ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I have used VectorWorks for a number (13?) of years.  It is sold by
Nemetschek. It is also referred to as "minicad" which was the original
name.  The basic program "Fundamentals" is under $1K.  Call them and ask
for an educational discount (10%?) but be persistent since some of the
sales people think only schools are eligible. 

Vectorworks will do very nicely for most drafting and design needs. If
you get the Renderworks package it can produce really nice stuff
including animated fly throughs.  There are other packages for lighting
and landscape and engineering.  

I also have seen excellent work done on Google's Sketch Up.  It is
definitely a lower cost alternative.  There are many other CAD programs
geared toward Industrial Design such as Form Z or Solid Works that are
great for exhibits as well.  All require some learning but all of these
are easier and cheaper than AutoCad.  And all are much easier to learn.
Almost all of these are capable of importing and exporting other file
formats.

Erich Rose
Exhibit Manager
Austin Children's Museum
201 Colorado Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-472-2499 x207, fax 512-472-2495
[log in to unmask], www.austinkids.org
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kristian Anderson
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2008 8:25 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: CAD software

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
************************************************************************
*****

This one is for the exhibits folks!  With traveling exhibits we usually
get requests for floor plans, lighting grids, electrical, etc. in CAD
format.  Are most of you using AutoCad?  I know it's a bit on the pricey
side, but is it worth the investment or are there other packages some of
you are using?  Thanks!

 

Kristian Anderson

Director of Platforms and Experience Development

Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater


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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

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