topic Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations in Modeling

How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 18:05:54 GMT

As I posted it to another thread, here are my proposals to restore the Graphisoft's brand image:

"Based on the frustrations caused by the release of Archicad 26, if I were Graphisoft, I would complete this version 26, which marks its 40th anniversary. We can't celebrate a 40th anniversary that way.

To do that, I would add the EcoDesigner Star in the package for free for all subscribers before the end of the year. I would also add the missing elements of the structural features in version 26 including the steel ones presented during the previous events or webinars as well. The development of the software is very late and I don't know the root cause of this big delay.

As a result, such a strategy would allow Graphisoft to alleviate the pain caused by the release of Archicad 26 this month.

For Archicad 27, Graphisoft could release other featuring proposals including the development of the Morph tool. We have to be able to convert different part of the morph in our design or drawings into appropriate BIM elements since Archicad is a BIM software program. For example, if I used the morph tool to design or draw the roof of my architectural project during the schematic design phase, I should be able to convert this morph part of the design into a real BIM roof in Archicad. This could help to use the morph tool to sketch during the schematic design phase and then develop it during the design process. "

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Israel de Quevedo — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 18:41:02 GMT

Topography, ramps, metal reinforcement, that's all.

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

DGSketcher — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:04:01 GMT

NO, NO, NO! You are compounding the problem on all fronts...

EcoDesigner is broken / still in development. It will only add to the mess we already have if you add it in its current state.

In case you hadn't noticed there is a big push back against the intrusion of the irrelevant Structural features, why throw more resources at frustrating the customer base?

Dangling more new features down the road when the latest updates have further messed up the core functionality / user interface is just what GS have been doing for the last three years or more with half implemented solutions.

GS need to get back to delivering a best in class software for architects that people want to use. Ok their IT strategies may have a long term pay back, but no one is interested in running software where basic functionalities like dimensioning are unstable, attribute management has taken a major step backwards and the general workflow / interface is a pain to use.

And I will reiterate my point in the other thread. GS have no interest in what is said in these forums otherwise they would be here trying to resolve our concerns.

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:12:00 GMT

Architecture can't exist without structure, and architects have to keep working together with engineers from the early stage of any projects. I also suggested the Eco-Designer Star because sustainability is the future of architecture. Archicad will be kicked out of the AEC industry if it doesn't integrate this sustainable feature as soon as possible.

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

DGSketcher — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:14:09 GMT

You don't listen do you? We've been here before. And I stand 100% behind my opinion that EcoDesigner would bring nothing to AC in its current state. It would serve only as you seem to want to provide more PR fluff!

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:16:19 GMT

I respect your opinion, but the future of architecture is sustainability, believe it or not!

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Nader Belal — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 09:22:42 GMT

@Martin Jules May be you don't have a clear image of what is happening ...

Eco-Designer for me, and my location is useless, for the simple reason that locally use a different type of units, and since conversion from one unit system to another is actually cumbersome, it's better to leave it unused.
Continuing with Eco-Designer, locally speaking, there are already programs that can do the calculations from an IFC import, connected to a data base with all related regulations and norms, with connection for a data base for specifications and other stuff.
Here I´m talking out of ignorance with the usual workflow with structural programs, but I do not want Archicad to dedicate its programming resources for apparently good idea half well made, like the one you are proposing for structural design and reinforcement modelling ... because again locally, the most used program (aside from it is connected to an online database for local norms and regulations), can model and modify structure after receiving the model as an IFC. And if I had the option to choose, I would rather send the first idea to Archicad, then receive the final structural model after being correctly calculated and adjusted

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 10:11:39 GMT

@Nader Belal Your points make sense, but what do you suggest in terms of sustainable strategies in/with Archicad?

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

DGSketcher — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 10:39:09 GMT

@Martin Jules You really aren't picking up on the mood here are you?

Yes Graphisoft / Nemetshek needs a strategy to address sustainable solutions, BUT EcoDesigner to the best of my knowledge has been abandoned / neglected to the point it doesn't function to the needs of different locales. This is why it shouldn't be integrated. It is a case of one solution doesn't fit all. I looked at taking on an EcoDesigner licence until it became clear that development had stopped, the workflow requires a specialist/regular user with expertise to get the correct output and the actual output wasn't compatible with my energy consultants software for PassivHaus compliance.

This is another example of why GS / Nemetschek need to go the federated design route of IFC and stop trying to bundle everything into a single software package. It doesn't work and the redundancy merely frustrates those of us who have to manage & navigate round the irrelevant distractions.

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 10:45:54 GMT

@DGSketcher I am aware of the situation, but I know lots of specialists who have worked on its improvement and made some proposals to Graphisoft on it so that it can comply with some local standards. While waiting to solve this compliance problem, it could have been launched for free in Archicad for those who still want to experience it and keep making some suggestions on its improvement. That was my point!

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Nader Belal — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 10:52:23 GMT

Stop reinventing the wheel. Stop making half baked tools that consumes a lot of brain power from what is really important to our daily work and practice.
Improvement to Grasshopper-Archicad connection ASAP.
At least a well trained representative that is always available in McNeel's Discourse Forum to answer Archicad users question about using Grasshopper that are more related to Archicad than to Rhino or Grasshopper.
Improve the accuracy of Archicad's trigonometrical functions.
Solve the incapability of Archicad's to extract the data we put in material specifications with that of elements in schedules.
Kill Param-O
I know that it's controversial, but right now in its current way it's useless for any other use than to create library part graphically.
Provide a way that we can connect to specific instances of objects and extract its data.
Either they improve or kill MEP Modeler, right now, and for complex project where you have to model an already made solution is like getting constantly kicked (their is thread were I have detailed it's short comings for starts).
In case they decide to kill MEP Modeler, then provide a simple version of DDS-CAD within Archicad for modelling and linking project's BIM data for MEP design and calculations.
Improve working conditions for modelling with Pointclouds, not as a technology, but as means for modelling using Pointclouds as reference.
As multiple of times I have suggested, they must make a special repository for research papers that are in the making or were made for its free access by different users, some of them provide insights that new methods of work that are quiet good and creative.
Eco-designer must be improved in a way that permit us easy unit conversions and addition of more type of data.
IFC manager is quite good until now, but it will need an improvement so that Archicad can also be used as a legitimate IFC authoring tool.
The publishing of a simple manual for IFC manual with set example of how to use it, how to fill it, and what to write. Most beginners have no idea about it at all.
GDL standard libraries must be changed so that it uses IFC parameters names when ever it applies for at least IFC 2x3 TC1.
Actual Archicad classification system is using a mix of IFC 2x3 TC1 and IFC 4x2, they must be separated and provided equally.
All manual and reference materials should be provided as PDFs, because some of us would like to add personal notes.
Set a quality standard for GDL object creation that all should follow. The low quality of Archicad objects is appalling compared to that of Archicad's standard library.
Permit users to make editions to current manuals, that can be revised by Graphisoft teams
Hire professional manual writers and editors, the current ones treat us as if they are making a favour to second degree citizen.
Put a Discourse forum just like McNeel did.
Create the concept of Type for elements, the concept is already found in the IFC schema, and in IFC Manager.
Create a GDL plugin for Revit.
Marketing GDL as the most adequate technology for BIM objects.
Collaborate with local architects to set examples for templates that follows local norms, like what the Building Authority of Singapore did.

And that is for starters ...... and I believe others have other ideas

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

DGSketcher — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 10:55:06 GMT

@Martin Jules I do recall someone trying to resurrect EcoDesigner a few years ago in a forum thread. That line seems to have gone cold. So when do you think their proposal might come to fruition or do you think they may have disappeared into the Wishlist black hole. There is no point providing broken software to the market, it helps no one and merely drags down the reputation of the supplier which is probably the last thing AC needs just now.

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 11:00:03 GMT

@DGSketcher Some features regarding sustainable design in Archicad could also help if possible. That's why I supported Ecodesigner Star which seems to work in some jurisdictions around the globe.

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 11:24:26 GMT

So am I, I had taken some steps like you to find a solution. I even contacted Graphisoft in England. It was unsuccessful. I contacted the PassivHauss company in Germany to ask why they don't have a plug-in that works with Archicad just as it works for Sketchup. The manager had told me that it would cost the company too much if it developed a plug-in for Archicad.

Then, I wondered why Nemetschek, which is a German company, did not establish a partnership with PassiHauss company in Germany for the benefit of its brands' users. Maybe that could work!

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 11:28:59 GMT

Actually, I am using Form-It from Autodesk for my architectural sustainable strategies. Hope to have an alternative from the Netmeschek Group in the future.

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

AlexNader81 — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:11:21 GMT

I got a rumor that Ecodesigner Star would come as a benefit for Forward subscribers in an upcoming build/update release.
Does anyone have anything on this?

I think it would be great.

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:11:26 GMT

My phone is so smart, it decides to choose its own solutions. I don't decide about any solution yet. Could someone help me?

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Martin Jules — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 17:08:17 GMT

Anyway, my phone has chosen your news as a solution, @AlexNader81. Maybe something great like Eco-designer Star is really coming with the first build/update of Archicad 26. I just leave it as the solution, and we'll see what's happening!

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

AlexNader81 — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 17:29:46 GMT

Fingers crossed my friend.

Re: How to Fix Archicad 26 Generated-Frustrations

Barry Kelly — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 02:05:15 GMT

I have un-solutioned the post.

Just go to the options and choose "not the solution'.

Barry.