Vectorworks Architect Software Now Compliant with GSA BIM Guide Series 02

Nemetschek North America Announces Compliance with the GSA BIM Guide for Spatial Program Validation; Software Now Approved for Use on GSA Projects.

Columbia — Nemetschek North America has announced that its Vectorworks® Architect software has been tested by the National 3D-4D-BIM Program with the General Services Administration (GSA, see www.gsa.gov/bim) as complying with the requirements of the BIM Guide Series 02, Spatial Program Validation. Vectorworks Architect software (version 2010, SP2) may now be used on GSA projects that require BIM.

The BIM Guide Series 02, Spatial Program Validation is a set of model and data requirements, using open standards-based Building Information Models submitted as part of GSA design contracts, whose purpose is to ensure that final concept-phase designs meet the functional requirements specified by the GSA.

To meet the requirements, candidate BIM-authoring software must pass rigorous automated testing, based on a reference building specified by the GSA, modeled in the candidate software, and exported to the 2X3 IFC file format. Vectorworks Architect software passed these reference tests in early December 2009. The certification testing was performed by Digital Alchemy of Seattle, Washington, a GSA contractor.

"Open interoperability standards are essential for the integrated delivery of Building Information Models, and we are very pleased to be able to offer a highly affordable option for those architects and designers contracting to the GSA," says Robert Anderson, Vice President of Integrated Practice for Nemetschek North America. "As BIM design standards evolve, Nemetschek North America will be there, involved with those setting the standards and helping to open up the BIM authoring process to those who care about design."

Vectorworks Architect software is a cross-platform, general purpose, BIM-authoring tool that focuses on the design-phase modeling and documentation of the architectural-design process. It offers flexible 3D modeling at any level of detail, parametric architectural objects, advanced presentation, and the ability to attach industry-standard BIM data to any custom 3D geometry required by the designer.