3D Export Of Archicad Files

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could answer a query i have regarding the export of an archicad model. The client wishes to see the building in 3D form, but i want them not to be constricted to the still views or views in a flythrough that i select and then render.

Is there any way that i can export an archicad model so that the client can open it in 3D format and move freely through the model without having specialist software installed on their computer?

I'm sure i was shown something to this effect using a Quicktime file but i havent been able to find anything on the help files or a quick search on the forum. Any assistance in this or suggestions of any other ways of achieving this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks alot,

James

[Karl Ottenstein]

That's pretty much the idea behind the Virtual Building Explorer (VBE), available from your reseller - but it is Windows only so far.

Karl

[Anonymous]

for pure 3D model (no BIM information) exporting to SketchUp via saving 3DS format from the ArchiCAD 3d window and importing into SketchUp with the Import function.

With Google SketchUp (free as in no charge) and SketchUp Viewer are downloadable and fairly "naive" friendly. Cool sectioning tool even helps the client to slice and dice the model at will.

[Karl Ottenstein]

Hi Ferenc,

I always found that SketchUp slowed to a crawl with any reasonable sized model, particularly if shadows are enabled. Are things better with SU 7?

Speed with shadows (and GI) is definitely an advantage of VBE which is under $300 for people on subscription ...and of course being able to 'walk' up stairs, and not through walls, etc... but you cannot beat free if SU is fast enough, especially since you can predefine saved view tabs for the client to navigate through the model.

Cheers,
Karl

[Anonymous]

Tried a couple of houses and subdivision with 12 single family houses, worked OK, even with SketchUp 5. Clients liked it. At that time that was also a way to put it into Google Earth

Haven't used VBE yet, and don't know how warm and fuzzy the clients are with it. Also SketchUp viewer works on Mac too.