GRAPHISOFT BIMx™ for iPad/iPhone

Oct 2011

By Sebastian J — Filed under: Software , ArchiCAD, Graphisoft

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GRAPHISOFT recently released an innovative, interactive BIM communication tool for architects. The add-on for ArchiCAD 15, BIMx, is an easy-to-use mobile design demonstration tool for exploring, communicating and sharing building concepts.

Through BIMx, ArchiCAD 15 users gain unprecedented ability to share entire BIM models with anyone through an interactive community on Facebook or through iOS devices. BIMx demonstrations can be executed on a desktop computer or laptop as well. More information and some images after the break.

BIMx uses building models created in GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD and allows them to be viewed in a 3D environment. Move through the design in real-time 3D navigation – using familiar game navigation concepts to show clients, developers and public interest groups how the design concepts work in the building model. With the BIMx add-on for ArchiCAD these models can be explored as standalone applications (only on desktop computers), or using the BIMx Viewer on both desktop and mobile devices, available for free. BIMx Viewer allows users to download models from other sources or from the BIMx community site through iTunes to the iPad.

GRAPHISOFT is promoting the BIMx application with a contest taking place at the BIMx community on Facebook. The online community serves as a central hub for sharing interactive 3D building models. It doubles as a meeting place for Architects holding a BIMx license – commercial or educational – and a place to publish models through an already familiar Facebook interface.

The BIMx community, which looks like a Facebook page – but actually is a cloud based service, is where many ArchiCAD users are receiving peer evaluation and feedback on their designs, from fellow ArchiCAD users. Professionals and students alike find that participating in the group offers inspiration as well. The Facebook integration is a cloud service with free access, search, filter or browse functionality. Models can be uploaded and downloaded without needing a Facebook account on the BIMx community website.

Now until October 31st, all uploads to the BIMx community are automatically entered to win an iPad. Three iPads will be awarded – one in each of three categories, “PRO”, “EDU” and “OVERALL”. One winner will be named for each of the BIMx model entries with the most likes in the “PRO” and “EDU” categories and the editorial team will choose a third winner for the “OVERALL” category. Uploaded models are placed into either the professional or educational category automatically – based upon which ArchiCAD/BIMx version was used to create them. All uploaded models will be considered for category #3 and be judged by the editorial team of the ArchiCAD Facebook page (all architects by profession) for winning the 3rd iPad.

Cite:
Jordana , Sebastian . "GRAPHISOFT BIMx™ for iPad/iPhone" 19 Oct 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed 24 May 2012. <http://www.archdaily.com/177565>

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observer says:

This is a great start! but i would really love to be able to do the whole DESIGN on a tablet, not just showing my work. in a year or two these tablets will probably run special, multitouch, full equiped versions of adobe and autodesk software. How great would it be to do the whole process of design from the couch? or even better: on site!

# October 19, 2011 at 20:43

Jared Banks says:

There are already a lot of those programs out there. Not fully equipped versions, but lots of ways to do site documentation on tablets and import the info in BIM software. OrthoGraph is one cool option that ties into ArchiCAD.

I agree though, it’s all going to happen.

# October 21, 2011 at 11:11

Jorge says:

This kind of devices (iPad, Galaxy Tab, etc..)are made for showing, share, visualize and edit content. Not for creating content. It’s kinda hard to start a new project, with all specifications and details only by “touching” a tab.
This gadgets are not “workstations”. Greetings.

# October 24, 2011 at 15:18

Jorge,

I think that’s a fairly regressive, outdated view of what tablet devises can and will be able to do. I’d much rather enter existing condition data directly into digital format than having to put pen to paper.

# October 24, 2011 at 16:26

nga ngoc says: