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2D or 3D?

Hi all! I'd appreciate some feedback on whether the size of a project determines whether you use 3D modeling (BIM) or stick to the tried and trusted 2D ways of old. I have been using Vectorworks for years now but have mainly stuck to using it's 2D capabilities until upgrading to VW Architect 2010. I am now totally hooked on it's 3D and BIM capabilities but am wondering if it's wasted on small scale buildings and only truly comes into it's own for larger projects. Or, is it a case of ....... "to each his/her own" and do whatever feels right? Basically - is there such a thing as too small a project for 3D (BIM)?

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Permalink Reply by James W. Larson on March 5, 2010 at 5:50pm

In my opinion there is no job that is too small. The benefits of a 'virtual building model' that can be used to generate construction documents is almost more valuable on a small project. Clients want to see what a building is going to look like and most can't read two-dimensional plans.

The question really is "Is there a fee to small to justify 3D and BIM?"

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Permalink Reply by John Keating on March 5, 2010 at 8:42pm

Thanks for the reply, James - you echo my feelings on the subject! My problem is that I'm working in splendid isolation here in the north west of Ireland where everyone appears to be an autocad advocate. It drives me nuts as most of these "advocates" are still living in the eighties and are not prepared to embrace the here and now! I've had a lot of positive feedback on my 3D (BIM) approach but have nobody to share my experiences with. I am now working freelance but have spent the past ten years working with MiniCad/Vectorworks in a 100% autocad environment. For that reason, I really welcome this site and forum and appreciate the time that anybody gives in reading and replying to my queries. Hope you all have a really good weekend!