ArchiCAD is such a pain after AutoCAD!

[Anonymous]

I have only been using ArchiCAD for a few months after using AUtoCAd for ten years and so far I am finding it far worse than AutoCAD, I have to say.

Why anyone would actually choose to use this program over AutoCAD is beyond me especially as drawing 3d architecture is just plain ridiculous IMO!!

I mean does anyone here actually draw architecture in 3d? Because I find the 3d library so limiting in terms of my design wishes. What do I do if I want a certain glass staircase or somethign else that isnt in the library? Surely not design a new 3d model of it!?

And how can you draw a site using different levels, manholes, car spaces, drives etc all at different levels in 3d?

This whole fascination with 3d in architectrure really loses me - I just dont see the point in it and it definitely limits your design ability to waht is in the software.

Give me AutoCAD anytime!!

Anyone with any argument for using it? Please only respond if you are someone who isnt just doing houses or venacular buildings but 'proper' architecture!

Nats

[Aussie John]

nats wrote:
Personally I would prefer to go back to drawing boards they were far more pleasant to use than CAD anyway! I dont think that makes me a dinosaur. Perhaps if many people here had used drawing boards as architects they might agree.

This thread has gone far too long without me commenting.
I used a drawing board and I am well pleased not to use one any longer.
Documenting in Archicad is way way faster than doing it manually (or by lines and circle method in Autocad). From memory it took about 4-5 days do do a single A1 sheet. Of course you were lucky if the sheet hadnt been scratched through with the razorblade. Yes I long for those days of erasing sections of a drawing and redrafting it.

Sure can get something on paper quick but documenting is a marathon not a sprint.

Once you get one significant change to the project you are even further in front if using the model method.

[Rod Jurich]

andrewzarb wrote:

nats wrote:
Ive just been trying to create a window with sloping jambs which has different angled jambs on both sidesNats

We're here to help, we like ArchiCAD ...........

If you want to say that ArchiCAD is crap you're in the wrong forum, we won't believ you, go to the Autocad forum, they'll believe you.

If you want to know how to make a funky window that apperas automatically in all your plans elevations and sections without a script you can ask me nicely.

Well you never know he just might, but will he know where to put it.

[Anonymous]

A most illuminating thread!!!

I've just started with both Autocad and Archicad at the same time...about 1 month ago. I can see the benefits of both programs but I have to say the Autocad learning experience is easier. Autodesk have had lots of time/revisions with which to make the product easier to use.

The most frustrating thing is that there's so little literature out there to learn AC. Go on Amazon and type 'Autocad'...loads to chose from. Do the same for 'Archicad'...not much at all.

Also, I'm just migrating from a construction and computing background to CAD and when looking for work there's lots lots more Autocad than Archicad.

So far...enjoying both.

Cheers

Nicholas

[Anonymous]

you've gotta try the archicadwiki... it looks like there isloads of good stuff there. see the link at the top left of the page

[Anonymous]

I am also considering the differences between archicad and autocad and have just got ac10 at home to learn.

AutoCAD is a good program for drafting but has limitations. At my new place of work they mainly do line drawings - but they use archicad there so I have to learn it pronto. I come from an AutoCAD background myself so am finding it difficult to get into especially the inability to sodo everything I want with it. Obviously the key is the learn the programming language and as I have a basic Basic knowledge I may be able to do this at some point.

I think that Nats has a good point in that AutoCAD is the main player in the UK cad market and Archicad is a very minor part of that. One has to balance taking loads of time to really learn the product with the disitnct possibility that is one moves job the likelihood is noone else will use archicad!

Anyway if I ever get AC10 installed here at home I may start to appreciate it more!

[Eduardo Rolon]

nstutt wrote:
I think that Nats has a good point in that AutoCAD is the main player in the UK cad market and Archicad is a very minor part of that. One has to balance taking loads of time to really learn the product with the disitnct possibility that is one moves job the likelihood is noone else will use archicad!

And 25 years ago a straight edge and rapidographs ruled the market and AutoCAD and AC were a minor part of the market. How many offices draw by hand now? And how many employeers have asked you about your ink and pencil drawings?

[Anonymous]

ejrolon wrote:
And 25 years ago a straight edge and rapidographs ruled the market and AutoCAD and AC were a minor part of the market. How many offices draw by hand now? And how many employeers have asked you about your ink and pencil drawings?

There's no doubt a good 3d image will impress potential employees more than anything else at an interview. But the fact of the matter is that presently in the UK I think 99% of firms using Autocad / Microstation will employ good CAD architects and put them straight onto 2d packages and you they never see a 3d image again.

Thats the real benefit of archicad IMO that for the first time architects are being put back in control of the project presentation and creativity. Thats been lost by architects over the years and given away to the 3d modeller. I used to really like airbrushing artwork etc but havent done any presentation work in architecture since I qualified. I'm hoping that by learning archicad I can get back into that side of things.

[Eduardo Rolon]

UHMMM I was not talking about images, I was talking about designing a project and producing a set of construction documents. Images are too easy

[Anonymous]

nstutt wrote:
But the fact of the matter is that presently in the UK I think 99% of firms using Autocad / Microstation will employ good CAD architects and put them straight onto 2d packages and you they never see a 3d image again.

I don't know the job market in the UK, but, while AutoCAD still dominates here, all the ArchiCAD firms I know are hiring. This has been true for as long as I have been in the field. You only need one job. The question is whether you would rather be drafting or modeling.

Thats the real benefit of archicad IMO that for the first time architects are being put back in control of the project presentation and creativity. Thats been lost by architects over the years and given away to the 3d modeller. I used to really like airbrushing artwork etc but havent done any presentation work in architecture since I qualified. I'm hoping that by learning archicad I can get back into that side of things.

I have noticed that skilled modelers typically end up having more input to the design of projects than do AutoCAD drafters. I suspect that future principles/partners/directors will have been modelers. It forces you to think more like an Architect (if you're doing it right). As methods improve and the building model becomes more facile in the schematic phase it will more and more become the vehicle for expressing the architect's intent.

[Dwight]

nstutt wrote:

ejrolon wrote:
I think 99% of firms using Autocad / Microstation will employ good CAD architects and put them straight onto 2d packages and you they never see a 3d image again.

Observation: Good architects don't get stuck drafting for their careers.