GRAPHISOFT's Rhino-Grasshopper-ARCHICAD connection is more than an interoperability package. It fills a gap in the design process between early stage design and building information modeling. It offers tools for seamless bidirectional geometry transfer as well as a way to translate basic geometrical shapes into full BIM elements while adding algorithmic editing functionality.
Rhino – ARCHICAD Connection
A pair of Export/Import add-ins that read and write Rhino’s native format (.3dm) on the ARCHICAD side. With the help of these extensions, users are able to develop a “reference model” workflow between the two applications where the file format of the model exchange is Rhino’s native 3dm.
The Rhino Export Add-on enables users to pass on the geometry of a model produced in ARCHICAD to Rhino efficiently. Choose between different standard methods of model representations to fit the purpose of the model transfer.
The Rhino Import Add-on enables users to pass on a model created in Rhino to ARCHICAD. The imported model will appear as a GDL object maintaining the logical build up of the original Rhino model.
Grasshopper – ARCHICAD Connection
A pair of add-ons working together to link Rhino/Grasshopper with ARCHICAD dynamically. The connection provides a unique design workflow where the strengths of each application complement each other regardless of the actual stage of the design process.
The tool converts any Rhino/Grasshopper design geometry directly into BIM construction elements by using Grasshopper’s interface while maintaining the algorithmic design control.
It operates through a live connection where the visual algorithmic editing capabilities of Grasshopper are applied directly on predefined ARCHICAD construction elements, 2D-3D geometrical elements, and their parameters.
Due to the dynamic link, any elements (basic geometrical shapes or full BIM components) originating from any of the three work environments (RH, GH, AC) can be stored or referenced in the algorithmic design script.
