Vectorworks 2017 software’s Service Pack 2 enables high-quality PDF export experience and more Columbia, Md. (November 22, 2016)—Today, global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. introduces the Service Pack 2 update for Vectorworks 2017, which includes a multitude of general improvements to the software along with enhanced compatibility with Bluebeam® Revu® PDF creation, editing and markup software from Bluebeam, Inc., a leading developer of technology solutions for the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries. This improved functionality will appear in the 2017 product line, specifically Vectorworks^® Architect, Landmark, Spotlight and Designer. “Accessible open standards, flexible design processes and overall productivity gains are highly prioritized by the design community,” said Steve Johnson, vice president of product development at Vectorworks. “With this in mind, we teamed up with our partner and sister company within the Nemetschek Group, Bluebeam, to provide an optimized PDF export between our robust BIM software and Bluebeam Revu.” As part of the new collaboration capabilities, Vectorworks 2017 has an improved PDF export functionality that now automatically includes Vectorworks space object data and attributes. Space objects can be used as dynamic, data-rich massing model components, supporting BIM workflows as part of the 2D/3D design process with parametric modeling. These data-rich PDF files can be readily imported by Revu users, saving time and increasing accuracy by eliminating the need to enter space object data manually every time an architect issues a revised set of construction drawings. “When it comes to developing a seamless set of applications that work together, interoperability is everything,” said Don Jacob, CTO at Bluebeam. “Vectorworks and Bluebeam worked together to tailor a solution for their users that streamlines data transfers, preserving valuable data in the process that Revu users can use to begin working with immediately.” To learn more about the other Service Pack 2 performance improvements in Vectorworks 2017 software, read the Vectorworks Knowledgebase article by clicking “READ MORE” below. Current users can implement the Service Pack 2 updates by running the “Check for Updates command,” and those purchasing a Vectorworks 2017 license after the Service Pack 2 release should double check that it was downloaded too.

New, easy-to-use website redesign provides tailored web services for designers, contractors and distributors. BURNS HARBOR, Ind. – November 2016 – Mortar Net Solutions™, the leading supplier of moisture management solutions for masonry walls, introduced its new, redesigned website. The new website is now easier to use and has been divided into three subsites configured specifically for the people who use Mortar Net Solutions products. One subsite is for architects, designers, engineers and building envelope consultants. Another subsite is for contractors and masons, and the third subsite is for distributors and sales representatives. There is also a password-protected section of the site for existing Mortar Net Solutions sales representatives. Tabs for requesting product samples, downloading key product information and accessing videos and literature are positioned at the top of each page for easy access. Rather than by function, product menus are arranged alphabetically, and drop-down menus require only one click, instead of two. “Our customers told us they wanted it to be easier to find information specific to their needs, so we redesigned the site with those needs in mind,” said Art Fox, marketing director at Mortar Net Solutions. “No matter whether visitors access the site from a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone, they’ll be able to quickly and easily find what they need.” A video guided tour of the features of the new website is available in the Mortar Net video library at mortarnet.com/video-library/. About Mortar Net Solutions Mortar Net Solutions develops, distributes and supports innovative moisture management solutions for masonry construction. It was founded in 1992 with the invention of its flagship product, MortarNet™, a mortar dropping collection device developed to prevent water damage to masonry cavity walls. Other proprietary solutions for masonry construction include TotalFlash®, BlockFlash™, BlockNet®, HouseNet™, CompleteFlash®, WallNet™, WeepVent™, CellVent™ and LathNet™. Mortar Net Solutions is a partner in CavityComplete™ Wall Systems, the only tested, code-compliant and warrantied wall systems for masonry cavity walls using completely compatible components. For more information, visit MortarNet.com.

November 29 webinar will provide program overview, technical information about Vectorworks and user stories from AIACC members who have adopted Vectorworks Columbia, Md. (November 10, 2016)—To meet the growing and ever-changing needs of architects, global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. announces its partnership with the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) to launch a new AIACC Member Value Program. The program answers an overwhelming demand from emerging and start-up architecture firms for access to and assistance with migrating to a BIM workflow. “One of the most foundational tools in the practice of architecture is the use of software to create drawings of buildings or places and, increasingly, that is powerful integrated BIM software,” said 2016 AIACC President, Michael Malinowski, AIA, who spearheaded the efforts to offer this program to California architects. As part of the program, Vectorworks will offer the following exclusive and bundled benefits to AIACC members until December 31, 2016: • New Users: A 20% discount on Vectorworks Architect or Vectorworks Designer software licenses; a free year of • Vectorworks Service Select, our premier software maintenance program; and a free license of Bluebeam Revu Standard for every Vectorworks license purchased. • Current Users: A 20% discount on upgraded license when joining Vectorworks Service Select for the first time. • Everybody: A free online seminar taught by Vectorworks expert trainers designed to introduce you to the full capabilities of Vectorworks software, from 2D/3D modeling to BIM and beyond. Vectorworks Architect is the industry’s only modeling, drafting and documentation software built with the creative design process in mind. As the architect’s BIM tool, the software enables users to tackle complex ideas in 2D and 3D, refine construction details, explore a project’s energy efficiency and streamline costs. Packing the power of the entire suite of Vectorworks products, Vectorworks Designer offers BIM modeling and rendering tools to help users draft, model and present in a single interface. The Vectorworks Service Select program offers immediate receipt of new product releases with no additional fees, priority technical support, exclusive access to content such as symbol object libraries and textures, easy account management and access to a growing library of on-demand training tutorials. Subscribers also have premium access to Vectorworks Cloud Services, offering expanded 20 GB storage, automatically-generated drawing sheet PDFs and useful file histories. The Bluebeam Revu Standard license provides a PDF solution for Windows desktop and tablet users who want to create, edit and markup PDF files. In addition, Bluebeam Studio™ is incorporated in the license offering to facilitate real-time, document-based collaboration. Both sister companies under the Nemetschek Group, Vectorworks and Bluebeam’s combined software offerings provides AIACC members with top-notch BIM software, as well as an essential tool for the construction management process at an exclusive price. “Michael Malinowski and I have worked together for years to bring this unbeatable offer to fruition, so to see our collaborative efforts in action is exciting,” said Mark Hewick, U.S. director of sales at Vectorworks. “With Bluebeam’s participation allowing for increased collaboration between architects and contractors, we look forward to providing the best BIM and PDF documentation software value program for all AIACC members.” To take advantage of the AIACC Member Value Program, visit http://redirect.aecdaily.com/s18122/www3.vectorworks.net/AIACC_Offer. For more information about the bundled offer, contact Vectorworks' California Regional Account Manager David Dengler at ddengler@vectorworks.net or 888-646-4223, ext. 435. For those looking to learn more about the offer and how to transition to Vectorworks software, AIACC will host an introductory webinar on Tuesday, November 29 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET that will provide a program overview, feature AIACC members currently using Vectorworks, technical information and more details for members about how to access this opportunity. Register for the webinar by click “READ MORE”. Those unable to make the live airing of the webinar should still register to receive the recording afterwards.

ESPOO, Finland, Nov. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Metsa Wood's competition has inspired architects worldwide to design wooden extensions to city centres. Entries from 40 countries proposed wooden solutions to the challenges of urbanization. Winning designs were made to New York, Shanghai and Tampere, Finland. Architects from 40 countries created their Plan B for urbanisation using wood (Kerto® LVL - laminated veneer lumber) as the main material. The task was to design a wooden extension to an existing urban building. The entries were designed for 69 cities worldwide, including Sydney, Shanghai, New York, Berlin, Paris and London. The competition was organised by Metsa Wood. "Construction must become sustainable and cities must stay liveable. I am happy that so many architects share this view, especially the younger generation," says Michael Green from MGA architects and DBR Design Build Research, who chairs the jury. "The entries were innovative and added value to both the building and the community." "The designs were realistic and demonstrated a good understanding of LVL as a building material," says Professor Stefan Winter, who holds the Chair of Timber Construction and Structural Engineering at the Technical University of Munich. "Because of its lightness and fast construction time, Kerto LVL is an ideal material for this challenge." "Building wooden extensions in existing communities can be a significant solution for urbanisation. Instead of demolishing communities, we could enhance them," says Mike Kane, an architect and senior lecturer at London South Bank University. "This competition should be seen as a catalyst for future debate on sustainable and progressive cities worldwide." Winners from different parts of the world "Urbanisation has increased interest in building with wood. The potential for timber extensions is large - over 100 million square metres in Germany alone," says Mikko Saavalainen, SVP of Business Development at Metsa Wood. Winners received awards in two categories: small-scale intervention and large-scale intervention. The total value of the prizes is EUR 35,000. First prize winners in the small-scale intervention category were Nile Greenberg (USA) for his design for New York and Alma Studio (Spain) for their design for Shanghai. The runners-up were Superspace (Turkey) with a design for Istanbul and Sigurd Larsen Design & Architecture (Germany) with a design for Berlin. First prize winners in the large-scale intervention category were Lisa Voigtländer (Germany) and SungBok Song (Korea) for their design for Tampere, Finland. The runners-up were Basic Architects (Australia) with a design for Perth, L Arkkitehdit (Finland) with a design for Helsinki, Giuseppe De Marinis Gallo and Gianluca Gnisci (Italy) with a design for New York and Kim Min Jae Architects (Hong Kong) with a design for Hong Kong.