Review: 3D Modeling in Vectorworks 2009

I'm an advocate of the strategic use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in architectural design, I've trained professionals in the use of Vectorworks (a BIM product) for over a decade, and I've taught Vectorworks in universities. So, I have both a practitioner's and teacher's interest in what's available for 3D users of Vectorworks. Lately, I’ve been reading Jonathan Pickup’s new training manual, 3D Modeling in Vectorworks 2009. Pickup is a New Zealand architect, longtime Vectorworks user and trainer, and author of several training manuals for my favorite software application. He’s well-known in the Vectorworks community, and has scores of short online videos demonstrating Vectorworks tips and tricks—check him out on YouTube and Twitter, or look up his Vectorworks web site.

3D Modeling in Vectorworks 2009 is both a spiral-bound reference manual and accompanying disc; the disc contains a PDF version of the manual and Vectorworks tutorial files. These are clearly explained in step by step instructions, accompanied by copious screen shots. From the PDF, the user can follow embedded links to watch short videos that further illustrate the accompanying text. While the book title suggests it’s best used for Vectorworks 2009, even users of Vectorworks several versions back will still get a lot out of this manual. One note: the multimedia PDF should be opened in Adobe Acrobat, rather than for example Preview, in order to access the embedded video links.

Whenever approaching a topic as rich and potentially complex as 3D modeling, a trainer is faced with a quandary. Should individual tools and commands be taught methodically, from simplest to most complex, but without the contextual benefit of a project? Or should the training consist of a project vignette that offers the user a context for the varied relevant tools, but may not have the logical rigor of the tool-based approach? Pickup has organized his book to take advantage of both methodologies; as a trainer myself, I greatly appreciate that.

Part One of the manual is almost half the book and covers basic 3D modeling: extrusions, multiple extrusions, sweeps, basic NURBS operations, to name a few. Rather than being a dry rehashing of the extensive online Help already built into Vectorworks, Pickup offers insights into the underlying logic of the tools and commands he covers, explaining them in a way that makes using them less of a “black box” experience for new users. From my own training experience, his explanations make a great deal of sense.

Part Two begins the work of applying some of the abstract tools in Part One to actual architectural applications, such as developing a site model from NURBS. This section provides helpful insights for those who might want to develop quick massing or presentation models from Vectorworks, effectively using the program as a kind of "SketchUp plus". This section also demystifies the Working Plane, a concept that for some reason seems to intimidate users who are new to using Vectorworks in 3D.

Part Three takes the user through a small bus stop project, effectively resolving the quandary I referred to earlier. The project may be unrealistically small in scope and not accurately represent most users’ actual work flow, but it does offer an opportunity to apply the concepts previously covered on a manageable scale.

Throughout, Pickup addresses topics clearly and succinctly. NURBS, which have traditionally overwhelmed users new to 3D, are covered in a highly approachable manner, if not in tremendous depth. This is appropriate for users first learning 3D work. The accompanying videos are short and to the point, and the author strikes a good balance between keeping the viewer’s attention and covering the material fully. Needless to say, having print, video, and sample files all together covers the bases for all kinds of learners. The book stops short of addressing lighting and rendering, which properly are another subject. Personally, I’d recommend Daniel Jansenson’s older but still excellent Renderworks Recipe Book (Imageprops.com, $25 eBook) as a follow-up manual.

Pros
Clear instructions that are extensively illustrated; includes book, PDF, videos, and tutorial files. Covers NURBS modeling, features that Vectorworks has that both SketchUp and Revit lack. Combines tool-based tutorials and project-based vignette approach.

Cons
A bit pricey at $75.

Recommended