From beginning to end...

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I have been reading this forum for many days know and, as a student, seem overwhelmed at the number of programs that work in conjunction with ArchiCAD. I was curious as to the paths taken by yourselves as students and practicing architects to produce the great results that you do. The core of the question being:

"What software programs do you use from the beginning of the creative process, right through to the final outcome."

My current process is: AutoCAD-->ArchiCAD-->LightWorks Rendering Engine-->Photoshop (For after effects etc.)

However, I am currently learning anything that I can get my grubby little hands on; SketchUp, 3DS Max and GDL Modelling. Yet I feel as if I am not always choosing the software that I learn wisely. I wish to have a linear process of software that interacts well and still produces great results. (I know that this may seem far fetched at times)

For example, my designs are very organic and ArchiCAD can limit this sometimes. MaxonForm appeared to answer my prayers, however, I have read poor reviews of it here. What else is there that interacts with ArchiCAD so fluidly?

I understand that this question may seem a little broad for some, and even a little redundant to others. However, it would benefit an aspiring architect if you would be kind enough to share your opinions and/or reasons.

Thanking all in advance.

[Anonymous]

Chris wrote:
For example, my designs are very organic

For organic forms AC is really very limited so it is not good to start with. It is good to end with, you have to draw some plans and sections from time to time, especially after you graduate. 😉 The best to start for organic modelling is Maya. 3DSMax is pretty limited when you need it to invent the form.

I cannot give an oppinion on SketchUp, but I have heard it did not like bubles either.

So,

for organic: Maya->AC and Maya->VRay->Photoshop. Yes, they are releasing VRay for maya!
for cubic: AC->LW->Photoshop.

Forget AutoCAD!

[Laura Yanoviak]

Chris wrote:
MaxonForm appeared to answer my prayers, however, I have read poor reviews of it here.

MaxonForm is very powerful -- the main drawback is that it is tricky to learn.

In our professional practice, we use SketchUp > AC (with LightWorks rendering engine) > Photoshop/InDesign (for presentations/renderings). We have no need for AutoCAD; however, the majority of our consultants still use it. We have a couple of seats of MaxonForm, but have not had the need to use it much, although having a staff member proficient with MF would be a huge benefit.

[Anonymous]

Firstly, thankyou both for replying.

kliment; I have never really considered Maya, I have friends who use it for Computer game design etc but did not look into its potential for physical architecture. Is it easy to interact between AC & Maya?

Laura; I have read some rather scathing comments regarding MaxonForm and I must admit that this has made me cautious. Has your company had much success integrating it (even if it has not been put to the test yet)

[Laura Yanoviak]

Chris wrote:
Laura; I have read some rather scathing comments regarding MaxonForm and I must admit that this has made me cautious. Has your company had much success integrating it (even if it has not been put to the test yet)

Those who know how to use it swear by it -- part of the problem is getting to know it. My biggest problem with it is the lack of customer support -- our IT department has sent inquiries that go unanswered for 2-3 weeks, and then provide an irrelevant response. We have used it (in limited capacity) with success.

[stefan]

When I talk with some of our students, they seem to often start from within SketchUp and then finish up inside AutoCAD. Some do all their modeling and images in SketchUp and create final presentation in Indesign (with some help of Photoshop). ArchiCAD is less used (although I introduced it with our students this year).

When I worked in architectural offices, this was usually a single-program workflow: draft in 2D with AutoCAD or VectorWorks. Most presentation documents in these offices were also created inside the CAD software, with only minor 3D or rendering (and only for competitions).

The way I see it currently is to do preliminary stuff manually or inside SketchUp, Rhino, 3ds max, VIZ, Photoshop, Maya, whatever... Then start with an empty ArchiCAD (or whatever) BIM model and NOT import the design model (as it leads to numerous problems, which are best avoided).This BIM model is finished to construction documents. Then it is best to do renderings with 3ds max or Cinema4D (or whatever) and collect everything. The final output depends: images on a website, layouts can be done in CorelDRAW or Illustrator or Indesign, drawings are done in the CAD software.

That said, I am doing a PhD. right now where I am looking at workflow of design models where it is attempted to create mechanisms to aid the flow of a design throughout different design phases. However, this is more theoretical and the prototype that I develop is not integrated with existing CAD software. But it is an interesting discussion.

I don't think there is a single linear workflow that is the best. Use a combination of tools you feel familiar with and which exchange files reasonably well.

[Anonymous]

Laura; Thankyou again, I will look into trying MaxonForm on your recommendation.

Stefan; I agree with your idea of using a range of softwares to compliment each other within one's workflow. The problem that I have is compatability and, if I'm honest, The time that it takes to learn each software. I still believe that I could learn all of the softwares that are currently used within the architectural environment, but the sad truth is that by the time a couple of softwares have been learnt, there are new versions and new softwares available.

My wish is to learn one or two softwares for each stage of my design process, allowing for some flexibility and compromise. I see my current design flow as follows:

Conceptualising-->Floor plan design-->Modelling-->Rendering-->After effects

It may seem odd for me to have a specific stage dedicated to floor plans when they could easily be incorporated into modelling within AC, I simply find that regimenting my mind this way makes me far more productive.

I would be interested to see the results of some of your students work as I have never considered the modelling capability of AutoCAD to hold up against other softwares (I fully accept that this is probably due to my skill within the software).

Thank you for your input. I would love to know your findings in the PHD. investigation when completed (If at all possible).