Archicad and BIM modeling
Archicad is a multi-discipline platform that supports design in BIM technology with a particular focus on architectural design. In this area, the use of virtual BIM models represents a significant upgrade over traditional work methods of supporting the preparation of drawing documentation.
The use of BIM modeling allows the use of a number of modern tools and methods to increase work efficiency and facilitate team collaboration from the creation of complex building elements, through inter-industry coordination, to the presentation of the design idea. Thanks to the progressive integration of design support tools in successive versions of the program, the preparation of documentation and teamwork in Archicad are effective both in large, multi-discipline design teams and in terms of tasks faced by smaller architectural studios.
Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Architect: cox graae + spack architects | LBA Joint Venture. Photo © Chris Ambridge
© WSC
Regardless of the size of the project, the implementation of Archicad makes it possible to improve many processes related to the design and preparation of investments, including:
- Creating complex, individual spatial solutions and architectural detailing.
- Rapid implementation of changes and design variants.
- Effective collaboration and coordination with trade designers regardless of the level of use of BIM modeling.
- Track basic project parameters, create statements and estimates.
- A wide range of project presentation methods enables effective sharing of design decisions.
Archicad and BIM modeling
© WSC
Regardless of the subject matter and scope of projects, Archicad enables effective and efficient BIM modeling . Building elements can be created using advanced tools that enable their considerable customization. This applies to both basic elements of the main structure (walls, ceilings, columns and beams) and complex ones: stairs, balustrades or curtain walls. Their individual components such as steps or balustrade panels can be almost freely modified or created from scratch using various modeling tools. It is also possible to parameterize them easily by using algorithmic visual programming tools. Freedom of modeling is not only advanced tools for creating building elements. It is also the many facilities available in Archicad for navigation and exploration of the created model. Design work and modeling can take place in many different contexts - for example: 3D views, elevations or expansions. This makes it easier to understand and control the design decisions made.
All these issues make Archicad an architect-friendly work environment that provides comprehensive support for design decisions.
Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Architect: cox graae + spack architects | LBA Joint Venture. Photo © Chris Ambridge
© WSC
Archicad 25 is a comprehensive platform that supports design in all areas used in an architectural studio. Full integration of design development and presentation tools enables designers to efficiently arrive at design solutions, verify them, present them clearly, and collaborate effectively with the design team and the client.
Archicad and interior design
Archicad is an excellent tool that also supports many processes related to interior design. Especially in this area, the possibility of free modeling is extremely important. Many elements are designed completely individually and the ease of this process and the end result is determined by the ability to integrate different tools and techniques with each other. Interior designers have a variety of advanced modeling methods at their disposal from the use of composite profiles to the creation of free-forms using the Shape tool.
BIM modeling also includes the ability to make extensive use of BIM components in manufacturers' increasingly available libraries. Virtually all the components needed in daily work - furnishings, furniture and environmental elements - have been implemented in Archicad. Since many versions of Archicad they have been successively updated. New interesting components are added, options to help better adapt them to reality or tools to create new objects or import them in various 3D formats. The kitchen cabinet objects upgraded in the latest version of Archicad allow virtually unlimited variants and adaptation to real solutions. Available, for example, are the so long-awaited and often used by designers milled handles in cabinet fronts.
Interior design is a continuous cooperation and presentation of the results of work between the designer and the orderer or user of the space. Proposed solutions can be presented in the form of photorealistic visualizations, vector 3D views or BIMx Hyper Model format for viewing the model along with documentation on mobile devices or websites.
Archicad and BIM modeling
© WSC
Implemented in the latest version of Archicad, the ability to create section views, elevations and wall expansions using textures and finish material definitions enables the preparation of automatic 2D documentation that is completely compatible with the 3D model. The information is entered once and then used repeatedly which avoids many errors and misunderstandings. The resulting 2D documentation is always coordinated. The process of its creation can be completely automated which allows you to concentrate on designing rather than drawing and describing drawings.
All the necessary information and features of the elements can be stored directly in the model and used again and again. It is the ability to link any information to the elements of the BIM model that determines the efficiency of work and the use of created models at all stages of investment preparation. Properly saturated with information, the model is the basis for various types of analysis, simulation or preparation of visualizations that facilitate the verification of design assumptions. Automatic generation of statements or material estimates allows continuous verification of project progress and work on always up-to-date data on its parameters.
For more iformation, visit the company's WSC Witold Szymanik i S-ka Sp. z o.o. page on the PdA portal.
