CU Nov-Dec 2023

SOFTWAREfocus
Cabinet of curiosities
Following fast on the heels of the Vectorworks 2024 launch, Update 2 introduces numerous new
features. Here we focus on one that aptly demonstrates a different facet of the software
Annual software releases by the
main architectural software
developers are often followed by
regular updates, adding further
enhancements to an already generous
helping of new features. It's also helpful
for us, as it saves us having to cram a
long list of enhancements into a single
article, allowing us to select an
interesting feature and expand on it at a
later date. In this case we are focusing
on the improved Parametric Cabinet
design feature, accompanied by an
excellent YouTube video which takes
users through the whole process. The
write-up and vid come courtesy of a
blog that Carter Hartong, Content
Marketing Specialist for Vectorworks,
produces that highlights features of
Vectorworks software for its users:
https://blog.vectorworks.net/endlesscombinations-new-parametric-cabinet-tool.
PARAMETRIC CABINET DESIGN
Designing the perfect interior can be a
daunting task. There are so many elements
to consider, from the layout to the materials
used. But with the parametric cabinet tool
in Vectorworks 2024, creating your client's
dream space just got easier. With just one
tool, you can unleash your creativity and
design endless combinations of custom
base, wall, and tall cabinets. Plus, you can
choose from a wide range of cabinet
configurations from popular catalogues.
The Parametric Cabinet tool is located in
Vectorworks 2024’s Furniture and Fixtures
toolset. To start creating your cabinets, you
can choose from standard placement
modes or from two dynamic placement
modes. With these you can quickly lay out
an entire kitchen, bathroom, or any other
space in need of cabinetry.
FLEXIBILITY OF TEXTURES AND
MATERIALS
The enhanced feature offers a wide range
of possibilities when it comes to materials,
allowing you to personalise your 3D
attributes. Whether you prefer to organise
your design by class, texture, or material,
the choice is yours.
The Parametric Cabinet tool also lets you
override textures on a cabinet's interior
faces and the exterior and back sides. This
gives you endless options for
customisation. Each element can be
tailored to your liking, from the individual
sides to the interior and even the shelves,
enhancing the visual appeal of your design
and adding depth and character to your
virtual creation.
With the ability to report material
quantities, you can also keep track of how
much material you are using for your
cabinet, helping you plan and estimate
your project's cost with greater accuracy.
2D ATTRIBUTES
Just as you have flexibility with the textures
and materials of your cabinets, you also
have a ton of choices when it comes to
your cabinets' 2D attributes too. By using
separate Classes, you can highlight specific
details and features of each cabinet type.
For example, you can choose to emphasise
the swing and toekick in top/plan views,
providing a comprehensive representation
of the cabinets' functionality. This level of
customisation not only enhances the visual
appeal of the design but also helps in
accurately documenting the intended
information to clients or builders.
So, whether you're working on a residential
or commercial project, the option to set
separate classes for cabinet components
can greatly enhance your design process. It
allows for clear communication, precise
detailing, and ultimately, the perfect design
that meets the unique needs and
preferences of your clients.
The information attached to your
parametric cabinets also gives you the
option to create 3D views in addition to
your top/plan and section views, giving you
a wealth of ways to present your designs.
MORE CATALOGS AND CABINET
OPTIONS
You can choose from more manufacturer
catalogues when designing since the
Parametric Cabinet tool provides more
parameters for each part and more
customisable options, such as Aristokraft,
mentioned in the latest software update.
Whether you're looking for sleek modern
designs or timeless traditional styles, our
manufacturers catalogues now offer an
even greater variety to choose from.
ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS TO
UPDATE 2
Further enhancements to Vectorworks 2024
with the new update will be of particular
interest to both architects and landscape
designers, as they improve the visuals and
organisation of BIM workflows. Landscape
designers, will also benefit from enhanced
Site Model functionality, with improved
documentation of site changes, enhanced
cut/fill behaviours and improved handling
of surfaces on site models and stability of
site modifiers.
Vectorworks Architect and Landmark
users will also benefit from IFC
improvements that make BIM collaboration
easier, with default settings for windows,
doors, ramps, grid lines and columns.
With even more to come, including the
new Live Mode for the Omniverse
Connector tool, and improvements to the
Structural Members auto-join behaviour,
there is ample material for another in-depth
focus in the magazine in the new year. We
will also highlight further videos as and
when they become available.
In the meantime you can get an in-depth
look into the functionality of the Parametric
Cabinet tool with this Vectorworks video:
https://youtu.be/sPq-9f9CSdY
www.vectorworks.net
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