LEED "Innovation in Design" Credit Catalog from USGBC

The U.S. Green Building Council issued this document about projects that have received points for "innovative performance." Currently, projects pursuing LEED Certification have the opportunity to earn up to four points for two types of credits in the Innovation & Design Process (ID) category: exemplary performance related to existing LEED credits and innovative performance.

This document pertains to innovative performance, and is a catalog of ID credits submitted by projects before the summer of 2007. It is a work in progress and is meant as a brainstorming tool to assist project teams in the development of new ID credits. It does not set any precedent to be upheld during a LEED Certification Review. The information found here is a staff summary of information provided by review teams and should not be considered a detailed or comprehensive portrayal of the original credit submittal.

Architect's Guide to Home Automation

AVD Australia and Project Connection are sponsoring the 'Architect's Guide to Home Automation' white paper, which provides a seven-step solution for architects who are undertaking home automation projects and creating intelligent environments in new homes. By designing and implementing an infrastructure that can be readily upgraded, designers can ensure that a smart home will keep pace with advances in technology. This free download offers clear and concise advice about what to look for when partnering with a home-automation designer and when hiring an electrical contractor.

Corel® Painter™ X

Corel® Painter™ X offers artists, designers, and photographers powerful professional art and design tools. This next-generation Natural-Media® software art studio blurs the line between traditional and digital art with new color and composition tools, and introduces the RealBristle™ Painting System, which provides an organic painting and illustration experience — right down to the individual bristles on the brush. Complete with training videos by Painter Master Jeremy Sutton. Download a free 30-day, fully-functional trial edition of Corel Painter X. Mac or PC

QuickARC 3D

QuickARC 3D is a free 3D CAD model-viewing software developed by QuickArc. QuickARC 3D reads 3D files in the .STL format, and now in Google Sketchup format (.SKP). It allows the user to view their model, check it for quality, and then get an instant quote for 3D printing. QuickARC 3D now reads Sketchup model files, and converts them to a 3D printable format. The free downloadable software provides the user the ability to: find thin walls, read Sketchup files, and do automatic architectural scaling, multiple model viewing, and instant quoting.

Graphisoft BIM Experience Kit

Architecture is moving to 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM). Most architects are still stuck in a 2D workflow and are fearful to change. The BIM Experience Kit offers architects a no-cost way to learn BIM at their own pace with software, voice-led interactive learning, testing, and rewards.

This interactive and fun learning toolkit features a 30-day trial of ArchiCAD and an interactive tutorial featuring the Massaro House design, a residential home based on a limited series of sketches from Frank Lloyd Wright. Download a trial package...

Bentley BIM

Bentley's BIM solutions allow architects, engineers, contractors, owners, and operators who design, analyze, build, and operate buildings and facilities to be in sync with each other throughout the entire building lifecycle. Save time, improve quality, and create better buildings because of the informed decisions made along the way. Download a trial version, and try it yourself...

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