ArchiCAD 8.1

CADalyst, April, 2004 by H. Edward Goldberg

ArchiCAD 8.1

Graphisoft

www.graphisoft.com

Graphisoft's ArchiCAD 8.1 helps you leverage integrated 3D modeling and intelligent object technology and transform CAD from an electronic drafting board into an integrated productivity tool. ArchiCAD's Virtual Building approach to building design boosts productivity by automatically handling project documentation. Instead of drawing lines, ellipses, and arcs, you can raise walls, add windows and doors, lay down floors, build stairs, and construct roofs. The Virtual Building workflow not only delivers more control over design, but also provides all the information you need to describe the design project.

The Virtual Building represents a transition in the technology underlying many building design practices as architects move from using arcs, lines, and hatches to basing designs on 3D intelligent objects. With ArchiCAD, you can derive construction documents and files quickly and easily. These files are accessible without any additional software and practically without repetitive work. In addition, ArchiCAD's intelligent objects react to their environment--wall intersections clean up, beams have intersection priorities, roofs can trim building elements--all tools that accelerate your work. Intelligent tools for walls, slabs, columns, beams, roofs, furnishings, and terrains place elements on the floor plan or in the 3D window. These elements already contain information about their height, thickness, material, and other properties. And because all ArchiCAD elements are parametric, you can change their properties on the fly. This increases productivity, makes project management easier, and most importantly, helps you design instead of draft. The Virtual Building concept positions architects in better control of a project from start to finish throughout the design and build process.

H. Edward Goldberg, AIA, is a practicing licensed architect, industrial designer, and AEC industry analyst. Ed's new, full-length book, Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2004: A Comprehensive Tutorial (Prentice Hall, 2003), is available now (www.prenhall.com). Reach Ed at ed.gold berg@cadalyst.com. Or visit his Web site, www.hegra.org. Watch for his new AEC Web portal online in late spring 2004.