United States site instead?Software developers begin work on Archicad add-on products
Budapest – November 3, 1998
Graphisoft (Frankfurt Neuer Markt symbol: GPH) announced the availability of a new software development kit (SDK) allowing third party developers to create programs that will work inside Archicad 6.o and add specific functions such as shadow calculation, wood
framing and piping.
Available on both Windows and Macintosh platforms, the SDK allows software developers with C-language programming skills to write external applications that plug into Archicad 6.o’s application programming interface (API). These applications can be launched from a pull down menu within Archicad. The SDK can be purchased directly from Graphisoft R&D
for US$1500 AND includes documentation, sample API-applications and one year of technical support from Graphisoft R&D. Interested developers should send an email to .
Several third party software developers around the world have already begun creating applications to ship between the fourth quarter of 1998 and first quarter of 1999. Applications currently under development include:
– DGN file translation
– Roof framing
– Piping
– Stair construction
– Shadow calculation
For example, two API-based modules for translating DGN format files (DGN is the file format for Bentley Systems’ Microstation) are in final testing for release during Q4, 1998. One translator module writes Microstation ’95 DGN files from any Archicad 2D window (i.e. floorplan, elevations and sections). The second module reads a DGN file and converts the DGN elements to the corresponding Archicad element including cells,
which are converted to library parts. Pens, colors, line types and fills are all entered into the Archicad database. Both extensions use a configuration file allowing users to specify font conversions, pen weights, layer settings and line type name to index conversions.
Another example is Japanese developer, Seikatsu Sangyo, currently preparing MicroShadow for Archicad, an API-based plug-in version of Japan’s leading shadow calculation software. This new software will be simply copied into the Archicad add-ons folder and read 3D “virtual building” data from Archicad, calculate building shadows throughout any time period according to Japan’s very rigorous code standards, and
display the results in both precise 2D drawings and shaded 3D images using Archicad. MicroShadow for Archicad is currently scheduled for release in Q1, 1999.
Archicad is an award-winning integrated 2D/3D CAD software. Used daily by more than 50,000 architects and building designers worldwide, Archicad is the first and most widely used object-based architectural CAD software in the World. Graphisoft’s Geometric Description Language (GDL) makes intelligent objects possible by integrating 3D model information, 2D symbols and text based properties in an easy to use scripting
environment. Archicad has also pioneered the fields of collaborative architecture with its TeamWork technology, and visualization by being the first CAD software to introduce VR virtual reality and Livestyles hand-rendering engines.
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.