Graphisoft releases Archicad 25 — Strengthens user-service relationships with Graphisoft Forward — Launches Building Together conference registration

BUDAPEST — Graphisoft, the leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) software solution developer for architecture, closed 2020 with outstanding results despite the pandemic. Today, the company introduced Archicad 25 with powerful innovations and looks to the future with new offerings in service, user, and channel partner relationships. In addition, September’s Building Together 2021 conference will bring together leading architects and experts with students and community members to showcase the greatest assets and achievements in the AEC industry, share powerful success stories, and discuss the future of architecture.

This year is a special one for Graphisoft. The company has come through the pandemic stronger than ever. As the global health crisis caused personal and professional challenges on an enormous scale, the company’s first focus was on people: to safeguard employees, partners, and users. Graphisoft introduced free emergency licenses, helping users who may have had difficulties working at home to access Archicad licenses located on the company network. In addition, to help teams work together while at home, Graphisoft offered free access to BIMcloud as a Service, a solution to empower remote team collaboration between architects and designers.

This approach resonates with Graphisoft’s mission: empowering teams to create great architecture. This is best achieved through innovative products and services, deep industry expertise, and a close relationship with users.

2020: best year despite pandemic

Despite the unprecedented challenges Graphisoft faced a year ago, the business is thriving, thanks to the dedicated team of professionals worldwide. Currently, Archicad is offered in 28 language localized versions, with users in over 100 countries. Teams in Brazil, Russia, Latin America, Singapore, and Southern Europe have seen strong double-digit growth over the last year, while Austria, Italy, USA, UK, and France are well above the year-to-date plan.

“With 2020 having been our best year ever, we have high aspirations and expectations for 2021 and beyond,” said Huw Roberts, Graphisoft CEO.

Introducing Archicad 25

Innovation has always been the hallmark of Graphisoft, and Archicad 25 is the strongest version yet. In the area of collaboration, cooperation with MEP and structural engineers is easier than ever, with powerful open BIM and interoperability improvements. In design, users will experience greater design freedom, enhanced usability and navigation, and more accurate quantity take-offs. In visualization, realistic shadows and customizable surface textures, as well as enhanced rendering capabilities, guarantee compelling presentations for faster decision-making. In documentation, more precise quantity and cost estimations and new labeling options for Zones and MEP elements are just a few of the key enhancements made to Archicad 25. All improvements and innovations were based on user feedback.

Both BIMx and BIMcloud are packed with enhancements making them more powerful than ever – together. BIMcloud has been rebooted with a new 100K file capacity and opened up so that users can host all their project files in one convenient location. In addition, the BIMx desktop viewer opens all 2D and 3D files, with access from the BIMcloud desktop app — what’s more, the new 3D BIMx engine is now available for Android users as well.

Signature building: heritage, inspiration, innovation

Archicad 25 is a great milestone representing a rich history of innovation and an exciting future. The Duke Ellington School of the Arts, the latest version’s so-called ‘signature building,’ reflects this heritage and philosophy.  Located in Washington, DC, the award-winning design by cox graae + spack architects transformed an aging historical National Landmark into a top-tier facility. Using Archicad, the design finds the balance between restoring and respecting the historic fabric while creating major new academic and performance venues, expanding the existing complex by 100,000 square feet.

“In an ever-changing world, cox graae + spack architects recognize it’s critical to utilize innovative technologies that enhance our ability to communicate seamlessly with our clients, our consultants, and our project builders as well as the sub-contractor and fabricator communities,” said Derek Banocy, AIA, Associate Principal. “From IFC file exchange for consultant coordination to 3D design of complex geometries, Archicad was essential to the entire team to deliver the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Put simply, it would have been impossible to visualize, design, and construct this innovative design without the collaborative team process ingrained in our office culture.”

Stronger user-service relationships

This year, the company is launching a global Software Service Agreement.  Available with Archicad 25, Graphisoft Forward is a strong user-service relationship for Graphisoft and its clients. With Graphisoft Forward, users will maximize value and productivity while lowering the overall cost of software ownership through exclusive tools, training, support, and services. Early access to downloads and free product updates guarantees that they will benefit from the latest innovations and capabilities. Partners often extend the core benefits of upgrades to add additional benefits and value locally.

Building Together 2021 conference

The AEC industry is witnessing the changing role of architects and the impact of digitalization from the front row, taking on the challenges one at a time. Architects and designers are using innovative technologies as an opportunity for discovery and efficiency. Graphisoft is at the forefront of the digital revolution with expert knowledge, breaking down barriers to continued growth and success for its users every step of the way.

As a global leader in the AEC industry, Graphisoft has much to be proud of — at the same time, the company has a huge responsibility to the industry and its users to continue its drive for innovation and excellence in everything they do.  Graphisoft’score beliefs in great architecture, design, digitalization, and discovery have prompted the company to bring the world’s AEC experts and leaders together to share leading innovations, ideas, and examples of great architecture — all within the framework of an inspiring conference.

Graphisoft is pleased to announce the Building Together 2021 conference. Through a carefully curated program, the online conference will showcase the AEC industry’s greatest assets and achievements, share powerful success stories from Graphisoft community users, and reinforce the company’s global influence. This conference aims not only to share industry knowledge and expertise but to make them universally available to AEC experts, researchers, educators, academics, architects, engineers, and students.

The Building Together 2021 event will be a 3-day online conference held on September 14-16. A vast range of topics will be covered, from sustainability to the future of architecture, from integrated design to Building Lifecycle Intelligence. More than 30 leading architects and experts from around the world will participate in the form of roundtables, keynotes, and “TED Talk” presentations.

“Topics like diversity in architecture, rapid rehousing, the future of cities, the changing role of architects, and the challenges of cultural heritage preservation will also be covered. Architects, experts, and students from around the world are all invited. I hope you’ll join us!” said Huw Roberts, Graphisoft CEO.

For more information and to register for the Building Together 2021 conference, please visit buildingtogether.graphisoft.com.