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Graphisoft must keep developing EcoDesigner Star

Martin Jules
Mentor

There will be more added values for Archicad with EcoDesigner Star than the structural features that Graphisoft is trying to integrate in Archicad actually. I know the thermal bridge performance requirements are very high to meet and there are too many obstacles with EcoDesigner Star. The best thing to do is to put it on the market as a beta version so that we can help Graphisoft improve it. 

 

It's about a bad idea to stop developing it!

12 Comments
Andy Thomson
Advisor

@Balint Kezer we do still need to expand the xml file 'materialcatalog.xml' to support more than just A1-3 categories. Full scope is here. This simple move would allow advanced users to build out and customize the materials database to their local market as needed, with more than just a summary of A1-3. While we can currently add as many materials as we like to this xml file, ArchiCad will only 'read' one cell/field (typically a summary of A1-3). This is as simple as adding support for A1, A2, A3, A4, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, C4 and D fields. 

 

The harder part to fully support LCA in schedules is to allow doors and windows to report their materials to the schedule - currently only basic elements can do this. As this is now an emergent part of building permit requirements across the EU, NA is quickly following suit (NYC, Toronto, Vancouver, California all have similar legislation on the books) and this will be in our (Canada) National Building Code in the 2025-2030 cycles. 

Screenshot 2024-05-31 at 14.49.06.png

Aaron Bourgoin
Virtuoso

Andy's post needs to be read and re-read. Everyday until it sinks in that this Building Materials Data XML file needs an immediate update. 

 

Rinse and Repeat.

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