United States site instead?Archicad Donation Program Enters Fifth Year With Version 6.5 Now Available to Affiliates
San Francisco, CA – October 21, 1999
Graphisoft, developer of the
Virtual Building concept of 3D architectural design, enters the fifth
year of donating its Archicad software to Habitat for Humanity
affiliates in the United States. Archicad version 6.5 will be available
to them in early November 1999.
Over 160 Habitat for Humanity affiliates use Archicad to design
affordable and now ‘green’ houses and communities. With Graphisoft’s
easy to use program, project architects are able to improve significantly
on the design and function of Habitat houses and create 3D images and
virtual reality scenes to better communicate their designs to homeowners
and the community at large.
“Graphisoft’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity is deeply
appreciated,”
said David Styles, assistant director of corporate programs for Habitat
for
Humanity International. “The donation of Archicad software has given
Habitat
affiliates a sophisticated and effective tool for designing houses that
fit well
into the neighborhoods where they are built. Graphisoft has contributed
significantly
to Habitat’s mission of building simple, decent, affordable housing in
partnership
with people in need.”
Graphisoft began its partnership with Habitat in 1994 when it donated a
single copy of Archicad 4.5 for use at their headquarters in Americus,
GA. Peter Dalva, who was head of design at that time, used Archicad to
create the first Habitat for Humanity Plan Book and in doing so realized
how much their affiliates would also benefit from using the software.
Through its newsletter, Habitat publicized Graphisoft’s offer to donate
Archicad to affiliates, and the program blossomed. Over the past five
years, Graphisoft has continually provided Archicad and Archicad upgrades
to affiliates upon request. Currently, about one million dollars of
Archicad software is now in use by Habitat affiliates.
“Our commitment to architecture is pervasive; from the development of
Archicad to our corporate vision and philanthropic activities,” affirms
Graphisoft U.S. President Tamás Hajas. “We know from experience that
better design means better buildings and in the case of Habitat
homeowners, improved quality of life.”
Graphisoft’s commitment to Habitat extends well beyond the value of the
software it donates. Archicad users and Graphisoft’s network of value
added resellers volunteer for Habitat projects in communities
across the country. Recently, reseller Bruce Cousins, AIA, president of
StudioV,
participated as lead architect and mobilized local Archicad users for
Metro Denver
Habitat’s “Summer Build.” Cousins used Archicad to design the first
“zero lot line”
Habitat community of its kind in the U.S. He appeared on Denver
television KUSA with
the virtual reality scenes he created of the community, and in a
technology feature
in the Rocky Mountain News. Through these efforts, Graphisoft has been
instrumental
in helping raise awareness of Habitat’s important work.
For more information on Archicad version 6.5, please visit our website at
www.graphisoft.com.
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. It works in partnership with people in need throughout the world to build simple, decent shelter that is sold to them at no profit, through no-interest loans. Funds, building materials and labor are donated by individuals, churches, corporations and other organizations who share their goal of eliminating substandard housing in the world. Founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller with his wife Linda, Habitat is headquartered in Americus, GA.
Graphisoft is a leading provider of computer-aided design (CAD) software
solutions for the architectural profession and the building industry.
Founded in 1982, Graphisoft is ranked today among the largest AEC CAD
software developers in the world, with 12 offices all over the world in
addition to its headquarters. Graphisoft’s flagship product, Archicad, is
used by more than 75,000 architects worldwide and distributed in 25
languages and 80 countries. Shares of Graphisoft are traded on the Frankfurt
Stock Exchange Neuer Markt under the symbol GPH. More information about
Graphisoft is available at www.graphisoft.com.