Free architectural software and product-related downloads, courtesy of these ArchitectureWeek sponsors...

Defining Green Products for Indoor Environmental Quality

Air Quality Sciences (AQS) offers a white paper that examines what constitutes a green product, how the term "green" has been used and misused, and how green products can affect indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and human health. Additionally, this paper explores federal and state government "green chemistry" initiatives, regulations, and guidelines, and how they are advancing product technology. The paper is made available through Aerias, AQS's resource center for indoor air quality. Free download.

4D Modeling of Industrial Projects

Synchro Ltd. has issued a white paper on the emerging technology of four-dimensional modeling and planning of industrial projects. The white paper, "4D Modeling of Large Industrial Projects Using Spatio-Temporal Decomposition," was written by V.A. Seminov of the Institute for Systems Programming RAS, Moscow, and Tom Dengenis, CEO of Synchro. The authors discuss this approach to 4D modeling and providing special facilities to effectively access project data and execute typical requests relevant to given time and space domains. Theoretical complexity estimates are given to prove the suitability of the schemas for efficient modeling of large industrial projects. Free download (click "Open Publication" at bottom of page).

Update to AutoCAD Web and Mobile Access

Autodesk recently released an update to AutoCAD WS, which uses cloud computing technology to enable users to view, edit, and share their AutoCAD designs and DWG files through web browsers and mobile devices. AutoCAD WS 1.1 includes a more intuitive interface, the ability to view and edit drawings even when offline, and the ability to upload drawings received as email attachments. The AutoCAD WS web application, formerly Project Butterfly, is currently available as a free plugin. (The mobile app for iOS is also available for free, subject to terms and conditions, in the App Store for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, or via www.autocadws.com/mobile.)

PassivHaus Design Primer

Download a basic guide to PassivHaus design, issued by the UK's Building Research Establishment (BRE) to aid developers, architects, and self-builders. The PassivHaus standard is a well-defined, ultra-low-energy construction standard first developed in Germany and used today in Europe and the United States. Dwellings constructed to the standard maintain high indoor air quality while reducing space heating energy needs up to 90 percent compared to the existing building stock, by incorporating high levels of insulation and efficient heat-recovery ventilation and achieving a virtually airtight building shell. Over 7,000 dwellings have been constructed in accordance with PassivHaus principles, which can be applied to residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings. Free download.

Anchoring Dimension Stone

The Marble Institute of America offers a technical bulletin on the practice of mechanically anchoring dimension stone. Prepared as a general guide for tradespeople, the bulletin provides valuable insight about how stone-anchorage devices interface with the stone panels and the building structure. Common anchorage devices are discussed, as well as some guidance about why certain anchor device selections may be more appropriate than others in particular situations. Free download.

How 3D Printing Works

Physical 3D models communicate a designer's vision in a dramatic way. Until recently, the quick and affordable physical prototype has been an oxymoron. Z Corporation offers a white paper that discusses the inception and evolution of 3D printing, explores in depth how a 3D printer produces a physical model, and examines the defining attributes of a Z Corporation 3D printer and the technology decisions that produced them. On-demand prototypes can help improve communication, shorten design cycles, improve accuracy, eliminate costly mistakes, trigger unexpected ideas, drive innovation and quality, and improve collaboration. Free download.

ANSI/BHMA Standard for Materials and Finishes

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) is offering a free download of ANSI/BHMA A156.18-2006, the American National Standard for Materials and Finishes — useful when specifying hardware on a wide range of project applications. The standard establishes finish test methods and code numbers for finishes on various base materials. Performance tests are outlined. Architects need to consider the intensity of use and durability expectations, along with a project's overall design aesthetic. The document is available free for a limited time only. Complete a short survey for access to the download.

Improving Construction Efficiency and Productivity with Modular Construction

The Modular Building Institute has published a white paper citing a report by the National Research Council (NRC) that identifies modular construction as an underutilized resource. At the request of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the NRC convened an ad hoc committee of experts to identify technologies, processes, and deployment activities that have the greatest potential to significantly advance the productivity and competitiveness of the U.S. construction industry in the next 20 years. The committee suggested five potential breakthroughs, including "greater use of prefabrication, preassembly, modularization, and off-site fabrication techniques and processes." Read more and download the white paper.

Free CAD Software

DoubleCAD™ XT works like AutoCAD LT®, but is free. It contains many new, innovative features, such as transparent fills, draw order by layer, hide objects regardless of layer, snap prioritization, self-healing walls, self-aligning blocks, brush editor, Bezier curves, input multiple unit types "on the fly," automatic scaling of units between drawings, one-step splitting of objects, advanced polyline editing, parametric variable palette, modern handle-based editing, exploded viewports, and smart dimensions. Import and export twice as many file formats as AutoCAD LT 2010, including strong .SKP compatibility. Awarded highest five-star rating from the review editors at CNET. Free download.

Specification Management Software

The e-SPECS® specification management software from InterSpec automates the preparation of project specifications by extracting product and material requirements directly from CAD drawings or BIM models. Each unique item in the drawings can be linked to your choice of master guide specifications to specify the product or material identified. Specifications are updated instantly as drawings are developed. The built-in browser facilitates selection of available products that meet your specifications by linking to supplier information. Integrates with Autodesk® AutoCAD® and Revit®-based applications, and with all versions of AIA's MasterSpec®, the industry standard for construction specification documents.

Vectorworks Architect 2011

With Vectorworks® Architect 2011 software, you can create building information models without giving up the ease of design you're used to. Whether you're looking to streamline costs, analyze materials, increase your energy efficiency, or just create world-class designs, with the Vectorworks Architect solution, BIM just works. Enjoy the robust and flexible capabilities of BIM with the ease of design, great documentation, and intelligent tools that the software is known for — right from the start. Download a free 30-day trial.

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