Organic Modelling in ArchiCAD

[Anonymous]

I have been using Cinema 4D to enhance my rendering skills, and decided to explore 'unconventional' building forms at the same time.

My first observation was the inability to dimension or control the C4D model with the 'architectural' predictability that AC allows.

My second observation was the crippling effect the 3DS model has on AC once imported.

This prompted me to begin the following discussion:


Problem:
AC doesn't natively model organic forms

Solution:
Use Cinema 4D to create form and import to AC

Result:
C4D does not allow dimensioning or have a workflow that is easily understood by architects.

Option:
Solidworks 2009 : Able to add dimension tags AND model hardware (custom if necessary) that can be included in material take-offs schedules

Competition:
Vectorworks 2009 seems to include modelling abilities natively now... is this the default app for those working in organic forms?

Question:
What is the best solution for ArchiCAD users who need to model AND document 'unconventional' building forms?

[Anonymous]

How about ArchiForma 2?...
and ArchiWall 2?...
Just below our nose...

[Anonymous]

The GDL toolbox seems to have been ruthlessly scrubbed from the internet, so I can't find it even to work with on AC9. I heard that it was updated for AC10 but only in Hungarian.

If anyone knows of an english version please point me in the right direction. Failing that Objective looks like a possible option:

http://www.encina.co.uk/objective.html

There's another topic on the board with some rave reviews.

[Anonymous]

I use Sketchup very much for modeling purposes and some times I even finish a complete project in design phase and some presentations only on Sketchup, but it's frustrating that AC12 still doesn't have a add on for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will like to make 3d ojects in Sketchup and import the to AC12 because is so easy to model in sketchup.
Sketchup is a great modeling tool and so easy to use, I hope AC people do something about thisASAP because I'm sure that out there are a lot of architects like my self that wish we could do this.
Thanks!
Mario Igartua

[Anonymous]

Something from 2005 :
http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=5734&postdays=0&postorder=desc&&start=10

[Anonymous]

Modo 302

[Anonymous]

Daniel wrote:
Modo 302

Can you something more about modo workflow? Do you do the comunication throuht cinema or what?

[Anonymous]

workflow is one way at the moment. Unfortunately ArchiCAD can only import 3ds files and they never come in well. But you can export as wavefront OBJ and do additional modeling, sculpting, rendering and animation from inside Modo. Great value.

[Dwight]

Just as an aside, opening 3Ds files in Cinema 4D FIRST, re-saving, and THEN opening in Archicad seems to improve speed and smoothness.

[Anonymous]

Dwight wrote:
Just as an aside, opening 3Ds files in Cinema 4D FIRST, re-saving, and THEN opening in Archicad seems to improve speed and smoothness.

I like this approach.
I've been struggling with havy 3ds files before.
As you mention, I too first open in f.e. SketchUp, do some clean up and re-save as 3ds before importing in ArchiCAD. It works.