Preface

A BIM Professional’s Guide to Learning Archicad is a comprehensive introduction to all that Archicad has to offer for the creation of 3D models, 2D document extracts, and related output. This book is not a click-by-click series of recipes but rather focuses on understanding why and how Archicad works the way it does by providing realistic examples for you to apply, and how you can apply this knowledge to improve your own BIM design workflow.

The book introduces you gradually to Archicad tools, using ample examples, and mastering its complexity through several clear parts. This allows you to start a first project quickly, obtain useful skills in succeeding projects, and keep using the book at a later stage as a source for real insights into the software and useful expert tips and tricks. We’ll start with the basic modeling of construction elements and then gradually add roofs, stairs, and objects to the project. We’ll then dive into basic drafting and 2D views for creating 2D output, and explain how to use attributes and more advanced modeling tools for designing curtain walls and sites. You’ll also learn how to extract and visualize your data and how to automate the process of publishing your extracts and 2D documents into a variety of output formats.

By the end of the book, you will have a profound understanding of Archicad and how to implement it efficiently in your own architectural projects, and how BIM can improve your overall design workflow.