I think this a smart pivot for FreeCAD: from MCAD to Arch.
The weak point in the kernel (Open CASCADE) is curved surfaces (and associated nightmare case analysis for blends/fillets/chamfers).. They just aren't that important in Arch. For example, SketchUp doesn't have them at all.
So now we have in free (as in freedom) software:
Arch CAD: FreeCAD - history based parametric architectural CAD - with no curved surfaces.
MCAD: Solvespace - direct modeling with streamlined NURBS only kernel.
Don't think this can be considered a pivot, just a couple of people putting extra effort into the Arch side of things.
CAM (Path module) and a revamp of Part Design are (with groundwork for Assembly) are also happening in 0.17
The weak point in the kernel (Open CASCADE) is curved surfaces (and associated nightmare case analysis for blends/fillets/chamfers).. They just aren't that important in Arch. For example, SketchUp doesn't have them at all.
So now we have in free (as in freedom) software:
Arch CAD: FreeCAD - history based parametric architectural CAD - with no curved surfaces.
MCAD: Solvespace - direct modeling with streamlined NURBS only kernel.