to German, Spanish, Italian and Korean. A 6.5.4 patch has also been made available. Get more information on how to patch your 6.5 license by clicking here.
2007 Joint Study Award Winners
October 24, 2007
AutoDesSys is pleased to announce the 15th annual form·Z Joint Study Awards, presented to deserving students during the ACADIA Conference that took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, October 4-6, 2007, and hosted by Dalhousie University School of Architecture and NSCAD University. To learn more about the form·Z Joint Study Program and see the projects that won the awards please CLICK HERE.
New Pylon Plugins
October 3, 2007
AutoDesSys is pleased to welcome the release of a new collection of plugins for form•Z: the Views + Navigation Collection from Pylon Technical, the second set from this developer. This collection introduces 5 plugins designed to boost productivity and optimize the form•Z workflow. Featured highlights include: easy sectioning of large architectural models and mechanical assemblies, moving and scaling underlays interactively, enhanced grid management, and more. Full descriptions of these plugins, including comprehensive video demonstrations and user manuals, can be found at: http://www.pylontechnical.com/products.html
form.Z SketchUp Plugin Beta released
September 21, 2007
form.Z SketchUp Plugin (beta 1) is a new plugin that imports data from SkecthUp files (.skp) and is now available to all registered form.Z and form.Z RenderZone Plus v6.5 users to test. It can be downloaded from here.
Version 6.5.2 released
September 20, 2007
Version 6.5.2 is the first release of formZ 6.5 and RenderZone Plus software in German, Spanish, Italian, and Korean. A patch for 6.5.2 has also been released. Get additional information and how to patch your 6.5 license by clicking here.
New how-to form.Z videos released
September 20, 2007
Take a look at the underwater animation and find out how each object in the scene was modeled. Find out how easily and simply the scene on the ocean floor can be created, rendered and animated. Learn how to model the architecture of ruins, including the capitals of Corinthian, Doric, and Ionian style columns, a variety of sea creatures and other objects you may find on the ocean floor such as an anchor or a shell! It's can all be found by clicking here.
3D printing video
September 20, 2007
Ever wondered how to prepare a model for 3D printing? Watch the video that examines the basics of getting an object ready for the task. See examples that were output in color with textures. Please click here to learn more.
form•Z used to design ships in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean
August 5, 2007
In an article titled "Ship Shape", in the Computer Graphics World Magazine, Karen Moltenbrey describes the process used to design and build six full size ships that graced the big screen. Find out how the art directors relied on form·Z to get this monumental task accomplished. Click here to read the article.
form·Z 6.5 and RenderZone Plus Released
June 26, 2007
AutoDesSys is pleased to announce the release of form•Z 6.5 and a new rendering application. RenderZone Plus offers an uncomplicated approach to powerful results that enrich 3D modeling for presentations, visualization, and animation. To learn more about these products click here.
Bundle with Maxwell Renderer Announced
June 26, 2007
AutoDesSys and Next Limit Technologies (www.maxwellrender.com) have teamed to offer form•Z RenderZone Plus users a special discount for Maxwell Renderer. For a limited time, through the end of September 2007, RenderZone Plus users can buy Maxwell at a special price. To order contact sales@formz.com or your local form•Z dealer.
One More Time
May 24, 2007
form·Z Joint Study Award Winners featured in Architecture Week for also winning the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's competition for a million square foot design of an airport using form·Z and other digital tools. To read more, Click Here. To see the complete 2005-2006 form·Z Joint Study report, Click Here.
An Interview with Christos Yessios
May 24, 2007
Chris Yessios, President of AutoDesSys, was recently interviewed by Franco Folini of Novedge. To read the interview, please feel free to Click Here.
November 30, 1999
AutoDesSys Previews new 3D modeler, BonZai 3D, at AIA 2008
November 30, 1999
May 15, 2008, AIA Convention, Boston - AutoDesSys is pleased to preview BonZai 3D in Booth 22139.What is BonZai 3D?
BonZai 3D is a new 3D modeler developed to fill in the demand for a quick, easy, simple but, most importantly, geometrically robust approach to 3D. A response to those who wish to express their thoughts graphically in 3D, on the fly, without too much hassle, and then be able to advance to the next level of detailed solid modeling and production, if they wish to do so.
In many ways, BonZai is an offspring of form•Z. At the same time, it is a different tool and represents a fresh approach to 3D modeling. The BonZai tools have resulted from experiences, experiments, research, and user input of the past 15 years. Its goal is to support the conceptual and sketching stages of design with utmost ease, but also the production of accurate and robust models that can be used for construction drawings, can be smoothly rendered, animated, and fabricated (i.e. printed in 3D). All this and more at an affordable price.
You can think of form•Z as the Swiss army knife of 3D modeling and BonZai as a pen knife you carry around to depend on for quick solutions to all kinds of immediate needs.
Anatomy of Bonzai
BonZai is the next generation of ease of use, combined with underlying solid modeling, that leads to effective workflow that minimizes input effort while maximizing productivity. It offers all the basic tools a designer needs to present one’s ideas in a 3D representation. It is built on form•Z’s trademark strengths that include solids and nurbz, multi-platform support, reliable Booleans, import/export file translators, and above all its solid reputation for the mark of excellence in 3D.
Some of the individual features in BonZai are:
• Fluid, powerful, and smart interface.
• All the classic modeling tools (extrusions, sweeps, transformations, etc.).
• Real time Booleans.
• NURBS curves and surfaces.
• Smart 3D drawing.
• Dynamic graphic editing.
• Push/Pull tool for easy sculpting and shape editing.
• Advanced OpenGL rendering with shadows, transparencies, and textures.
• Graphic texture map editing.
• Over 200 free materials (texture maps).
• Content library for trees, furniture, entourage elements.
• Support of 3D Warehouse.
• Google Earth and SketchUp file compatibility.
• Over 30 export/import formats for easy inter-operability.
• Embedded video tutorials
When to Expect bonZai 3D?
What is presented at AIA 2008 - BOOTH #22139 - is a sneak preview of what’s to come in the summer of 2008. AutoDesSys expects to start public Beta testing soon.
November 30, 1999
November 30, 1999
November 30, 1999