Create rather than draw. Build rather than draft.
ArchiCAD embraces the new CAD (Computer-Aided Design) standards. Graphisoft's ArchiCAD is the primary provider of software for the building construction industry.
Graphisoft has been developing design solutions for almost 20 years. Buildings have been designed and constructed based on ArchiCAD's tested and proven method.
Graphisoft's ArchiCAD is simply the easiest way for architects and designers to embrace the new CAD standards. The key element to ArchiCAD's success is its authoring tool - "the Virtual Building."
ArchiCAD's Virtual Building elevates the building in three dimensions. You can view it in 3D; then extract 2D plans, sections, elevations and factual data about the building.
Zoom GDL Team Partner
Zoom GDL is the perfect 3D modeling partner for ArchiCAD.
Abvent's Zoom GDL is multi-platform software for 3D modeling. Zoom is the master in the art of creation and modeling. Zoom simplifies your tasks by providing easy, intuitive tools from the simplest design to the most complex three-dimensional model.
Zoom GDL Means Precision and Reliability
Zoom communicates directly by the standard file formats: DXF 14 / DWG 14, RIB, 3DStudio and QuickDraw3D. Zoom's standard library includes 350 parametric objects. You can change duplicate and use them to create more complex objects.
Zoom GDL offers 3D rotate, revolve, sweep/extrude along a path, and slices. These tools are needed by designers to make detailed custom arches, railings, moldings, furniture, and ornament. Zoom GDL includes Boolean operations (subtract, union, intersection of solids).
Pro Reaction
ArchiCAD new design tools make adding complex elements faster and easier. The Virtual Building data is richer. ArchiCAD's leading edge intelligent object offers automatic documentation and instant visualization.
Abvent's Zoom GDL has a rich set of tools that allow you to easily position, displace and illuminate your objects in any viewing angle. Zoom GDL measuring tools guarantee clockwork precision and accurate creation of your objects.
Con Reaction
ArchiCAD retails for $4,000. ArchiCAD price remains standard for high-end CAD programs. The USB ArchiCAD Keyplug hardware must be plugged directly into your Macintosh's USB port in order for the CAD program to work.
Zoom GDL users must study the Zoom Tutorial manual in order to learn the nuances of the Zoom program. You have to use the mouse for quitting without saving your work by clicking on [No] or [Cancel] buttons instead of using keyboard command keys.
Final Notes
Graphisoft's ArchiCAD is simply the easiest way for architects and designers to embrace the new CAD standards. ArchiCAD 3D model based solutions allow architects and designers to create rather than draw, build rather than draft.
Graphisoft is clearly the leader moving from 2D CADD to 3D intelligent architectural objects. ZOOM excels in all the sectors that use 3D objects, especially in those that demand precision and reliability.
ArchiCAD users looking for more flexibility than they have in ArchiCAD's internal modeling will find that Zoom has a direct translator that also retain lights, materials and textures.
ArchiCAD 7.0 Student Version
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ICS is an Authorized Educational reseller for Graphisoft's ArchiCAD 7.0 Student subscriptions. They are available for both MAC and WIN to all students or faculty with a current student ID. Subscriptions are available in 6-month versions for $99 and 12 month version for $150. Please contact Valerie Mathes at 617-576-8778 for more information.
The ArchiCAD 7.0 Step by Step is a book Demo CD combo providing an overview of concepts tools and building creation techniques in ArchiCAD. Sale price: $30.00 US.
System Requirements:
Graphisoft's ArchiCAD Retails: $4,000 US
Graphisoft USA.
224 Mississipi St.
San Francisco CA 94107
Phone: 415-703-9777
E-mail: info@graphisoft.com
Site: www.graphisoft.com
Abvent's Zoom GDL Mac OS 8.1, 64 MB (128 MB recommended), 200 MB free disk space for a full program installation, QuickTime(tm) 3.0, 24- bit Video Card recommended, CD- ROM drive.
Abvent's Zoom GDL Retails: $495 US
Abvent North America
360, rue Notre-Dame Ouest Bureau 402 -
Montreal QC H2Y 1T9 - Canada
Phone: 1-800-452-9241
E-mail: sales@abvent.com
Site: www.abvent.com
Paul Gerstenbluth is President of the ARIE Foundation. The ARIE Foundation's mission is to provide VA hospitalized patients with hobby materials and computers that helps in their stay and recovery.
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