Architactile - iPAD, Architecture, and BIM

Back when I wrote my first post about Architecture and the iPad I received an email from a great guy named Matt.  Matt was in the process of developing an Architecture based product for the iPad.... Well, a few months later he sent me another email announcing that the product is coming soon!!


Architactile was founded by Tulsa based technologist Matt Galloway and inspired by conversations with and ideas from Matt’s long-time friend and local architect, Taylor King. Like good architecture, the goal of Architactile is simple yet transformative: we want to increase the efficiency of the business of architecture by streamlining and automating those actions, habits and behaviors that work.  We are currently working on our first product, tentatively named Inception, which is designed to help accelerate project initiation by improving data collection, scope definition, information management and communications from the point of the first client meeting through the signing of the contract.




This looks to be a great software that will generate new uses for the iPad... I immediately thought of how this software could link with, say, Revit?  I am not sure the basis of the software and if it utilizes some sort of database (looks like it does).  Perhaps there is a way to utilize a similar file type that Revit exports for room data, etc...

What do you think Matt?  Readers?

More iPad and Architecture

Just a few more examples from some of my Architecture related classes and using the iPad. The first is using an App called PenUltimate in my Design of Wood Structures class... It worked out well but does have its flaws. For example, you cannot change the pen thickness, color, or opacity. You also cannot create any book marks. Although the inking looks better on this program I am still enjoying the features of PaperDesk right now.

• Click here to see the PDF of my Structures notes with PenUltimate

The second example is using a great app called iThoughtsHD. This app is very much like the program Mind Manager (in fact, you can export to a Mind Manager file type). For school, in general, it is a great way to brainstorm, write papers, etc... I used it to calm my nerves about how much crap I have left to do in my Design Course... It is nice to break everything down sometimes. Finally, you can export your map directly from the iPad into PDF format and an outline format.

• Click here to see the PDF of my iThoughts map.

The Revit Kid Reviews - iPad and Architecture

After weeks of contemplation, research, and uncertainty I finally bit the bullet and bought an iPad. I know there are millions of reviews on the web about this wonderful little computer but I think my review comes from a different perspective. I am a student, first of all, and also an Architecture student/professional. My classes, work, and hobbies are much different than those of the CNET reviewers and the old guy at the New York Times.

Potential

Before talking about what the iPad CAN do, I would like to talk about what it COULD do. There are a plethora of possibilities in my mind for the iPad in the AEC industry. As I sit mere tapping my fingers on a virtual keyboard I imagine a future where this perfectly sized device is car ride with me everywhere I go....

I begin the day with a cup of coffee and eggs. While I am eating I check my email, read some of the top news of the world and architecture, I check the blog feed and see if any colleagues have posted some great stuff, I check the soccer scores and fixtures for the day, and then review my schedule for that particular day.

The first event on my iPad calendar is a meeting at the Doe residence. But what was that edging about? I then see the note on the calendar that says "See sketch #0212". I fire up SketchBook Pro and open the sketch. Got it! As I am tying my shoes I log into my computer at the office (UsingLogMeIn Ignition for the iPad) to see if the rendering I started in Revit has finished yet (Even in my future Revit's rendering speeds are slow...). Off to the Doe house.

I jump into my car and plug my iPad into the stereo to start playing some music. I then fire up GPS on the same iPad and look up the Doe residence. I arrive at the Doe residence. I snap some pictures of the construction detail that is being debated. While the contractor talks I upload the photos to my iPad and begin sketching right on top of the photos. I then fire up Go-BIM (Autodesk Go-BIM in my future haha) and open the building model to further inspect the issue... You can continue your day here...

iPad for Me Today

Being an Architecture student requires a very particular set of tools. Mainly, note taking (which utilizes both writing and drawing), sketching, and modeling. For sketching, par non, Autodesk Sketchbook Pro is by far the best. I have used this app for numerous concept sketches, details, light fixtures, etc...

Note taking on the iPad is still at the infant stages but has some great features. As far as what app to use, there are two that rise above all. I currently have 7 different note taking apps due to me searching for the height one and I highly recommend these two: Evernote and PaperDesk. I will start with Evernote.

Evernote is a great all around app for note taking but not for architecture. Right now it lacks the ability to ink, or physically write, on the screen. This eliminates it from being used in a majority of my classes (Physics, Structures, Design, Calculus, etc...).

PaperDesk, on the other hand, is the best app for student note taking. Before speaking about it's limitations I will review it's features: You can type and physically write anywhere on the page. Organize notebooks and pages with bookmarks. Export by page or entire notebook to PDF format. Edit the pen color, size, opacity, brightness, etc... ( See website for more details) Soon to be able to manage all of your notebooks on a free server at MyPaperDesk.com. The limitations that, if added, will create the perfect app for an architecture student, are:

- No tab and bullets
- No ability to change font color, boldness, etc...
- No audio or image importing

Although these seem major I promise you they are not. I spoke to the developer, Scott, and he is going to add as much of my wish list to the next few updates (which are free once purchases). Once those three simple items are fixed or added PaperDesk will be a great app for architecture students such as myself.

• Click here for one example from PaperDesk
• Click here for another example from PaperDesk

Ultimately, I have not put the iPad down once for the past week. I am putting it through the true tests of an architecture student and it is managing very well. I charge it once every night (even though it usually has about 40% battery life left after a full day of usage).

I highly recommend it to my readers and peers and I promise you that you will have just as hard of a time putting it down as I do.

I would like to open the comments sections form readers who are also using the iPad and your experience.

Here are some SketchBook Pro Examples:

-Posted on my Apple iPad