Graphisoft

Last updated
Graphisoft SE
Company type Societas Europaea
Industry
Founded Budapest, Hungary (1982)
Headquarters Budapest, Hungary
Key people
Products See complete products listing.
Parent Nemetschek SE
Subsidiaries
  • Graphisoft R&D Zrt.
  • Graphisoft Deutschland GmbH
  • Graphisoft North America Inc.
  • Graphisoft Japan Co. Ltd.
  • Graphisoft UK Ltd.
  • Graphisoft Brazil
  • Graphisoft Singapore
  • Graphisoft Hong Kong Ltd.
  • Graphisoft Beijing Rep. Office
  • Graphisoft Mexico
  • Graphisoft Italy
Website www.graphisoft.com

Graphisoft SE is a European multinational corporation that designs software, and is headquartered in Budapest, Hungary. As a subsidiary of Nemetschek, Graphisoft develops Building Information Modeling software products for architects, interior designers and planners. Graphisoft has subsidiaries in Germany, United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Japan and a representative office in Singapore. The company's flagship product is Archicad [1] — an architectural design software developed since 1984 for Windows and Mac platforms.

Contents

History

Foundation

In 1982, Graphisoft was established by Gábor Bojár. The Hungarian software developer created terrain modeling software on microcomputers while he was head of a mathematical department at the Geophysical Institute in Budapest. [2] [3] The communist history of Hungary was an important factor in the success of Graphisoft. When private companies had been allowed, Bojár promptly left his job and launched Graphisoft with a competent team. They were all experts in three-dimensional mathematical modeling but had no access to the most modern and efficient computers. This limitation led to the development of 3D modeling software that could be used on low-cost PCs. Then the team provided such software to architects. [4] Since 1984, Graphisoft has been supported by Apple. [5] Steve Jobs was impressed by Graphisoft's capability and the development of the architectural CAD from Bojár in the 2D/3D technology. Therefore, he sent them an Apple computer. This made it possible to create Archicad, the first desktop BIM system and Graphisoft's flagship product. [6]

Graphisoft's flagship product, Archicad was introduced in 1987 as the Virtual Building concept, later (2003) regarded as building information modeling (BIM), and allowing architects to draw walls, windows, doors, slabs and roofs — a common feature now of every BIM-based architectural design software. Subsequent Archicad releases introduced other BIM features such as Teamwork, which enabled more architects to work on the same building in parallel, edit functions in three-dimensional model views, and interoperability add-ons to communicate with other applications using IFC — now a de facto standard in data exchange between BIM applications.

Graphisoft built a campus north of Budapest, Graphisoft Park. The construction of the technology park began in 1998. Today, it includes the company‘s global headquarters and hosts several technology companies such as Microsoft, SAP and Canon. [7] [8] Graphisoft was introduced to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 1998 and the Budapest Stock Exchange in 2000, and was purchased by Nemetschek AG (Germany) in 2007. [9]

In 2013, Graphisoft signed a contract with Nikken Sekkei, to create the BIM Competence & Research Center in order to advance BIM in Japan and Southeast Asia. [10] In 2016, Graphisoft partnered with the company Atlas Cloud to provide a cloud-based access to Archicad. [11] In September 2018, Graphisoft Park expanded by 20,000 square-meters in the cause of its 20th anniversary, lifting the park's total area to 75,000sqm. [12] The new buildings are rented to companies under lease. In addition, Graphisoft Park developed an advanced learning center, the Aquincum Institute of Technology (AIT-Budapest). [13]

In April 2019, Graphisoft's CEO Viktor Várkonyi started to manage the Planning and Design Division at Graphisoft's mother company Nemetschek. [14] Huw Roberts was appointed the new CEO of Graphisoft. [15]

In June 2019, Graphisoft entered a partnership with Epic Games to launch next-generation real-time rendering solution for its customers. [16]

Daniel Csillag was named CEO of Graphisoft in February 2024, succeeding Huw Roberts. [17]

Products

Graphisoft Archicad

Archicad is a complex architectural design tool offering 2D and 3D drafting, visualization and documentation functions for architects and planners to create three-dimensional designs and detailed technical documentation, thus enabling architects to use Archicad from the earliest design phases to the technical detail drawings. [18] [19] As of 2023 Archicad is in its 26th generation. [20]

Graphisoft BIM Server

Graphisoft's second generation collaboration system lets more architects work on the same building simultaneously with Archicad by allowing them to access and manage the building information model database over the internet. Graphisoft BIM Server is shipped with Archicad from version 13.

Available in both private and public cloud configurations on standard hardware. BIMcloud SaaS allows fast, efficient, and secure access to shared projects in real time [21]

Graphisoft MEP Modeler

Graphisoft MEP Modeler (Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing) Modeler is an Archicad extension for architects to incorporate duct work and piping into the architectural design. MEP Modeler allows architects to create, edit or import 3D MEP networks and coordinate them with the Building Information Model, facilitating the BIM workflow between engineers and architects.[ citation needed ]

Graphisoft EcoDesigner

Graphisoft EcoDesigner helps architects to use virtual building information to evaluate energy performance, thus the sustainability of the building from the very first concept design. EcoDesigner allows architects to analyze their design for energy efficiency, providing feedback on the building's estimated energy performance. [22]

Graphisoft BIMcloud

BIMcloud offers secure, real-time multi-disciplinary collaboration between all project team members regardless of the size or complexity of the project, the location of the offices, or the speed of the internet connection. Available in both private and public cloud configurations on standard hardware. [23]

DDScad

Graphisoft merged with sister company DDScad in 2021 to add full MEP capabilities to Archicad.

DDScad solutions support users with intelligent Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) design tools, integrated calculations, and comprehensive documentation of all building systems.

Archicad Collaborate

Graphisoft announced Archicad Collaborate on March 21, 2023. The subscription-based offering combines Archicad with BIMcloud Software as a Service (SaaS) for the price of an Archicad subscription. “The included software, services, and cloud technology in Archicad Collaborate offer a compelling advantage over rival BIM solutions in the market where such items are often separated into additional to-purchase options.”

Graphisoft BIMx

BIMx, formerly marketed as Virtual Building Explorer is an interactive BIM model presentation tool, which allows the presentation of entire building models without the need for installing Archicad or other BIM authoring tool. The software combines video game-like navigation with native BIM features, including measurement of real building dimensions, model cut-throughs, and project markups. [24]

See also

Related Research Articles

Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that makes software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. Autodesk is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and has offices worldwide. Its U.S. offices are located in the states of California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Its Canada offices are located in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.

Nemetschek Group is a vendor of software for architects, engineers and the construction industry. The company develops and distributes software for planning, designing, building and managing buildings and real estate, as well as for media and entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Building information modeling</span> Process used to design and document building and infrastructure designs

Building information modeling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of places. BIM is supported by various tools, technologies and contracts. Building information models (BIMs) are computer files which can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making regarding a built asset. BIM software is used by individuals, businesses and government agencies who plan, design, construct, operate and maintain buildings and diverse physical infrastructures, such as water, refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities, roads, railways, bridges, ports and tunnels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Archicad</span> Computer-aided design software for architecture

ArchiCAD is an architectural BIM CAD software for Mac and Windows developed by the Hungarian company Graphisoft. ArchiCAD offers computer aided solutions for common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the design process of the built environment—buildings, interiors, urban areas, etc.

Data Design System AS (DDS) supplies the construction industry with software tools for building information modelling (BIM).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autodesk Revit</span> Building information modelling software

Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling software for architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, design for contractors. The original software was developed by Charles River Software, founded in 1997, renamed Revit Technology Corporation in 2000, and acquired by Autodesk in 2002. The software allows users to design a building and structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access building information from the building model's database. Revit is 4D building information modeling application capable with tools to plan and track various stages in the building's lifecycle, from concept to construction and later maintenance and/or demolition.

Open Design Alliance is a nonprofit organization creating software development kits (SDKs) for engineering applications. ODA offers interoperability tools for CAD, BIM, and Mechanical industries including .dwg, .dxf, .dgn, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Navisworks, and .ifc files and additional tools for visualization, web development, 3D PDF publishing and modeling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ProjectWise</span>

ProjectWise is a suite of engineering project collaboration software from Bentley Systems designed for the architecture, engineering, construction, and owners/operator (AECO) industries. It helps project teams design, manage, review, share, and distribute engineering project content all within a single connected data environment (CDE). ProjectWise is a file and vendor agnostic solution capable of managing any type of CAD, BIM, geospatial and project data. As well, direct CAD integration is available for Bentley applications and other vendors and software titles including Autodesk & Microsoft Office.

The table below provides an overview of notable computer-aided design (CAD) software. It does not judge power, ease of use, or other user-experience aspects. The table does not include software that is still in development. For all-purpose 3D programs, see Comparison of 3D computer graphics software. CAD refers to a specific type of drawing and modelling software application that is used for creating designs and technical drawings. These can be 3D drawings or 2D drawings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Massaro House</span>

Massaro House is an architecturally significant residence on privately owned Petre Island in Lake Mahopac, New York, roughly 50 miles north of New York city. Inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the home's design and construction have had a complex and controversial history. Wright's plan was initially known as the "Chahroudi House", for the client who commissioned it back in 1949, and for whom Wright designed and built a much smaller cottage on the island when his proposal for the main home proved prohibitively expensive for the local engineer.

Gábor Bojár is a Hungarian entrepreneur and founder of Graphisoft, an AEC CAD company. Graphisoft was acquired by German Nemetschek AG in 2007.

Graphisoft BIM Server is software for building information model based team collaboration developed for architects, interior designers and planners by Graphisoft. Graphisoft BIM Server acts as a central file storage, document and version management tool and a framework for facilitating interaction and collaboration between architects working with multiple ArchiCAD instances on the same project file from remote locations over the Internet. The necessary client-side software is a built in component of ArchiCAD versions starting with version 13.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graphisoft MEP Modeler</span>

Graphisoft MEP Modeler is an extension to Archicad, Graphisoft's architectural design tool to create three-dimensional models of ductwork, piping and electrical networks in order to make the building information model of the designed building more detailed an accurate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BIMx</span>

BIMx is a set of desktop and mobile software tools to interactively present the 3D model and 2D documentation of Building Information Models created with ArchiCAD through a much simpler and intuitive interface than ArchiCAD's complex BIM authoring environment's UI. 3D models with 2D drawing sheets exported to BIMx document format can be viewed with native viewer applications developed for Apple iOS, Android, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows operating systems. BIMx presents three dimensional building models in an interactive way similar to First-person shooter video games. Clients, consultants and builders can virtually walk through and make measurements in the 3D model without the need for installing ArchiCAD. The real-time cutaway function can help to discover the construction details of the displayed building model. 2D construction documentation can be accessed directly from the BIMx Hyper-model's 3D model views providing more detailed information about the building.

Chief Architect Software is a developer of 3D architectural home design software for builders, interior designers, architects, and DIY home enthusiasts. Chief Architect uses BIM tools to create a 3D model of the structure and automatically generates all of the building systems of the home. For the professional architectural and building market, it publishes the Chief Architect product line. For the consumer DIY market, it publishes the Home Designer product line.

buildingSMART, formerly the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI), is an international organisation which aims to improve the exchange of information between software applications used in the construction industry. It has developed Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs) as a neutral and open specification for Building Information Models (BIM).

John Robertson Architects (JRA) is an architectural practice based in Bankside, London, which was founded by its Director John Robertson in 1993. The practice concentrates on the design and implementation of new build, retrofit, historic refurbishment and restoration projects in Central London. It is a member of the AJ100, consisting of the 100 largest architecture practices in the UK. JRA is a foundation member of the Landaid Appeal.

FINE MEP is a BIM CAD software tool for Building services engineering design, built on top of IntelliCAD. It provides full IFC support, according to the 2x3 IFC Standard. FINE BIM structure, enables a smart model shaping and high design accuracy, directly applied to the real 3D-building model and its building services. Not only the building elements, but also the components of the mechanical/electrical installations themselves are all intelligent objects carrying their own attributes and interacting among each other. MEP design is supported by specific CAD commands and further facilitated through sophisticated recognition and validation algorithms, providing a user-friendly modeling environment.

Sonata was a 3D building design software application developed in the early 1980s and now regarded as the forerunner of today's building information modelling applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vectorworks</span> US CAD software company

Vectorworks, Inc. is a U.S.-based software development company that focuses on CAD and BIM software for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), landscape, and entertainment industries. Vectorworks is owned by the Nemetschek Group, a multinational company. It operates as an independent subsidiary of Nemetschek Group.

References

  1. ↑ Árvay, Alica. "Perspectives in Goulash Valley: the Graphisoft Story". Diplomacy & Trade. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  2. ↑ "Graphisoft's new CEO". aecmag.com. Retrieved 2019-10-17.
  3. ↑ Dyson, Esther (1991-01-01). "Micro Capitalism: Eastern Europe's Computer Future". Harvard Business Review. No. January–February 1991. ISSN   0017-8012 . Retrieved 2019-10-17.
  4. ↑ "The GRAPHISOFT Story". www.theb1m.com. Retrieved 2019-10-21.
  5. ↑ "Memorial statue of Steve Jobs in Graphisoft Park Budapest". www.abudapest.com. Retrieved 2019-10-21.
  6. ↑ "Graphisoft's new CEO". aecmag.com. Retrieved 2019-10-21.
  7. ↑ "The GRAPHISOFT Story". www.theb1m.com. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  8. ↑ "The exception to the rule: the new reception building in Graphisoft Park". Guiding Architects. 2018-06-26. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  9. ↑ "About Graphisoft". Nemetschek AG.
  10. ↑ "GRAPHISOFT Extends Partnership with Nikken Sekkei for BIM in Asia". www.engineering.com. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  11. ↑ "Atlas Cloud supports GRAPHISOFT's ARCHICAD in the cloud". Cloud Solutions & Services Provider. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  12. ↑ "Graphisoft Park celebrates 20th anniversary with expansion". Budapest Business Journal. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  13. ↑ "Spring up Smart Living in Budapest - Graphisoft park | mindspace". mindspace.hu. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  14. ↑ "GRAPHISOFT 2019 Key Client Conference: AECbytes Newsletter". www.aecbytes.com. Retrieved 2019-10-30.
  15. ↑ "Huw Roberts: the New CEO of GRAPHISOFT". www.engineering.com. Retrieved 2019-10-30.
  16. ↑ "GRAPHISOFT and Epic Games announce co-marketing agreement to bring next-gen real-time rendering solution to AEC customers". finance.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2019-11-06.
  17. ↑ {{Cite web|url=https://architosh.com/2024/02/graphisoft-announces-new-ceo-in-daniel-csillag/
  18. ↑ Lopez], Bob Martens ; Herbert Peter. (Transl. from German: Pedro M.) (2004). ArchiCAD : best practice: The Virtual Building revealed. Wien: Springer. ISBN   3211407553.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. ↑ Germany, Mohd Fairuz Shiratuddin, Tulio Sulbaran, Shane (2010). Introduction to ArchiCAD : a BIM application (1 ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Learning. ISBN   978-1428356641.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ↑ "GRAPHISOFT announces release of ARCHICAD 23 | Architosh". architosh.com. Retrieved 2019-11-06.
  21. ↑ Eastman, Chuck; Liston, Kathleen; Teicholz, Paul; Sacks, Rafael (2013). Bim handbook a guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors (Unabridged. ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. ISBN   978-1118021699 . Retrieved 26 February 2014.
  22. ↑ Levy, Francois (2013). Bim in small-scale sustainable design (Unabridged. ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. pp. 2–6. ISBN   978-1118106822.
  23. ↑ https://graphisoft.com/solutions/bimcloud
  24. ↑ Boeykens, Stefan (2013). Unity for Architectural Visualisation. Packt Publishing. ISBN   978-1783559077.
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