ArchiCAD VS Revit. What BIM software to use?
Building Information Modeling – BIM is one of the most popular topics in construction. We can define it as a process that helps us manage complexity and improve performance in construction projects. BIM, simplified, is a process to create and manage all the information of any project, before, during and after construction.
Revit from Autodesk and ArchiCAD from Graphisoft are the two biggest players on the market. This comparison between ArchiCAD and Revit will help architects, homeowners, and contractors make shorter Ð ° decisions.
ArchiCAD is the first BIM software for architects, created in 1984. Offering a set of tools for the design and engineering of buildings, this software allows you to see the project through the engineering and visual design of interiors and exteriors of buildings. On the other hand, Revit is a 4D BIM tool that helps us plan all aspects of a construction project, from design to construction and beyond. Made in 2002, this software can be used by architects, builders, engineers, project managers, and more.
User interface
ArchiCAD’s user interface is perhaps the first thing users are praising it for. It’s clean and elegant and that’s perhaps why ArchiCAD has an easier learning curve, especially for designers. While the user interface can be customized in a number of ways, it has slightly less flexibility than its opponent. Revit features a user interface that is highly customizable, supporting multiple approaches to using the software. It’s a bit tricky, due to its medium learning curve. However, Revit offers a greater level of flexibility to designers and architects.
Conceptual design
The conceptual design in ArchiCAD is quite easy to use, allowing push / pull modeling, instant and customizable geometry, and smart multiple extrusion. Similarly, Revit features a conceptual design that provides flexibility in the early stages of a project. This allows you to create geometry that can then be integrated into your BIM project.
Display
Revit presents a wide range of views from which to approach your design, such as wireframe and transparent surface. Each view can be manipulated and controlled in a particular project and can be assigned to the overview or specified to a category or item. ArchiCAD has visual styles similar to Revit, but does not have the ability to apply views to specific elements.
Representation
Both ArchiCAD and Revit have a great set of tools for rendering. They can produce photorealistic images of the interior and exterior of your project. Ray Trace is a photorealistic rendering mode that allows you to pan and zoom with your Revit model. When using this visual style, rendering starts with a lower resolution but quickly increases its fidelity. So you can set the lighting, photo exposure, and background. ArchiCAD introduces CineRender, a Ray Trace-like tool that allows you to change light, shadow, texture, brightness, and more.
Interoperability
Revit and ArchiCAD can import and export IFC files. In addition, they are capable of importing and exporting all common file types, including 3D models, 2D drawings, and other types of CAD files.
Prices
Revit 2018 costs $ 2,200 per year. ArchiCAD 21 is a bit cheaper; however, it requires a number of add-ins that you must add manually to achieve the same functionality as Revit.
What our colleagues said:
Borjana: “I prefer ArchiCAD over Revit. As an architect, I can better express my ideas by working in ArchiCAD and I can easily manage all the parameters. It also offers many tools that are useful for presenting and developing the design, so the graphic The presentation of the models, projects and documentation are at an excellent level. “
Ana: “Revit is very valuable software. It is made for architecture and will provide all the tools you need to design a good building. It is very accurate and provides very clean and precise drawings. But as an architect, I prefer ArchiCAD or 3D AutoCAD because I believe that offers more freedom to express yourself as a designer. “