From the Autodesk website:

In these uncertain economic times, many companies have had to let good people go. If you were one of them, you might be wondering how to advance your career in this challenging global job market.In order to get ahead in the workplace, you need to invest in yourself by increasing your knowledge and expanding your skills. And the good news is that Autodesk can help you get back in the game. With the Autodesk Assistance Program you can take action today to gain a competitive advantage in your field. The program offers:

• Free Software License*: Student licenses of 17 Autodesk® products, including AutoCAD®, Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional, and/or AutoCAD® Civil 3D® software.
• Free Online Training: On-demand training available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with Subscription eLearning, Autodesk University online, and vBooks.
• Reduced-Cost Classroom Training: Over 70 Autodesk Authorized Value Added Resellers and Autodesk Training Center (ATC®) partners are offering classroom training at their training facilities for free or for a significantly reduced fee. (Offerings will vary, please check with your local reseller or ATC to get details)
• Certification: Certification preparation and exams available at discounted rates.

To learn more about the program and included benefits, visit the Autodesk Assistance Program site and download their Program FAQ.

Autodesk has unveiled its Inventor Fusion Technology Preview, a new Digital Prototyping Technology that ’showcases intuitive direct manipulation capabilities for unrivaled ease of use, provides direct modeling for rapid design changes without limitations, and unites direct and parametric workflows within a single digital model.’

Read more about this software and get a free download from Autodesk Labs beginning today, June 25th.

Software: Autodesk 3dsMax, Rhino 3D

Description: In this 3ds Max/Rhino video we will  explore the workflow of  exporting/importing geometry in and out of 3ds Max and Rhino. We will begin by creating curves forming a helix in 3ds Max, export them to Rhino to create a panelized surface, then import that geometry back into 3ds Max to create parametric details. The goal of this exercise is to study the functionality of one software platform versus another, understanding what tools are useful in each program.

Topics Covered:

• Creating curves forming a helix in 3ds Max
• Importing curvature in Rhino from 3ds Max
• Rebuilding curves to generate a panelized surface in Rhino
• Importing panelized surface into 3ds Max and adding parametric detailing

Sorry for the late notice, but CASE is giving a lecture as part of Columbia’s GSAPP summer Visual Studies Lecture Series tonight, June 23rd, 2009, at 6:30pm.

The lecture will be in 417 Altschul Auditorium in the SIPA (International Affairs) Building on Columbia’s campus (directions below). We hope to see you there!

CASE was commissioned by Autodesk to develop an exercise and author a white paper, demonstrating the new conceptual modeling tools for Revit Architecture 2010.

We designed a speculative tower within an urban context in order to give the proposal an architectural basis. We worked closely with the conceptual design product team to make sure that we were able to clearly and succinctly describe all of the great new functionality that they managed to pack into this new modeling environment. They liked results so much, that they asked us to turn the demonstration into training material for all of the Autodesk Authorized Training Centers. We’re in the process of updating our services and work sections, so we’ll post more on these projects soon.

Software : Autodesk Inventor 2010

Description : This is the third of three excerpts taken from this video created by Garin Gardiner of Autodesk, demonstrating the new experimental iCopy functionality for Autodesk Inventor 2009 and 2010. In this video Garin shows how to derive geometry from the skeleton model to use as references in creating additional components. He then shows how to add constraints between the individual parts and the skeleton model. Finally, he patterns the assembly using iCopy and shows how to add additional non-adaptive parts to the iCopy component. This example served as the basis of the CATIA / Digital Project videos previously posted on DesignReform. If you use the tool, please give feedback.

Topics Covered:

• Deriving Geometry from a Skeleton Model
• Creating Parts from Derived Geometry
• Constraining Parts to a Skeleton Model
• Adding Non-Adaptive Parts to the iCopy Component
• Patterning an iCopy Assembly

Software : Autodesk Inventor 2010

Description : This is the second of three excerpts taken from this video created by Garin Gardiner of Autodesk, demonstrating the new experimental iCopy functionality for Autodesk Inventor 2009 and 2010. In this video Garin demonstrates how to insert a skeleton part model containing a sketch that will drive the iCopy component. He then shows how to insert a skeleton model, make it adaptive, add constraints, and select input points and parameters to include in the iCopy component. Finally, he shows how to quickly test the iCopy component using the sketch, before adding additional components. This example served as the basis of the CATIA / Digital Project videos previously posted on DesignReform. If you use the tool, please give feedback.

Topics Covered:

• Inserting a Skeleton Model
• Creating Adaptive Sketches and Parts
• Adding Constraints to the Skeleton Part
• Authoring an iCopy Component
• Testing an iCopy Component

Software : Autodesk Inventor 2010

Description : This is the first of three excerpts taken from this video created by Garin Gardiner of Autodesk, demonstrating the new experimental iCopy functionality for Autodesk Inventor 2010 and 2009. In this video Garin introduces the concept of iCopy, describes a variety of situations where this functionality could be useful, and then quickly demonstrates the tool with an architectural example. This example served as the basis of the CATIA / Digital Project videos previously posted on DesignReform. If you use the tool, please give feedback.

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to iCopy
• Overview of Potential Applications of iCopy
• Overview of How To Author and Insert iCopy Components
• Overview of an Architectural Example

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects is looking to fill the position of Digital Design Director in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre, Seattle or San Francisco.

On behalf of BCJ:

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, a nationally known architectural practice, is seeking a talented and creative Digital Design Director with experience in supporting efficient implementation, management and training related to digital design systems and software. This is a full-time firm-wide leadership position for all five of our offices. The Digital Design Director could be located in any of our offices, with regular visits to the other offices as required by position responsibilities. The position has competitive salary and benefits. More information about the practice and its work is available on www.bcj.com.

Job Function:
Firm-wide resource to oversee and support all issues related to the use of BIM and CAD software

Responsibilities:
• Manage firm-wide digital design activities to leverage individual office expertise
• Manage, schedule and lead in-house training and education seminars on pertinent software and useful techniques
• Create deployments and coordinate updating software on user machines
• Monitor usage and manage BIM/CAD software purchasing and licensing for all offices
• Maintain organization of Revit related resources on server/intranet: folder hierarchy, family libraries, ConDoc text/notes list, training materials, etc.
• Develop and refine standard firm-wide templates and assist in project startup to ensure that projects get started properly
• Serve as a helpdesk resource for user troubleshooting and problem solving
• Manage and Chair the firm’s Digital Design Committee with the intention of becoming lead contact for template refinement and related issues.
• Take a leadership role in evaluating new or upcoming software that may aid architects in the design process - GBS, Ecotect, SketchUp, V-Ray, 3DS Max, Rhino, Generative Components, etc.
• Help to create and establish a firm-wide Revit user manual
• Manage version updates (1 per yr) and build updates (4 per year)
• Act as the firm-wide resource for sharing lessons learned from actual project experience
• Coordinate digital design hardware and network requirements with IT staff.
• Create and monitor digital design software budgets

Skills and qualities:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Industrial Design preferred
• 5+ years experience in a design firm environment
• Expert knowledge of Revit, Autocad, Microstation and other similar software
• Experience with 3D software (3DS Max, Rhino, Ecotect, etc.)
• Leadership and management skills
• Experience in training and educating staff on software use
• Strong communication skills, time management, and self-driven work ethic

The Digital Design Director position is not and will not lead to an architectural staff position. No freelancers or contractors will be considered. This is a full-time position only.

For immediate consideration, please mail your resume to Dan Haden at
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
123 South Broad Street, Suite 1370
Philadelphia, PA 19109

Please do not email resumes.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Apo Mechanes Studio + Workshop to be held in Athens this summer!

Apo Mechanes is an intensive 2.5 week computational design studio, running from July 27th-August 11th, dedicated to furthering the techniques and concepts of computation as a means for the production of spatial environments. Apo Mechanes will investigate the modes of algorithmic processes in architectural design and fabrication. Apo Mechanes is derived from “από μηχανής”, literally “from the machine”, and refers to the machinic nature of the studio in both an abstract/diagrammatic and a literal fabrication sense.

At present, computational techniques are predominantly employed in the optimization, rationalization or surface decoration of more traditionally created wholes.  This research will instead focus on the inherent potential of computation to generate space and of algorithmic procedures to engage self-organization in the design process.  Participants will create their own custom algorithms leading to the fabrication of full scale working prototypes appropriate to their research trajectories.

Additionally, Apo Mechanes is inviting the participants of the studio, as well as a curated group of emerging designers, to a week long sailing symposium around the Greek Islands. This initiative is seeking to formalize, through a series of records of proceedings, an on-going dialogue around the future of contemporary methodologies in architectural design and fabrication technologies.

The Apo Mechanes Instructors have a wide range of international teaching experience including teaching design studios and seminars in algorithmic design at Columbia University, the Architecture Association, SCI-Arc, Pratt Institute, UPenn, USC, UCLA, RMIT and the University of Michigan.

Apo Mechanes is now accepting applications. Further information is available at http://www.apomechanes.com

The coordinators are Ezio Blasetti, Dave Pigram, Roland Snooks and Ioulietta Zindrou

Software : CATIA / Digital Project

Description : In this CATIA / Digital Project video we will use an Ordered Geometrical Set with nested Bodies to define a PowerCopy. We will then use the PowerCopy Instantiator by Geometrical Sets script to automate the instantiation of the PowerCopy. Finally, we will delete elements, make updates to the model and re-run the script to update our model based on additional inputs. This is the third and final video of the series.

Topics Covered:

• Creating PowerCopies from Ordered Geometrical Sets
• Loading and Running a VBA script
• Using the PowerCopy Instantiator by Geometrical Sets script
• Updating a Model
• Deleting Elements and Re-running a Script

Software : CATIA / Digital Project

Description : In this CATIA / Digital Project video we will show how Ordered Geometrical Sets and Bodies can be used to organize geometry. We will use sketch, wireframe and solid modeling tools to create individual frame members. Finally, we will use the PowerCopy command to speed up the creation of a complete frame. This is the second video in a series of three.

Topics Covered:

• Creating and Working with Ordered Geometrical Sets
• Creating and Working with Bodies In a Set
• Wireframe and Sketch Modeling
• Basic Solid Modeling
• Creating and Instantiating a PowerCopy using Bodies In a Set

Description : In this CATIA / Digital Project video we will introduce Ordered Geometrical Sets and Bodies. We will describe conditions where you would use Geometrical Sets or Ordered Geometrical Sets. We will show how to use Ordered Geometrical Sets to organize object dependency and visibility. We will also show how Bodies are used inside of Ordered Geometrical Sets. This is the first video of a three part series.

Topics Covered:

• Geometrical Sets vs. Ordered Geometrical Sets
• Introduction to Ordered Geometrical Sets
• Introduction to Body In a Set

Hi all. This is Kendall, the intern at CASE Design, Inc. I’ll be publishing various posts and videos throughout the summer, so be on the look out. My first post is going to be all about Grasshopper and the online resources that I’ve found very useful at both the academic and professional levels.

So, for those of you looking for additional information on Grasshopper, here’s a compilation of a few great websites that provide design examples, tutorials, definitions, and links to other noteworthy resources.

• Grasshopper Community

Description: The Grasshopper Community was recently created to replace the existing Grasshopper forum on Google Groups. This social networking site allows users to share and exchange questions and information pertaining to work in Grasshopper. In addition to the peer-to-peer information exchange, this site provides a vast amount of resources to further users’ knowledge of the program like the Grasshopper primers and tutorials.

• McNeel Wiki: Grasshopper

Description: The McNeel website contains a lot of information about Grasshopper that is applicable to all users, particularly beginners who are looking for a thorough introduction to the program. It gives a great breakdown of the interface, objects and data management. Also, they post quite a few interesting tutorials and definitions that will benefit beginner, intermediate and advanced users.

• atelier nGai

Description: Ted Ngai’s website,  ”p i n u p s p a c e,” is an excellent resource for examples of what Grasshopper is capable of producing. Ted provides examples of complex geometries that can be created using Grasshopper as well as analytical environments that can generate and display information about your 3d model. This allows the user to create a feedback loop and assist in making informed design decisions. All of Ted’s experiments contain a Grasshopper definition that you can download and use.

• Designalyze

Description: This site, created by Zach Downey, is a great place to view recent news about Grasshopper, watch tutorials and download example definitions.

• LIFT Architects

Description: This site, created by Andrew Payne, contains great examples of parametric models at both the digital and constructed phases. Not only are there many examples of designs that can be produced with the assistance of Grasshopper, but there are many tutorials to view and definitions to download. Andrew is also the writer of the Grasshopper Primer which is a must read for all Grasshopper users, especially beginners.

• LaN / Live Architecture Network

Description: The LaN / Live Architecture Network provides great resources for parametric modeling research, workshops and code examples. Here you can view a few of their projects, download and experiment with Grasshopper definitions, and get information on their upcoming workshops.

• MODE

Description: Studio Mode is a design office whose site showcases their research in parametric design. They display beautiful imagery of their work and provide links to other valued source websites.

• Rhino 3D Blog

Description: This is a great site for information about all things related to Rhino. Here you’ll find news updates, project examples, tutorials, and links to valuable sources containing information regarding Rhino and its many plug-ins, especially Grasshopper.

• Algorithmic Modeling with Grasshopper

Description: This online booklet, written by Mohamad Khabazi, is a compilation of his design experiments in architecture, specifically algorithmic modeling. This is a valuable resource, not only for design examples, but also as a detailed guide on how to create complex models in Grasshopper.

• RhinoScripting Resources

Description: This blog is an excellent linking source to various websites that contain project examples using such programs as Grasshopper and RhinoScript. There are many links to sift through, but the quantity of information allows for a great variety of resources.

Here are some additional sites that post a lot of interesting design work using various parametric modeling programs:

• scriptedbypurpose, [n]Codon, THEVERYMANY, GENERATOR.X., ecoLogicStudio, free.form.fever, Space Symmetry Structure, MADEinCALIFORNIA

These websites are just a few of the resources available containing valuable information about Grasshopper. If you have any suggestions about other websites that you find insightful, please share them with us by commenting below!