The Inaugural Book Review,Virtual Construction,and Design

In addition to product reviews, AECbytes will occasionally also review books and other resources related to technology for the building industry. The first of such reviews appears this month. Architecture's New Media is a book that aims to help readers understand the principles, the theories, and the methods that underlie the application of information technology to architecture. While a number of books are available on many of the specific applications used by architects, very little is available on the general theory of computing in architectural Design. It is therefore heartening to see some new books being published that are dedicated to plugging this gap in the pedagogy of architectural Design. This book review takes a look inside the pages of Architecture's New Media to see what it can offer to students, researchers, and practitioners of architecture.

Graphisoft, an established BIM solution provider, is attempting to expand its range of BIM offerings beyond the architectural profession to the realm of Construction, so that Construction companies can take better advantage of this exciting technology. It recently announced a new product line-up that includes Construction modeling, model-based estimating, 4D sequencing and 5D cash-flow analyses. AECbytes Newsletter #15 takes a sneak peek at these new solutions, and examines the broader issue of customizing BIM for Construction.

With so much discussion focusing on BIM, are we forgetting about Design? Read what Chris Yessios, the President and CEO of the company that makes the popular 3D modeling program, form·Z, has to say on this subject in this month's Viewpoint contribution.

Thank you
Lachmi Khemlani

Editorials> November 2004