ARCHICAD functionality

[Brett Brown]

Moderator comment:
This discussion was started in another thread, but then changed into the discussion of various ARCHICAD
functionalities, so the topic was split into its own discussion.

Christophe wrote:
Archicad is also the best and has always been!

Might have been 10 years ago but now it is far from it.
It is embarrassing the basic functions missing in Archicad that all the others have, Vectorworks, Revit, Archline XP, Cheif Architect.
The main downfall of Archicad is that it is the only Software that hasn't a central UI that you open all your projects in. This costs all users of Archicad hours a week in maintenance which the others don't have.
And as said all the basic usability functions which are to many to list which we all miss daily.
In the last few years all Graphisoft has been doing is updating (or making the tools more complicated to use) existing tools (Stairs,Curtain Wall, Beam, Column) which has been only beneficial to some, and this will be happening for a few more years to come. I bet there is a new Door and Window tool next.

[Anonymous]

And besides this. When you happen to insert a BIMObject from a, lets say, furniture manufacturer, be prepared for the "Attribute Avalanche".
I think dedicated attribute files are essential to a healthy project coordination. Specially now that BIM objects are becoming popular.

[Erwin Edel]

I rarely need manufacturer specific objects, fortunately we generally go up to LOD300 with our models and the standard library meets our needs for this.

We have a few libraries we use for artist impression work, but for that I hotlink the 'technical' pln to a seperate file where we at our nice furniture and trees and such. This keeps the main file clean and also fast if you turn on all layers and open 3D.

[rob2218]

Don't understand how you can say "very little changes in the template from version to version"?
Did you not notice how the "Layering Naming Convention" changes (DRASTICALLY) from version to version? That's a pet-peeve of mine.

How can in AC20 version you have a layering system that reads:
A-WALL-EXTR
A-WALL-INTR and so on and in version AC22 or 23 you have layers, INSIDE THE BUILT-IN AC TEMPLATE MIND YOU) that reads:
"Walls Exterior"
"Walls Interior"

Why in heavens name would the programmers do this?

Erwin wrote:
Maybe I'm too stuck in my ways, but there is very little changing with my template from version to version, just small things that get added. It helps that our local version 'keymember' edition ships with a fairly good template that follows the national standards and only needs small tweaks.

I do generally keep projects as they are. If there is too much hassle to upgrade them to the new version, we just finish them in the old version. I still have two projects running archicad20. AC20 is rock solid thouh, so I see no reason to worry there.

[Eduardo Rolon]

The names changed only once, not every version.
The reason was that GS chose another "contractor" to rebuild the template in this case BIM6x.
If I guess as to the new names one reason is that emphasis was made to make it easier for new users not for us old ones and also sometimes the changes are made to align to future developments that we are not aware of.
----
One good change in 23 was the changing of Pen 19 in the USA template to White instead of Pink to match the INT Version so no more Pink objects when you bring stuff in.

[rob2218]

We'll agree to disagree on this one.

Switching out "layer naming conventions" wreak HAVOC on the creation of established office standards.....using a different "contractor" or not.

It should have been kept the same.
A-WALL-EXTR
A-WALL-INTR
C-SITE-ETC....
L-SITE-ETC....

See how alphabetically EASY that is to keep track of, old or not. It worked and worked well. All layers stayed within the same construction decipline.

A=Archictecture
C=Civil
S=Structural
E=Electrical

and so on and so forth.
When the "wheel" works....don't turn it into a complicated series of square shapes JUST because a "contractor" believes 'their' way is better.
THIS should have been one of the QC items during version upgrades.

Just my 2cents but what do I know.
With my opinion and 75 cents...you could buy a pack of gum.

"

ejrolon wrote:
The names changed only once, not every version.
The reason was that GS chose another "contractor" to rebuild the template in this case BIM6x.
If I guess as to the new names one reason is that emphasis was made to make it easier for new users not for us old ones and also sometimes the changes are made to align to future developments that we are not aware of.
----
One good change in 23 was the changing of Pen 19 in the USA template to White instead of Pink to match the INT Version so no more Pink objects when you bring stuff in.

[Eduardo Rolon]

Never said I disagreed with you.
I have my own system which tracks with yours but mine is better

[rob2218]

So...which is your layer naming convention?
the letters on the left or right?
Just for curiosities sake I'm asking.

and understood, you didn't disagree with me. I just think that after about 45 years of doing all manners of architecture, design, computer, CAD, BIM, customization, programming, etc.......somethings should never be messed with...............such as a layer naming convention that works.

I'm all for "future growth" optics but....again...a 'wheel' works because....it works.

[Eduardo Rolon]

We are derailing the post, but anyway.

I use both but Left side is the one that matters, right side is used to define the left.
So
A for trade
XXX for general type of "construction" or "documentation"
YYYY for specific description
----
With this system A-Wall Exterior should be

A-STR Wall Exterior

Where A-STR = Architectural STRucture which is different from S-Wall.

But because of tradition I do that for all other structural elements except Walls.

Attached a Teamwork Layer list where we have needed to clean up some stuff that was copy-pasted from a "Bad template"

[rob2218]

DERALLING CONTINUED:

If I were to show you some of the "layer naming" (if you can call it that) I've dealt with....you'd loose yer cookies my friend.

Some folks should NOT be allowed in front of a BIM platform, let alone giving them the authority to run their office's BIM department.............just should not be.

Continue................

[Anonymous]

ejrolon wrote:
We are derailing the post, but anyway.

We have a say for this here in Portugal which in English is something like this: "What's a fart when you are all cover in shit?"