ArchiCAD Summer School: General Comments 2005

General Comments 2005

Daniel Dusoswa : The ACUE events give the use of the software depth and comfort. Not just a cold bit of software. The venues give heart and sole to the use of a potentially intimidating bit of software engineering. The bonus is that you learn that you are not alone in your adventure to conquer the steep learning curves and above all you learn to enjoy using it and celebrate it every now and again.

David Emery : Thank you, David, for another excellent ACUE. It was as enjoyable and informative as ever, although I felt there were a few drawbacks this year from having to walk around between buildings. Mealtimes, I felt, were lacking slightly in comparison to previous years in terms of the dining facility and food itself. Whilst these were both undeniably good, I prefer Nightingale Hall for it's dining facilities, the quality of the food, the parking arrangements and the fact that there was no need to brave the weather by having to walk between different venues. Before my arrival I wondered whether the Rolling Thunder Plenary would actually work. In fact, I felt that this year I saw more of what I wanted to see and missed much less.

Pavol Elias : Thanks for a great ACUE event - I've enjoyed it very much. BTW, I like Nightingale Hall better. The main reason is the fact that there was everything "under one roof" there - that made it easier for everyone to manage their time. Also the environment to me looked more "professional" there. I do not believe it had any significant impact on the quality of the whole event (which was yet again great). The Rolling Plenary puts additional pressure on tutors (well it did on me :-) but I believe it is good for audience - people who have problem making up their mind can just sit there and enjoy it. pavol@dunako.com www.dunako.com

Alice Feger : Thank you very much for the whole organisation of the School, it was a great experience! I was very pleased to have the opportunity to go to this University school. The whole thing was inspiring, I would appreciate if there were more Architects telling about their work and how they deal with programs.

Alan Gillard : Overall it was worth the trip and cost. My mind is now opened to the wonderful possibilities of 3D modelling. BUT It is only a computer programme and not a way of life! Too much jargon and assumption that we all know what the jargon means.
I found it very difficult to find answers to specific problems/questions... either it was the wrong person I asked, or they were too busy, or someone else was monopolising the proceedings and I am possibly too polite to interpose questions which must seem to the majority of delegates to be elementary. In other words, there was too much emphasis on the esoteric and not enough on the simple concept of making life easy and productive for practitioners. Next time perhaps I should be more forceful in my requests, and will know better who is expert in what, and indeed what those expertises are.

Ken Good : The event seemed well organised - the sessions went smoothly and the catering and refreshments were excellent.

Russell Gray : Found it very useful. Gave me an insight into what was possible with ArchiCAD. Good range & quantity of subjects for lectures / talks. Most of the people presenting gave illustrations of new build detached buildings. There were many attendees, other than ourselves, who have to work with existing & historic buildings. I would like to suggest that next year you could take a brief that each of the speakers could apply their skill and knowledge to show how AC & the add-ons best tackle this from Feasibility Study through Planning Application, Building Regulations and finally construction drawings. A brief for say a historic building needing a modern extension, in an urban situation with neighbouring properties. At the end of the day that is what we use AC for. We use it as a tool to facilitate communication at varying levels to a range of audiences. AC is very powerful and I assume people go to ACUE to learn how to use it at a higher level IN THEIR WORK PLACE. 
Overall what I saw encouraged us that our small office is doing very well in using AC to a high level. We certainly have room for improving on use in sketch designing and fast competition presentations though. I enjoyed the three days and met some really interesting and skilful people. I do look forward to next year but please keep it practical and in the real world of communicating information, surely the reason for buying the software?!

William Gray : Many thanks for organising a wonderful couple of days. There was a great mix of people and ideas. The information pack was pretty thorough and, within the booklet, there is plenty to refer to at a later date. Apart from a somewhat stale student aura to the room, the bed was comfortable and the bar and food pretty good for large scale catering. The student helpers helped keep the party moving and were very helpful. For the first timer, the amount of options and variety can be a little daunting. Once the event started, the details in the pre-conference marketing were concise yet informative, and next time I should be able to plan an improved strategy for the various workshops, talks etc.

ACUE Organisers: Left: David Nicholson-Cole and Adrian Harms. Right: Andreas Lettner.

Adrian Harms : Another great ArchiCAD University – wonderful atmosphere as usual! Thank you again for all your hard work.

Frank Hollinger : Had a great time - will come back!

Michael Hohmann : I have been to all but one of the previous ACUEs, they were consistently getting better every year, and this was no exception to 'best ever'. Keep it up, David. See you next year? YOU BET!

Paul Jozsa : Appreciate all your efforts in organising the event, there is always something new.

David Kjoller : Fantastic event. Great enthusiasm. Well, the workshops were so very interesting I didn't get a chance to see any of the rolling plenaries. I will be along next year and at the Winter School too.

Andreas Kohlhaas : Thank you all for your friendly support, help and the opportunity to get there. For me it was like charging up my empty batteries and the opportunity for for very interesting contacts.

Ireneusz Kurowski : Thank you for the complete organisation and tremendous effort, hospitality, keeping everybody informed, great food and accommodation. I had a really wonderful time and really enjoyed it.

John Littlewood : Excellent as always. Another thoroughly enjoyable event and I hope to stay for the whole period next time and look forward to the ArchiCAD Winter School. The food as ever was very good and the bar a welcome talking shop. The British beer is not quite as good as that at the winter school. The fact that the event was in two locations did not really matter, since the walk allowed us to walk off our meals.

Matthew Lohden : It was my pleasure to join you again this year as always, and you're very welcome. Thank you again for all your efforts in making these events possible.

Alan McDonnell : Hi David, Thanks again for everything, a great weekend (again) (again)!! Will see you next year!! A wonderful job (as always) done by David and his team. The amount of time and detail spent by David is almost an embarrassment to us, but I'm sure all the attendees greatly appreciate it!!Everybody, make it to ACUE 2006, put it your calendar today!

Lloyd Northend : Brilliant! I will come back next year.

Richard Payne : I, like everyone else, am so pleased and thankful you put yourself through all the worries of arranging ACUE. I learn something new everytime, return inspired every time, I feel encouraged and less isolated everytime, meet new friends everytime, confirm old friendships everytime. Its a great event and I can't miss it. If there is anything you need help with, just ask - if I can help, I will. So now its head back down and the long haul through to Christmas :-( - and then skiing just round the corner :-) For me the big hits of this year were Tom Cederqvist, Andreas Lettner and Ben Wallbank. It's especially good to see how AC is being used in practice, I wonder if more of this could be included. The mood was so much more positive this year.

Richard Payne (addendum): I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event and will attend whenever I am able. Thank you for putting on the event. Built Environment building provided a good airy and light place to meet and the courtyard was a good space during breaks; chairs were NOT comfortable; it could get noisy with adjacent workshops (I had to leave one because I could hear what was being said). I prefer the accommodation at Nightingale; I like being able to nip upstairs for a kip or some quiet time; there is less space at Nightingale but its quieter and more intimate; the food at Nightingale was better; the bedrooms are better; the general conference space at the Built Environment is just a little better; better technical facilities/backup at the Built Environment; Nightingale offers some comfy chairs to crash out in ....... overall, Nightingale just shades it for me but I don't feel strongly about it.

Chris Phillips : Overall I enjoyed the event, the bar was a better size and shape, the rooms comfortable enough but horrible communal showers! The contributions were unusually timely and appreciated.

Andrew Rowe : Rolling Plenary was an excellent idea and gave a good flavour, well done.
Chris Sinkinson : I have been to every one of these events, and as usual David and his team have done us proud. Where else could we meet such a great bunch of people with the much the same outlook on the way to produce Architectural drawings. The Rolling Plenary (alongside Workshops) worked very well.
I have got to say I had the wind taken from my sails when my car was broken into and laptops and other things stolen. They have now (mostly) been replaced on insurance. I would prefer future events to be contained within one building (mainly for security) e.g. Nightingale Hall, as previous years.

Daron Stockham : Thanks for a great couple of days, learnt a lot, discussed a lot and intend to implement a lot.

Richard Swann : Thanks to everyone for making this year's event such a great success. It was a privilege to meet such a talented and diverse group of people who share a common passion. Particular thanks to dynamo DNC for his continuing organizational skills and all round genius. Thanks to you all for a great Summer School!

Dirke van Hecke : Many, many thanks for organizing this for us David! Enjoyable and informative, the perfect combination. Nightingale Hall was better than the Studio; I like the rolling thunder idea.

Paul Veale : It was a great experience for me as a first timer at ACUE Nottingham. Thank you David for - a fabulous event, such great organisation and hard
work on your own part, the people attending, your invited speakers, the venue, fun, food, new friends, of course archicad too!, and so so much more........ Did I tell you we are translating archicad into Irish too!!!!!! As Dwight said - ooooooooooh baby!
Organisationally, this was just fab. Nothing was left out - I printed it all out and brought it with me I was not concerned at any stage about any info re: flights, airport, college plans, maps, programme, workshop speakers, etc.. At Antibos, we got to see you all gathered together, happily chatting and buzzing with excitement at the long table. All one big happy family! As a first timer I am so impressed. I had a great time, met lots of new people, learnt lots, learnt how much more I need to learn!, would love more of the '--for beginners' on the menu?? Again David, thank you so much.

Brian Wall : I would have liked to have sat in on all of the presentations. They were all interesting perhaps the event should be longer. Most of the presentations gave me something that I will use. I would be please to come next year if I am allowed to by my boss.

Nigel Walter : As the Director of a small practice what I am looking for from ACUE is the stimulation of meeting other experienced users (and GS), in order to develop the appropriate software solutions in a co-ordinated workflow to support what we offer as a business. ACUE delivers that each time I attend. Thankyou once again for making it happen. I like the Rolling Plenary, good to be able to get the 'Lite' version, and to see if it was worth going to find out more. Great idea. Once again DNC, thank you for furthering the community through all the effort you have put in to organising ACUE.

Mark Wildish : It was an enjoyable experience and I learnt quite a lot, accomodation was adequate, now I know what it would have been like had I gone to Uni. I would come again and I would bring another member of staff.

Editor's Note: There is enough feedback to decide - Nightingale Hall is now booked for 7-8-9 September 2006.

Night out in the Centre - Antibos Restaurant - See special photos page

Email: ArchiCAD University Secretariat for further information