[cad-linux] Re: architecture CAD-

-----Original Message-----
> From: =C1lvaro Castro [mailto:alvcastro@xxxxxxxx]
> Sent: Friday, November 22, 2002 11:51 AM
> To: cad-linux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [cad-linux] architecture CAD-
> what I would like to do is to contact with any
> architect or person that could help me about choosing
> a good set of graphic tools to start learning and
> working...

I'm an Architect here in America, and while I don't use
Linux for CAD just yet, I might be able to offer you some
ideas for programs to use.

> CAD: varicad

Another option would be IntelliCAD running under Wine. How
workable this is I don't know, for I haven't really used it.
Another Architectural option for CAD could be Cycas. You
can read more about that program here:
http://www.cycas.de/info.php?s=3Den#top
=20
> Image & Graphic Design: gimp and any good vector
> graphics program with good printing options

There is a vector-based drawing program called 'Sketch'
that I've worked with. And I believe that there is a version
of Corel Draw that runs on Linux, but I could be wrong.

> 3d: houdini (or maya? ->I don't know how to get it and
> i can't pay 6000$)

No no no :). There are several free 3D rendering or modeling
packages that would work well for Architecture. Something like
Maya, while great, is for movie animation and might not suit
your needs well (besides being $6000!).

Look into Blender, a GPL 3D software:
http://www.blender3d.org/
It's interface isn't good (IMHO) but some people are able to
do some impressive work with it, and it's free.

Also look into Radiance, a GPL high-quality rendering engine:
http://radsite.lbl.gov/radiance/
It's hard to work with but capable of very good renderings.
It's also (mostly) free, and will be open source soon.

Jeffrey McGrew

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