The much hyped release of both the new versions of ArchiCAD and Revit has fuelled various predictions being made with respect to the future of the BIM authoring tools. It would be better not to get riveted in what the future holds for these softwares; but rather just find out what these new versions of the tools have got to offer.
ArchiCAD 17
Going by what Mies van der Rohe, considered as the pioneer of modern architecture, once said – God is in the details, GRAPHISOFT was clever enough to turn this into the tagline – BIM is in the details – for ArchiCAD 17. The new features of the software include the following:
- Improvements in Workflow – Integrated Design, Visualization and Analysis Workflow
Various workflow improvements have been incorporated in ArchiCAD 17 including improved MORPH tools to support conceptual design. Fully functional BIMx is provided in every installation. This ensures the sharing of BIM projects by the users with their clients in the form of interactive BIM project environments. Element heights can now selectively be linked to story levels. - Boost in Directly Accessible GDL Content for ArchiCAD Users
Access to a wide range of BIM content by real manufacturers is given to the users on ArchiCAD by integration with BIMobject.com. - Priority Based Connections
This cutting edge feature has been included in the latest version of the software. The inclusion of priority based system for the automatic solution rendering of element connections was anticipated for quite some time now. - Intelligent Building Materials
More consistency for derive documents, linking thermal properties to the material itself and many such attributes are the result of this feature. Intelligent Element Association to Story Heights and Intelligent Reference Line Handling of Elements are the newly included features too.
Revit 2014
Revit has come a long way since it released its maiden version of the software. There are various new features in the latest Revit 2014:
Platform and Architectural Features
- Building Element Energy Analysis
- Displaced Elements
- Dockable Window Framework and Enhancements
- Double-Click to Edit Enhancements
- Interoperability Enhancements
- Materials UI Enhancements
- Productivity Enhancements
- Non-Rectangular Crop Regions
- Parameter Variance for Groups
- Room Calculation Point
- Schedules Enhancements
- Selection Enhancements
- Split Elevations
- Temporary View Templates
- View Navigation Performance
- Stairs & Railings Enhancements
- Point Cloud Improvements
- Alternate Dimensions
- Enhanced API
MEP Features
- Air Terminal on Duct
- Angle Constraints
- Cap Open Ends
- CSV File Removal Project
- Duct and Pipe Calculations to API
- Plumbing Template
- Split Systems
Structural Features
- Enhanced Analytical Model
- Reinforcement Enhancements
- Rebar Placement Constraints Customization
- Improved Rebar Tagging
- Improved Positioning of Beams and Braces
- Join Geometry Ordering
- Structural Analysis and Code Checking Toolkit for Autodesk Revit
Building Performance Analysis
- Energy Analysis for Architectural Building Elements
- GBS Analysis App Feature
Both the versions of the BIM authoring tools have incorporated a number of changes to ensure they have an up-to-date interface.