Designed for building design professionals, AutoCAD Architectural Desktop Release 2 combines model-based design tools and intelligent AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) objects, transforming computer-aided design (CAD) from an electronic drawing board into an integrated tool supporting the entire design process - from conceptualisation to design development and construction documentation.

New conceptual design tools enable architectural professionals to use computers to create initial designs, including tools for massing studies and space planning. A Model Explorer facility allows designers to explore multiple concepts and freely design real-time scenarios in 2D or 3D. A link with 3D Studio VIZ allows users to quickly create a photo-realistic visualisation of a proposed project. The automatic link between AutoCAD Architectural Desktop and 3D Studio VIZ eliminates the time-consuming task of having to re-create design data for use in a visualisation. As conceptual designs change, alterations are automatically made to the visualisation.

The design development process adds increasing levels of detail to the building with decisions made and remade as the design evolves. With traditional CAD, each change requires redrawing of aspects of the design and careful coordination between different graphic representations of the building to ensure revisions are made in all drawings. When design conceptualisation is done electronically in AutoCAD Architectural Desktop, initial data becomes available for reuse in design development.

There are tools for the following design development tasks:

* Laying out building plans with walls, doors, and windows.

* Adding additional design elements.

* Adding furniture, fixtures, equipment, and other design content.

* Producing 3D models.

* Producing sections and elevations.

* Managing and sharing designs throughout a design team - whether locally or across the globe.

At the heart of the product is Autodesk's object-oriented technology. By transforming ordinary geometry - lines, arcs, circles and other objects - into intelligent objects, windows, doors, stairs and other, building elements have a relationship to one another and react intelligently to each other. A door, for example, has a relationship to the wall that contains it. If the wall is moved or deleted the door will act accordingly. The intelligent objects in the package also maintain dynamic links with construction documents and specification schedules. When a user deletes or modifies a door, the software automatically updates the door schedule. It is the intelligence of AutoCAD Architectural Desktop building object model that differentiates it from other architectural solutions, says Autodesk.

Production of detailed construction drawings and documentation represents the final phase of the design process. Architectural Desktop supplies building designers with the tools to complete their drawings easily, precisely, and efficiently.

They can:

* Create detailed schedules and bills of material for doors, windows, and other materials

* Control the structure of design information throughout the contractor chain

* Produce consistent documentation and information on finished working drawings

* Produce consistent working drawing layouts.

Internet and intranet collaboration tools are an integral part of AutoCAD Architectural Desktop. Users can open drawings, styles, content and applications from anywhere on a network or over the Web. Users can also attach hyperlinks to any object, connecting drawings and specifications across organisational boundaries. Using AutoCAD Architectural Desktop, design teams are assured they have the tools to collaborate effectively over the Web.

And AutoCAD Architectural Desktop is not just for the design of straightforward buildings: Walt Disney Imageering, relies on AutoCAD Architectural Desktop and 3D Studio VIZ for the design of all the Disney theme-parks and their rides worldwide. All park elements and rides are modelled, visualised - and even tested for safety - using Autodesk technology before building even starts. Walt Disney Imageering now has 472 installed seats of AutoCAD Architectural Desktop.

Autodesk (011) 318 2900

www.autodesk.com