And DDScad in Archicad brings new intelligence as MEP piping is laid out and size changes are required.ĭDScad in Archicad 27: new MEP product technology / database New product data technology enhances the openBIM capabilities of the product, giving engineers greater freedom and flexibility when it comes to design. The latest version of DDScad introduces access to out-of-the-box manufacturer data, intended to simplify the MEP design process. Graphisoft executives say that they are committed to DDScad’s existing customer base and its product development roadmap, even as they work to broaden its appeal for a more BIM-focused audience. Meanwhile, Autodesk appears to be slowing development of Revit as it transitions to a new cloud-based platform called Forma.Īs it stands, DDScad now lives a dual existence, both as a standalone product and as a part of Archicad. With each new release, Archicad is becoming more than just ‘Archi’, and will be better able to compete with Revit as a desktop BIM tool with cloud capabilities.

Graphisoft’s decision to fold in DDScad functionality and build strong links to Nemetschek’s Frilo, Risa and Scia brands will broaden Archicad’s appeal and enable the package to compete feature by feature with Revit. This presents a direct challenge to competitor Autodesk Revit, the market’s 800-pound gorilla, which has always benefited from offering a broad, multidisciplinary feature set. With this year’s Archicad 27, the company continues its journey to empower architects with better tools and deliver strong capabilities for multidisciplinary teams, both in MEP and structural workflows. Since last year’s release, Graphisoft has been on a mission to significantly expand the programme’s feature set, adding a raft of MEP capabilities enabled by integration with fellow Nemetschek stablemate, DDScad. Archicad is a tool that has historically done well with architecture firms, having successfully carved out a dual Apple/Windows niche for itself. This year is no exception, with the Hungary-based developer of BIM software (part of the Nemetschek group) unveiling useful enhancements to its core Archicad, BIMcloud and BIMx programmes for design, collaboration and project management, respectively. Graphisoft enjoys a solid reputation for delivering consistent value with every annual release. At an event held at its Budapest headquarters in early October, Graphisoft unveiled Archicad 27, featuring a broad range of crowd-pleasing BIM enhancements, bulked-up MEP capabilities and some intriguing new AI capabilities, writes Martyn Day

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