Move from 2D CAD drafting to 3D BIM with Archicad to boost productivity by mastering this powerful software Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook Key Features Explore the Archicad GUI, file format, and tools to get started with residential projects - Use out-of-the-box documentation tools combined with a powerful publishing workflow - Translate conceptual designs into compelling imagery using various visualization methods Book Description A BIM Professional's Guide to Learning Archicad is a comprehensive introduction to all that Archicad has to offer for creating 3D models, 2D document extracts, and related outputs. This book is not a click-by-click series of recipes, but rather focuses on helping you understand why and how Archicad works by providing realistic examples and expert tips. The book gradually introduces you to Archicad tools using ample examples. It then helps you master its complexity through clear modules, allowing you to start your first project quickly, gain useful skills in subsequent projects, and keep using the book as a source for insights into the software. You'll start with the basic modeling of construction elements and then move on to adding roofs, stairs, and objects to the project. Next, you'll dive into basic drafting and 2D views for creating 2D output, and grasp how to use attributes and more advanced modeling tools for designing curtain walls and sites. The concluding chapters will show you how to extract and visualize your data and automate the publishing of your extracts and 2D documents into a variety of output formats. By the end of this book, you'll have gained a solid understanding of Archicad, how to implement it efficiently in your architectural projects, and how BIM can improve your overall design workflow. What you will learn Create an architectural model from scratch using Archicad as BIM software - Leverage a wide variety of tools and views to fully develop a project - Achieve efficient project organization and modeling for professional results with increased productivity - Fully document a project, including various 2D and 3D documents and construction details - Professionalize your BIM workflow with advanced insight and the use of expert tips and tricks - Unlock the geometric and non-geometric information in your models by adding properties and creating schedules to prepare for a bill of quantities Who this book is for This book is for design engineers, architectural designers, residential designers, BIM professionals, and anyone working in construction, manufacturing, or similar fields. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a professional looking to upgrade your engineering design and urban planning skills, you'll find this book useful. Although no prior knowledge of Archicad is necessary, knowledge of construction (architectural design) and a basic understanding of 2D CAD drafting is recommended. The book is based on the international version of the software and uses metric units. Table of Contents What Is Archicad and How Can You Learn It? - Getting Started with Archicad - Building a Basic Residential Model: Modeling the Construction Elements - Building a Basic Residential Model: Adding Roofs, Zones, Beams, and Columns - Building a Basic Residential Model: Modeling Openings, Stairs, and Objects - Basic Drafting and 2D Views - Adding Annotations and Creating 2D Output - Using Advanced Modeling Tools for Developed Design - Using Advanced System Tools for Designing Stairs and Curtain Walls (N.B. Please use the Look Inside option to see further chapters) "I have known Ruben van de Walle and Stefan Boeykens for many years now, as active, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable BIM practitioners, BIM educators, and overall digital content creators. Both Ruben and Stefan work primarily in Belgium and Europe and represent the Belgian community in 3D modeling, BIM processes and software, and digital architectural design practice at large. With this book, Ruben and Stefan present a practical and hands-on introduction and get-started book on the topic of Archicad, which is one of the major software tools for Building Information Modeling ( BIM ). BIM software such as Archicad allows modeling building designs into comprehensive 3D models that can be used to guide the design and engineering process, and to organize any construction site. As such, BIM in itself is an indispensable tool in the toolchain of the design and engineering specialist. Archicad in particular is known as the first commercially available BIM software in the world, and it is a tool of preference in architectural design offices primarily. This book is your go-to resource for practical insights and hands-on tips and tricks that will boost your design workflow using Archicad." -- Dr. Ir.-Arch. Pieter Pauwels Associate Professor, Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands. Guest Professor, Ghent University, Belgium. “As an Archicad enthusiast myself, I found this book to be a val