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The Classes
The BIM (Building Information Model) Workshop is a two-day hands-on Vectorworks training workshop emphasizing 3D, 2D, and data strategies for leveraging architectural applications of Vectorworks in a BIM workflow. While the class will be taught using Vectorworks 2010 (the latest version), users of earlier versions 12, 2008 and 2009 will benefit. Topics covered include:

Using hybrid 2D and 3D intelligent parametric objects such as site models, walls, windows, doors, stairs, etc.
File organization and maximizing the effectiveness of classes, design and sheet layers, and viewports for efficiently extracting views of a building model
General 3D modeling
Embedding data in hybrid objects and generating tabular views (reports) such as door and window schedules, area takeoffs, and building perforamnce calculations
Team collaboration using workgroup references, including integrating DWG (AutoCAD files) in your workflow, and importing and exporting IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) files

For a preview of projects demonstrating some of these principles (and others) please see these two online movies (approximately 40 minutes in length each):
http://download2.nemetschek.net/www_movies/Francois_Levy_AIA/Francois_Levy_AIA.html
http://download2.nemetschek.net/Presentations/Levy_7shades_green.mov

The BIM Boot Camp is a one-day intensive hands-on Vectorworks BIM (Building Information Model) workshop. Faster-paced and more condensed than the two-day workshop, it covers these topics to get you up and running using Vectorworks as a BIM modeler:

Using parametric objects such as site models, walls, doors and windows, floors, and simple stairs.
File organization and maximizing the effectiveness of classes, design and sheet layers, and viewports for efficiently extracting views of a building model
Generating reports: door and window schedules and area takeoffs
Team collaboration using workgroup references, including integrating DWG (AutoCAD files) in your workflow, and importing and exporting IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) files

While the class will be taught using Vectorworks 2010 (the latest version), users of earlier versions 12, 2008 and 2009 will benefit.

The 6-session BIM (Building Information Model) Class is an extended version of the BIM Workshop (above). Similar topics for 3D, 2D, and data strategies for leveraging architectural applications of Vectorworks in a BIM workflow are covered, but at a slower pace and in greater depth:

Setting up a Vectorworks workflow for an efficient BIM process
Using hybrid 2D and 3D intelligent parametric objects such as site models, walls, windows, doors, stairs, etc.
File organization and maximizing the effectiveness of classes, design and sheet layers, and viewports for extracting views of a building model
General 3D modeling
Embedding data in hybrid objects and generating tabular views (reports) such as door and window schedules, area takeoffs, and building perforamnce calculations
Team collaboration using workgroup references, including integrating DWG (AutoCAD files) in your workflow, and importing and exporting IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) files

In addition, there will be optional exercises for participants to work through between sessions, and time is set aside in each meeting to review exercises. For support throughout the course and afterwards, attendees are invited to participate in a free online discussion moderated by the instructor. While the class will be taught using Vectorworks 2010 (the latest version), users of earlier versions 12, 2008 and 2009 will benefit.

The Basic and Intermediate hands-on Vectorworks training seminar runs two or two and a half days (a Saturday and Sunday plus a Friday afternoon for the two-and-a-half day class), and is typically held in a computer lab where every participant has his or her own workstation. Alternately, depending on the location, attendees may need to bring their own laptops with Vectorworks installed. The course focuses on professional applications of Vectorworks to efficiently develop drawings and models, honing overall design and drafting strategies. Topics include:

Setting up files and preferences
Working with Constraints, Object Information, and other key palettes
Using efficient drafting techniques with surfaces, 2D reshape, hybrid 2d and 3D objects, parametric objects, and symbols
Organizing drawing files using groups, classes, design and sheet layers, viewports, layer links, and saved views
Information management with record formats and worksheets
Importing and exporting drawing files and images

Fast-paced and comprehensive, this vignette-based training is helpful to Vectorworks users at all levels. New users will benefit from having a 'road map' and sound foundation on which to build their Vectorworks proficiency, while experienced users will be able to fill in gaps in their practice. While the class takes an architectural approach to teaching Vectorworks, the lessons learned are applicable to a variety of industries.

The 3D Masterclass is designed for intermediate and advanced users of Vectorworks ARCHITECT, DESIGNER, or LANDMARK with RenderWorks. This vignette-based class covers:

Digital terrain modeling
Solids modeling, including Boolean solids and NURBS (non-uniform rational B-spline)
Lighting
Rendering with a variety of RenderWorks techniques
Exporting image files and creating animations

About the Instructor
The classes are taught by François Lévy, a lecturer at the School of Architecture and former instructor at the Cockrell School of Engineering, both at The University of Texas at Austin. He currently teaches Environmental Controls and Building Information Modeling courses. He was a 1999 Vectorworks team member for the 3D CADD Shoot Out at A/E/C Systems in Los Angeles, and has presented case studies for numerous Vectorworks events. A dedicated Vectorworks users since 1993, he currently organizes the Austin Vectorworks Users Group.

Born in Paris, France and raised in the United States, François Lévy received his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, equivalent to a philosophy major with double-minor in classics and mathematics, from St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1987. After two years on the East Coast he enrolled in the School of Architecture at The University of Texas at Austin. There he received a Master of Architecture degree in 1993, as well as serving as a teaching assistant. During his studies he travelled to Europe and Australia, where he worked for six months.

Since completing his architectural studies he has worked for noted Austin architects Dick Clark and Mell Lawrence, as well as having worked in Paris on the multi-million dollar Météor Project, the latest subway line for the Paris Métro. He had completed several independent projects by the time he and a partner formed Studio Mosaic, a full-service architecture firm, in 1997. He practiced on his own from 2002 until his return to Mell Lawrence Architects from 2004 to 2006. He earned a Masters in Architectural Engineering from UT in 2008. He is currently in his own private practice, in addition to his teaching duties.

For additional information or individual training, contact François Lévy.