Performance Driven Geometry

This is an interesting tutorial on how to use the analytical data from Ecotect with Paracloud's parametric (Generative) design - software solutions that converts Microsoft Excel™ spreadsheets into a powerful generative and associative modeling and analysis application. The similar work flow can be used also with Bentley's Generative Components by integrating the data pool from Ecotect into GC formulas.
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Autodesk - Building Performance Modeling Powerhouse

After the recent acquisition of Green Building Studio, the acquisition of Ecotect is anything but a surprise. As the old saying goes, "If you can't beat them, buy them" and ADSK is apparently very good at doing so. What to expect next? Speculations aside, in my opinion another flavor of Revit might emerge, Revit Analytical as the melange of best what GBS and Ecotect can offer, Interface and DOE engine. Only time will show, but today it is quite certain who is 100% committed to BIM and BPA integration.

Ecotect v5.60

As far as I am concerned if this June looks like a February (just referring to the 6 months old post on the Ecotect site), it might very well be one. According to the posting on the Square One site, the v5.60 release candidate is available for download and this highly anticipated release could be the one that was worth waiting for. Like I said, if they said February then this is February indeed. Personally I am looking forward to another productive analytical year with Ecotect by my side.
In next few weeks we will put it to the test and see what improvements it brings to the realm of Building Performance Analysis.

VE-WARE goes live

The Revit integrated VE-Ware is now ready for download . VE-Ware presumably gives instant feedback on a building's energy consumption and CO2 emissions based on real geometry and using international climatic data. Over the next few weeks we will test this application and see how it compares to a range of already existing free applications and services that can be used for the preliminary Building Performance Analysis.

IES VE-WARE

IES launches free building energy and carbon assessment sotware IES VE-WARE at AIA convention in Boston. VE-WARE will be released in June 2008
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Green Building Studio 3.2 - The first Autodesk update

This is the first release of Green Building Studio after the recent Autodesk acquisition and it brings a few changes. The most noticeable one is tighter integration with the 2009 line of the Revit platform via the External Application addition to the Tool pull down menu.
The second update is the client application for all of the other BIM platforms that can produce gbXML files. Therefore, AutoCAD Architecture 2009 and MEP 2008 and 2009, as well as ArchiCAD users will still have to submit their files outside of their applications.
I almost forgot, black is the new green as the Green Building Studio web interface has changed to resemble the ADSK home page.

Personal wind turbines

The entire product line of Wind-solar hybrid generation system by Loopwing Co. is quite fascinating and quite applicable for various environments from residential areas to remote alpine locations.
(Link)