Nemetschek’s Vectorworks recently rolled out Vectorworks 2022, including its Vectorworks Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals, Braceworks, ConnectCAD, and Vision. In addition, it released its newly rebranded Vectorworks Design Suite (formerly Vectorworks Designer) that offers updated Vectorworks Fundamentals, Architect, Landmark, and Spotlight and brings the suite of software under one interface. These updated versions offer something for everyone.
Vectorworks CEO Dr. Biplab Sarkar states that, “Vectorworks 2022 is an invitation to embrace the exceptional flexibility and interoperability that is expected of our purpose-built, design focused products. When you dive into all the advances in the product line, you can see how we are constantly investing in developments that deliver workflow freedom to designers and creators throughout the architecture, landscape, interiors, and entertainment design industries.” Users will find that new improvements are focused on next-gen tech, 3D and BIM workflows, interoperability, landscapes and GIS, and entertainment design workflows.
Vectorworks summarized the programs new features as follows:
BIM on a Mac. Vectorworks 2022 runs natively on the latest Apple silicon processors, and, according to the company, shows positive gains in speed and performance for Mac users and keeps Vectorworks’ core-technology well-aligned with reengineering plans and priorities set for the future. As part of a modernization initiative, the company has been working to increase critical areas of Vectorworks, making its Vectorworks Graphics Module (VGM) technology purpose-built for hardware: Metal on Mac and DirectX on Windows.
Redshift Render Mode with Maxon (above). In partnership with sister company Maxon, Vectorworks 2022 introduced a new GPU-accelerated render mode called Redshift which speeds up rendering time without sacrificing the quality of your design using features like lighting, reflections, volumetric effects, camera effects, and anti-aliasing.
Twinmotion Direct Link. Vectorworks 2022 introduces a direct link between a model and Twinmotion so that users can make changes in Vectorworks and they are easily reflected in the linked file, eliminating exporting and importing steps.
Interactive UI Improvements (above). The company updated the Attributes palette so users can organize more efficient tool palette layout in regards to their workflow, plus the new UI shows visual previews. A new Status Bar is now found at the bottom of the application window, for quick access to the smart cursor settings, hold snapping options, and to toggle snapping on or off.
Per-face Texture Mapping. Upgrades to the texturing workflow allow users to map textures to different faces of the same solid modeling object with the ability to rescale and more, saving you time. The Render tab of the Object Info Palette has been updated so you can view and manage the textures on the object’s various faces, although this feature is not applicable to parametric objects.
Worksheet Expansions. Enhancements to worksheets in Vectorworks 2022 gives users the ability to create detailed reports and schedules. Plus, there are UI improvements for generating targeted reports, schedules, and material take offs for complex objects. In addition, worksheets include better visual cues for reporting of complex models, there is a new search function and an updated formula bar with a new set of functions.
AEC & GIS, Landscape Features
Wall Component Control. In Vectorworks 2022, users can define wall component wrapping at window and door openings for a more realistic BIM model and accurate 2D drawings. Vectorworks also combined the round and straight wall into a singular wall object.
Direct Stair Editing (above). Enhancements to the Stair plug-in object introduces interactive placement and reshaping in both 2D and 3D views. With the new rectangle and polygon mode you can place a stair between walls or follow a floor opening without measuring distances. Just draw a rectangle or a path and the stair object is placed. You can now use the new Tool settings to set the side length, width, and total rise of the stair without opening the dialog box. Plus, you can also use control points to stretch and contract stairs to change the length or curvature within a space.
Improved Civil 3D File Import. Now, you don’t have to request specially exported DWG files to view Civil 3D objects. Instead, these objects will become respective Vectorworks groups, each containing the necessary geometry.
GIS and BIM Exchange. Vectorworks can now read the georeferencing data embedded in a DWG file, an image, or an IFC import, so you can now import and export your files without losing this data.
Site Model Components (above). You can now define subsurface geological strata as components within your Site Model. New site model components create solid geometry that can be represented in 2D elevation, section, and textured 3D views. The upgraded object components accommodate fixed or variable thicknesses of the strata, allowing you to create a BIM model.
ArcGIS Feature Layers. You can now access, download, and incorporate an information into your design with the vector geometry and data using Vectorworks Layers, via a partnership with Esri. You’ll also be able to export and upload from Layers back to the ArcGIS Feature Layers, to help you manage specific geospatial data beyond traditional methods and collaborate with GIS professionals.
GIS Support of Tree Survey (above). The process for importing various tree survey types has been made simpler with location parameters for geographical and cartesian coordinates built in with the newly added GIS support for tree surveys. New geospatial import methods will assist when you document existing vegetation for biodiversity and biomass considerations, and import pertinent survey area types such as mass plantings, meadows, and more.
Plant Root Zone. Users can show complete representations of installed plants with the new root ball settings. The added geometry and specified data for plant root balls provide the crucial information you need to complete your BIM for landscape workflow and better collaborate with consultants. The new additions to the Plant Object allow for both 2D and 3D representation of root balls and excavation zones.
Wrap Up
To learn more about the latest release, visit vectorworks.net/2022. The company states that the English-language editions of Vectorworks, Braceworks, ConnectCAD, and Vision 2022 are available. The release of localized language versions will begin in October and conclude the first quarter of 2022.
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