Archi.ru:
This year marks thirty years since the development of ARCHICAD… Tell us about the main milestones in the development of the program
Andras Heidecker:
- Thirty years is a very long time. It is difficult to cover the entire history of the development of the program in one conversation, but I will try to dwell on several of the most important stages. The first version of ARCHICAD was created in 1984 and ran on Apple computers. Initially, 3D solutions were required to develop a pipeline for a Soviet nuclear power plant. For these purposes, a special program was created. However, in the future, Apple proposed to use these developments for new purposes - for architectural design. We began to actively move in this direction. In 1986, a version for the Apple Macintosh was released. Further, new versions of the program were released almost every year.
1992 was an important milestone when it became possible to work with ARCHICAD on the Windows platform. This is one of the reasons for the increased popularity of the program in Russia, which is fully observed today. And, finally, a real breakthrough can be called the appearance of a BIM server installed directly on the client's equipment. At the time of the creation of this technology, other programs did not provide such an opportunity.
By the standards of the era of computer technology, ARCHICAD has existed for many years, but despite this, the program remains one of the most modern and advanced. The secret of success is that we constantly supplement and develop our product, working with new technologies and starting from the needs and wishes of architects. That is why we always manage to fully meet the requirements of today.
What technical capabilities does the program offer today?
- The latest achievement is the new version of ARCHICAD-19. Its main advantage is high performance and speed. The program does not limit the size of the project and allows you to handle very large volumes without sacrificing speed and performance. In addition, the latest version of the program offers the ability to process data in the background. In other words, the program is able to use the unused power of the computer and anticipate further actions of the user, which makes it possible to carry out calculations faster. Of course, this affects the overall speed of the program.
Another area that has appeared with the new version is data exchange and the ability to interact with other programs that are popular among architects. First of all, we are talking about the Rhino program, which opens up great opportunities for creative activity, allowing you to build the most complex architectural forms and models. The manufacturer of this product is not affiliated with GRAPHISOFT in any way, but it is important for us to take into account the interests of our customers as much as possible. That is why it was decided to join forces. So, in the new version, a so-called translator has appeared, which helps to transfer the model and all data from Rhino to ARCHICAD without loss.
Tell us about the main trends and tendencies of the modern market
- One of the most interesting trends is the aforementioned possibility of involving other programs to create free forms. Rhino is an important step in supporting our existing tools. Of course, free form existed before, but modern technologies now support the ability to create free forms within a single program. For this, our company is gradually introducing various design tools. With the help of such tools, for example, the complex dome of the Dynamo stadium was designed as part of the large VTB Arena Park project (the reconstruction is being carried out by David Manika's bureau, SPEECH bureau and TEKHSTROY company, - editor's note).
Also, I cannot fail to mention the current mobile technologies. Mobility and lack of attachment to a specific place is a general trend that is also relevant in the field of architecture. The development of this trend within GRAPHISOFT is based on three main “pillars”. First of all, this is the development of tools, where the most important is the BIM design tool located directly on the user's computer. Secondly, it is the object management using technologies such as BIM server and BIMcloud, which allow an unlimited number of people to work with a project anywhere in the world. And thirdly, this is the provision of enhanced capabilities for the customer, who can now easily view the architectural model and receive all the necessary information about the development of the project directly to his phone using the created mobile applications. For example, with BIMx, a leading mobile BIM visualization application that does not require too deep architectural knowledge from the user.
What are the main advantages of the systemic BIM approach in design?
- The main advantage is the ability to communicate between all participants in the design process: investors, customers, contractors, architects, engineers. BIM offers a systematic approach to the creation of documentation. Thus, you can easily track the slightest changes in the project and make them in a timely manner in all documents related to it. Obviously, this allows you to avoid a lot of errors, significantly reduces the time required for the issuance of documentation. Accordingly, the total cost of the project and investment is significantly reduced. After all, all the changes that arise occur at the design stage, but not at the time of construction.
How easy is it for an ordinary user in Russia to start working with this system? Are there instructions in Russian that allow you to quickly install and master the program?
- ARCHICAD is fully translated into Russian. We try to adapt the program to the requirements of the Russian market as much as possible. Instructions, teaching materials are being translated. Testing of the program in Russian is in constant mode. The terms used for Russian architects are being introduced. Especially for this, we cooperate with a Russian-speaking specialist who advises us on the correct use of certain terms. In addition, two years ago, we began extensive work to optimize our website. Today it has been fully translated into Russian and exactly repeats the international one. Then it all depends on the skills and professionalism of the user.
Is the virtual library of BIM elements fully implemented today?
- There is a special, but separate, portal of BIM objects, independent of GRAPHISOFT. It is a global virtual library where manufacturers of various materials and equipment can present their products. This resource is supported by both GRAPHISOFT programs and other manufacturers. Therefore, architects are free to use all the products presented there.
What auxiliary programs, besides the mentioned ones, do GRAPHISOFT have? For example, to work with a master plan or to design villages
- ARCHICAD supports the open IFC format. Thus, programs of all related sections easily and efficiently interact with ARCHICAD. These are programs for designers - such as, say, LIRA CAD and Tekla Structures, for engineering communications and tracing systems - Autodesk Revit MEP, for analyzing the project as a whole - Tekla BIMsight.
Objects of what complexity can be created using only ARCHICAD? Are there any restrictions?
- There are absolutely no restrictions. It all depends on the experience and ability of the user to work in the program. It can be compared to car racing: one driver owns the car perfectly, he quickly and easily reaches the finish line, another goes too slow or goes off the track.
Tell us more about innovative products like BIMcloud and EcoDesigner. What are their features and technical advantages? Are they available to Russian users? On what conditions can they use them?
“BIMcloud technology was created specifically to facilitate communication within large organizations of more than thirty architects. In fact, in the Russian market, as in the world as a whole, the demand for such a service is still small. Therefore, BIMcloud has not yet been presented in Russia. Nevertheless, this is a very convenient and useful option that allows you to constantly interact with different specialists. In Russia, we plan to start promoting this idea with another product designed for small and medium-sized companies - from five people. We are talking about BIMcloud Studio, which will be available this fall. As for the BIMcloud technology as a whole, it is gradually conquering the world market. First of all, this product appears where there has already been a very deep introduction of such technologies, and users have shown a high level of proficiency in the programs. These are Japan, Great Britain, France and Germany. In the future, we plan to promote BIMcloud in other countries as well.
Another handy application that GRAPHISOFT implements is EcoDesigner. This tool serves to assess the energy efficiency of a building, allows you to calculate the amount of energy consumed by it, assess the level of energy saving and thermal conductivity.
How popular are GRAPHISOFT products in the world? Who is the main user of the program?
- Our products are used in 102 countries. This is practically the whole world: from India, South and North America to Russia and Asia. ARCHICAD speaks 17 languages. The architecture language is universal, but each region requires localization and product adaptation. Therefore, today there are already 23 language versions, where, for example, different English versions have been created for Australia and England, or versions in German - separately for Austria and Germany.
As for the user of the program, it is rather difficult to make his general portrait. This largely depends on the specifics of the market. We are used to focusing on the architect as such - working independently or within a large company - this is no longer so important. Our products are used by private architects and designers, small design studios and huge corporations. And here it is important for us that GRAPHISOFT covers the entire design process, satisfying all user requests - from the creation of the initial concept to the detailed development of documentation and its transfer to the customer.
What new products and improvements can be expected in the future?
- I would not like to talk about abstract plans for the future. The main novelty is the nineteenth version of ARCHICAD, which appeared in early June. This is the main topic for us now. In general, GRAPHISOFT plans to further develop the strategy of supporting its users in the four main areas that I mentioned above. These are high performance of the program, intuitive design with anticipation of the architect's actions, active interaction with other programs and information management.
Video about new technology in ARCHICAD: background data processing:
