ArchiCAD 16 with EcoDesigner Built-in

Architects no longer have excuse to design non-sustainable buildings!!!

EcoDesigner comes out of the box with ArchiCAD 16.

Yes, performing energy evaluation of your design is no more a luxury. Even a junior architect can understand how EcoDesigner works and perform Energy Evaluations.


If you are still not very confident about using EcoDesigner, Graphisoft created an excellent Playlist where every and each function of EcoDesigner is explained in detail. Here you go:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA200C89E9E1D1280&feature=plcp

I think integrated Building Energy Information Modeling is the most important benefit that ArchiCAD 16 brings to us and deserves 5 BIG Stars:))

Which one is the most popular ArchiCAD Add-on?

Today's post is about ArchiCAD add-ons but not all the ecosystem. I will talk about only the add-ons developed by Graphisoft.

Let's list them first according to their release dates:

1. MEP Modeler
2. EcoDesigner
3. BIM Explorer

When it comes to listing them according to their popularities I think we need to define the word "popular"?

Is an add-on popular if it sells more?

Is an add-on popular if it gets more "Wow"s during the presentations?

Well! It is hard to decide so let's have 2 categories:)

According to our sales numbers in the Middle East, MEP Modeler is the front runner with a significant difference! I am sure  this is a shocking fact for most of you.

Let me explain.

MEP Modeler

In the Middle East, majority of the companies are multi-discipline which means they have their own architectural, structural and MEP teams. For them ArchiCAD without MEP modeler is like Browni without ice cream. (another great comparison from me  :)))

When I say majority of the companies, I am not trying to say majority of the big companies. Here, even a 5 men office would have 3 architects, 1 structural engineer and 1 MEP engineer.

What about the "Wow"s it get during the presentations?

No wow at all because people are expecting it as a default part of a BIM solution:))

BIM Explorer

Well this is the only add-on which has a balance of "wow"s and sales.
People love it when they see the presentation! Especially on iPad! Being able to navigate in the BIM Model without any training of these complicated BIM Software is a miracle for the managers as well as the project owners.

Sales numbers are also good!

EcoDesigner

This is the strangest add-on in terms of the balance of "wow"s and sales.

Since Sustainability is  "the topic" in the Middle East, EcoDesigner is the start of the meetings. Everybody is extremely impressed with the fact it runs within the BIM Software and no export/import is required. You can get your energy analysis results any time.

But when it comes to sales results, we are not very happy.

As everything related to sustainability, EcoDesigner is an add-on nice to talk about but not apply in your projects.

Unfortunately in the Middle East there are only few companies who really wants to design sustainable buildings. Most of them do not pay any attention unless it is mandated in the project. Even it is mandated, then they just fill few Excel sheets in the late stages of the project where all the design decisions are already made. Yes, this is a sad story :(

Anyway, now let's make the list...

Most Popular ArchiCAD Add-on As per Sales Number in the Middle East

1. MEP Modeler
2. BIMx
3. EcoDesigner

Most Popular ArchiCAD Add-on As per "Wow"s in the Middle East

1. EcoDesigner
2. BIMx
3. MEP Modeler

Quite interesting, hey?

Enjoy your day!

Diyane Koseoglu
www.bimes.com

Save $$$ even before starting with BIM

Well, as we all know world's economy is not having it's best years!

Especially the smaller companies are suffering a lot!

During the recession in 2008-2009, large companies shrunk to half of their actual size. Sometimes even more. But the smaller companies did not have the room for shrinking! Shrinking meant closing for many of them!

So how can a small company can survive these tough days!

We all know BIM increases productivity, quality of the output etc. I am not going to talk about these well known facts!

How BIM can make your small business survive  these days is by "differentiating" your company from the competition!

Now assume that you are having your meeting with the client!

You can be sure that all your competitors are showing him pretty pictures of their projects.

So you have to differentiate yourself but how?

Use BIM as a supporting sales feature for your company.
     

- Your company uses the latest technology (BIM) which means you will deliver him the highest quality project. This will built trust.

- Give him a BIMx model that he can explore on his iPad or iPhone. He will be so impressed with you!

- Make a quick enery analysis with EcoDesigner and show him how much you are saving on his running costs by adding those shaders.

This list can continue depending on your creativity:)

Oupss!

I can almost hear you saying "I am telling you that I am suffering financially and you are telling me make huge investments to survive"

No! Not at all!
       

     
If you are a small practice, start with a small investment as well!


Instead of getting a full featured BIM software such as ArchiCAD 15 begin with ArchiCAD STAR(T) Edition!

It is a tailored solution for small companies. It does not have all the functions that a large office would need (such as BIM Server and Teamwork) but it does cover all the essentials of small ones.

Then, In the future, when the financial situation improves and your business grows you can upgrade it to the ArchiCAD full version!

Do not pay for training!

Internet is full of free content! Just download the Interactive Training Guides from Graphisoft's website and spend around 20-30 hours and you should be up and running!

Dont miss the opportunity to develop your business! In 5 years time BIM will no longer be a differentiator!

Diyane Koseoglu
www.bimes.com