After successful completion of the course, students are able to...

... to outline the basic principles of BIM planning and digital working methods and to list practical use cases.

... name software tools for the integral planning process.

... perform basic operations in selected software solutions.

Section 1: Archicad

The basics of the Archicad software are explained and a simple BIM model is created, with a focus on creating of plans, details and analyses are discussed, as well as the working method with properties and attributes.

PDF and DXF plans as well as an IFC model are generated from the Archicad model. In addition, an analysis model of the load-bearing components is generated.

Section 2: RFEM 6

The basics of the RFE6 software are explained and the digital calculation and design are explained. The various import options are discussed, as well as the preparation of the structural model and its design.

Section 3: Rhino Grasshopper

The basics of the Rhino Grasshopper software are explained as well as its interoperability with Archicad and simulation tools demonstrated. The focus is on architectural and engineering questions
issues that can be solved by parametric form-finding.

Section 4: Archicad - ArchiFrame

The adjustments from the design are transferred to the Archicad model and this is further customised. The Archicad add-on ArchiFrame is then used to create the elements and generate the required documents such as plans, lists, IFC models and CNC data for prefabrication.

Presentations to introduce the topic blocks

Exercises as instructed by the lecturers during the lectures

The course starts with an introduction to BIM planning, followed by the modeling of an architectural model. Building on this, software tools will be integrated into the planning process, enabling architectural and structural engineering issues to be solved through parametric form-finding in conjunction with simulation tools.
The course focuses on digital timber construction planning and dimensioning, although the principles can also be applied to other construction methods. All planning phases from design and dimensioning to production planning are covered and the interfaces of the various software tools are discussed, as well as the integration of parametric solution approaches.

•     Structure of a BIM model
•     Digital static dimensioning
•     Integration of parametric solution approaches
•     Importance of production planning

Delivery of the models developed in the lectures