At SolidWorks World 2011, a new AEC product was announced. It’s called SolidWorks Live Buildings. It is a 3D conceptual design tool focused on integrated planning and early cost estimation for building design. SolidWorks hopes that this new tool will improve collaboration between architects, engineers and builders.
SolidWorks Live Buildings is based on the ENOVIA V6 online platform. The interface should look familiar to current V6 users. The product will enable any team member to access models from anywhere and anytime. According to SolidWorks,
There is no need to transfer large data files via email or FTP sites. Since everyone has access to the same model, there is no chance of working on the wrong version of a project.
The presentation of SolidWorks Live Building was impressive. Its easy of use was demonstrated on SolidWorks’ future headquarters. Stairs, walls, cubical clusters, doors, and stair tools were all added quickly. They also showed off a sundial feature which tracks the sun’s position and time of day (or night) to change shades and analyse lighting.
SolidWorks is planning general availability for the second half of 2011.