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Graphisoft Celebrates 13 Consecutive Wins for Archicad as 'BIM Product of the Year' In an unprecedented achievement, Graphisoft's Archicad secures its 13th consecutive win as 'BIM Product of the Year' at the prestigious Construction Computing Awards. Known affectionately as 'The Hammers,' these awards are a testament to Archicad's unwavering excellence and innovation. Archicad, a cutting-edge Building Information Modeling (BIM) software solution, empowers professionals to design and deliver projects seamlessly. Industry-wide experts and design professionals have recognized and voted for Archicad, acknowledging its efficiency and intuitive interface. The software's robust built-in tools, coupled with a user-friendly interface, position Archicad as the most efficient BIM solution available. Offering out-of-the-box design documentation, one-click publishing, photo-realistic rendering, and top-notch analysis capabilities, Archicad enables architects to focus on their core competency—designing exceptional buildings. The latest version, released in October, introduces a host of features, including a brand-new design option solution, enhanced professional visualization tools, improved project management for complexity, and advancements in open, multidisciplinary design collaboration. Explore the innovative features of Archicad 27. Ron Close, Vice President of Marketing Success at Graphisoft, expresses, "This continued recognition of Archicad as the best BIM solution for architecture reinforces our commitment to empowering teams to design great buildings." About Archicad Archicad empowers designers to tackle projects of any size with its powerful built-in tools and user-friendly interface, making it the most efficient and intuitive BIM software on the market. The award-winning software supports OPEN BIM, ensuring workflow transparency, longevity, and data accessibility for built assets. With features like out-of-the-box design documentation, one-click publishing, photo-realistic rendering, and top-tier analysis capabilities, Archicad allows users to focus on their passion: designing outstanding buildings. Discover more about Archicad. About Graphisoft Graphisoft is at the forefront of empowering teams to design exceptional buildings through award-winning software solutions, learning programs, and professional services for the AEC industry. The company's products and solutions champion OPEN BIM, promoting workflow transparency, longevity, and data accessibility for built assets. Archicad, the preferred BIM software for architects, provides a complete end-to-end design and documentation workflow for architectural and integrated practices. BIMx, a leading mobile and web BIM app, extends the BIM experience to all stakeholders in the building design, delivery, and operations lifecycle. BIMcloud, the AEC industry's first and most advanced cloud-based team collaboration solution, facilitates real-time collaboration globally. Part of the Nemetschek Group, Graphisoft is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of intelligent MEP design tools with solutions such as DDScad. For more information click here or visit the TotalCAD website at www.totalcad.co.za

Share your project on BIMcloud SaaS and use Archicad's robust tools and BIMx Pro to collaboratively design buildings with your team, and share the results with customers and clients worldwide. Collaborate Subscription - Keeping Teams Connected and Projects on time. Archicad Create designs of all scales using Archicad's comprehensive built-in tools and intuitive user interface. BIMcloud Make your projects accessible on a secure cloud server hosted by Graphisoft, enabling real-time collaboration with your team without the need for additional IT investments to get started. BIMx Shape the design narrative with clients in-person to expedite the approval process. Utilize professional presentation tools that empower you to manage the overall experience. Subscribe & Save Maximize the value of your subscription with exclusive tools, training, support, and services. For more info contact TotalCAD today! info@archicad.co.za

In the world of architectural software, Archicad stands as a powerhouse, but it's not immune to some common misconceptions. Let's set the record straight and dispel the top 10 myths surrounding Archicad: 1. Archicad is Only for Mac Users Reality: Archicad is versatile and available for both Mac and Windows platforms, ensuring accessibility for a wide user base. Click here for comprehensive details regarding Archicad's system requirements. 2. It's Only for Small Projects Reality: Archicad is not limited by a project size. It's equally efficient for residential projects and large-scale commercial developments. Click here to explore in-depth case studies showcasing successful projects of various types and sizes completed using Archicad. 3. Archicad Can't Handle Complex Geometry Reality: Archicad is a champion when it comes to managing intricate architectural designs and complex geometries. Click here to watch - Architectural Classics Remodeled in Archicad. 4. It Lacks Collaboration Features Reality: Archicad is widely recognized as an industry leader in collaboration, providing powerful tools such to facilitate effective teamwork. Here are some of the key features: BIMcloud: Archicad enables collaboration with your team, even when they are located in different cities or countries. Change Management with Teamwork: Archicad's Change Tracking, integrated with BIMcloud, manages the impact of one team member's changes on others' work. Working with Revit + Solibri: Archicad allows you to export RVT models, hotlink RVT models into Archicad, import MEP Equipment into your Archicad project, and more. Add-Ons for Seamless Collaboration: Archicad offers smooth integrations with third-party applications to ensure uninterrupted and efficient workflows. Start collaborating now with Archicad Collaborate Subscription: Share your project on BIMcloud SaaS and use Archicad's robust tools and BIMx Pro to collaboratively design buildings with your team, and share the results with customers and clients worldwide. These features make Archicad a powerful tool for collaborative work in architecture and design. 5. Archicad Can't Export to Other Software Reality: Archicad supports multiple export formats, promoting seamless interoperability with other software applications and supports an OPEN BIM approach. Export Capabilities: Archicad can export to various formats, including FBX, which is an industry-standard format for visualization, VR, and AR applications. It also supports collaboration with Revit-based engineers who do not use IFC exchange. Archicad can import Revit geometry and export the Archicad project as RVT. Archicad also imports RFA-based families as native Archicad objects. Click here for more information Open BIM Support: Archicad supports Open BIM, a progressive, future-proof approach to AEC collaboration. Open BIM helps connect stakeholders such as software vendors, software users (architects, engineers, and builders), as well as clients/owners to co-create great buildings. It ensures workflow transparency, longevity, and accessibility of data for built assets. Archicad and the Nemetschek Group fully support buildingSMART’s openBIM program. Click here for more information. Archicad's capabilities, compatibility, and flexibility make it a top choice for professionals in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. For more information and to explore what Archicad can do for your projects, contact TotalCAD at info@archicad.co.za.

Archicad 27 has arrived, and it brings with it a host of powerful features that are set to redefine the way architects and designers work. In this blog, we'll delve into some of the standout features that make this version a game-changer. 1. Integrated Design Options Feature (Key Feature) Evaluate and share design alternatives quickly and efficiently thanks to the Integrated Design Options feature. This amazing feature allows architects and designers to seamlessly incorporate multiple design options within the same project. This means you can explore different design iterations, configurations, and alternatives in a single file, eliminating the need for separate projects. It streamlines the design process, enhances collaboration, and ensures that you have a comprehensive view of all your design choices. This feature alone is a game-changer for those seeking design flexibility and efficiency. 2. Industry Standard Certification Archicad has always been a pioneer in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Archicad 27 continues this tradition. This version comes with industry-standard certification, ensuring that you're working with a platform that meets the highest industry benchmarks. Archicad 27 is equipped with IFC4 file import and export certification issued by the international buildingSMART organization. Whether you're collaborating with other professionals, clients, or organizations, this certification gives you the peace of and enhances data exchange consistency and efficiency across diverse disciplines and solutions. 3. Intelligent Tracker The Intelligent Tracker is another gem in Archicad 27's arsenal. It offers a more intuitive and efficient way to navigate and interact with your model. This feature is designed to streamline your design process by providing real-time feedback and visual cues. It's like having a guiding hand as you work, ensuring that you can focus on your design vision rather than the technicalities of the software. You will no longer need your calculator, all calculations are done directly from the Intelligent Tracker. These are just a few of the highlights in Archicad 27. The software continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in architectural design and BIM, making it an invaluable tool for professionals in the industry. To learn more about how Archicad 27 can elevate your design capabilities and streamline your workflow, click on the link below or alternatively you can contact TotalCAD at info@archicad.co.za. https://graphisoft.com/solutions/whatsnew

Valladares Pagliotti & Asociados (VPA) relies on Archicad for their structural engineering, integrating it with other software like SAP, ETABS, and MATLAB. They prioritize collaboration with architects to align structural solutions with architectural intent, enhancing beauty while ensuring safety. In projects like Esmeralda House, they create strong structural elements, earthquake-resistant columns, and adjust slab thickness. At Tierra Patagonia hotel, they face wind challenges, and Archicad streamlines planimetry generation. VPA has even developed its own software for structural engineering, tailored to Chilean regulations for reinforced concrete buildings, making up a significant portion of their projects. For more information on this click on the link below. https://www.nemetschek.com/en/reference/use-archicad-structural-engineering Generating a Structural Analytical Model This feature set improves and streamline the collaboration between architects and structural engineers. In this workflow, ARCHICAD creates a Structural Analytical Model that mirrors the Physical Model. The two models are generated simultaneously, and any changes made to the Physical Model are automatically reflected in the Structural Analytical Model. The Structural Analytical Model serves as a simplified representation of the Physical Model and is shared with a structural engineer for analysis in programs like SCIA Engineer. The engineer uses their analysis software to perform simulations and optimize the Structural Analytical Model. Afterward, the updated Structural Analytical Model is sent back to Archicad, which then updates the Physical Model accordingly. This bi-directional process eliminates the need for file conversions and prevents data loss. Interoperability with structural analysis programs is achieved through the Structural Analytical Format (SAF), designed for efficient model exchange compared to an IFC-based approach. Archicad 24 introduces additional features, such as Model Compare, Issue management, Change Tracking in Teamwork, and Model Check for both analytical and physical models, to support this workflow. To create a Structural Analytical Model in Archicad: Use the "Show Structural Analytical Model" toggle, accessible from the View menu or the Structural Analytical Model Toolbar. Components Included in the Structural Analytical Model The Structural Analytical Model comprises: Load-bearing elements. Elements containing a core. Elements created using eligible Archicad tools (e.g., Beams, Columns, Slabs, Walls, Single-plane Roofs). Elements enabled at the element level (via the "Structural Member" checkbox in Element Settings). Elements existing in the model based on Renovation Status (hidden elements marked as "To Be Demolished" or "New" in the current view are excluded). Element connections defined by Layer Intersection Group, influencing the Structural Analytical Model's geometry. Layer visibility does not affect inclusion; even elements on hidden layers can be part of the Structural Analytical Model. Default Position of 1D and 2D Members By default, 1D Members are generated at the element's center of gravity, while 2D Members align along the core plane's center. These defaults can be adjusted individually in an element's Settings dialog using the Eccentricity control. Automatic Adjustments by Generation Rules The "Structural Analytical Model Generation Rules" are automatically applied during generation. These rules optimize the geometry of 1D and 2D Members and certain End/Edge Release definitions, ensuring compatibility with external analysis programs. For more information click on the link below. https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/user-guide-chapter/85615/ For general enquiries please contact TotalCAD at info@archicad.co.za

The integration of MEP Modeler in Archicad enhances BIM collaboration among architectural, structural, and MEP engineering disciplines, fostering early-stage cooperation. Archicad 23's Opening Tool and Archicad 24's MEP Modeler Add-on facilitate this collaboration. Key Uses of Integrated MEP Modeler for Architects: Initial MEP design. Modeling from 2D MEP drawings. IFC-based model exchange workflows. Visualization. Collision Detection is crucial in these workflows, necessitating 3D modeling of pipes and ducts. In Archicad 24 (except START Edition), the MEP Modeler is seamlessly integrated, requiring no separate download, installation, or license. For more information click on the link below. https://community.graphisoft.com/t5/Modeling/Integrated-MEP-Modeler-in-Archicad/ta-p/304055 For general enquiries please contact TotalCAD today. info@archicad.co.za

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