A large
number of architecture and engineering firms currently undergo a major change
in their tool infrastructure. BIM software is continuously gaining ground on
traditional CAD tools as means for documentation. BIM software developers are
not satisfied with limiting their tools to the documentation aspect of design and
they aim at introducing options for conceptual modeling within their suite of software.
A prime example these developments is
the approach Autodesk has taken for offering tools that assist their clients in
early environmental checks. With several (partly complementary) products on the
market, the frontrunner in that niche seemed to have been Ecotect (acquired by ADSK in mid 2008). When considering the lack of development
after its purchase, ADSK rather seemed interested in extracting some of its
features than retaining it as a standalone product. A strong indicator for this
to be true is the current development of Vasari that is slowly making its way
out of the Autodesk Labs.
Developing strategies and implementing technology to connect architects, engineers,contractors and owners
