Open Design Alliance Announces World Conference

The Open Design Alliance (ODA) has announced its second ODA World Conference in Orlando, Florida, from 4-5 May 2010. This conference will offer attendees the opportunity to discuss and learn about the latest advances in ODA platform technology and the technical graphics industry. Each day of the conference will include presentations by ODA member companies, ODA partners and other third parties, as well as offer workshops in the ODA Technology Exchange.

The ODA Technology Exchange will provide more direct interaction, collaboration and 'how-to' sessions with technology leaders to address the specific questions and requirements of conference attendees. Topics will include the latest developments and advancements in the CAD industry, conceptual and practical implementations of ODA technology, and how to blend ODA components and third-party components to create a foundation for new solutions.

The ODA is also asking its members, partners and other third parties to submit industry-related papers and presentations for the conference.

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Autodesk Expands Online Sustainable Design Guide

Autodesk has launched updates for the Autodesk guide to sustainable design for architecture, engineering and construction. Enhancements include interactive graphical interface and resources for green building renovators. The free online guide helps industry professionals make better informed decisions to achieve building performance goals. The updated site now extends through the entire building lifecycle with new features and tools targeting green building retrofit and renovation projects, and an expanded focus on relevant issues of interest to building owners and energy service companies.

The new graphical user interface presents the user with two options; New Construction or Renovation. The guide offers detailed virtual walk-throughs for all phases of a new design or renovation project, allowing visitors to view key decision points at each stage of a building's lifecycle: energy efficiency, water efficiency and carbon emissions. Users can learn how to effectively use building information modelling (BIM) process supported by tools for green analysis, visualisation and simulation.

Other key enhancements include a decision Grid tool to evaluate at each step of the process, and to understand how Autodesk tools can be used to achieve green retrofit goals; tools to show how to quickly generate a 3D Autodesk Revit Architecture digital information model from 2D photos of an existing building; white papers, podcasts and videos to demonstrate how to quickly and accurately achieve energy efficiency and environmental goals for a green retrofit project.

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