One early memorable experience using building modeling was the football stadium in 1999. Once you have learned ArchiCAD, its very easy to build the computer model as you go. It's almost always best to build the model. It's pretty cool.Īdding my own experiences, I've been using ArchiCAD for 16 years, currently building 3d models on over 90% of all projects - everything from houses and porch additions to a 120 unit senior housing project and a small college football stadium. I would definitely have a plan for learning and exploiting the program.Ībout 6 months ago I set up a server using their BIMserver software, and I can work on projects with draftspeople and interns from their own locations relatively smoothly. I don't, however, feel that I have been able to exploit the BIM aspects of the model, except to have a few 3d drawings in my construction documents. I feel that I am at the point where, even if I am not using the 3-d modeling capabilities of the program, all of the other features still make my workflow faster than it was. It took me about 6 months to really become productive, so I felt like I took a big hit, but in retrospect it was worth it and I love using the program now. The learning curve was very painful because I was going from basically drafting to BIM. I design new homes, remodels, and additions and I switched from Autocad to Archicad a few years ago. As I mostly do residential homes, additions, and renovations, the BIM features are not critical, but I see future opportunities to exploit the robust information stored in the model. I don't use the teamwork features, but they are lauded in reviews. It is backwards compatible to the previous version, and Graphisoft seems to provide support for multiple prior versions. ArchiCAD is usually upgraded once a year, but it is not required. His Quick Start and Best Practices courses have made all the difference in getting through the transition. The learning curve has been steep as it is a very comprehensive program and I am a sole (as well as old) practitioner, but I discovered an invaluable ArchiCAD online training program from Eric Bobrow (). I chose ArchiCAD after seeing it in use at an architect friend's firm, because of the great support from the local reseller, and because ArchiCAD was BIM before the term was coined. After many mostly happy years with Chief Architect, I needed a program that provided good 3D modeling, but had better 2D capabilities and was more flexible and customizable. I am not familiar with Vectorworks, but a year ago I made the switch to ArchiCAD. It doesn't have BIM capabilities, but it does have 3D functions, although I tend to use Sketchup for 3D modeling. I have been using Archicad for 10 years and have found no problem dealing with an Autocad world.ĭataCad is another worthy option.
Considering Vectorworks or ArchiCAD, any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am tired of Autodesk expense and incompatibility with its own products. This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Technology in Architectural Practice. Good tool sets-great support-BIM Server is very powerful and cost nothing extra.
#DATACAD 19 UPGRADE#
Previously I bought the package and kept the same version for several years without upgrading, but they have incentives now to get everyone to upgrade every year. Then I pay $789 a year for annual upgrades (which I agree is still a pain.). They say it's fully BIM functional but I have not used that. You can buy individual modules for less of course.
#DATACAD 19 FULL#
The Vectorworks Designer package costs $3370 for a new single-seat license, and that includes a full suite of modules: architectural, 3D rendering, site design including 3D terrain models, mechanical and electrical drafting tools and symbols, even a powerful module for theatrical stage lighting. I can easily share files with Autocad-using engineers. I bought my own copy when I opened my sole proprietorship and it's been excellent for the small projects I now do. I started using Vectorworks in the late '90s with a larger firm doing production drafting for mostly public school work, and that firm is still using it.
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