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The AC-10 Splash Screen
I’ve been waiting for version 10 even since it was released worldwide but for one reason or another, Adroitec delayed the delivery. What surprised me most was the splash screen and what continues to surprise me is that the wonderful Amyuni PDF converter included in the package isn’t installed by default. It’s the best PDF software that I’ve ever come across.
This is a single archive containing about 2000 seamless jpeg textures. It contains the usual suspects – brick, wood, parquet, concrete, tile – as well as some unusual ones like crates, frontages, trim and ornamental details. You can have a look at the thumbnail pages before deciding if this huge collection is for you.
Warning! File size: 124MB
Textures Photorealistic & Lego® or Megablock® bricks style
http://berneyboy.planetquake.gamespy.com/textures.htm
The website is no longer available.
I’ve always been fascinated by LED lighting and, in the recent past, it has taken great strides to become the most efficient artificial light source for mainstream use. What makes it even more interesting for an architect is the versatility of the technology. And still, the lowly tube-light is not very far behind; it even beats its newer cousin – the compact fluorescent in terms of cost-efficiency. Have a look at this straight comparison between the most commonly used types of lighting.
And, if anyone still thinks incandescent lights aren’t all that bad, the table on this page will dispel the darkness.
Full Report :: Treehugger :: What is the Most Energy Efficient Light Source?
While hunting for training guides other than the one distributed by Graphisoft, I came across a whole bunch of downloadable tutorials. Some I already have – but many are new. These include tips and shortcuts to speed up drafting, dimensioning tricks, a custom window tutorial and GDL-101 for beginners. Apart from the Training resources, don’t forget to look at other sections on the site that deal with CAD standards and (US) Government guidelines.
Link ::http://www.dcagroup.com/cad_area/ [BGW CAD Info Page]
Website no longer available
Solar pipes are not new but they usually employ fibre optics which makes them cost more than many people are willing to shell out. This system, on the other hand uses highly reflective pipes instead and, if it is anything like it should, technically, be, it might do a lot to reduce our consumption of electricity.
With light pipes, there is no conversion of energy and, therefore, the losses are minimal. One thing to remember, however, is that such a system will not be kind to less than perfect installation – one end of the pipe starts in the roof and you don’t want your light pipe carrying in water as well.
I was naturally looking for a dealer in India to get an idea of cost but – not surprisingly, there are none. Not yet, at least. Anyone out there who wants to be one? Please?
A British company has also got a product that combines a light-pipe with a vent to make something they call Monovent. Interesting.
:: SolaTube :: via: Treehugger
When asked if I would join this JCWP project, I naturally jumped at the chance. I had no idea at the time that 2000 volunteers would be taking part! Come to think of it, we probably need those numbers if we’re going to try and build 100 homes within a week!
And the architect in me is still sceptical that it can be done. It’s quite possible, I’m sure, when you’re working with wood-frame construction but, here it’s all masonry (the website talks of concrete block) – that too with so many amateurs around.
I just hope I’m totally wrong.
On the 26th of July last year, when I first visited Nasrapur to look at a proposed bungalow site, the Pej river was in spate and the bridge (South-West corner of the satellite picture) was at least 2m underwater. I had to be content with looking at the trees (highlighted in the photo) from across the flood.
Designing began early this year and excavation started about 4 months ago but the rains soon came down and washed away the approach road. Now, with the monsoon finally receding, we’ll be going full steam ahead.
Oh, this is good! A company that mainly develops unmanned aircraft has turned its skills to making rooftop wind turbines. Small and light (no price yet so I don’t know if it’s cheap) and mounted on the building parapet – to make best use of the structure’s aerodynamic properties – it requires only 3.1m/s of wind-speed to work. That’s a huge drop from the 12m/s average for larger windmills.
Full article :: EcoGeek at Wired NextFest
SelfGDL is a “detailed reference of all known GDL commands”. It’s still in the process of translation from German so we can expect some errors in grammar but my hat is off to the authors for the work they’re putting it. Now maybe I should start learning GDL a bit…
Link: SelfGDL
ObjectDCL is an open source tool which runs inside AutoCAD (2000+) allowing you to easily create professional-looking dialog boxes for AutoLISP and VLisp routines.
Download from: ObjectDCL