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Design with Archicad Archicad 27 has a variety of user-friendly design tools, element connections and modeling concepts. Below we will name a few. The intelligent tracker facilitates automatic calculations directly from the tracker. This speeds up the process and reduces the possibility of errors. Speed up your designs with automatic distance guidelines. This function allows for positioning of model elements with an automatic numerical and graphical input of dimensions. Regardless of the size and scale of the project, Archicad allows for user-friendly sharing capabilities to optimize team workflow. Visualize with Archicad Archicad’s importing and exporting industry-standard FBX files to Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications is made easy by providing designers with high-impact AR/VR experience. Architects have access to High-impact images and videos. This allows for Architects to create a dynamic visual experience for their clients. Collaborate with Archicad Archicad 27 continues to facilitate easy workflow through different teams. With Industry Standard Certification, Archicad 27 facilitates OPEN BIM collaboration with IFC4. Archicad’s Model Compare tool is developed for architectural teams who have extensive change management requirements. The new dialog displays a comprehensive and detailed list of changes. Document With Archicad Archicad allows for visual appearance with project calculations, lists and schedules. These schedules allow designers to extract and list the right data from the BIM project. This will allow for more control over the visual aspects of your reports. Should you have any questions please contact us on info@archicad.co.za Click here for more info on Archicad 27.

Improve accuracy, offer flexibility and increase efficiency - develop your own specialized tools, customized and automated workflows according to your project specific requirements. Here are some Archicad workflow enhancement tools to consider: 1. Archicad Rhino-Grasshopper Connection - Where Precision Meets Possibility The Archicad Rhino-Grasshopper Connection is a revolutionary link between two design powerhouses. It merges Archicad's precise BIM capabilities with Rhino and Grasshopper's parametric prowess. This fusion empowers architects to seamlessly transfer intricate, algorithmically designed concepts into Archicad's BIM environment. The result? A harmonious blend of creative expression and practical execution, giving rise to visionary structures that are both stunning and feasible. It's where precision meets limitless architectural possibility. 2. Python API Connection: Elevating Archicad's Adaptability The Python API connection for Archicad introduces a new level of adaptability and customization. By integrating Python scripting, architects can extend Archicad's capabilities, automate repetitive error-prone tasks, and create bespoke tools tailored to their unique workflow. This connection empowers architects to mold Archicad into a tool that perfectly aligns with their design process, enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and creative exploration. With the Python API connection, Archicad becomes not just a software, but a canvas for architectural innovation. 3. PARAM-O: Sculpting Possibilities within Archicad The built-in PARAM O tool is a transformative tool within Archicad's arsenal. Enabling architects to create intricate, adaptive structures with unparalleled ease without any coding. By offering a seamless interface between parametric modeling and BIM workflows, PARAM-O enables architects to explore dynamic forms, test design variations, and generate complex geometry—all within the familiar Archicad ecosystem. This add-on is a gateway to sculpting architectural possibilities that evolve effortlessly from concept to construction. For more into contact TotalCAD today! www.totalcad.co.za info@archicad.co.za

Introduction Collaboration lies at the heart of successful architectural projects, ensuring seamless coordination between architects, engineers, contractors, and clients. In this blog, we will explore how Archicad, a leading Building Information Modeling/Management (BIM) software, empowers architectural teams with powerful collaborative features and strategies that elevate project outcomes. Discover the benefits of collaborative workflows and learn how Archicad's tools and features foster efficiency, communication and innovation in architectural design and construction. Benefits of Collaborating using Archicad Archicad's commitment to open collaboration workflows unlocks several advantages for architectural teams: Archicad's commitment to an open BIM collaboration workflow goes beyond being just another feature of the software; it is at the core of its design philosophy. By placing collaboration as a fundamental pillar, Archicad aims to empower architectural teams with the tools and capabilities needed to streamline their workflow, enhance communication and collaboration to achieve better project outcomes. Streamlined Communication: Archicad's collaborative features create a central hub for project information, eliminating the need for cumbersome email chains and document version control. Enhanced Team Productivity: By allowing multiple team members to work concurrently on the same “integrated project model” through real-time collaboration, Archicad accelerates design progress. Improved Project Coordination: Archicad's data-centric approach ensures that all stakeholders access the latest project information, minimizing miscommunications and errors. Collaborative Features in Archicad Let's delve into the key collaborative tools and features that Archicad offers: Teamwork: Archicad's Teamwork feature allows architects to work simultaneously on the same integrated project model, tracking changes and contributions in real-time. BIMcloud/BIM Server: The BIMcloud/BIM Server facilitates seamless file sharing, data management, and project collaboration, even across distributed teams between all project disciplines. BIMx: With BIMx, architects can create interactive BIM models accessible on mobile devices, enabling easy communication with clients and stakeholders through the entire project lifecycle. Setting Up a Collaborative Workflow Efficient collaboration starts with a solid foundation. Here's a step by step guide to getting started with setting up and managing a collaborative project in Archicad: Create a Centralized BIM Model: Set up a BIM Server or BIMcloud project to enable centralized data storage and access for all team members. Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Define roles for each team member, such as modelers, drafters, and managers, to maintain a structured workflow. Implement a Change Management System: Establish protocols for handling design changes and revisions, ensuring everyone is working with the latest data. Real-time Collaboration with integrated Design Archicad's real-time collaboration in an integrated design capabilities revolutionize project dynamics: Project, team, and model unite: Feel the might of integrated design collaboration. All disciplines collaborate in a federated model environment. Each member views combined data, editing only their responsible project model and data. Together, they develop, design the project model simultaneously. Seamless Communication: Communicate directly within Archicad through chat internally or use Archicad BCF format for and notifications, ensuring instant feedback and decision-making between all team members of all disciplines. Effortless Communication: Connect directly within Archicad chat internally with team members or utilize BCF (Building Collaboration Format) file format is an open format which lets team members using different software exchange information about design issues and project coordination. BCF files contain visual markers, descriptions, viewpoints, and more, streamlining communication and decision-making among stakeholders. Resolving Conflicts and Tracking Changes in a Collaborative Environment Conflict resolution and change management are essential components of effective collaboration: Discover Archicad's Collision Detection Tool, a game-changer in architectural design. This innovative feature automatically detects clashes and conflicts within your project, between all project disciplines elements which can easily be solved preventing costly errors during construction. Resolve issues swiftly and keep your project on track. Say goodbye to tedious manual checks – Archicad's Collision Detection Tool ensures seamless coordination and a smoother construction process. Archicad's Model Compare feature is a dynamic tool that empowers architects and designers to effortlessly identify changes and differences between two project versions. With a user-friendly interface, this feature highlights alterations, additions, or omissions, allowing you to precisely track modifications across different design stages. Model Compare streamlines collaboration, accelerates decision-making, and ensures seamless project evolution, ultimately enhancing your design process. Archicad automatically tracks your changes on Layout Revisions. As the project develops, changes are linked to elements in the model - keeping history of all changes related to each revision (use Markers and/or Clouds if desired). Collaboration with External Stakeholders Archicad facilitates collaboration beyond the core team: BIMx Sharing: Export BIMx files to share interactive BIM models with clients and other stakeholders, allowing them to explore the design in 3D. Data Exchange: Utilize IFC file format to exchange project data with external consultants or contractors who might not use Archicad. Conclusion Archicad's collaborative prowess empowers architectural teams to work cohesively with all project stakeholders in an integrated Open workflow, regardless of project size, location, number of team members or software used - delivering outstanding projects efficiently. Embrace the BIM revolution and leverage Archicad's collaborative features to unlock the true potential of your architectural designs. Collaborate, innovate, and elevate your architectural projects with Archicad's cutting-edge tools. Are you ready to transform the way you collaborate on your projects? Contact TotalCAD today! www.totalcad.co.za info@archicad.co.za

As projects get more complex and more detailed, approaching deadlines might cause us to use hasty workarounds instead of modeling precisely to get the job done. This might cause your project to become heavy and slow down your Archicad experience. It’s good practice to check the health of your projects from time to time, in this article I will discuss some tips to keep your project balanced. Library Management The first topic I would like to address is library management. I've had users contact me when their Archicad is running slow and in many cases the cause of this is large embedded libraries. As a rule of thumb it is best to keep your project’s embedded library under 100MB, this can also cause a teamwork project to open slowly and have long send and receive times. Another workflow to consider when you’re working with an external consultant using Revit and collaborating with IFC files, it’s best practice to save the library as an external LCF file instead of saving it to your embedded library. 2D/3D Performance Solid Element Operations is a great feature and helps with the design aspects of almost every project, however too many can slow down your project’s performance. Once you notice your project becoming slower it’s time to review how many your project contains and clear unnecessary connections. I also get quite a few cases where slow loading times is an issue, it is usually caused by too many polygons in a project. Downloaded objects can sometimes contain thousands of polygons. I had a case where a downloaded basin with very curved edges and detailed taps was placed in a healthcare project, copied across floors and hospital blocks. As you can imagine once this was replaced with standard Archicad basin’s the project ran quite smoothly afterwards. It’s possible to check the polygons in your project with the Polygon Counting Tool. If you would like to learn more about keeping your Archicad file healthy, click here to discover more tips and tricks. Contact TotalCAD today for more support. www.totalcad.co.za info@archicad.co.za

Collaborating on an Archicad project can be a challenge, especially working in a team. By combining Archicad with BIMCloud it’s possible to work more effectively and efficiently. There are three BIMcloud options to combine with Archicad, depending on the size of your team and your requirements, you can decide which option best suits your needs. BIMcloud Basic BIMcloud Basic is free with any Archicad License and can be used within an office network. For BIMcloud Basic you’ll need a server computer and a local network in your office, once installed you can share your project and work together on it simultaneously. BIMcloud BIMcloud can be accessed from inside and outside an office network, this makes it ideal for remote offices or work from home scenario’s. For this option you require either a server or a self managed server through a service provider. BIMcloud as a Service BIMcloud as a Service can be accessed from anywhere in the world, with no IT setup required. Once you’ve purchased licenses, you can start sharing your project and as the project grows, resources automatically gets assigned to make your project perform optimally. The BIMcloud versions have different features that make them suited for different companies, click here to view which features suit your company best. Contact TotalCAD today for more details on how you can be more productive by communicating more efficiently with your team. Subscribe and save. www.totalcad.co.za info@archicad.co.za

Archicad Collaborate allows for dynamic teamwork and coordination between all disciplines with fast, efficient, and secure access to shared projects in real-time with BIMcloud Saas. This enables your team to collaborate seamlessly regardless of the software used, project complexity and size or location of project teams. Collaborate Subscription - Keeping Teams Connected and Projects on time. Click Here to watch: Archicad 26 New Features Click Here to watch: BIMcloud Saas Maximize the value of your subscription with exclusive tools, training, support, and services. Contact TotalCAD today for more info on Archicad, South Africa. www.totalcad.co.za info@archicad.co.za

BIM (Building Information Modeling) Capabilities: Archicad is a leading BIM software solution that allows designers in the AEC industry to create intelligent virtual 3D BIM models of buildings. BIM facilitates better collaboration amongst project stakeholders by an integrated workflow between all disciplines during all stages of an entire project lifecycle. Streamlined Design Process: Archicad offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive design tools that enable designers to easily and efficiently create and modify their designs. It provides various features for easy creating, manipulating and managing of smart building components, enhancing the design process and enabling faster iterations. Comprehensive Documentation: Archicad automatically generates detailed and accurate documentation derived from the model, including floor plans, sections, elevations, and schedules. Changes made in the design or model are automatically reflected and updated in all the project documentation, ensuring consistency and reducing risk of errors. Collaboration and Coordination: Archicad promotes AEC collaboration through its openBIM approach. Supporting the exchange of design data with other software platforms used by engineers, contractors, and consultants based upon open standards and workflows such as IFC from buildingSMART, fostering seamless coordination among disciplines ensuring workflow transparency, longevity and accessibility of data for built assets. Energy Analysis and Sustainability: Archicad integrates energy analysis tools that enable architects to evaluate and optimize the energy performance of a building, allowing informed decisions from early in the design phase. This helps in achieving sustainable and environmentally-friendly buildings by assessing factors such as energy consumption, solar analysis, and building material choices. Stunning Visualizations & Presentations: Archicad provides powerful built-in high quality photorealistic visualization and presentation capabilities, allowing designers to communicate and deliver their design intent by an interactive experience with virtual walkthroughs or gallery slideshows by sharing the 3D BIM model. Integrated MEP Design: Archicad's MEP features facilitate the design and coordination of MEP systems, offering tools for creating or importing 3D model MEP routing systems and perform clash detection. Together, these features further enhance collaboration, streamlined workflows, and ensure the integrity and functionality of building structures and MEP systems. For more info on Archicad, contact us today! www.totalcad.co.zainfo@archicad.co.za

BIMx is a powerful tool that allows architects to share the intended design and/or the complete project documentation in 2D and 3D called a BIMx Hyper-Model. BIMx provides an immersive experience that enables users to explore the building or development in detail, both inside and out. In this article, we will explore the different features of BIMx and how they can benefit the entire project team. BIMx Web Viewer: BIMx Web Viewer is a web-based tool that allows users to view and explore 3D models on any device with a web browser. The BIMx Web Viewer provides a smooth and intuitive interface that allows users to navigate through the building or complex easily. This tool is ideal for sharing models with clients ,team members or any project stakeholder who may not have access to BIMx software. BIMx Desktop Viewer: BIMx Desktop Viewer is a desktop application that allows users to view and explore 3D models on their computers. The BIMx Desktop Viewer provides advanced features, such as model comparison, measurement tools, and more. This tool is ideal for clients who need to review the project in detail and communicate with the entire project team throughout the entire project life-cycle. Complete Project Documentation: BIMx allows you to access the complete project documentation which includes all the necessary drawings, schedules, and specifications. You can view the 2D drawings such as construction plans, sections, elevations, detailed drawings, schedules and more of the 3D building model or development including its meta-data assigned to the elements like the energy performance, fire rating or any other products manufacturer specific information. This comprehensive documentation enables all stakeholders to view the project in detail, from the design phase to the construction phase and even up to the asset or facility management phase. BIMx Presenter and Gallery: BIMx Presenter feature allows users to create interactive presentations and galleries of their 3D models and 2D documentation. Enabling users to create a guided tour of the building or development, highlighting important features and design elements. The Gallery feature allows users to set up predefined views to showcase their 3D models in a visually stunning way, using advanced visualization techniques and lighting effects. This feature is perfect for in-person presentation or even for the clients to explore in their own time. Engage: BIMx allows users to engage by communicating and collaborating in real-time within the 3D model environment meaning no more paper on the building site or when presenting to your client. Enabling project teams to effectively discuss, make decisions, and resolve issues, all within the context of the 3D model. This tool is ideal for small simple or large complex projects for effective communication and collaboration. BIMx Model Transfer Site: BIMx Model Transfer Site is a cloud-based service that allows users to safely share the BIM or Hyper-model with any project stakeholders by simply uploading their Hyper-models containing all relevant 2D, 3D and meta-data to the cloud-based site and invite clients, contractors or any other members as required for access. In conclusion, BIMx is a powerful tool that provides a range of features and benefits for the construction industry. BIMx allows you to share and communicate the complete project documentation for any stage of the project. You can share models via the BIMx Model Transfer Site, and collaborate effectively. The BIMx Web Viewer and Desktop Viewer enable you to view and explore 3D models, and the Presenter and Gallery tools allow you to create interactive presentations. With BIMx, you can streamline the design and construction process, improving efficiency and communication throughout the project lifecycle. For more information contact TotalCAD today! www.totalcad.co.za info@archicad.co.za

Creating a site plan on Archicad is an essential task for architects, planners, and designers. A site plan is a graphical representation of a construction site that provides information about the location, layout, and design of a building or complex. A site plan helps to identify the various elements of a construction site and understand how they fit together. Follow these steps to create a site plan in Archicad. 3D Documents: Archicad allows you to create 3D documents to visualize the building and communicate the design more effectively. You can use this same method to get a top projected view from the 3D model of the site and the building by using the 3D Projection Settings to generate a 2D site plan which can be documented further using other tools. Elevation and Section Markers: On the site plan, elevation and section markers may need to be shown. To show the elevation and section markers, select the marker tool from the toolbox and place them on the site plan or switch on the layer/s if the markers already exists. Dimensions: On the site plan, many different dimensions are required for example, overall dimensions and setback dimensions to boundary lines need to be shown. To add dimensions, select the Dimension tool from the toolbox and place it on the site plan. Plants: Existing, proposed, and removed trees or vegetation need to be shown on the site plan. To add the plants, select the required objects from the library using the Objects tool from the toolbox and place it on the site plan. The object tool allows you to add 2D and/or 3D trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to the site plan. 2D Objects: Archicad also provides a range of 2D only objects that you can use to enhance the site plan by for example the site entrance or true north symbol to make it more informative. Other Elements: Surface drains, boundary lines, drainage reserves, green buffer, entrance/exit, adjacent site numbers, adjacent roads, site contours etc., need to be shown on the site plan. To display these elements, select the appropriate tools from the toolbox and place/draw them on the site plan. Tip: Import drawings received from other consultants like land surveyors to form part of your site plan. In conclusion, creating a site plan on Archicad is a simple and straightforward process that requires a few basic tools and techniques. By following the steps mentioned above, you can create a comprehensive and informative site plan that provides all the necessary details about the construction site. For more information contact TotalCAD today! www.totalcad.co.za info@archicad.co.za Example images generated from Graphisoft Sample Project: Hillside House . For more info click here.

Archicad is a leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that allows architects to design and manage building design projects more efficiently. BIMcloud is a cloud-based service that enhances the collaborative workflow of Archicad users by enabling them to work together remotely. BIMcloud SaaS offers numerous benefits to Archicad users, including increased collaboration, reduced errors, and improved efficiency. With BIMcloud, team members can work on the same project simultaneously, and changes made by one team member are available and visible to others. This is especially beneficial as it allows seamless collaboration among all project team members and stakeholders that are working remotely from anywhere, regardless of project size, complexity, or internet speed. This gives designers a faster and more efficient workflow, as well as less risk of errors and inconsistencies in the final product. In terms of BIM workflows, Archicad offers a wide range of features that streamline the design process. For example, the software allows users to create 3D models of buildings and then extract detailed information from these models, such as material quantities and cost estimates and more. This information can then be used to generate accurate construction plans and schedules. Archicad Collaborate and BIMcloud Saas facilitate greater flexibility for Architect team members. Contact TotalCAD today for more info on Archicad Collaborate South Africa! www.totalcad.co.za info@archicad.co.za Click Here to watch a video on how to access project models anywhere and on any device with BIMcloud SaaS