ArchiCAD caters for collaboration and coordination both in the program and across BIM platforms. In this course, Robert Mann from Archi-Ed teaches methods for using ArchiCAD collaboratively with a focus on maximising ArchiCAD's BIM potential.

This course utilizes existing architectural building information models designed and developed by Robert Mann. We'll import, edit, manage, and export existing model files to explore the processes and requirements of collaboration & coordination in ArchiCAD.

COURSE INCLUSIONS:

When purchasing the full ArchiCAD Design course, this includes:

• 20 short video tutorials instructing on how to use ArchiCAD as a tool for collaborating with others. 
• ArchiCAD Collaboration project file, Module files and PDF's

ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE

This course assumes a general understanding of architectural drafting standards and methodology, construction principles, and is suitable for students and professionals in architecture and the built environment who have completed introductory courses in ArchiCAD.

VERSION COMPATIBILITY

We use ArchiCAD Version 24 Professional to deliver this course. 

Whether you are studying and have the educational version of ArchiCAD or working within the industry and have the Professional package of ArchiCAD, this course is for you.

Although learning the skills and techniques are the same, please be aware that the Start Editions are not always compatible or have a reduced functionality to the Professional Package of ArchiCAD. This may therefore limit the use of our .pln file and template. See Graphisoft's compatibility chart for more information.  

Course Outline

I recommend watching the videos in the following order. However, as they are individual topics you have the benefit of picking and choosing or revisiting a particular element at any time. Each video is labelled accordingly and you can see the length of each video (in minutes and seconds), making it a time efficient way to learn ArchiCAD.

This course consists of 4 subjects.

Subject 1 - Setting up Layouts

1.1 -  Template (1:32)

Using an effective template file reduces the required setup for each project. In this video we'll review the template, optimised for the processes of collaboration & coordination.

1.2 - Toolbars (2:21)

ArchiCAD's work environment determines our digital interface experience. Toolbars are the fastest way to access ArchiCAD's commands graphically. In this video we'll customise toolbars for our collaboration & coordination needs.

1.3 - Saved Views on Layouts (4:03)

In order to maintain an efficient ArchiCAD file, it is important to manage the intentional creation of accurate saved views in the view map, rather than allowing ArchiCAD to automatically generate views, which occurs when drawings are saved into the layout book directly from the project map. In this video we'll create saved views in the view map before assigning them to layouts.

1.4 - Layouts (5:49)

Layouts are ArchiCAD's digital representation of paper views, and can contain multiple referenced drawing links from the view map. Master layouts are used to define the layouts settings, including size, margin, and title block information. In this video we'll create and edit layouts, and adjust drawing settings.

Subject 2 - Design Collaboration

2.1 - Importing Files (1:23)

Collaboration avoids unnecessary overlap in drafting & modelling. In this video we'll import a 2D survey & 3D site model from an external source. 

2.2 - Issue Manager (1:42)

The issue manager allows for collaboration within an ArchiCAD project. In this video we’ll review how to identify issues for discussion or remedy by another member of a design team within ArchiCAD.

2.3 - Hotlinks (4:09)

When designing a larger building with repeated architectural modules, or for staged development, it may be preferable to use linked models rather than unlinked duplicated elements. In this video we'll manage and update linked module files.

2.4 - Xref (Externally Referenced Files) (4:11)

Xrefs or External references are 2D files that are created outside or ArchiCAD, usually by consultants or other members of our design team.

Subject 3 - Construction Collaboration

3.1 - Change Manager (2:19)

When changes occur to the architectural documentation, the change must be recorded and communicated. change clouds are a graphic way of communicating these changes. In this video we'll review how to create and manage changes.

3.2 - Interactive Schedules (2:57)

ArchiCAD supports interactive scheduling of modelled elements and objects. In this video we'll review their use, and discuss their effective implementation in BIM documentation.

3.3 - Quantity Schedules (2:57)

Quantity schedules allow auto-calculation of modelled elements and objects. In this video we'll review the processes necessary to calculate quantities in ArchiCAD

3.4 - CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) - (2:01)

ArchiCAD files can be exported for use in Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). In this video we'll explore ArchiCAD's process and file setup requirements to export CAM files.

3.5 - Lighting Plan (5:11)

When developed as part of the building information model, ArchiCAD lamps and objects can be used to communicate the layout and quantities of lighting requirements. In this video we'll review and adjust a lighting layout and its symbol legend which provides an auto generating quantity schedule for collaboration with electricians.

3.6 - Electrical Plan (3:24)

As with a lighting layout, ArchiCAD 2D & 3D objects can be used in conjunction with automatic labels and dimensions to communicate the layout and quantities of electrical power & data requirements. In this video we'll review and adjust an electrical layout and its symbol legend which provides an auto generating quantity schedule for collaboration with electricians.

Subject 4 - Document Creation & Management

4.1 - Printing (5:37)

Printing to scale with multiple paper size options can be complicated. In this video we will set up for printing regularly. I will also explain how I optimally choose to print from ArchiCAD.

4.2 - Publishing PDF Sets (2:24)

PDFs can be published in ArchiCAD as single layouts or multi-page sets. In this video we'll review how to set up and publish PDFs.

4.3 - Publishing DWG Files (3:03)

DWG, DXF and other CAD files can be exported out of ArchiCAD manually, or through the publisher sets like PDFs. In this video we'll review how to set up and publish 2D CAD files.

4.4 - BIMx (2:35)

BIMx files provide for interactive viewing of BIM 3D and 2D views, exported out of ArchiCAD. ArchiCAD's publisher set is used to export BIMx files. In this video we'll setup and export a BIMx file for a client presentation. 

4.5 - Drawing Revisions (4:02)

It is essential that drawing revisions are clearly and comprehensively communicated and managed. In this video we'll review how to create and manage drawing revisions and issues.

4.6 - Archiving and File Management (1:29)

Architects are required to maintain archived records of their projects for many years, even after completion. In this video we'll review how best to archive ArchiCAD files for future use and reference.

Plus

Course Conclusion (1:53) 

What's next - Visualisation 

The final instalment in this short course series is the Archicad Visualisation course. Robert Mann from Archi-Ed teaches how to use ArchiCAD's inbuilt rendering engine CineRender to develop various  visualisations using different techniques and discusses the benefits of using different visualisations for differing purposes.