Acrobat 3D Corner

CASE STUDY

HNTB

The on-demand, web conferencing capabilities in Acrobat 3D Version 8 revolutionize architectural design collaboration

Challenge

The HNTB Companies deliver dynamic architecture, engineering and planning services to clients from more than 60 offices across the country. HNTB Architecture, one of HNTB Companies, provides dedicated buildings services to clients in the aviation, corporate, education, federal government and civic/local government markets.

HNTB Architecture needs to effectively communicate all design details to prospective clients during new business meetings and to a wide range of project partners working on buildings in process. Like other major architectural service providers, the firm relied on a costly combination of paper and digital files to convey design intent to everyone involved in design and construction processes.

Solution

Using Acrobat 3D Version 8 software, the architectural group can now overcome prior limitations to presenting design plans and sharing design documents with dispersed contractors, clients, government officials, and others. For the Structural Services group at HNTB, the latest version of Acrobat 3D software is providing better ways to communicate and collaborate with contractors who frequently do not have access to or know how to use specialized CAD and 3D software.

In addition to Adobe Acrobat 3D Version 8 software, HNTB divisions use Autodesk Architectural Desktop, Autodesk AutoCAD Revit, and Bentley Microstation to create overall building designs and layout structural components. Other applications such as Google SketchUp and Rhino 3D are used to create 3D models. Using Acrobat 3D 8, these can all be converted to 3D PDF and presented for client communication.

"Acrobat 3D Version 8 software helps us to solve problems long before construction begins. By enabling project teams to view designs from all sides, place digital comments on 3D models, and collaborate in real time, we can stop problems during the planning stage and not after construction starts—when dealing with issues is most costly." said Chris Bryant, 3D Modeler

"Acrobat 3D Version 8 software enables us to generate and present engaging 3D models that give our clients and partners instant, clear insight into designs. Many clients are not skilled at reading architectural drawings on paper or 3D models on screen. With Acrobat 3D Version 8, we offer everyone the flexibility to view and experience designs up close and from all angles using only free Adobe Reader software." noted Alejandro Ogata, Project Designer, HNTB Architecture

Ogata goes on to say "The on-demand, web conferencing capabilities in Acrobat 3D Version 8 revolutionize architectural design collaboration. Recently, we worked with a consultant who was having difficulty integrating a lighting plan into a room with an oddly shaped roof. When we sent her a 3D model in Adobe PDF and walked her through the model via an Acrobat Connect web meeting, she instantly understood the structure. Misunderstandings that went on for over four months were eliminated in seconds."

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