In-Depth: Graphisoft talks to Architosh about ArchiCAD 15

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New Shell Tool for Advanced Forms

BIM programs have long suffered from a simplification of architectural form-making possibilities, as architectural elements in early BIM programs have been limited to basic forms for roofs, slabs, walls and fenestration units. This was largely due to constraints within parametric architectural modeling programming and the required interactions between them–not to modeling programming capabilities themselves. NURBS and Subdivision surfaces modeling applications have long been able to create shapes of enormous complexity and variety. And many of these tools have become popular within architecture, like Rhino by McNeel for example.

Still, over the years simple elements like roofs, walls and even curtain walls have become more sophisticated. For example the ability to cant for example. But despite these earlier methods to accomplish advanced form-making they were still lacking.

04 - A slide from our Webex presentation with Graphisoft. Modern architecture today exceeds the traditional limits of architectural geometry. ArchiCAD 15 has new tools to address this issue directly.

Graphisoft’s response to this is two-fold. First, there are new complex roof making capabilities. Second, Graphisoft has introduced the new Shell tool in version 15. “The goal with ArchiCAD 15 was to create tools which would enable us to model nearly every single classic or modern architectural masterpiece with real BIM construction elements,” said Akos Pfemeter, “regardless of its formal complexity. (see the article cover image, for example). With the new roof and Shell tool we can do that.” (see image 04 above)

05 - Interior elements like curved ceilings are good examples of items ideal for the new Shell tool.

06 - You can create forms from resolved, extruded and ruled geometries using the new Shell tool.

o7 - A context menu reveals options that are applicable to advanced forms created with the Shell tool.

“We also recognize that these complex forms not only define the overall shape of a building,” said Akos Pfemeter, “but often more commonly apply to interior elements like ceilings.” (see image 05 above).

The new Shell tool creates intelligent objects that behave essentially like all other types of intelligent objects in ArchiCAD 15. They are true BIM elements–not fancy forms that break down the BIM process–and support polygonal openings (in them), in-place profile editing and solids operations. (see image 08 below)

08 - With Shell objects typical solid element operations include subtracts, joins, trims, etc of both operator and targets.

On the next page: Renovation Architecture Support