Product Reviews

in contrast to virtually every other CAD vendor, Graphisoft isn't making noises about 'document management'. The developer of ArchiCAD is not looking to the Internet or any complex client/server infrastructure to save itself. It's simply concentrating on making the process of designing complex structures much easier.

ArchiCAD works on the single model principle, using a fully integrated 3D environment to design and visualise a building. As such, document management has never been an issue, as you were only ever working in a single document.

Version 6.5 of ArchiCAD further develops this virtual building idea while recognising that when working with users of other packages, there's a need to maintain file referencing. ArchiCAD can now reference external files using Hotlinked Modules. This system works in a similar way to Xrefs in AutoCAD, enabling repetitive structures, such as room layouts, to be placed within a project as a series of repeated modules. When the referenced file is edited, all instances of that file are automatically updated. In addition to this, version 6.5 has much better DXF/DWG conversion options, with full support for Xrefs. MicroStation's DGN files are also fully supported. Bitmap file support has been extended to all major file formats, and bitmap files can now be scaled and rotated.

ArchiCAD has always been a true 3D design tool, and a number of new features have been added in this release to help out when working in 3D. With version 6.5, designers can create buildings entirely within the 3D window.

The Gravity tools allow newly created objects to be placed relative to existing surfaces, and now work with meshes as well as walls. This comes into its own when working on multi-storey buildings, as figures like walls can be 'dropped' onto floor slabs without the need to worry about their exact z value.

Direct editing in the 3D window is now possible, as is the placing of elements. This is one of the major advances, with Orthographic drawings simply being views of the 3D model. Any changes made in any view automatically update all other

In terms of the tool set, version 6.5 addresses some of the omissions of 6.0. A new Beam tool allows solid beams to be quickly placed within a structure. The Beam tool is very flexible when working in both orthographic and 3D drawing modes. A dialog box holds settings for intersection priorities with both walls and other beams, making the whole system very intelligent. Square or round holes can be placed through beams for the integration of services. Another long-awaited addition is the Round Column tool. Both rectangular and round columns can be placed within the plan, and where they intersect with walls, the software is intelligent enough to realise that surfaces need to wrap around the central structural core.

The Mesh tool has been greatly improved, making the modelling of organic elements such as membrane structures, much easier. As yet, ArchiCAD doesn't have any solid modelling tools. Basic cursor functionality has been enhanced with the ability to reference lines for both sides of a wall. Visual feedback has also been improved and the cursor now reflects functionality better. For example, it's now possible to pick up attributes from elements using an eyedropper and inject them using a syringe.

Version 6.5 offers far more snapping options, such as the ability to snap to ellipses and splines. Special Snap Points can now display subdivision points between intersections, so you no longer have to work on element parameters. For example, if you have a room divided by an internal partition, you can subdivide the internal wall rather than the overall external wall, as ArchiCAD recognises the wall junction. A Ghost Story option allows multiple stories of a building to be displayed in a ghost mode for spatial reference. Elements on Ghosted stories can be snapped to but not altered.

Rendering is still basic within ArchiCAD, allowing for simple Phong shaded views of 3D models. One improvement in this area is the ability to cast shadows within the elevation and section windows. These are based on a user-defined sun position, and are very detailed - window fenestration is cast within shadows, for example.

Version 6.5 consolidates ArchiCAD's position as the pre-eminent architectural package on the Mac platform. It finally delivers what CAD packages have been promising for the last 20 years: the ability to construct your project before you build it.