ArchiCAD Summer School: 2005 Feedback on the Event

Training Courses 6-7 September - See Feedback page on the One-day courses

Summer School Weekend Thursday 8th Sept

ArchiCAD Encounter - See Feedback page on the ArchiCAD Encounter

Evening Plenary: Andreas Kohlhaas - 'What has ArchiCAD to do with Earth Google?'

Til Breton : Left us speechless... sometime dreams can come to reality.
Derek Brown : Entertaining view on the future of City modelling which, when realised, will be a great addition to every designer when trying to show how a new building or development would appear within its proposed location.
Daniel Dusoswa : Interesting for work in some countries where such services are available. Knowing about such services will make us aware of the fact that such could become more widely available. Interesting development.
Alice Feger : I think that the theme is quite interesting, but the way it was presented was a bit boring.
Alan Gillard : A good effort but unfortunately not relevant to me and I feel a bad choice as a keynote speaker.
William Gray : Quite interesting - something for the future in terms of level of detail. Sadly no Mac version as yet.
Michael Hohmann : Stunning presentation, Earth Google together with SketchUp are meanwhile already useful. German municipalities seem hampered by having or wanting to have their models plan-accurate for legal purposes, which appeared to me to overcomplicated (and overpriced) things for day-to-day use by architects or even planners. See also Zmapping under Saturday's tips'n tricks.
Frank Hollinger : Exciting perspective on this. Nice presentation
David Kjoller : I would personally prefer a self made site model uploaded to the web. I don't think that a architectural project is presented very well in the Earth Google environment.
Miguel Krippahl : ArchiCAD and Earth Google together... now, that is an interesting idea!
Ireneusz Kurowski : I was very impressed with this presentation. I think that for an architect who models his buildings it is very helpful to have a possibility to put the model in a wider context. The city models are amazingly accurate and the software's interface Andreas presented is being developed in a similar way to Google Earth - navigating, texturing, etc but with much more accurate information. Andreas said that ArchiCAD has nothing to do with Google Earth, but... as a later presentatoin (Peter Agnew - getting Sketchup models into Earth Google) has shown - it is possible to export your ArchiCAD model (using SketchUp) to Google Earth and even share it with GE users.
Alan McDonnell : A very interesting (& eye-opening) review of Earth Google and Andreas's links to city modelling via software from his company Gistec.
Lloyd Northend : An exciting prospect for the future of 3D modelling.
Richard Payne : I had already seen and acquired the Earth Google download and spent some time zooming round the world. No immediate use but who knows what is just round the corner .....
Andrew Rowe : Good presentation and an eye opener to this fascinating subject. Got me hooked and went home and downloaded Earth Google from the web.
Dirk Van Hecke : Very interesting. I was really impressed!
Brian Wall : I thought this was amazing - I am a big fan of Google Earth
Mark Wildish : Earth Google looks impressive and I have already been impressing work colleagues and friends with fly throughs the Alps! However as a valuble tool at work I think it is some time away and although it has great potential I think it is still some time off before it will be really useful to our practise, given our rural location etc.

Evening Plenary: Tom Cederqvist - 'ArchiCAD in the North with CEJ'

Til Breton : I was very impressed, here we are, the first generation of architects raised with computer - the new generation is coming, and when they use computers and good software smartly like Tom and his team do, the result is here !
Derek Brown : A very interesting session by Tom showing the suitability of ArchiCAD for all aspects of the design process and the advantage of being able to show realistic and accurate 3D models to clients in the early design stages.
Daniel Dusoswa : Very driven and interesting person. Makes very commercial and sensible use of ArchiCAD. His use of ArchiCAD will change the mindset of many users. Instead of virtual detail he goes the other extreme, little detail on large buildings, painting a mere idea in a week!, very good.
David Emery : I had previously seen a presentation by Tom at the Graphisoft Design Forum in Hungary and had been impressed on that occasion. This presentation was very similar, but no less impressive for all that. The Hospital Extension which formed a large part of his presentation showed some highly imaginative uses of ArchiCAD, and I particularly liked his 'model' in wood!
Alice Feger : Absolutely fantastic! Very intersting to see which way he transformed ideas with Archicad and how every competition was set up in a different way.
Alan Gillard : This talk was a great demonstration of the architectural capabilities of ArchiCad and was very inspiring. At the risk of sounding a sour note, I also felt it demonstrated the dangers of working with computers and the longer the lecture lasted, the more the designs seemed to resemble the megalomania of seventies brutalism....
William Gray : This was both an enjoyable and interesting talk. Tom seemed to be using the full potential of the software, and his renderings had a really lively quality.
Russell Gray : Very good. Inspiring. 
Michael Hohmann : What a kick-off to ACUE: fuel-injected presenter, ArchiCAD user and the resulting architecture.
Frank Hollinger : He is good. Not only as a story teller but also as an architect.
David Kjoller : Wonderful lecture. He was showing great enthusiasm describing a working process in ArchiCAD that seemed very efficient.
Miguel Krippahl : Having seen Tom's presentation before, it still has that inspiring magic. His is the kind of work that makes you want to go a step further.
Ireneusz Kurowski : For me it was one of the most interesting presentations. Tom presented a lot of his practice's (CEJ) projects focusing on their conceptual design and presentation using ArchiCAD models. CEJ's portfolio is a great example of a quality design supported by an efficient Cad tool on every stage of a project. Tom explained how the main concept affects the style, technique, mood of a rendering - every project tells the story in its own original way. Pictures are worth 1000 words - visit CEJ's website: http://www.eriarc.fi/
John Littlewood : For me this was one of the best plenary sessions, very impressive. It makes you want to use ArchiCAD more and more.
Alan McDonnell : Tom's review/explanation of his company's work was intriguing to say the least. A firm believer in complete building modelling and 'away with 2D', his architectural presentation was fascinating, and something for everyone to aspire...
Lloyd Northend : An impressive display of different presentation techniques, with the intention to evoke specific emotions towards different designs.
Richard Payne : For me, Tom was one of the highlights of ACUE this year. Such a clear, fresh, enthusiastic and un-cluttered approach. I found him energising and it was good to see a simple style which produced sophisticated output. I had to see more.
Andrew Rowe : Really interesting and brilliant visuals which appeared to be created so quickly and simply.
Dirk Van Hecke : Exactly how to use AC in my opinion! Wonderful buildings. Nice presentations.
Nigel Walter : Compelling visuals, nice style of presentation. Went to Tom's workshop having seen this.
Mark Wildish : The work on display here was very impressive, if not a little bit of an annoyance to myself. When I was asked to investigate and find a suitable CAD package for the office, every single CAD package whether it be a web-site or literature had this kind of show boating. Don't get me wrong I loved the stuff on show and what you can do with CAD, but when you are a traditional Architectural practise, specialising in Barn Conversions, one off traditional style dwellings etc. it's very hard to decide which is the best one suited to your needs when your looking at a fancy 3D render of the Petronas Towers (not really suited to the Cotswolds) Despite looking on many of the suppliers and Graphisoft themselves web-sites I'm yet to see a more traditional style building and it would be nice to see this addressed and whilst I'm on about it, I feel that as a package Archicad is more suited to working with modern buildings, with regards to library parts etc. I'm only just starting out With Archicad and already I'm having to model many of my own special windows etc.

Friday 9th Sept

Graphisoft Morning

A million buildings designed with ArchiCAD - and now we can make freeform shapes with Maxonform

Half Plenary: The ArchiCAD Office: Andreas Lettner

Half Plenary: LIGHTWORKS, Rendering: Dwight Atkinson

Half Plenary: LIGHTWORKS, Rendering: Dwight Atkinson

Derek Brown : Dwight was as entertaining as one would expect but presented a very enlightening - sorry - session on how to improve the appearance of 3D models using the lightworks engine and a number of light sources rather than relying on the single sun light source which is active in the default settings.
Miguel Krippahl : It was worth to go to Nottingham just to see this one man show. And it is really true he is the funniest (albeit tired) architect from Canada. oh, and buy his book. Better still, buy two! Its a trick!
Alan McDonnell : Normally, when you see a fantastic trailer for a film, you can always be let down by the finished full-length cut.. In Dwight's case, its never the case.. He did what he said what he would do, and it was better than you could have thought!! If you missed Dwight's 90minute presentation, you have unfortunately missed a fantastic insight into visualisation in ArchiCAD, (Trick, or not!) No tip is wasted in the audience, as the information passed on is invaluable for ANY visualisation.. Its always a pleasure to sit at an Atkinson event... And of course, you MUST buy a copy of his new book !!!
Lloyd Northend : A fantastic talk! The 90min I don’t think was long enough to even scratch the surface, but it was very interesting to perceive the rendering window as a photographic studio.
Dirk Van Hecke : Convincing, informative and funny too!
Brian Wall : This I loved I could have spent the whole day and more learning from this man. I would hope to see this again in more detail at any other ACUE.
Nigel Walter : Dwight is always a star performer. Comprehensive coverage of the subject, enough for me to know I will try using Artlantis instead for what I want to do - but that is a good result.

Workshops and Rolling Plenary topics Friday

Alan McDonnell with ArchiCAD Next Steps + Ildiko Szabo, with Artlantis R

Abvent, Artlantis R - Ildiko Szabo Derek Brown : I attended this to get an over view of the product as I have no experience of using Artlantis. There have been considerable improvements in the product from that presented last year and the detail of the landscaping items which can be purchased was particularly impressive. Artlantis r seems to be relatively easy to use and gives very good - almost early digital photograph clarity and realism. I am considering the purchase of Artlantis R, possibly the student version, for my own use. Daniel Dusoswa : What can I say.... After the hardship of Lightworks this is a sheer blessing. Postcard settings... Great Idea. Setting up a delight, no tricks needed. I want it!!!!! Michael Hohmann : As an old adherent to rendering all AC work in Artlantis and having just upgraded to R, this workshop was an essential grounding in the new version. Lightworks will be bypassed by me, I'm afraid. Ireneusz Kurowski : It was the most impressive presentation I have attended. The difference in rendering quality in comparsion with the previous version of Artlantis is incomparable. Incorporation of a radiosity rendering engine is a real breakthrough. Improvement of the interface, shaders (including postcards and albums), lights, 3D objects is immense. The one and only disadvantage is a lack of animation (will be incorporated in Artlantis Studio version). It's Abvent's huge step forward, new Artlantis R is a must-have for every ArchiCAD user. Lloyd Northend : Brilliant results and easy to use, I was very impressed. Definitely a programme Archicad users should think about getting. Dirk Van Hecke : Bravo Ildiko! Excellent presentation. Wonderful new Artlantis R! Nigel Walter : Good presentation of A-R, though presentation style could have been livelier. A screen and projector would have helped a lot. Ildiko Szabo: I've read the feedback and I'm very happy! It's good to know that this brand new Artlantis R gained popularity and people found it a great step forward. Yes: forward, ahead of it's time again; that's Artlantis R. I always come with pleasure to Nottingham, it's good to join again and again this team of ArchiCAD passionates. I enjoy the atmosphere full of curiosity and interest, and the wonderful site of the University of Nottingham. So I'm looking forward to the next summer school.

Ecotect - Andrew Marsh

Daniel Dusoswa : This product is maturing so well and will become a must have for any project. If properly integrated as an API in ArchiCAD this could be an 'on the fly' checker for building regulation compliance. In conversation with Andrew he confirmed that he would love to develop such an API or link for ArchiCAD if Graphisoft would slightly improve their zone tool. All that is missing is proper tagging and info added about the ceiling/roof. Please Graphisoft, this is the future for us and for ArchiCAD!!!
Alan Gillard : As an Ecotect user I didn't need any more persuasion of its usefulness but I
was disappointed to see that transfer between Archicad and Ecotect is still at a very early stage.
John Littlewood : A very good presentation for a piece of software which seems to get better and better all the time. I look forward to using at BDP, where I will shortly be working on secondment for two days a week.
Richard Payne : Caught the end of this and it still seems to be the building analyser of choice - wish I could persuade the office to invest.
Andrew Rowe : Well presented but it was difficult to cover all the subject material and questions answered in this session.

ArchiCAD on the Web with Pavol Elias, and Ecotect with Andrew Marsh

3D City Modelling and Earth Google - Andreas Kohlhaas

Michael Hohmann : From BIM to CIM (City IM) to LIM (Landscape IM) and beyond. A rollercoaster workshop whose enthusiasm and competence are well married in this field.

ArchiCAD for Beginners

Mark Wildish : Following Thursday afternoon I realised that I should designate myself as a beginner, although I'm pleased with my progress with ArchiCAD to date, I felt that I should attend this one. I was most pleased with myself afterwards, as I found that although I have only been using ArchiCAD for 4 months I knew all the bits here and it was mainly a brush up lesson and I felt quite chuffed knowing more than some of the other users who had been with ArchiCAD for some time.

ArchiCAD Next Steps - Alan McDonnell, DCADS

Alan McDonnell (the presenter) : We covered topics including: Simple LightWorks materials, Fill patterns, Assign Vectorial patterns to materials, Generating hatched/shadowed elevations, Using Find&Select, Solid Element Operations, The Sketch Renderer (it went down well with the attendees!!!), Saving templates.
From the feedback I received, it went well... If it did, then I'm glad I could be of service, I look forward to presenting another one next year!!
William Gray : Alan showed a good number of shortcuts, tips and ideas to speed up and use many of the tools within Archicad. Being new to Archicad, it was good to see the possibilities for many of the basic tools .
Paul Veale : Not because I'm also Irish!! - but this was the best for me. Alan is a great instructor, very helpful, easy to follow, to the point and clear. He gets my top praise. Would love to have had a full days session on this, (general discussions with people later agreed this would be very beneficial - maybe next year?)
Mark Wildish : This was a great workshop and I learnt more here than the rest of the weekend, vectorial hatching, target/element operations (this has changed my life!), the importance of not using the previous project settings ( I had been having problems because of this). Basically this workshop has allowed me to progress to the next level I feel and I'm now confident to tackle projects that I would of drafted traditionally by hand because of there complex nature.

Fabrizio Diodati , and the Studio Building for this years event.

GDL Next Steps - Alan McDonnell, DCADS

Derek Brown : This session was useful to refresh my memory on some of the basic, and fundamental, aspects of ArchiCAD. The presentation by Alan was excellent and he geared the subjects covered in those requested by the attendees.
Alan McDonnell (the presenter) : We covered topics including: Instant GDL, taking data from ArchiCAD to raw GDL , Using our newly-found understanding to 'parameterise' our data , Understand Master Script calculations, Improving the layout of our code, with [tab]'s and [!]'s, Using the PRINT command to give feedback to us relating to calculation, Using For...Next Loops, Using GDL groups for better modelled objects, Error-trapping our code with VALUES statements.
We created a basic parametric concrete slab object! Not perfect or finished, but hopefully, a practical idea to create some GDL sparks in the attendees
minds. I hope, in ACUE 2006, my 2005 attendees can come back to me with some similar, but advanced, objects!!

Tom Cederqvist - about his practice in Helsinki

David Emery : Tom's workshop was interesting because he showed us some of the 'behind-the-scenes' information about the projects he had previously shown us on the Thursday. The most striking thing was how he and his colleagues had no qualms about doing the bare minimum of work at the conceptual stages of design as long as they could achieve the quality of presentation they demanded of themselves. For example, whole buildings were created very very quickly from single Slabs with pattern applied to them from a library in Photoshop. In this way the practice could exploit ArchiCAD and Photoshop together to prepare very impressive presentation work extremely quickly (and therefore economically).
Another interesting subject was the way Tom used the Zone Tool in the earliest design stages to carry out not just massing studies but also the plan layouts. Having begun to work in this way, Tom's practice was then able to use ArchiCAD to continue working through the entire design process.
Russell Gray : Illustrated efficient ways of working at early stages of design.
David Kjoller : Great inspiration. Again he was showing how to work efficiently with ArchiCAD, and how to display the architectural ideas as easily as possible.
Richard Payne : After Tom's earlier presentation I sought out more and was not disappointed as Tom talked and illustrated his way though many more projects he had undertaken. It was a deeper insight into the approach of his office - it's always good to get an idea of the workflow of other offices. His total committment to the 3D model is inspirational and confirms and encourages us not to waver. Tom displayed several tips and tricks I had never seen before - such as using 3D zones for quick modelling and massing. I couldn't quite believe it would work but back in the office I have already used the technique. Tom also displayed his use of Artlantis in the same direct and uncomplicated way. Thanks Tom, it will change how I use AC.
Nigel Walter : I liked Tom very much - engaging personally, and professionally. Could and should have been better structured as a session - but he answered specific questions well.

ArchiCAD for Beginners with Adrian Harms and GDL for Beginners with James Murray

GDL for Beginners - James Murray
Derek Brown : This was a very useful and well presented session which pointed out the basic of GDL and successfully convinced me, and I feel the others present, that GDL is not to be feared but with a certain amount of effort and commitment can be used to improve individual libraries and therefore improve accuracy and productivity.
William Gray : For the beginner, James ran through the basic programming in detail before showing an example. I would feel reasonably confident about adapting and amending an existing object. The workshop gave me a feeling that with a little background reading, GDL modelling was not beyond one's limited ability!
Ireneusz Kurowski : As a total ignoramus of every form of programming form, I've never used GDL before and couldn't find any reason why or how shuold I start. The lecture was a good opportunity. I found it interesting and scripts aren't for me a total black magis anymore. But... Unfortunately it hasn't encouraged me for the further GDL studies. I still think that architects need more friendly and quick tools for 3D modelling.
Lloyd Northend : Very Helpful – It was like being taught how to read again – suddenly all that mess of single words, letters and numbers of GDL scripting, seemed to become ordered and legible – I could actually read it!
Paula Veale : Good clear instructions and easy to follow (James) - though there were too many 'not beginners' in the group asking difficult questions so it didn't quite end up as a workshop for us beginners!

Interactive Scheduler: Adrian, Bite

Russell Gray : Very good and interactive. PRACTICAL advice given. Adrian worked through questions we asked, live and on screen. Showed us how to achieve what we wanted to do.
David Kjoller : I hadn't been working with interactive scheduler myself. But now I do see it as an important tool to get useful information out of the model. It also seems quite useful in coherence to your own GDL models.

Graphisoft Q&A - Meet the team

David Emery : I saw an in depth presentation of Constructor. This is a product that, if it takes off, will demand a re-think about how and by whom buildings are designed detailed. The concept is sound, but will building companies in the UK embrace it as they should, given that IT use in our industry is so far behind other sectors?
Dirk Van Hecke : I am very happy that I could have a good talk with Simon Gilbert about some hot issues such as hotlinked module files, the management of solid operations and a dwg translation issue.
Nigel Walter : Brilliant to meet some members of the team - this is invaluable in fostering community and seeing where the product is heading. The fact that there were not large numbers at any of these sessions [that I saw] is irrelevant - to speak to the horse's mouth (as it were) is fantastic.

Interactive Scheduler with Adrian Harms and 3D City Modelling with Andreas Kohlhaas

Sketchup Advanced ONE - Peter Agnew

Russell Gray : He's good at what he does. Had trouble keeping up as he went at breakneck speed! Sadly he wandered with peoples question and so did not cover the whole of his agenda. Very USEFUL though! Just need to put into practice.
Michael Hohmann : SketchUp 5 had also just arrived on my computer, so the presentation of the new features part of the workshop was essential information to me.
Andrew Rowe : Very interesting and interactive with audience, will buy SketchUp.
Brian Wall : I thought that this was very good and something that I will use as soon as I have the opportunity.
Nigel Walter : Peter does a good job of presenting quality information from his experience. He could afford to be more confident in sticking to an agenda. Very good session.

Plotmaker / Layout book - Ken Good

Ken Good : From my own point of view this went well - the only slight problem I felt was that when I had 35 people I was having to talk pretty loudly and I'm sure everyone else in the building could hear me! Clearly PlotMaker as a topic was also useful to people as at one stage I counted 36 people watching. The one thing that I noticed from my own sessions and talking to others (and which is a general issue for all ArchiCAD users in the country) is the basic lack of knowledge some people have. There is a comment on feedback about a 'beginners PlotMaker session'. This sessions was beginners - it could not be more simple... the issue in this case is one of a basic understanding of ArchiCAD. If the user does not fully understand how ArchiCAD works and viewsets are integrated etc - then PlotMaker is very difficult to understand. Next year, I would be interested in running a 'back to basics' session and more on PlotMaker (viewsets/documentation) if you wish.
David Kjoller : Fine introduction to Plotmaker.
William Gray : I sat in on the final section of this workshop which was generally useful in covering the topic of Publisher in Plotmaker.
Paul Veale : Good but too short and again it would be great to have one for 'the beginners' (not the ones who fake being beginners!).
Mark Wildish : I went to this workshop with the firm belief that I was not using Plotmaker correctly and that I needed to be here to ensure that I can get my drawings on to paper in a better way. To my amazement and great self satisfaction, I found that I knew everything that Ken was talking about and it turned out that I am using Plotmaker correctly.

Piranesi Rendering - David Rimmington

Ireneusz Kurowski : I'm in love with Piranesi from the first sight. The lecture was a great step-by-step presentation of a basic painting/drawing techniques. As an experienced Piranesi user I've learned a few "tricks" that will surely improvemy future work. My advise for Piranesi users: don't use a one technique - always experiment, use different software (Artlantis, Lightworks) to improve your base rendering, combine techniques.
Lloyd Northend : A great programme, and it was good to see some of the tricks to unlock its potential. A very informative workshop.
Dirk Van Hecke : Really clear and interactive workshop. Many, many thanks David that you helped me with my first steps with your lovely program!

ArchiCAD on the Web - Pavol Elias

Andrew Rowe : Excellent presentation, I'd never used the reviewer option in ArchiCAD and will do now.
Richard Payne : I saw Pavol's presentation at Winter School and it reminded me of what can be done on the web .... just need more time.

Saturday 10th September

Half Plenary: Object making & Better 3D :  James Murray

Derek Brown : Very enjoyable and informative presentation from James. Particularly interesting was his practice of not using any fills within the model and adding them only to the sections and elevations to ensure a sensible appearance.
Daniel Dusoswa : James has shown that a lot more is possible with ArchiCAD 9 than the modern straight line buildings. Different uses for various tools. Any shortcoming or inflexibility can be overcome more and more in each new version of ArchiCAD by other tools or more flexibility of existing tools.
Graphisoft, wouldn't it be nice if in section view Cut-section of any roof, wall or slab could be modified by moving hotspots and adding hotspots??!!!???
David Emery : It was very unfortunate that technical problems delayed the start of James' presentation because the content was highly relevant to my own work. Unfortunately the late start meant that some of the presentation was rushed, and some of it - I suspect - we never heard at all. I hope we will have another opportunity to see this one, because James is very clearly highly skilled in ArchiCAD.
David Kjoller : Unfortunately his plenary was shortened because of technical problems. But James was showing some useful ways of manipulation with the 3D model.

Ireneusz Kurowski : James presented a lot of very useful solutions for the problems which ArchiCAD user come across in day to day work. Most of the presented material was obvious for an experienced ArchCAD user, but I'm sure everyone regardless a level of experience could learn at least a few methods/tricks/workarounds which will improve our future work on 3D models. I've already changed my background in ArchiCAD from white to light grey to see all the white fills amd I've promised myself to use 3D window for modifications and solid operations more often.
John Littlewood : It was aspiring to see the finished articles, but not as good as it could have been, since James did not make many objects in front of the plenary.
Alan McDonnell : James gave some great tips in his presentation, I definitely appreciated the wireframe layer tricks. Although he had the benefit of custom objects in his presentation (its an idea, then, for everyone else to mimic that/them, IMHO) the ideas he tried to put across boil down to better modelling and less drawing - the whole premise of ArchiCAD, therefore James' speech is exactly what people should be implementing... Its always great to hear James' thoughts and ideas, even when he's distracted in his presentation by gremlins in Macs and no mouse...which was unfortunate...
Richard Payne : This session got held up by technical glitches but was well worth hanging on for. Loads of excellent tips and techniques, well explained and communicated in a way that made it clear how they could help in one's own work. I should have taken more notes though James produced some good notes in the general handout. I vote for a full workshop from James next time.
Dirk Van Hecke : Thanks James for the many tricks I could learn here from you! Very useful in my daily job. Thanks.
Mark Wildish : I found this lecture a bit daunting, as the stuff on show was I feel very advanced and not really relevant to myself (not at the stage I'm at) as I'm the only person using Archicad in the office. Once I'm at a sufficient level it will become my job to help train other members of staff, developing an office standard with all these useful library parts and models is a long way off at the moment, but is certainly somewhere I would eventually like to get to, maybe another 12 months or so this stuff would be a lot more relevant and useful.

[Editor's note: We struggled to get James' laptop to synch with the projector, but it wouldn't light up - something wrong with the out-port on James's laptop - everyone else's could connect. He had to transfer it all to Dwight's laptop using a memory stick and got started over half an hour later.]

Lloyd Northend : The Intelligent Building model and Object making & Better 3D : Tried a bit of both... Both were very interesting, They really showed the full potential of ArchiCAD

Half Plenary: The Intelligent Building:  Howard Gill

Russell Gray : This was ok. We were surprised to see how well we already use AC in so many aspects. Sadly due to AC not doing some tasks we use 'cheats' or get arounds that would run any type of complete scheduling and cost information.
William Gray : Howard ran through the various software options and add-ons available to improve the scope of Archicad. As I had missed several of the presentations relating to other software earlier, it was helpful to have a brief resumé of the possibilites available. I was especially interested in the software able to monitor errors and omissions based on previously set out parameters.
Michael Hohmann : A very good demonstration of the use of Favourites, a glimpse of Architerra 3, drawing with Zones for initial plan configurations, pointers to Affinity Software by Trelligence (US) (see their web site), GDL Toolbox and ARchiGlazing to make us and our BIM's more intelligent.

Workshops Saturday

GDL Advanced Seminar with David Nicholson-Cole (ably helped by Matthew Lohden, David Kjoller, James Murray), and [swapimage] Matthew Lohden's User Surgery

GDL Advanced seminar - David N-Cole

David Kjoller : Getting the chance of showing my own work I obviously got some good feedback. It's always nice to meet some people with the same passion.
David Nicholson-Cole (facilitating) : I was a bit nervous at first (having done too much conference organising recently and not enough GDL), but the shared passion for GDL got us off to a quick start, and we started with the ideas of Mass Customisation in manufacturing and were all highly impressed with David Kj's Danish Bathroom, a funded research project for a real manufacturer. There was plenty of advice about data exchange and XML coming David's way. We were diverted into the somewhat dead issue of independent GDL interpreters (e.g. Black Turtle, 3NF) but went on to explore reasonable requests that could be put to GS about improving GDL editing in ArchiCAD and Student ArchiCAD - e.g. context coloured text, property pallettes, Filemaker-style UI building etc. Matthew brought up his current research, that of getting Label objects to perform many useful functions, e.g reading Global Variables such as composite wall properties that other GDL objects cannot see. We encouraged GDL users to get thoroughly acquainted with the Interactive Scheduler and ensure that objects work well in the IS. DNC mentioned the Wallhole idea of making complex window shapes without using GDL, and also showed a Submarine made recently using drag'n'dropped polygons, Put+Get and the Mass statement. There was encouragement to get another GDL Cookbook out ASAP.

Sketchup with Peter Agnew and [swapimage] Plotmaker with Ken Good

Construction Communication - Ben Wallbank

David Emery : Once again Ben showed examples of work that are of the very highest quality. He is an excellent speaker, and a great ambassador for ArchiCAD.
Alice Feger : This presentation was very interesting, and would have loved to hear more about his work.
Russell Gray : Mindblowing to see what was possible with AC. It would be nice to see someone from his office demonstrate how they actually take a job from start to finish. The results were stunning. It was also good to hear how he managed the process of AC in the office.
William Gray : Ben explained how focusing on the abilities of Archicad could improve workflow and overcome potential mistakes from other professionals working on a project by integrating information within one model.
Michael Hohmann : A most convincing demonstration of his firm's use of the ArchiCAD model right through the workflow to include all production information and documentation, presented with the same enthusiasm and competence as Tom Cedarquist's kick-off plenary on Thursday as a perfect rounding to the ACUE main events.
Richard Payne : Following Ben's first taster I returned for a more detailed look at the work of his office and his approach to construction drawings. The output has just been taken that bit further than anything else I have seen. Clear communication and uncluttered style and again an unwavering committment to the 3D model. What an advert for AC. At the end of the session some quite animated discussions followed flagging up the more precarious future of Architect's role. Excellent stuff.

Rolling Plenary - Plotmaker - Ken Good of Applecore

Derek Brown : Ken was up to his usual standard with lots of tips and shortcuts to achieve better 2D and improved output from Plotmaker.
Mark Wildish : Ken carried on from where he had left off the previous night with advanced Plotmaker and I learnt how to create logo's etc. which is the one thing that I had not been able to do with Plotmaker and now I have a much better understanding of how Plotmaker works in general. Thanks!

Modules and Teamwork - Adrian Harms of Bite Design

Derek Brown : Very informative presentation on the use of teamnwork and the need to ensure that all team members are using the same standards, particularly when using modules on a large project.

Tips and Tricks Session, Sat afternoon - See special feedback page

General Comments on the event - See special feedback page

Night out in the Centre - Antibos Restaurant - See special feedback page

Email: ArchiCAD University Secretariat for further information