3D and CAD Gardens

Computers are everywhere, however garden and landscape designers have been slow to embrace the use of CAD software into their work-flow process.

The initial outlay cost of having to purchase the packages and re-educate probably puts some designers off. However, the emergence of free and simple programs, such as Google SketchUp are changing perceptions.

At NDG+ we use Vectorworks for all 2D drafting. This program is tailored towards the landscape designer, providing a compressive plant database and useful terrain modelling tools. Vectorworks can also import and export AutoCAD files allowing it to dovetail neatly into the work-flow of architectural practices.

For 3D we employ SketchUp for basic massing of the model and back to Vectorworks for all NURBs (the organic stuff!)

Once the basic form of the design has been generated on computer, we create a photo-realistic impression of the garden which includes realistic light studies and reflections. We find that this allows the client a better understanding of the design layout.