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ArchiCAD University Winter School Feedback from Individuals					<Back>	Nothing has been censored, it's all here, including criticisms
Questions	Richard Payne, with Shirley and Tomas, Welsh Borders	Paul and Nancy Josza, Leicester	Laslo Neda, Graphisoft HU	Steven Marshall, Scotland	Mike Lucey, West Ireland	Simon Gilbert, Graphisoft UK	Pavol Elias, Slovakia	Charlotte Darre, Aarhus, Denmark	Ben Frost, London	Chris Johnstone, Scotland
Did you find the Skiing conditions acceptable? (Runs, lifts, hire skis, weather etc.)	Conditions were remarkably good - the day lost to bad weather was a chance to recover a bit. Lots of graded challenges for beginners moving to intermediate - no chance of my standard feeling bored or lacking in options. The ski school was good - the instructor patient and encouraging and was excellent with 7 year old beginner. We were lucky with the weather. Ski hire fine. Lifts were fine as soon as I got the hang of them!	Yes; excellent location with provision for all capabilities, tuition, no waiting for ski T bars lift and full easy use of ski circuit runs. it was good to have the last half day on the slopes. Thanks to the austrian guys to get the extra lift passes. Paul was promised a refund if he ever had to queue for any measurable time at a lift, but sadly, he didnt win that one....	The snow and piste conditions were excellent! It was the best off piste skiing experience of my life! Laszlo was the most expert skier of the Winter School - as we were chugging slowly up the T-bar lifts we would be somewhat amazed to witness his exploits of jumping, or soft powder Wiedling rapidly in the opposite direction!	The skiing conditions were fantastic!	I found all these acceptable. I found that 2 1/2 days were perfect, 3 days reasonable and 1 day a rest day, always welcome.	The Ski runs, lifts, hire etc was very good.	Skiing conditions were perfect - runs and lifts great, using my own skis. Weather certainly above the average as to have 3 days with completely clear skies is pretty good for this time of the year. When I've shown the images and especially Jorn little movies to my friends (all keen skiers) they were very impressed - they haven't seen such good snow conditions with deep powder snow for several years :-)	It was really great for me, as a beginner! Not too many people, and very nice to experience different snow conditions during the week.	Being a complete novice I had no idea what to expect, or any comparisons to make. I thought the location, ski runs (the few that I tackled!), hire and tuition were fantastic. It was the first time that I had experienced real snow and on that scale: I was in awe!	3 days of snow gave perfect off piste powder conditions. It is the only resort I know where the lift attendants give you snowboarding lessons! Liked the evening skiing and the igloo bar.
Was the Hotel acceptable? (Accommodation, management, food, accessibility to runs)	Can't fault the hotel accommodation, management, food, accessibility ...... food surpassed all expectations	A very welcoming, comfortable atmosphere with the very highest standard of accommodation and food, surpassed all expectation. Even when other visitors arrived for lunch or just to view the downhill skiing on TV, we were treated still as when we arrived, as special by all the family. I don't know where the boss gets his energy, having meals, clearing the snow, taking luggage, collecting food...	Great accomodation, superb food, friendly and warm! Location is perfect, just put your skis on and you're off skiing on the pistes.	Accommodation was great. Friendly Staff, warm rooms, excellent food. Beer. Outstanding.	The hotel and staff was just perfect. I like small family-run hotels. The only complaint I have is that I must have put on a couple of pounds weight ;-)	The Hotel was very warm and welcoming and the management seemed to make you feel at home. Food was very good.	Hotel has a perfect location - it cannot be better than this when it comes to access to lifts. Accomodation was OK, food (and wine) was exceptional.	The were all very nice and helpful - and the food was great.	The hotel was great! Thanks to Alex, his family and staff for amazing food, hospitality and warmth. Was the accessibility to ski runs acceptable? Are you kidding?! They were on the doorstep!!!	The food was fantastic and generous. The shower water could have been hotter. Only discovered the wheat beer? on Saturday lunchtime, great!
Was the Teaching/Learning program interesting enough for you?	Being one of the only ones without a laptop sometimes I felt a bit out of it when everyone had their heads stuck to their screens. Enjoyed all the presentations and the program - however had a crisis choosing the 'channel' to follow - wanted to do both GDL and ArchiCAD in practice.	Succinct, well organised, good variety of topics, good insight to all aspects of existing and new software, tricks, innovative topics. Tutors well conversant with areas of interest for individuals to follow up.	I think the content of the seminars were well picked. Although there could have been more public presentations of users about their work, ways of using ArchiCAD. (It would have been difficult to save time for it though, we used 110% of our times anyway)	The teaching / learning was excellent, and was about right I think.	The balance of teaching / learning programs was good. The balance allowed was reasonable and entertaining at all times.	This helped with networking and getting to know people better. Especially for Graphisoft UK.	Program was OK - not really being an architect myself (and thus having a bit different perspective on the issues) I still found enough interesting topics for myself.	I really enjoyed it all, I think I got a lot out of it, and definitely improved my international network.	I had come to the Winter School primarily to learn to ski, discuss ArchiCAD with other users, and hopefully learn a little GDL along the way. To this end, my needs were met. I do think however, that aside from the two two-night 'channels'; "ArchiCAD in practice" and "Advanced GDL" There were maybe too many presentations rather than workshop-style learning demonstrations. The two-night GDL option that I chose was, perhaps, too advanced for me, however I was able to understand 90% of the concepts explained and did enjoy working with Simon Gilbert to produce my first stretchable-hotspot object!!!	It was more of a holiday than I expected. I benefitted greatly from Adrian's & Frode's ArchiCAD presentations and could have had more of the same. Having attended the Summer School, I was less interested in some of the elements that were either repeated or other elements that in my view are peripheral. Notes would have been helpful from Adrian and Frode.
Was the Broadband access of value to you?	Not really - I had no laptop ..... might have been if I did though .... and it helped with some presentations.	No, but will use on next trip when will take my laptop.	Unfortunately we have not been able to configure it on my machine, but I could use others to check my email. I think it is a definite need, every year.	Utterly invaluable.	Yes	Had problems with the connection.	It was essential as without the Internet access I couldn't participate at all. For the next year it might make sense to put a switch/hub somewhere so that more people can access the Internet at the same time.	Yes, very. Gave me the possibility to get more information on different subjects, show my homepage to others etc.	Yes, although toward the end of the week I ran into trouble with my ISP not accepting smtp relays from the hotels ISP and vice-versa! It was also put to use in the evening seminars too, so it's all-in-all an essential facility for this type of event.	It was essential, although I needed help from Pavol to set it up
Do you have comments on specific workshops, plenaries that you took part in?	Adrian's ArchiCAD in Practice was especially good and I wish I had chosen to attend the first one as well as the second GDL workshop not quite so much use to me - GDL seems to be more of a darkened room exercise which produces specific problems to be addressed - a general presentation might not be so successful. Maybe it would have been better to concentrate on one or two aspects and really work through them rather than skate frantically over lots of aspects (all comments re first night of GDL).	All well informed, credit to the presenters. Short to be educational, varied to keep up interest. Well balanced. came away with enthusiasm. Great to see Graphisoft's presence and support and knowing that some points raised they have already in hand. Hope Laszlo is getting over his battle scars with his skis.	I like a lot Georg Weber's presentations on the last day. It would have been even better if other users held their little presentation about their work, too.	I found all presentations interesting. The things of most relevance to my current needs were to do with interactive scheduling and improving efficiency with favourites and templates. Future interest was created in GDL demonstrations, particularly regarding smart windows. The demonstration regarding Alberto Jeans was also excellent in highlighting how smart use of GDL and scheduling can streamline workflow and produce instant data. The competition presentation also highlighted how quickly an excellent design presentation can be put together, and how GDL can be integrated into it.	As a newbie to ArchiCAD I found most related subjects interesting.	The GDL course was invaluable and would like to do more.	I especially like the sessions on special tools - Sketch-up, Piranesi,... I believe it is very important to spread the information on these tools as ArchiCAD, no matter how good it is, is never gonna be a complete solution to all architect needs...	It's very interesting to see how others use ArchiCAD, how complex you actually draw. And to get an introduction to other programs	Ben writes: • It was great to have László 'Mister Wishlist' Néda present and discuss the future of ArchiCAD/Plotmaker. I am very interested in this kind of discussion as it helps Graphisoft understand how to develop the the 'virtual building' concept as a tool for everybody, as well as disclosing a multitude of current working methods. • On the friday night I particularly enjoyed Charlotte Darre's presentation of her university work at Aarhus. It struck me that GDL is a fantastic tool to teach students the technology of real building components whilst at the same time learning GDL and having those building components as a product to use in future buildings. I wish that I had been taught in such a way, and would love to see a programme to this effect whereby manufacturers work with students to produce professional GDL objects of their products, the students develop an understanding of their use, and then they are made readily available to use by architects in real-world projects. There is surely a benefit to everybody in this? Graphisoft?
Did you find the event socially rewarding?	YES! Felt like a good community - especially good to meet people from Norway, Austria and Germany. Tom, our 7 year old, was very well accepted - shame there were not more children.	Good interaction at meal times and between skiing and tutorials. Living, restspace and bar well located so you could join various groups without being isolated. Space also for smokers nearby. Excellent for families too and girls to socialise.	Very much so. As much as personally and professionally it was great to meet the participants.	Very. I met so many great people and will definitely be keeping in touch with them. I also picked up a lot of tips in the informal setting.	Very much so. I feel I have made some good friends that I will have for a long time to come, I hope. This is sometimes difficult to achieve as one gets older. I did not hear one cross or hurtful word uttered.	Yes	Certainly - it was a great bunch of people who met there.	Totally, I think the network I have got from this week will be very useful in my future, both socially and for my study / career.	Ben writes: It was fantastic to feel a part of a wider community and meet people from a variety of countries. A BIG thanks to Kurt Stengg for the 3-hour drive to Innsbruck and Andreas Lettner for showing me around the Zaha Hadid ski-jump there and putting me safely on my train to Bregenz. It was great to meet a few of the faces from ArchiCAD-TALk, particularly László with whom I have also shared a few e-mails but never met in person. I hope that the bang to his head hasn't affected what he can remember from our conversations!
Do you consider the event acceptable value for money?	Excellent value for money	Most certainly. The evening events were a bonus. Would be an advantage to seek out a closer flight, from Birmingham, or East Midlands. No doubt east midlands will open up a route eventually.	Yes, indeed.	Superb value.	Again, very much so.	Very	The value you get from the event is certainly more that you pay by your money.	Yes, I think it's nice to do something active together, and not only working on the computer the whole day.	For sure. I expect to be back for another round of bruises and tired eyes next year!	Yes. Enjoyed the social skiing and après skiing.
General comment / testimonial	We had a brilliant time, one of our best holidays ever! We felt confident that our seven year old could wander off by himself and interact with anyone else and would be accepted. It was a great break of sunshine and light in the middle of our dark and dingy winter. There was just enough AC activity and a good chance to exchange ideas and techniques. It was especially good to have Laslo and Simon from Graphisoft there to answer questions etc.	Inspired by everyone's contribution and knowledge. I aim to pass this on to practices which I support and continue to encourage use of Archicad and GDL and add ons.	I enjoyed it a lot, as much the skiing as much the events. I think it is amazing how ArchiCAD users after 6-7 hours of skiing can have energy to actively participate in the seminars until late at night. This must be a sign of their love for their profession and ArchiCAD as well. Thanks again a lot for you, Herbert and Reinhard for organizing it!	I enjoyed myself and learned so much, I will be there next year without doubt.	There should be more group events like the ACU Winter School, an ideal balance of sport, chat, fun and of course education. David, may I take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for arranging this wonderful event, may we have many more.	Looking forward to next year!	Great event. It is not that common to meet group of people who can ski during the day, work during the evening and still be very friendly and motivated to talk to each other...	A great event - I really feel like going back next year!	Both the ArchiCAD university in Nottingham last summer and the Winter School have helped channel and direct my faith in the 'virtual building' into methods with which to get this message across into office working methods and procedures. We still have a long way to go, but I feel that the content and discussions at the ArchiCAD Universities are giving me the tools I need to convey it. Thanks to both you, David, and the Austrian contingent (Reinhard, Herbert, Andreas, et al) for organising a great week.	It was great fun and I would recommend it to both skiers and non skiers.
Your ideas for improvement in organising future events?	Can't think of anything straight away, though if more children are to be attracted possibly a reduced rate might be negotiated. The meals were enormous for a seven year old ! Will we come again ? YES YES YES (assuming we can scrape the dosh together). Thought the extra Sat. morning skiing didn't work very well.	Loved the idea of the hotel design presentation. May be a 5min shorty from individuals.(no talking, just computer work) graphics,modelling, animation, sound, imagery or topics of individual interests.	Maybe a few more ArchiCAD users will offer public presentations about their work, ways of using ArchiCAD, this would make the event even more valuable. I will definitely try to come again, hopefully will have time, finances for it.	Earlier formalisation and payment of bookings would be good. From some conversations, I felt some people may have held off booking flights as they were unsure if the winterschool was going ahead.	The only thing I wish I had done was to arrange to spend my last night in Austria with my new Scottish friends instead of a boring hotel in Stansted. When I went into the bar for a nightcap, would you belive there was not another sinner in the bar!!! Next year, God willing I would like to attend again. I think it might be an idea if us chaps living in Wales, Scotland and Ireland looked at other available flights, maybe via Birmingham.	Will contemplate and get back to you.	Do not change the event significantly - the event can potentially accommodate some more people if there is enough interest (chalets) but it make sense to keep the nice family atmosphere of it. I will certainly come next year...	Maybe we need a short presentation the first day on everyone - where they are from...	As I mentioned above, I think that the format of the tighter workshop table-talks at the event in Nottingham worked in a better way. I also think that marketing the event to non-ArchiCAD using company directors is essential, not just to the users themselves. It is the directors that often finance these trips and they need to know just what their return will be in a language that they understand! will I be coming next year? See above: I certainly hope so.	Thanks for organising the Winter School. it is greatly appreciated. It is difficult to take time out for a week having just returned from Christmas holidays, although I realise that is what makes it good value. Therefore I feel the ArchiCAD course content should be paramount. I would also like to see how other practices use ArchiCAD, for presentations and production drawings.