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It is hard to argue that Autodesk’s AutoCAD revolutionized architectural design. AutoCAD shortened the process of building design and reduced the potential for error by automating calculations and providing precision design tools. The output remained familiar: paper blueprints.

Autodesk Revit is the next step forward in architectural design tools. Revit software’s holistic approach draws from a common building database that organizes and manages information ranging from traditional design data to materials lists, building systems, glazing system options, building components data, phase and activity scheduling, and landscape design. All of this data is parametrically related and associated so when a change is made in one place it is automatically changed everywhere.

Revit also offers advances in project and component visualization. Revit builds 3D design models that allow 3D walk-throughs including details such as surface textures and landscaping—far exceeding a traditional architect’s renderings. This allows architects, engineers, builders, and clients to visualize proposed projects and the impact of revisions on the overall design.

In its sixth version, Revit offers greater control over the process, more efficiency, and stronger cost controls. The price of these improvements comes in computing power. The increased capabilities put more demands on computing platforms, both in terms of raw processing power, memory requirements, and the ability to render complex graphics quickly and efficiently.

While today’s PCs are more powerful than ever, they cannot match the raw computing power and graphics capabilities offered by a basic workstation. Workstations are the undisputed champs at rapidly rendering complex 3D designs or efficiently crunching large amounts of data. To get the most out of Revit, especially when working with larger and complex designs, a workstation may be just what you need.

As a close partner with Autodesk, HP builds some of the best workstation platforms for Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit users, ranging from the powerhouse HP Workstation xw8000—for your biggest design challenges—down to the HP Compaq Mobile Workstation nw8000, allowing you to take you projects home or on the road without missing a beat.

For more information about HP solutions for Autodesk users visit the HP Autodesk partner page.

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