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Valentyn-Vladyslav Kotsarenko

What is BIM? What are the dimensions of BIM? How can I develop a project in its entirety with ArchiCAD? How can I model, document, export, and present a BIM project with ArchiCAD? How can I export to other platforms such as AutoCAD in DWG format? These are some of the questions I will answer in this complete guide on BIM with ArchiCAD.

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What is BIM? What are the dimensions of BIM? How can I develop a project in its entirety with ArchiCAD? How can I model, document, export, and present a BIM project with ArchiCAD? How can I export to other platforms such as AutoCAD in DWG format? These are some of the questions I will answer in this complete guide on BIM with ArchiCAD.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) stands out as a methodology that revolutionizes the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) sector, and ArchiCAD -a solution developed by Graphisoft since 1982- is one of the various tools that enables this way of working, by centralizing information in a BIM database ArchiCAD allows for greater project quality and productivity in less time compared to the 2D CAD workflow.

Welcome. My name is Valentyn-Vladyslav Kotsarenko, a graduate with a Master's in Architecture and BIM Coordinator. In addition to being certified as an advanced user in handling ArchiCAD, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Graphisoft Mexico in the implementation of BIM for the professional sector; I have over 10 years of experience in this and other topics, but even more experience training universities, companies, and individuals in the use of various BIM solutions, seeking to optimize work and production processes to the fullest. And this time, I will guide you.

This course represents the second step in a series of structured training programs; if you haven't yet had your first experience with BIM, you're unsure how to start, develop and publish an architectural project, or you want to learn ArchiCAD as a concise alternative, this training is for you.

Throughout this training:

  • I will explain in-depth what BIM is, its advantages, dimensions, examples, and more.

  • I will guide you through your first and second steps with ArchiCAD.

  • I will teach you everything you need to work in 2D and 3D with ArchiCAD.

  • I will teach you everything you need to know to document floor plans, sections, elevations, perspectives, and more.

  • I will teach you how to structure, manage and place your views in order to create layouts.

  • I will teach you how to publish all your material with just one click.

  • I will explain everything you need to know to export your results to DWG for platforms like AutoCAD.

And more.

BIM has revolutionized the work schemes around the world, and today you too can achieve it. I will see you in the first lesson.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the concepts of building information modeling (bim)
  • Take the first and second steps in using archicad
  • Develop architectural projects with bim in archicad
  • Document architectural projects with bim in archicad
  • Publish architectural projects with bim in archicad
  • Export architectural projects with bim in archicad
  • Present architectural projects with bimx

Syllabus

Welcome

I'm including a link with the System Requirements to run the latest vertion of ArchiCAD both in Windows or Mac.

I'm including the general course brochure which includes a specific summary of each of the sections with the long term course integration blueprint, all in one PDF file.

Read more

In the present lesson, i'm including the brochure in PDF format related to the concepts that we will cover for this module.

I'm including 2 useful documents which delve into extra details about the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

I'm including an interesting article by Shoegnome Architects which explains extra details about possible BIM workflows and scenarios.

I'm including an external link to an interesting article which delves more into the levels of BIM. I'm also including a PDF which delves into more details about the business value of BIM.

I'm including the Level of Development (LOD) specification guide both as external link and as a PDF format.

I'm including the link where you will register for a free and official ArchiCAD license by Graphisoft.

In the present lesson, i'm including a link to an official Graphisoft site that has online help about ArchiCAD you can review at any time. I'm also including another link where you can review the full guide in PDF format (4195 pages so far).

I'm including the reference guide part we're covering for this specific set of lessons, if you want to review specific details.

I'm including the 2 links where you can download sample projects for ArchiCAD.

I'm including 2 PDF documents where you can review the different default keyboard shortcuts we have for ArchiCAD; i'm also including the reference guide part we're covering for this specific set of lessons, if you want to review specific details.

I'm including the 2 links where you can download sample projects for ArchiCAD. I'm also including the example file by Graphisoft as an extra backup (PLA format for ArchiCAD 27) if you're not able to download it from the official site.

In the present lesson, i'm including the 2 PDF files related to the concepts and activities we will cover for this module.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores BIM, which is a methodology that is revolutionizing the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) sector, offering a centralized database for greater project quality and productivity
Guides learners through their first and second steps with ArchiCAD, teaching them everything they need to work in 2D and 3D, which builds a strong foundation for beginners
Teaches how to document floor plans, sections, elevations, and perspectives, which are essential skills for architects and designers in creating comprehensive project documentation
Explains how to structure, manage, and place views in order to create layouts, which is a crucial skill for BIM coordinators and project managers in organizing project information
Teaches how to export results to DWG for platforms like AutoCAD, which is useful for collaboration between ArchiCAD users and those using other CAD software
Represents the second step in a series of structured training programs, so learners may benefit from taking other courses in the series to gain a more comprehensive understanding

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Reviews summary

Practical archicad skills & bim fundamentals

According to students, this course provides a solid introduction to both the theoretical concepts of BIM and the practical application of ArchiCAD. Learners appreciate the instructor's ability to explain complex topics clearly, often highlighting his extensive knowledge and experience in both BIM and ArchiCAD. The course is particularly praised for helping beginners take their first steps with the software and understand the foundations of BIM workflows. While some found certain sections could benefit from deeper dives or updates, the overall sentiment is strongly positive, with many finding the content immediately applicable to their work.
Course may need minor updates for latest ArchiCAD versions.
"Some interface elements slightly differ in newer versions..."
"A quick update reflecting the latest software would be beneficial..."
"Still very relevant, but minor differences appear with ArchiCAD 27."
Pace is good for beginners but may lack depth for some.
"good pace for introduction..."
"Could use more advanced examples for intermediate users..."
"Some sections feel a bit rushed..."
"While great for basics, I was hoping for more detail on specific tools."
Instructor demonstrates deep knowledge and experience.
"You can notice the instructor is a very knowledgeable person..."
"The instructor's experience in BIM and ArchiCAD is evident..."
"His background as a BIM Coordinator adds significant value..."
"He knows exactly what he's talking about."
Focuses on practical steps and workflows in ArchiCAD.
"Very practical and easy to follow the workflow..."
"The practical exercises reinforce the theoretical concepts..."
"It teaches you how to actually start and develop a project."
"I can immediately apply what I learned to my architectural projects."
Good starting point for learning ArchiCAD basics.
"Perfect for someone who is starting with ArchiCAD..."
"It was very helpful to guide me on my first steps using Archicad..."
"I now feel confident using ArchiCAD for basic tasks."
"The course covers all the necessary tools for beginners in ArchiCAD."
Provides good introduction to BIM concepts and workflow.
"excellent base to start understanding BIM..."
"It really helps to understand what BIM is all about..."
"the course provided a solid introduction to the concepts of BIM..."
"I learned the fundamental principles of the BIM framework."
Instructor explains concepts clearly and effectively.
"The instructor has a great ability to explain complex concepts with simple words..."
"Valentyn explains the topics very well..."
"The instructions are clear and easy to follow."
"I found the instructor's explanations to be very clear and helpful."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basic BIM Framework with ArchiCAD with these activities:
Review CAD Fundamentals
Reviewing CAD fundamentals will help you better understand the transition to BIM and ArchiCAD's 2D drafting capabilities.
Browse courses on CAD
Show steps
  • Review basic CAD concepts like layers, blocks, and layouts.
  • Practice creating simple 2D drawings using CAD software.
  • Familiarize yourself with common CAD commands and shortcuts.
Read 'BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers'
Reading this book will provide a solid foundation in BIM principles and best practices, complementing the ArchiCAD-specific knowledge gained in the course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the BIM Handbook.
  • Read the chapters relevant to BIM concepts, workflows, and implementation.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Model a Simple Building in ArchiCAD
Starting a small project will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course and gain hands-on experience with ArchiCAD's modeling tools.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple building design (e.g., a small house or office).
  • Create a new ArchiCAD project and set up the project settings.
  • Model the building's walls, doors, windows, and roof using ArchiCAD's tools.
  • Add basic annotations and dimensions to the model.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Advanced ArchiCAD Tutorials
Following advanced tutorials will help you explore more complex ArchiCAD features and workflows, expanding your skillset.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on advanced ArchiCAD topics (e.g., complex roof modeling, parametric objects, or collaboration workflows).
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, applying the techniques to your own projects.
  • Take notes on new concepts and techniques learned.
Generate a set of construction documents
Creating construction documents will reinforce your understanding of ArchiCAD's documentation tools and BIM workflows.
Show steps
  • Use ArchiCAD to generate floor plans, sections, and elevations from your model.
  • Add annotations, dimensions, and tags to the drawings.
  • Create a layout book and arrange the drawings on sheets.
  • Publish the construction documents as a PDF file.
Read 'Mastering ArchiCAD'
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of ArchiCAD's capabilities and help you become a more proficient user.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Mastering ArchiCAD'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to your areas of interest or areas where you want to improve your skills.
  • Experiment with the techniques and workflows described in the book.
Contribute to ArchiCAD Open Source Projects
Contributing to open-source projects will allow you to collaborate with other ArchiCAD users, improve your skills, and give back to the community.
Show steps
  • Research ArchiCAD-related open-source projects (e.g., add-ons, libraries, or templates).
  • Identify areas where you can contribute (e.g., bug fixes, documentation, or new features).
  • Submit your contributions to the project maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete Basic BIM Framework with ArchiCAD will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
BIM Modeler
A BIM Modeler creates 3D models of buildings and infrastructure. This course, focusing on ArchiCAD, directly aligns with the daily tasks of a BIM modeler, which include modeling, documentation, and exporting BIM projects. The course covers how to develop an entire project using ArchiCAD, including exporting to other platforms like AutoCAD. Learning to document and present a BIM project is a core skill for a BIM Modeler.
Architectural Designer
An Architectural Designer develops designs for buildings and structures. This course directly contributes to the skill set of an Architectural Designer by providing hands-on experience with ArchiCAD, a powerful tool for creating and documenting architectural designs within a BIM framework. The course covers 2D and 3D work, creating floor plans, sections, elevations, and perspectives. It also explains how to structure, manage, and place views to create layouts. The ability to present and export projects, as taught in this course, is important for any Architectural Designer.
Virtual Design and Construction Specialist
A Virtual Design and Construction Specialist uses digital technology to improve construction project delivery. This course helps someone interested in this position through its explanation of BIM and its practical application using ArchiCAD. The course's focus on modeling, documentation, and exporting projects directly contributes to the core responsibilities of a Virtual Design and Construction Specialist. The course’s teaching of the BIM methodology is essential for anyone in this role.
BIM Coordinator
A BIM Coordinator manages and oversees the implementation of BIM on projects. This course helps someone become a BIM Coordinator by teaching the fundamentals of BIM using ArchiCAD, a tool important for project implementation. The course covers key aspects of BIM such as its dimensions and advantages, along with practical knowledge on developing, documenting, exporting, and presenting BIM projects. Understanding BIM and ArchiCAD, as taught in this course, is an essential starting point to becoming a BIM Coordinator.
Construction Technologist
A Construction Technologist uses technology to improve construction processes. This course helps someone become a Construction Technologist by providing training in BIM and ArchiCAD. This includes skills in modeling, documenting, and exporting BIM projects. The course teaches how to develop a project in its entirety with ArchiCAD, which can be directly applied to the work of a Construction Technologist. The ability to export projects to formats like DWG for AutoCAD is also useful in this field.
Digital Design Specialist
A Digital Design Specialist utilizes software and digital tools to create designs. This course teaches how to create designs using ArchiCAD within a BIM framework. This includes learning how to document, export, and present projects. The course’s focus on 2D and 3D work, along with project development, are all directly applicable to the work of a Digital Design Specialist. This course will also help someone seeking a role in digital design to gain an understanding of the BIM methodology.
Architect
An Architect designs buildings and other structures. This course is an introduction to BIM utilizing ArchiCAD, a tool commonly used by architects. An Architect may use this course to learn how to develop, document, export, and present architectural projects using BIM. It provides a foundation in 2D and 3D work and project management. Learning how to export to other platforms like AutoCAD, as taught in the course, is also valuable for an Architect.
CAD Technician
A CAD Technician creates technical drawings using computer-aided design software. While this course focuses on ArchiCAD within a BIM context rather than traditional CAD, it introduces concepts applicable to CAD work, for example, the course teaches how to export to DWG, commonly used in AutoCAD. This may be a useful starting point for CAD Technicians who want to move to BIM. Someone in this role can use this course to grow their understanding of the latest design technologies.
Architectural Drafter
An Architectural Drafter creates technical drawings and plans for architectural projects. This course provides a foundation in producing floor plans, sections, elevations, and perspectives using BIM software. While the course focuses on ArchiCAD, this skill set is highly relevant for architectural drafting. An Architectural Drafter may find this course helpful as it teaches how to document and structure architectural plans within the BIM methodology. It also demonstrates how to publish and export project materials.
Project Manager
A Project Manager oversees projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. While not directly a design role, this course may be useful to a Project Manager in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Understanding the BIM methodology and knowing how to use ArchiCAD, a tool used in project development, can help in project oversight. It may benefit the project manager to know how projects are created, documented and exported, as this course teaches.
Design Manager
A Design Manager oversees the design process for various projects. This course may be helpful to a Design Manager to gain a better understanding of tools like ArchiCAD and the BIM process used by their teams. This includes developing projects, modeling, documenting, and exporting. The course’s focus on using ArchiCAD to manage architectural projects helps build a Design Manager's expertise in overseeing design-related projects and processes.
MEP Designer
An MEP Designer designs mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for buildings. While this course focuses on the architectural aspects of BIM using ArchiCAD, it may be beneficial for an MEP Designer seeking to understand the overall BIM process as they collaborate with architects. The course covers core BIM concepts, modeling, documentation, and project presentation, all of which are relevant to understanding how MEP systems are integrated into a larger building project. This course may be helpful to an MEP Designer looking to expand their understanding of BIM and ArchiCAD.
Civil Engineering Technician
A Civil Engineering Technician assists Civil Engineers in planning and designing projects. While this course focuses on architectural BIM with ArchiCAD, the general concepts of BIM and project documentation may be useful for a Civil Engineering Technician to understand. The course covers how to document and export files, a skill important for project workflows. A Civil Engineering Technician may find this course helpful as an introduction to BIM, especially if they work with architectural teams that utilize BIM.
Interior designer
An Interior Designer focuses on the design and functionality of interior spaces. While this course is focused on architectural design with BIM, learning BIM can be a useful skill for an Interior Designer as it gives them a holistic view of building design. The course introduces how to develop projects in their entirety in ArchiCAD, including exporting to other platforms, which may help with coordination between interior and architectural design. This course may help an Interior Designer who wants a broader view of BIM in the construction industry.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops plans for communities and cities. While this course's focus on architectural BIM using ArchiCAD may not be directly related to the daily tasks of an urban planner, understanding the use of BIM in building design may be helpful for those in this field. Understanding BIM’s dimensions can help an urban planner better coordinate with architects. This course may be useful to an Urban Planner looking to gain insight into the design and construction process.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basic BIM Framework with ArchiCAD.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of BIM principles, workflows, and technologies. It valuable resource for understanding the broader context of BIM and its applications across the AECO industry. is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals. It adds depth to the course by exploring advanced BIM concepts and real-world case studies.

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