Pros and Cons of Archicad

      ARCHICAD is a new modeling software that I have come into contact with. It is very similar to Revit's modeling method, but it is easier to get started.

Advantages of Arhicad:

1. Smooth learning curve: 

    Very easy to get started, only a little more complicated than Sketchup. There are not many hidden settings like Revit, which is really difficult to master completely.

2. Rich custom space:

    The design freedom is much higher than Revit. But I generally choose to go back to Rhino and import it again

3. More suitable for architects:

    Revit was originally used for industrial design (as well as Rhino), more like engineer thinking. Arhicad designed specifically for architects fits with the design logic of architecture better.

4. Significant display:

    Arhicad can easily separate views and facilitate observation of different locations of the building, which has an advantage in showing the design results to the client. (However, Chinese clients generally only care about renderings and cost)

Disadvantages in China：

1. Concept stage: 

    Manual models are undoubtedly a good choice, but considering time and money costs, I will choose Rhino, Sketchup or Maya more often, corresponding to ordinary projects, simple projects or strange projects. Archicad's modeling is far less free and efficient than rhino.

2. Refinement stage: 

    In China, refinement will generally be carried out between the concept stage and the construction drawings stage. Revit is often involved gradually from this stage. As Autodesk's Autocad is the only software with 100% popularity in China. Revit, which can be well connected, has great advantages. On the other hand, Archicad has many restrictions on importing and integrating models from other software, especially Rhino and Maya.

3. Construction drawing stage: 

    Archicad has many inconveniences in connecting with other professions, such as water, electricity, heating and ventilation. I know little about that, just heard from my colleague who had worked together before

4. Construction stage: 

    That mainly depends on the construction teams themselves, so there is little difference between the two software.

Overall: Archicad is small and delicate,while Revit is large and comprehensive.

Ps. About teamwork, I think it needs to be improved. It often closes with errors and bugs. Even under normal circumstances there will be many unexpected errors, mainly from everyone has different settings and libraries.