Classical Furniture Modeling With AC?

[Anonymous]

Am using the trial version of AC and enjoy it quite well for making a nice model the structure. However, it doesn't seem to be too strong in creating unique furniture parts (the libraries are great, but show "stock" items - not the furniture our office designs for our clients). Anyway, does anyone have any thoughts on the suitability for AC to create custom furniture? I see one can use slabs and columns but trying to add a simple chamfer seems difficult. Is there any program (AC?) that such custom furniture can be modeled in and then dropped into AC with success? Don't think I really want to become a GDL guru but maybe that's what I will have to do. Thanks for any thoughts.

[Djordje]

Chuck wrote:
Am using the trial version of AC and enjoy it quite well for making a nice model the structure. However, it doesn't seem to be too strong in creating unique furniture parts (the libraries are great, but show "stock" items - not the furniture our office designs for our clients). Anyway, does anyone have any thoughts on the suitability for AC to create custom furniture? I see one can use slabs and columns but trying to add a simple chamfer seems difficult. Is there any program (AC?) that such custom furniture can be modeled in and then dropped into AC with success? Don't think I really want to become a GDL guru but maybe that's what I will have to do. Thanks for any thoughts.

Sketchup? The easiest modeling around ... imports into ArchiCAD directly.

If you want it parametric, stretchable, with the parts that switch on and off, various materials, singing and dancing, then GDL is the only way to go.

But, as it looks that you design one off pieces for your clients, then first see what ArchiCAD alone can do (hint: complex profile), then take a look at ArchiForma by Cigraph.

[Ignacio Azpiazu]

I think the steps would be

1- get familiar with the AC library; some chair objects for example have several chair models as options in some parameter pop-up setting, but the preview shows only one model and doesn't give you the slightest hint about the other ones;

2- take a look at the libraries in the Object Depository http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/object_depository.php? , and download any that you think you might ever want to use;

3- get familiar with profiled columns/walls/beams, starting with a search for the many tips in these forums;

4- get familiar with solid element operations;

5- get familiar with object creation without GDL (you should have a tutorial in the Help menu, and there is also a movie tutorial at http://www.graphisoft.com/products/archicad/training_guides/ ), including 2D symbol tweaks etc.;

6- get familiar with importing objects or pieces you may want to use in objects from Sketchup, or whatever modeling program you prefer;

7- look at Archiforma, Objective, and any other potential add-on;

8- only *then*, if you find you still need it for something, look at GDL, if you cannot get what you need from some GDL hired gun once every few months.

[Dwight]

And users of current versions of Archicad will notice the Morph tool that creates almost any 3D shape. Youtube has many videos describing techniques for chamfering, bulging and other freeform-fittings.