ArchiCAD STAR(T) Edition 2011 New Features

New features known from ArchiCAD 14 and previous ArchiCAD versions such as Partial Structure Display, Direct Import of site-survey data, MEP Modeler Support, .XLS export of Schedules and many more make collaboration with consultants a seamless process, turning ArchiCAD STAR(T) Edition into the ideal tool of a broad user community.

New features in the fields of modeling, visualization, interaction, library and performance render the STAR(T) Edition 2011 workflow a very smooth one from creating the very first mass study to plotting the final documentation.

To find out more about the new features and compatibility details of ArchiCAD STAR(T) Edition, click here to download the Version Comparison Chart.

Partial Structure Display
Work in the rich composite structure environment of walls and slabs while easily coordinating the load-bearing structure with engineers.  Show and export only the load-bearing (core) structures, instead of filtering them one-by-one when communicating with other disciplines.

Oriented Views
In ArchiCAD STAR(T) Edition 2011, your project lines up just the way you need it: simply rotate the view on screen to a perpendicular position. Now you can edit diagonal wings comfortably, while your annotations adjust automatically to the final layout orientation.

Shadows in Open GL 3D View
ArchiCAD STAR(T) Edition 2011 greatly improves in-model visualization with shadow casting in 3D OpenGL views. Live 3D views of the BIM model, in addition to being work-views, also become a standard basis for communicating the design intent with clients.

Refined Management of Object Libraries
Library consolidation for projects coming from earlier versions of ArchiCAD and an extended set of detailed information about loaded libraries and objects are among the new features introduced with the new management tools.

Extended Options for Doors & Windows
ArchiCAD STAR(T) Edition 2011 offers users increased control over model-based sections and details of doors and windows. An extended set of Reveal and Wall Closure setting options makes creation of refined details a fully-automatic process.

Dimension Text Prefix & Suffix
Model-based annotation is key to an effective BIM workflow. Custom prefixes & suffixes added to associative dimensions - while keeping their real measured values - can boost documentation productivity by an order of magnitude.

Improved Handling of Schedules
ArchiCAD STAR(T) EDITION 2011 introduces standard spreadsheet editing techniques to improve productivity in Schedule and Index windows. Export quantity take-offs to Excel with graphical information included for WYSIWYG results.

Ruler
New editing aid provides instant, dynamic feedback on the cursor's vertical and horizontal position in ArchiCAD STAR(T) EDITION 2011. Place Guidelines with a single click on the Ruler. The Ruler greatly improves productivity in arranging drawings on layouts.

Direct Import of Site-survey Data
Import site survey data directly from Theodolites into ArchiCAD with a single-click. XYZ coordinates automatically convert into an ArchiCAD Mesh element providing an accurate 3D model of the environment.

Performance Optimizations
ArchiCAD STAR(T) EDITION 2011 offers 15%-500% speed improvements in various operations depending on project size and complexity. For example, Library reloads can be 500% faster compared to previous versions.

Streamlined AutoCAD 2010 DWG I/O
Despite increased reliance on model-based workflows, architects still need to coordinate their design with engineers using traditional 2D workflows. ArchiCAD STAR(T) EDITION 2011 introduces streamlined DWG/DXF 2010 Import-Export.

MEP Support
ArchiCAD STAR(T) EDITION 2011 supports GRAPHISOFT MEP Modeler as an important step towards becoming a full-fledged collaboration tool. Model MEP systems according to consultant drawings and eliminate clashes with the building structure.

The full set of ArchiCAD STAR(T) Edition 2011 includes:

Markup Tools, MEP Support, Ruler, Partial Structure Display, Oriented Views, Align View, AutoCAD 2010 DWG format support, Marquee area export to DWG, Partial Open (by layer), Convert Surveyor's Data into ArchiCAD Mesh, Streamlined Export of Interactive Schedule into Excel, Improved page setup for PDF output, Easy Offset functionality, Better Accessibility and Feedback for Input Constraints, Dimension text prefix and suffix, Expanded Find and Select Criteria, Easier Selection of Trace Reference, 40+ skin in Composite Structures, Shadows in OpenGL, Enhanced Library management, Enhanced Library content, Better scalable 3D model generation on multicore processors, Faster Generation of Door/Window Schedules, Faster library reload, Immediate Feedback on ArchiCAD Startup (Windows).