CC1611

SOFTWAREreview
Boxing Clever
Graphisoft adds VR support
to the ARCHICAD experience with the
latest release of the software
If you are old enough, you might
remember getting a View Master for
Christmas, along with half a dozen
discs showing some improbably sunny
landscapes in 3D. I spent hours looking
through them (if you want to know more,
there are loads for sale in vintage toys on
eBay) but, looking back, the distinct
impression wasn't the images seen, but
the technology - and even that had been
superceded by 100 years or so.
I was recently reminded of the View
Master by Google's Carboard VR -fold-up
cardboard boxes that convert into
disposable Virtual Reality viewers when
you insert your smart phone. They are
ideal for handing out to clients who want
to view their properties in virtual 3D
walkthroughs, which is why Graphisoft has
made them available to ARCHICAD users,
who can convert their building models into
viewable 3D, thus enabling users of their
free BIMx viewer to explore models at will.
Aside from enhanced modelling tools like
Rhino and Grasshopper, integrating within
ARCHICAD 20, Graphisoft has
concentrated with the latest revision of the
software on improving usability and the
viewer's experience, with a new Properties
Manager amongst other handy tools.
We seem to have pretty much exhausted
what extra features we can add to
architectural geometry, as the tools we
already have allow us to design anything
we can dream up, thanks to things like
morphing tools and algorithmic or
generative design provided by Rhino and
Grasshopper (covered in the last issue).
Adding freeform modelling and scripting
to parametric 3D modelling applications
adds new dimensions to the concept of
architectural design - not least, the
addition of advanced concept modelling
to ARCHICAD's traditional strengths in
formal design and construction
documentation.
And talking of advanced modelling, there
is a bonus in the latest version of
ARCHICAD, namely the ability to support
more accurate representations of NURBS
(Non-uniform rational Basis spline) curves
and surfaces. As a result, complex Rhino
models can be imported directly into
ARCHICAD 20 as Global GDL objects
using native NURBS definitions, giving
ARCHICAD users better control over them
- of which more later.
IT'S THE HOW, NOT THE WHAT
The bulk of the latest upgrades to
ARCHICAD concentrate on improving the
user experience, making it easier to use
the software and reorganising the way in
which ARCHICAD tools are organised and
how non-geometric information in a BIM
model (such as manufacturers
information, costs, fire ratings, etc.) are
imported, created and used.
Immediately apparent, though, is the
refined user interface. Adding so many
bells and whistles to the software probably
went too far, and tended to detract from
the main element - the model display
Consequently, the toolbars have been
reduced in size and toned down (a more
muted two colour system) to give the
display more prominence, but with the
numerous features of the software still
available in pull-down menus. Graphisoft
has also added a Quick Options toolbar
below the graphics display which gives
quick access to frequently used features
without having to use the Navigator.
And there are now three levels of
resolution available - low, medium and
high - taking advantage of the higher
resolution and retina displays becoming
available to provide sharper resolutions in
complex drawings.
MODEL VIEWS AND FAVOURITES
Rather than reducing the number of
features available, though, a couple of
new ones have been added. View tabs
provides a drop-down list of available
views, which can be used to save model
views directly from the tab, irrespective of
the view on display. If you are showing a
floorplan, for instance, you can create and
save a view from the model in any other
mode. This saves the hassle of switching
to a particular view before it can be saved.
Access to Favourites has also been
enhanced. All of the tools that you have
used in a particular project are stored in
the Favourites palette, supported by 2D
and 3D thumbnail previews, will display
their properties when you hover the
mouse over them. Favourites are also
available from individual element types -
such as walls, doors, windows, etc. - and
16
November/December 2016