Don't Miss the Building Content Summit!

Toronto, Westin Harbour Aug 1st and 2nd

Why BCS?

The Building Content Summit has become an important event for BPMs to hear directly from AEC professionals as they craft their BIM and digital marketing strategies.

Why Attend?

The new BPM track will help Sales and Marketing professionals learn how designers, fabricators and contractors commit your products to their projects. This two-day educational workshop program will provide your staff with a deeper understanding of how these market shifts can affect your business.

Some Sessions of Interest:

• BIM Fundamentals
• A Manufacturer's ROI: The Business Case for BIM
• Keynote: CRM Isn't Just For Sales

Need More Information? Click the Read More link below:

AIACC members who are first-time Vectorworks software customers can receive 35 percent off Columbia, Md. (May 25, 2017)—Global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. is building upon its partnership with the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) to offer a second AIACC BIM Software Member Value Program, running from June 1 to June 30, 2017. After the initial program launch in November 2016 the special is running again to help connect emerging and start-up architecture firms to software that supports their entire design process. “We're passionate about helping young and emerging architects further their competitive advantage by providing an unbeatable offer to obtain Vectorworks® software, which provides powerful and intuitive tools tuned for the unique challenges faced in the design process of all architectural projects,” said Mark Hewick, U.S. director of sales at Vectorworks. “The discounted offer isn’t the only benefit to these individuals because we also offer perpetual licenses.” Specifically, the Member Value Program offers a 35 percent discount to the 11,000 AIACC members on Vectorworks Architect licenses for new users. Architect software will cost $1,914.25, saving new users $1,030.75. AIACC will host an introductory webinar on Thursday, June 8 from 6 p.m. to 7 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 here. Those unable to make the live airing of the webinar should still register to receive the recording afterwards. Vectorworks Architect is an industry-leading architectural design and BIM software that enables designers to tackle complex ideas in 2D and 3D, refine construction details, explore a project’s energy efficiency and streamline costs. As a flexible BIM tool connected with its 14 sister brands from the Nemetschek group, Architect empowers designers to plug into today’s BIM processes while keeping their focus on great design. To learn more about transitioning to Vectorworks software, register for the upcoming Getting Started Seminar on May 31, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Everyone participating in the Member Value Program can attend the seminar for free. To take advantage of the AIACC BIM Software Member Value Program, visit vectorworks.net/aiacc to sign up and receive the offer.

Contego has been famous for cutting-edge super thin film intumescent technology - and now has a UL intumescent deck assembly for corrugate pan decking that exceeds two hours! Contego is thin, light, smooth, green and affordable as well. As Mel Martin, in charge of Contego's Canadian Business Development, says “It's not a question of if it [cementitious fireproofing] will fall off, but when.” Contego's adhesion of 631 PSI, according to our ASTM D4541 test, is twice that of our one closest competitor and between ten and fifteen times better than most of the rest. Structural steel is protected with Contego's thin film intumescent coating. Historically, there were no options beyond cementitious. SFRM (Spray-Applied Fire Resistive Material) was the only way to get a rating on deck systems. No more. In the past, the only other reason to continue using SFRMs was because they were perceived as being cheap. Now people are finding severe damage to their structures where SFRMs have been applied. Some damage so bad that the building can't be spared and people are realizing a lower initial cost is a terrible bargain just a few short years down the road. With the medical community also warning against the use of SFRMs, the potential legal liabilities make SFRMs the last thing you should use. Now all of that has changed. For those who like UL, our new D603 intumescent deck assembly clears the way to an astonishingly thin and smooth coating that can be top coated to unleash a world of creative options. Just as important, after reviewing the raw data, the Contego intumescent deck assembly was nowhere near failure at 2 hours, so the real rating is well beyond that mark. In the near future, we will run the same test extended to three or four hours as well as a very thin coat that is consistent with our ASTM-E119, UL-263,ULc-S101 test done at Intertek in 2009.

This fully enclosed vertical wheelchair lift can be installed in facilities to reach heights up to 14 feet. One challenge for K-12 and university facility managers tasked to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been offering full access to elevated areas on campus. These areas can range from stages and raised platforms to theater, auditorium, library, administrative offices, and student centers with mezzanines or second floors not served by a traditional elevator. In such cases, ramps and one-floor elevators often require too much space to be feasible, particularly in older buildings. Although wheelchair lifts are available to assist those with mobility issues, most of these are limited to a 60" or less maximum vertical lift, which is sufficient to reach a stage, but not a second floor. For lift platforms that are capable of reaching higher, many are poorly designed and disruptive, too tightly enclosed for those uncomfortable in small spaces, and require demolition of floors or walls to hide internal lift machinery. Now, however, industry advances promise quieter, ADA compliant wheelchair lifts that offer extended vertical reach as well as dignity to their users with minimal installation requirements. Access Alternatives If there is enough floor space, building a ramp is probably the simplest solution for providing access to those using wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, or other assistive devices. However, ramps typically need to be one foot long for every inch of vertical gain, so a 48" high stage requires a 48" long ramp. This is impractical in space-restricted older buildings, especially for mezzanine and second floor access. Ramps can also be difficult to navigate due to the incline. Installing a traditional elevator is another option, but can be costly and usually requires both overhead clearance for a machine room and demolition to flooring to put machinery below. For these reasons, a dedicated elevator that only goes up one floor is generally not cost-effective or feasible unless access to multiple floors is required. Although extended rise wheelchair lifts are a good alternative, traditional devices have a number of drawbacks. Most require up to 6" of machinery underneath so require demolition of the floor to create the space to hide machinery, or placing it in a raised platform above the floor with a flip down ramp, or sometimes both. Because some lift machine cabinets stand on the side of the unit and may even have sheet metal all the way around, this also limits visibility in and out of the unit, which can be a problem for anyone claustrophobic or educators who must monitor students for safety. Typical lifts operating with screw or worm gear drives can also be noisy and disruptive. The devices can generate a loud, grinding sound similar to a high-speed drill or trash compactor. This not only puts an unwelcome focus on those using the lift, but also detracts from an educational environment. One solution facility managers might consider is an extended rise wheelchair lift. Unlike wheelchair lifts utilizing screw or worm gear drives that can be loud and disruptive in an education setting, some advanced lifts such as the Clarity 16E by Ascension, a wheelchair lift manufacturer based in Tucson, AZ, use an electro hydraulic drivetrain and vibration-isolating supports. When rising, Ascension’s Clarity 16E wheelchair lift is about as loud as normal conversation (62dB at three feet), and it is virtually silent when descending (< 2dB at three feet). Because the Clarity 16E, a fully enclosed vertical wheelchair lift that can reach heights up to 168", mounts directly on the floor this means that no equipment pit under the lift and no floor demolition is required - particularly important for historic facilities. Since the lift mounts directly on the floor with a very slim profile platform only 1/2" thick, the person in the wheelchair or using an assistive device also safely and easily enters at floor level without requiring a cumbersome fold-out entry ramp. For tight renovation spaces, a lift with a narrow footprint can also mean the difference between a simple installation and major wall demolition. In this regard, the 48" wide footprint of the Clarity 16E allows the device to fit into existing structures. This is possible because the machine cabinet mounts up against the wall, not the sides, making it at least 6" to 8" narrower than traditional lifts. Because no side tower is required, the drive system attaches directly to the landing face, and the enclosure uses transparent panels which leave three sides clear for better sightlines in an out of the lift. Another safety feature included with Clarity 16E is an ADA-compliant hands-free phone with auto dialer for two-way communication from the platform. As school facility managers look to maintain ADA compliance and meet needs of all of their students, extended rise wheelchair lifts will help them to safely meet access requirements in a dignified manner.

Updates empower designers and facilities managers to better estimate pedestrian traffic patterns Columbia, MD (May 18, 2017)—Global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks, Inc. announces version 2.5 of the pedestrian simulation software add on for Vectorworks® 2017 software, SimTread. Created by Japanese Vectorworks distributor A&A Co., Ltd. in partnership with Waseda University and Takenaka Corporation, SimTread helps in simulating and analyzing a variety of crowd control needs, such as evaluating evacuation times, building egress and traffic flow. Updates for this version include improvements for video export quality and a more detailed analysis that offers the ability to efficiently add time-dependent events like evacuations, as well as account for different occupants, such as individuals in wheelchairs. As a flow-analysis tool, SimTread helps those working in disaster preparedness, public safety, facilities management, as well as event, municipal or campus planning. SimTread can assist in and optimizes a design’s circulation pattern – whether directing the slow meandering of people through an art museum or expediting the exit of tens of thousands of people from a football stadium. “We’re always looking for new ways to help designers work more efficiently by putting the information they need at their fingertips,” said Jeremy Powell, senior marketing director at Vectorworks. “Updates for this SimTread version will improve productivity for the design and planning of pedestrian flow and evacuation safety”. Updates for the latest SimTread release include: • Improved plot tracking, which provides a more in-depth analysis by enabling the ability to plot and display the specified path occupants take to reach their destinations. • The new Show/Select SimTread Object command helps users save time by showing or selecting all instances of specified SimTread object types. • The duplicate transfer points update provides a command that streamlines the creation of a simulation of a multi-story building by allowing the replication of transfer points at stairwells. • Enhanced anti-aliasing and H264 video codec parameters for higher-quality video output. “SimTread helps designers make better, more data-driven decisions when it comes to optimizing their layouts for crowd flow and safety,” said Dr. Takeshi Kimura, manager of product development at A&A. “As such, we continually work to improve the capabilities of SimTread based on customer feedback and provide Vectorworks users the best tool possible.”

CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO – Arriscraft, manufacturer of naturally–made products that emulate quarried stone, and parent company General Shale, have reached an agreement with T–Clear Corporation for the exclusive North American distribution rights to ProGUARD®DP Insulated Concrete Board panels. This game–changing wall system meets today's rigid building codes in terms of energy performance and installs in a fraction of the time of traditional wall systems. “When the North American Building Codes started adopting new energy code requirements (such as ASHRAE 90.1 SB–10 and IECC) with advanced requirements for insulation on outer wall assemblies, the thin adhered masonry industry was caught without a good solution,” says Craig Swirzon, Thin–Clad Product Manager at Arriscraft. “We are excited to provide the extraordinary ProGUARD®DP system as a solution to this challenge and to give the market what it's been asking for. ProGUARD®DP not only meets energy code requirements – it replaces three to four manual steps with one.” Arriscraft and General Shale will supply the ProGUARD®DP system from its current combined dealer network of nearly 400 locations across North America. In addition to use with Arriscraft Thin–Clad and General Shale Thin Brick and Thin Rock products, ProGUARD®DP panels can be used for thin brick, thin natural stone, thin porcelain tile, thin manufactured stone, stucco, and synthetic stucco. These fully engineered panels offer superior thermal protection with ship lapped edges that eliminate thermal breaks, to meet energy code (ASHRAE 90.1, SB–10, IECC) Continuous Insulation requirements. ProGUARD®DP Insulated Concrete Board is a combined system that eliminates the separate steps of the drainage plane, insulation, wire lathe and mortar bed. Because the concrete board and insulation board are laminated together, ProGUARD®DP features ¼" concrete board (rather than ½") for a lighter weight assembly versus traditional systems. The cost of the ProGUARD®DP system is more than offset by the reduction in installation labour; it generally requires one third of the labour time and cost. The Ontario Association of Architects and the Architectural Institute of British Columbia will not provide architects with liability insurance for wall systems without a drainage plane assembly. ProGUARD®DP is the only system to provide two options for drainage planes. The 3/8" drainage grooves are incorporated into the insulation layer and can be positioned at the back or the front (or both), so designers, architects or installers can choose the correct drainage set–up for the climate and weather conditions. ABOUT ARRISCRAFT Arriscraft manufactures a vast range of premium stone for commercial and residential projects, including full–bed Renaissance® Masonry Units and Building Stone, Thin/Clad adhered and clipped veneers, Adair® Limestone, and cast accessories. Designers can select from a truly comprehensive line of styles – from old–world to contemporary – in natural colours, with custom applications available. Headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario (62 miles/100 km west of Toronto), Arriscraft is the stone products group of General Shale, North America's largest brick, stone and concrete block manufacturer, supplying a wide variety of masonry materials for residential, commercial and specialty architectural projects. Throughout the U.S. and Canada, General Shale operates manufacturing facilities in nine states and provinces, in addition to a network of 31 distribution centers across the United States. General Shale was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Johnson City, Tennessee. For more information about General Shale, visit www.generalshale.com. For more information about Arriscraft, visit www.arriscraft.com or contact Arriscraft at 800-265-8123 or send us a request at solutions@arriscraft.com

Colorado Springs, Colo., May 11, 2017 – S-5! announces the release of the RibBracket I-IV products, shaped to provide a perfect fit to most common trapezoidal roof shapes. Thoroughly tested for strength, RibBracket I-IV has no moving parts and is flexible enough to fit varying trapezoidal widths. A higher profile ensures more space between the roof and any devices attached to the roof, while the four attachment points offer greater holding strength. RibBracket I-IV is designed for convenient wire management and ease of installation for a solar system. RibBracket I-IV and the accompanying fasteners come with a factory-applied EPDM rubber gasket seal attached. The S-5!-patented reservoir conceals the bracket EPDM from UV exposure, preventing drying and cracking. With four different shapes, RibBracket I-IV can properly fit the vast majority of trapezoid profiles found globally, giving the installer the confidence of having the right bracket for their roof and project. S-5! S-5! zero-penetration clamps attach ancillary items to standing seam metal roofs without violating the integrity of the roof or the roof’s warranties. The patented clamps mount snow-retention and wind-performance systems, solar arrays, signs/banners, light fixtures, gas piping, stack/flue bracing, walkways, HVAC, lightning protection, equipment screens, conduit, condensate lines and more.

Enhanced UV-resistant WRB and Flashing designed to integrate with advanced rain-screen systems HORSHAM, Pa. (January 5, 2017) - Benjamin Obdyke Incorporated, a leading provider of high performance roof and wall products to the residential and commercial construction markets, today announced it has strengthened its line of moisture management solutions with the release of commercial-grade FlatWrap® UV housewrap and HydroFlash® UV self-adhered flashing. Formerly known as FlatWrap® HP, the new and improved FlatWrap® UV is specially designed for use with architectural designs that incorporate open joint claddings. When used in conjunction with a rainscreen, it provides superior bulk water drainage, vapor permeability and durability. The product features a high performance tri-laminate design with superior UV resistance versus typical weather resistant barriers. In addition, the product has a vapor permeability of 35 perms, and has been proven to increase tear and wind load resistance for jobs over 40 feet. The latest addition to the HydroFlash line of self-adhered flashing, HydroFlash UV was created specifically for use with FlatWrap® UV. HydroFlash UV's black color is virtually invisible when installed with FlatWrap UV in open joint cladding applications. The latest technology in flashing adhesion, it can be applied to damp surfaces and installed down to 0°F. It is specially formulated for aggressive adhesion to FlatWrap UV and other housewraps. It can also be applied over furring strips, making them invisible once cladding is installed. “We are proud to offer a complete moisture management system for this growing design aesthetic in the marketplace,” said Tara Murray, Marketing Manager at Benjamin Obdyke, Inc. “This innovation helps to extend the lifespan of modern architectural designs to benefit builders, architects and homeowners - at a fraction of the cost of typical commercial grade products.” For more information on the company’s complete list of wall protection solutions, visit us at BenjaminObdyke.com or at our online retailer at BuyObdyke.com. About Benjamin Obdyke Incorporated Since 1868, Benjamin Obdyke has been helping architects, builders and contractors in the United States and Canada Build Better™ by developing and adding new advances to its product line. Benjamin Obdyke develops, sources, markets and sells proprietary roof and wall products that improve the building envelope and the performance of other building materials for the new construction, repair and remodel markets. Innovations from Benjamin Obdyke, such as the first roofing ridge vent on a roll, the first wood roofing underlayment and the first rolled product to provide drainage and air flow in rainscreen wall assemblies, have helped shape today’s building practices. Headquartered in Horsham, Pa., USA, Benjamin Obdyke partners with a network of distributors, dealers, buying groups and cooperatives to reach building professionals in the United States and Canada.

Redefining luxury, the greyscale designs are inspired by authentic personalization TEMPLE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Personalization is not black or white; it’s a blurring of individual experiences and backgrounds that emerge when a space begins with a stunning foundation. This idea is the inspiration behind the eight new additions to the Wilsonart® Quartz Collection, previewed at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show earlier this year. Wilsonart, a world leading provider of total engineered surfacing solutions, debuts these quartz additions in support of key design trends defining attainable luxury in the realms of color, material and scale. New offerings, such as a bookmatched design and sealed concrete, give spaces a personalized touch. As commercial and residential aesthetics continue to collide, the demand for highly flexible designs continues to increase. From bright white and understated grey to deep charcoal and bold black, this new collection supports and elevates the design intent in hotel lobbies and chic office spaces to bathroom vanities and kitchen countertops. The new quartz designs take their cues from marble, concrete and reflective metals to build a base upon which to showcase luxury, redefined by the individual. • Empire State (Q1015) – Reminiscent of sealed concrete, Empire State is a fine-scale tone-on-tone grey quartz countertop with white and charcoal features throughout. • Manhattan (Q1016) – This design is light grey resembling a fine-scale concrete with white and charcoal features. • Vesuvius (Q1017) – Vesuvius is a solid black fine-scale pattern with the occasional white or glass speck throughout the slab. • Lazio (Q1018) – A solid bright white fine-scale quartz, Lazio features intermittent grey or colored particulates throughout the slab. • Versailles (Q2007) – Versailles is a medium-scale design in charcoal and grey with an added depth of metallic reflectivity. • Tellaro (Q4025) – Tellaro is a semi-translucent quartz with white and grey flowing together creating a beautiful design punctuated by taupe veining. • Marrara (Q4026) – Inspired by Carrara marble, this unique design features grey veining in a warm white, semi-translucent background. • Lucca (Q4027L) – This statuary-like marble design is set in a cool white background; the large grey veining is complex and highlighted by white and brown features. A special order bookmatched companion available. “The world isn’t black and white, and neither is this collection,” said Natalia Smith, Design Manager at Wilsonart. “Classic and timeless, these designs will shine on their own and provide the perfect opportunity to showcase an authentic, personalized design story.” Wilsonart Quartz meets industry standards including UL GREENGUARD Gold for indoor air quality, NSF International and Kosher compliances for safe surfaces for food preparation. New Wilsonart Quartz arrivals will be available on the Wilsonart Visualizer.

Designers with more than five years experience can now satisfy the Architectural Experience Program's requirements by completing an online portfolio of work. By Katharine Keane, residentialarchitect.com The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) announced on Thursday at the 2017 AIA Conference on Architecture in Orlando, Fla., that design professionals with more than five years experience can satisfy the Architectural Experience Program's (AXP) requirements by completing an online portfolio of work. "The AXP Portfolio ensures that the profession of architecture continues to move in a more inclusive direction, while still maintaining the rigor needed to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare," said NCARB President Kristine Harding, AIA, in a press release. "We’re excited to open new doors for accomplished designers who want to continue to advance their careers." This alternate path—which calls for the documentation of work that is older than five years in an AXP Portolfio—was designed for professionals who put off licensure for personal or financial reasons. Work examples that satisfy key tasks outlined in the AXP must also be included. To qualify for the AXP Portolio option, professionals must have, according to the release, "a current supervisor who is an architect licensed in the U.S. or Canada, and willing to attest to their knowledge and experience [and] at least two years of experience from more than five years ago, including at least one year of experience earned while employed by a firm engaged in the lawful practice of architecture under the supervision of an architect licensed in the United States or Canada."

Thousands of women build up communities and each other with Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s Celebrating 10 years of empowering women, volunteers will build and improve 600 homes during National Women Build Week, May 6–14 ATLANTA (May 4, 2017) — More than 17,000 women volunteers will come together starting Saturday in their local communities to help build or improve affordable homes alongside future homeowners as part of Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s 10th annual National Women Build Week. With the help of Lowe’s Heroes volunteers, they will build or improve 600 Habitat homes in nearly 50 states in just one week. Lowe’s helped launch National Women Build Week in 2008 to empower women with construction skills and give them a platform to tackle affordable homeownership in their communities. “It’s very inspiring to see 17,000 strong, empowered women join together to work with families who are building toward better futures,” said Lisa Marie Nickerson, associate director of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program. “With Lowe’s support, the event continues to grow, and I’m proud to say that female construction crews have helped build nearly 3,800 Habitat homes in the past nine years. It just goes to show that no task is too big when we tackle it together.” One of those construction volunteers is future Habitat homeowner Marisol Santos of Randolph, New Jersey. Santos will join her local crew to help build a home alongside a future Habitat homeowner. She is also working toward building her own Habitat home, which will be handicap–accessible to help her son get around in his wheelchair. “Finally, we will have a wheelchair-accessible home, which will help my son easily move around the house and make him feel more comfortable,” Santos said. “My son is overwhelmed with joy because he knows it will make our lives much easier.” Each year, Lowe’s provides the support of its Lowe’s Heroes volunteers, who conduct how–to clinics in stores to teach community volunteers home improvement skills. Since first launching the annual event, Lowe’s has committed more than $15 million in support of Habitat’s National Women Build Week and helped more than 3,800 Habitat families improve their living conditions. Brooke Reed of Stillwater, Oklahoma is one of those homeowners who now reflects back to how instrumental National Women Build Week was to establishing a strong foundation for her family. In 2012, she helped raise the walls on her Habitat home as part of the week. She moved out of a trailer park and into her home later that year. Reed said owning a Habitat home has given her the opportunity to build her credit, save money and create a better life for her and her children. “As women, it’s important to support and empower each other in all facets of life including home ownership and maintenance,” said Jocelyn Wong, chief marketing officer at Lowe’s and National Women Build Week advocate. “National Women Build Week offers an opportunity for women to come together, learn construction skills, and make a positive impact in the lives of others in their communities. We hope that many more women will join Lowe’s and Habitat as we continue to help families realize their dream of home ownership.” In celebration of the 10th annual event of National Women Build Week and reaching the milestone of engaging 100,000 volunteers, Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte are hosting a kickoff event on May 5. Women leaders and executives in the Charlotte area will join together, put their building skills to the test and inspire other women to make a meaningful impact in their community. For more information on Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program, and to learn about Women Build projects in communities across the U.S., visit www.habitat.org/wb.

Munich / Orlando, April 27, 2017 – Three of the largest brand companies within the Nemetschek Group are presenting at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2017. The Nemetschek Group is one of the leading software providers in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry with 14 strong brands focused on optimizing the process of designing, building and managing buildings and on true-to-life visualization. The AIA Conference starts today in Orlando and runs until April 29. Around 20,000 attendees from the building industry are expected at the conference and exhibition. At the opening of the conference, Sean Flaherty, chief strategy officer at the Nemetschek Group, commented that “we are very happy to be represented by Bluebeam, GRAPHISOFT and Vectorworks this year. All three brands are strong players in the U.S. with excellent vertical solutions. They thoroughly understand the needs of the building industry and provide true value through open standards and model quality.” The three companies are exhibiting in close proximity to one another at the AIA Conference underscoring the broad range of solutions within the Nemetschek Group. Bluebeam (booth #2763) Bluebeam, a leading developer of innovative technology solutions for the AEC industry, is returning to AIA 2017 to talk with attendees about workflows, design challenges, technology, and the latest enhancements to Bluebeam Revu. Launched earlier this year, Revu 2017 enables architects to manage all 2D and 3D project communication with a document-based collaboration platform as well as advanced markup and automation tools. At the show, Bluebeam will demonstrate how design professionals can leverage the power of Revu to increase collaboration and streamline workflows. It will also exhibit their latest measurement, estimation, and image-based tools, including new 360° photo and 3D PDF solutions. GRAPHISOFT (booth #2963) GRAPHISOFT North America will be showcasing its award-winning app, BIMx, with new virtual reality (VR) capabilities via Google Cardboard. GRAPHISOFT will also give a preview of the new features to appear in the next version of BIM software, ARCHICAD 21, to their users at the annual Customer Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, April 28, 8–10 a.m. On Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Richard Crowe, AIA, principal GRC Architects, will give a talk entitled “Small Firms, Big Projects Powered by BIM” in which he will present different case studies. Attendees will get a snapshot into the ever-evolving world of BIM, with emphasis on cutting-edge BIM benefits, including level-of-detailing strategies, accessing of construction documentation, and model sharing throughout the design process. Also, designLAB, an award-winning Boston firm working with GRAPHISOFT solutions, will receive an AIA Honor Award for Interior Architecture on Friday, April 28, 3:30–4:30 p.m., for the design of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Claire T. Carney Library. Vectorworks (booth #2863) Vectorworks, Inc., a global design and BIM software developer, will offer personalized Vectorworks® Architect software demos and presentations on features that enable designers to complete any project in any phase of design. There will be demo stations of 3D laser scanning, advanced 3D modeling tools, virtual reality and BIM, as well as previews of upcoming immersive technologies. From 2D drafting and 3D modeling to creating coordinated construction documents and fully developed BIM models, Vectorworks Architect helps connect the entire design process from concept to construction, allowing architects to do more than just BIM. With Vectorworks, designers can take on a project of any scale, from urban planning to high-rise buildings to interior renovations and fit-outs. The presentation schedule is below. Thursday, April 27 From Laser Scan to Model: 11:00 AM Next Gen 3D Modeling: 2:00 PM How BIM and VR Go Hand in Hand: 2:30 PM Teamwork: BIM Success with IFC Interoperability: 3:00 PM Friday, April 28 How BIM and VR Go Hand in Hand: 11:00 AM From Laser Scan to Model: 2:00 PM Next Gen 3D Modeling: 2:30 PM Saturday, April 29 Next Gen 3D Modeling: 10:00 AM How BIM and VR Go Hand in Hand: 10:30 AM There will be demos of new immersive technologies in the years to come that will offer new ways to view and present models to better sell clients: • Previously introduced with Vectorworks 2017 in September of 2016, web view and virtual reality will receive substantial usability and visual improvements, such as ambient occlusion. • Using panorama capabilities, designers and clients may experience the model in wide immersive view. • Using an iOS® or Android™ mobile device and a 2D floor plan, designers may benefit from Augmented Reality technology to view a 3D, virtual version of their model on top of their plan.

Come visit Pollmeier in Booth # 1441 and see their new product,"Ingenious Hardwood BauBuche".!