topic Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest? in Modeling

What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 21:02:17 GMT

In your own mind, why did you choose ArchiCad?

Or if you switched, why?

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Eduardo Rolon — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 21:24:51 GMT

in no particular order:

Tired of coordinating AutoCAD dwgs and doing everything in flatspace.

Tired of Autodesk's forced upgrade schedule.

Decided I wanted to learn something new and since I teach Architecture I try to keep up to date.

The GS (3dcadco) rep was a person whom I could trust and kept helping in order to establish an AC course at the Univ were I teach.

Since I opened my one person office I decided to invest the time in using AC instead of hiring draftmen to work in Autocad ( more cost efficient) and to date I have not regreted the decision. I started using AC fully with R8 and thought it was the greatest thing and I am still surprised because of all the reports that it was so buggy, apparently I assumed that the problems were because of the user(ME) not the prog.

Revit was not an option since at the time it was too clunky + I didn't like the subscription model by Autodesk.

Finally I could buy a PowerBook and leave windows.

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Durval — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 22:03:10 GMT

It was ten years ago...
Brazilian architects were starting to make the great move from drawing boards to CAD.
I tried AutoCAD a bit, but got very discouraged when I realized the tool was almost merely an electronic pen. I couldn't find a good point in abandoning my drafting skills, thoroughly built along the college years.
Besides, to use AutoCAD I would have to change from Mac to PC. The learning curve and investments would be even bigger.
Then I saw a presentation organized by the first GS brazilian reseller showing an incredible (and expensive!) software that was a real aid for design and 3d thinking, not only for drawing: ArchiCAD 4.1. And it was a Mac-only application!
I fell in love with it, borrowed some money from my dad and here I am.
Sometimes I think about change to PC, but never considered changing to another CAD.

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 22:48:39 GMT

Hello
Lets see,I was first introduced to Archicad ,at university,mix classes Builders and Architects students.Academics were preaching the new world order."Designed by architects for Architects"?and most lapped it up,But in the real world it has failed to reach critial mass.Many builders have tested and have owned at least one copy,Like me ,they've moved on, and wont upgrade, until major changes have been implemented, There are too many issues,that may never be resolved?the "Building Information Model " should have been "Building Information Data"? The divide between Architects and other has widened,Go Figure?
Good Luck

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 23:06:01 GMT

After Generic Cadd, AutoCad V9 et al, and a stab at Datacad and Arris's Builder's Cad, I was introduced to Archicad in 1994 ( v4.16) Even had a fling at Revit prior to the first shipping version. Let that subscription go when ADesk bought them. Been on Archicad on Macs and PCs for the whole time. Like it. Use it. Work primarily by myself on all kinds of projects from residences to industrial......Still is the most useable and functional program to gain the most thruput.

Lew Bishop
P42.8/768/nVidia to go 5600
AC9US

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 23:07:35 GMT

Keep them coming, good info so far.

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 23:17:54 GMT

Cole_Construction wrote:
Keep them coming, good info so far.

Cole,
You seem to be a relatively new user of ArchiCAD...please share with us why you "chose" or "switched" to it.

Thanks,
Dan K

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 23:36:00 GMT

Dan wrote:
Cole_Construction wrote:
Keep them coming, good info so far.
Cole,
You seem to be a relatively new user of ArchiCAD...please share with us why you "chose" or "switched" to it.

Thanks,
Dan K

Well, I havent switched just yet, I am only running the demo.

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

__archiben — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 01:16:00 GMT

i was introduced to archiCAD (3.14 i think) at university by a very enthusiastic tutor, (no - not DNC ), and from his introductory lecture could immediately see the benefits and possibilities of 'building' with architecturally-orientated objects that had a degree of intelligence.

in practice, the biggest plus is co-ordination and no need for duplication - which kind of go hand-in-hand i guess, but both of which are the areas in which the time spent on output accrues and in which errors are more likely to be made . . .

good luck with your switch!

~/archiben

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 07:51:28 GMT

My first introduction to computers was with AC 4.5 and Photoshop 3.0 at the university - they had just opened a brand new laboratory with Macs there and I didn't have my own computer then. Later I learned AutoCAD 14 because everyone in Bulgaria worked on AutoCAD and I was afraid I would not be able to find a job only with AC. Since then I use both AutoCAD and AC - AC is a much advanced and modern CAD application than AutoCAD though nowadays it lacks the free-form modelling capabilities of MAX, for example.

Two years ago I went to work in an office where I had to learn Allplan - I've heard it was good application and was very motivated but it turned out to be a great disappointment. Finally we made a "revolution" and the office switched to AC .

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 10:19:40 GMT

My reasons are:

1) Autocad has actually stopped providing new tools for my work since Autocad2000
2) Autodesk forced upgrade policy.
3) Tried ADT (too artificial), Revit (has some great features but lacks intuition)

Things i like about AC:
a) Intuitive
b) Sound basic organization. Has great potential
c) Paremetric
d) Has calculation functions and prospects.

Things i dont like.

a) Basic stuff are not there, and that is bad for a project with so many years in work
b) No innovative features. This is a general problem with all CAD software. What was the latest breakthrough new feature in AC and when was it introduced? And saying breakthrough i mean tools that would change radically the way you work. For example the pushpull tool in sketchup is such a tool. Relationships in revit are. The BIM model in AC is.

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 14:01:37 GMT

After 14 years in FastCAD, then DataCAD (tried Softplan briefly), decided flatland had to go.

I wanted 3d for:

1. the information -- quick lists and schedules.
2. error reduction
3. quick sections and elevations
4. Renderings to eliminate my Artist - for Stockplans

Picked up AC in 2003. STILL not quite there yet, proficiency-wise. I am told over and over again of the training required which I don't object to but the amount and cost I am chewing on. Remember I am used to under $1k software that can be learned in a week..

Yes you can pick up AC quite quickly on a basic level, but to me productivity means profitability at $1/Sq. Ft. for the average 3500 Sq. Ft. South-Eastern US residence including materials lists and schedules with proper, presentable elevations without missing lines.. etc.

Going in for training tomorrow at my Reseller.. they'll be getting an earful though some of these are out of their hands.

So my eyes unfortunately still wander...

All this said, AC may turn to be the best BIM software there is. If so, then BIM is not living up to promise... sorry to go off topic a bit.

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Ben Odonnell — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 14:21:50 GMT

Because it is FUN to work in ArchiCAD and I' think you'll find it hard to find an other community like this one.

Cheers.
Ben

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 14:25:15 GMT

Rashid wrote:
Going in for training tomorrow at my Reseller.. they'll be getting an earful though some of these are out of their hands.

Rashid, I will be very interested to hear your thoughts again after training. You will be getting your training with one of the best trainers around!

Good Luck,
Woody

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Rakela Raul — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 14:59:13 GMT

great topic..
will get back to it..and will include first 3d proj using ac..

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Link — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 15:52:18 GMT

Rashid, I will be very interested to hear your thoughts again after training. You will be getting your training with one of the best trainers around!

Me too mate! And I agree, Angi is a very good trainer!

Cheers,
Link.

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Vitruvius — Fri, 18 Feb 2005 06:19:09 GMT

ArchiCAD only seems expensive if you ignore the additional drawing and coordination required to produce a design & documents using 2D drafting software.

It has obvious advantage of extracting documents from a 3D model (coordination & accuracy), designing with 3D models (comprehensive visualization for both designer & client), and productivity enhancements (Plotmaker, automatic reference numbering & schedules).

On a recently completed project, I have clients who were ecstatic at reviewing 3D views rather than more traditional 'technical' drawings such as interior elevations. And a contractor who said it was the best set of documents he'd ever seen.

All of that adds up to projects produced faster and with more accuracy. I'd estimate my productivity gains at about 20%.

Sure there is scope for improvement. But at least we're working with a product designed solely for architects - not a product adapted to architectural work.

Cheers, Cameron

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Fri, 18 Feb 2005 23:10:30 GMT

Vitruvius wrote:

Sure there is scope for improvement. But at least we're working with a product designed solely for architects - not a product adapted to architectural work.

Cheers, Cameron

And That is one of the main issues,Try explaining to the client why no other building professional uses this program and there's no real collaboration thru DWG?
Good luck

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Anonymous — Fri, 18 Feb 2005 23:54:50 GMT

BDC wrote:
Try explaining to the client why no other building professional uses this program and there's no real collaboration thru DWG?

As a reseller I was REALLY going to stay out of this one but... surely you jest?

woodster

Re: What sets ArchiCad9 apart from the rest?

Aaron Bourgoin — Sat, 19 Feb 2005 00:17:16 GMT

Some quality time with the manual is in order BDC.

Round trip collaboration with AutoCAD shops is doable with Smart merge, X-REFS, etc.

I feel a 'flounce' coming on so will stop there.