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Various professional construction workers and contractors desire more than just 2D and 3D modeling with their architecture software. Nowadays, architecture software has become a necessity in the modern, digital age that we live in today. The programs that we have access to these days enable us to easily draw, save, and print plans for our designs.
Some of the best architecture software and platforms integrate Building Information Modeling (BIM) to enable engineers and architects to collaborate on labor, design, planning, materials, and other technical aspects of a project. According to a recent report , BIM has prompted over 70% of the US architects to believe that it reduces several project error risks, while 56% of them suggest that their clients are far more satisfied upon integrating collaboration solutions in their BIM projects.
Fortunately, we have taken the liberty of reviewing several of the best architecture computer programs and platforms based on several coveted features such as user-friendliness, particular functionality, compatibility with other architecture software programs, and being able to help large teams collaborate on and share their projects.
Best Architecture Software
1. AutoCAD
AutoCAD has a long history behind it. It was developed as far back as 1982 and brought about computer-aided design (CAD) from mainframe computers to that of personal ones. Four years later, AutoCAD became the most renowned CAD program around the world. If there’s any other software that rivals the multifaceted features and capabilities of Bridgit Bench, it is definitely AutoCAD.
Architects mainly use AutoCAD as a 2D drawing tool for making floor plans, sections, and elevations. The program allows users to speed up their drawing process by using pre-configured objects within the platform, including doors, windows, and walls that behave like their real-life counterparts. The program also provides particular mechanical, electric, and architectural, among other toolsets to support any manner of design and drawing.
AutoCAD also allows us to change 2D drawings into 3D objects with a vast range of surfaces, mesh objects, lighting, and solids for more realistic and detailed renderings. The program can be integrated with its parent company Autodesk allowing us to access more powerful 3D tools for our convenience.
2. SketchUp
You have a knack for painting and sketching, then SketchUp can help you realize your dreams. Architects can unleash their true inner creativity by sketch drawing, allowing any of their concepts to take physical form. With this software, we can quickly develop 3D drawings faster than we ever could before. It will also help us modify any of our past models with ease.
For those starting up an architecture, SketchUp is the one software you can count on to give you your training wheels. Its image rendering capabilities will certainly surprise you. Although making a 3D model on this software isn’t easy, it is possible if you follow the right steps.
With the latest updates, you’ll be able to use a wide set of new tools like virtual reality, which allows you to walk around your desired project. What’s more, is that SketchUp comes with the biggest 3D model library, where you can add a plethora of objects like trees, chairs, or anything else to your 3D model.
3. Revit
Created in 1997, Revit was built to support BIM workflows and assist designers, engineers, and architects in planning and keeping track of every planning and building stage from conceptualization to construction. Later in 2002, Autodesk acquired Revit, allowing it to be compatible with some of the other best software for architecture like AutoCAD.
It can tackle a variety of disciplines other than architecture, like interior design, engineering, contracting, and landscape architecture. You can quickly and efficiently make 3D designs for any project you have in mind for your model-based building designs and documentation. You can even use it to automatically update floor plans, sections, 3D views, and elevations. Besides that, you can use 3D visualizations to get a view of the building before it’s constructed.
It also features impeccable collaboration where team members can share and also save their work instead of switching between emails seamlessly, FTP sites and, several other platforms.
4. 3D Studio Max
3D Studio Max is an old-time favorite for many when it comes to making 3D animations, games, images, and models. Apart from being used by builders, contractors, and architects, 3D Studio Max has also been used by TV commercial studios, video game development studios, and more.
3D Studio Max is ideal for 3D presentations because it enables users to develop complete architectural visualizations of a project using photo-realistic renderings and professional animations and walkthroughs. This software is also incredible for importing 2D drawings and then turning them into 3D versions that are fully rendered, textured, and lit.
Best Resource Management Software for Architects: Bridgit Bench
Top general contractors and specialty contractors (including architects) in North America use Bridgit Bench when it comes to resource planning and workforce management for architecture projects. That’s because software simplifies the construction process using a construction resource management system that makes workforce planning easier.
Architects use this program for various tasks such as project tracking, capacity management, skills tracking, forecasting, utilization reporting, and much more. Its features are aplenty, including full project history, powerful Gantt views, real-time dashboards, infinite projects and users, order integrations, open API, and dedicated applications for Android and iOS.
Bridgit Bench also offers real-time utilization and capacity management, simplified skill tracking, easy-to-use resource allocation, strong data insights, and visualization.