Archinect - Forum

Using chatgpt/ AI for code questions

2024-09-15T15:38:00-04:00

Anyone have any success doing this or is this something chatgpt is not up to speed on?

I would think in theory it would be of some help but maybe Im just giving the wrong prompts

Exterior wall assembly - exterior sauna

2024-09-02T14:23:57-04:00

Anyone have experience with the envelope for a standalone exterior sauna? What is the optimal wall section for this structure? This is for US climate zone 4c (but also 5 in all likelihood for another project too).

Finlandia Sauna recommends a (outdated?) traditional residential style wall with a radiant barrier at the face of stud: 2x4 framing with glass fiber insul, radiant barrier @ inside f.o. frmg, shtg, wrb, then cladding sys. [Tho, I think this has been their recco since opening in '64...]

I'm wondering tho if there are benefits to a higher performance wall in the unique environment of what is usually a pretty dry interior, even with the steam from people & dousing rocks. Also, the environment will go through hard cycling as the sauna gets used and then sits quiet til the next session. The other part of it is that this is a structure that will have direct vents to the outside during non-use hours so humidity will fluctuate with the outside environment (tho maybe not cycle as muc...

Beginner Laptop Selection

2024-08-16T17:24:00-04:00

Newbie student here. Considering the following as a "starter" laptop to run things like CAD, Revit, Sketchup, Vray:

MSI Cyborg 15 - 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop, Intel Core i7-12650H, 16GB DDR5, 1TB NVME SSD, Windows 11

$1,159 @ Sam's Club

Yay or nay?

How do 3D floor plans enhance stakeholder understanding during the design and planning phases?

2024-08-16T11:48:00-04:00

I’m particularly interested in how 3D floor plans can enhance stakeholder understanding and decision-making during the design and planning phases. From my perspective, 3D floor plans provide a more immersive and intuitive view of the space compared to traditional 2D drawings, making it easier for stakeholders to visualize the final outcome and assess design choices. They can also facilitate better communication among project teams and clients by offering a clearer representation of spatial relationships and design elements. I’d love to hear how others have utilized 3D floor plans in their projects. What specific benefits have you observed, and how have they influenced stakeholder decisions? Your insights could provide valuable perspectives on maximizing the effectiveness of 3D floor plans.

Software selection

2024-08-09T07:30:28-04:00

I am an architect who worked in technology (UX) for 15 years, and moving back to private residential architecture practice. I started on Autocad, I know the software as evolved, but I can still jump back in and use it fine.

I'll describe what I am looking for and see what thoughts everyone has. I am working on smaller residential projects, additions and new homes. I want a solution where I can:

- Parametric model a design and then cut sections & plans. I want one source of truth which updates when I move a door or window

- This model is intelligent (BIM), for an exterior wall I can specify the construction, 2'x6" with open cell spray foam insulation etc..

- The model can create renderings, they do not need to be picture perfect, but high quality enough to present to clients to visualize ideas

- It needs to be able to create construction documents for permitting

My short list is:

- Autocad, maybe Revit? But it seems like overkill, and expensive for a one man shop

- Sketchup

- Vec...

Presentation on AI and Architecture

2024-07-06T19:06:00-04:00

Hi all,

I have given a presentation on AI tools and Architecture. It is my theory they are more like co-pilots than competitors. Let me know what you think?

There is also a web-essay version.

https://sjmstudio.co.uk/s_a_o_...

Enscape vs twinmotion vs Lumion vs D5

2024-05-13T15:32:14-04:00

what real time rendering addons are people using these days? I’ve used Enscape and it seems pretty idiot proof, but not super robust. Twin motion is free for revit but seems to require a bit more set up. I haven’t tried Lumion or D5 yet.

Pricing - enscape floating license is $80/month and can be used across all programs, lumion is $125/month, and twin motion is free for revit and free for sketchup (if your company generates under $1m annually). D5 is $30/month for a single user.

Anything else out there? Which one has the best library?

Energystar.gov Insulation Recommendation

2024-05-08T11:18:00-04:00

Hello,

according with Energystar.gov Insulation Recommendation for "retrofitting existing house":

https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/identify-problems-you-want-fix/diy-checks-inspections/insulation-r-values

recommended R Value for 4A zone will be:

"If your attic is uninsulated": R60

"Uninsulated wood-frame wall": R5 to R10

So, if I get it right, attic insulation R value should be 6-12 times higher then for walls. (average ratio: 1 to 9)

Did I get it right ?

What's the optimum attic/wall insulation ratio for a 1-2 store wood frame house ?

Thank you,

Nikolay

LiDAR scanning/Photogrammetry services

2024-03-20T17:15:00-04:00

Hello all. I'm looking for advice from pros here.

I started my career as an "As- built - technician" in Los Angeles area. So the job was easy - measuring the buildings with ruler and Disto for the guy who was drafting them in CAD, 2D floorplans, elevations, etc.

Soon, I realized that there is a much more sophisticated way of collecting measurements by using a drone for photogrammetry and terrestrial LiDAR. I got equipment (Trimble scanner, drone, 107 license, photogrammetry software, scan registration programs) learned everything myself and got to a level at which my models were very accurate, but the guy that I worked for does have a clue what to do with them. He works in 2D and doesn't want to change his workflow.

So, my question is: who in your profession can benefit from my knowledge, who should I target to offer my services?

Feedback on Augmenta (AI for Building Design)

2024-01-24T14:28:00-05:00

I am seeing more AI architecture companies like https://www.augmenta.ai/

What do you think of using AI models to automate some building design? This is a company that were sent to me and I'm not really sure what to think.

Is this possible? How valuable would it be if so to use? I'm usually skeptical of things like this but the team seems good, they are from the research team at Autodesk.

Some of the features look interesting

Works with Revit - Integrates seamlessly with industry-standard CAD workflows. Use your existing part families, cost and labor data.
Ready to build - Designs are NEC and Customer Specification compliant, use real parts, are fully constructible and optimized for prefabrication.

Links

https://betakit.com/autodesk-a...

https://aecmag.com/bim/towards...

3D printing central

2024-01-18T11:11:27-05:00

This is a thread to discuss 3D printing and 3D printers. anything from basic kits for personal printing to professional grade fabrication all the way to 3D printing buildings. Share your work, opinions, best practices, materials, etc.

Student Architect

2024-01-10T22:00:00-05:00

Good morning, my daughter is a architecture student working towards her b. Arch - going into 2nd year.

wanting to update her laptop, but unsure where to start. Most recommendations on pages appear to be Paid opinions, so looking for some real life independent advice.

Thanks

Stable diffusion and architecture

2023-12-30T15:59:02-05:00

sketchup recently added a stable diffusion beta plug in. I’ve been playing around with it and it’s actually not bad. It does get some things a little confused, but for quick viz stuff I’ve found it’s pretty helpful (especially for residential side gig work). It’s also kind of funny to see what I can get using various prompts. I did “Edward scissorhands” and “circus theme” and was not disappointed

Anyone else using AI tools in their workflow?

ChatGPT Generating Building Layout Images with Text Prompts

2023-10-30T18:58:00-04:00

Hey everyone! I’ve been experimenting with ChatGPT to generate 2D building layouts. It turns out that ChatGPT can take your design prompts and churn out graphics of viable building layouts. I’ve written a detailed blog post about it, but I’ll give a quick example and post a link to the prompt here.

A link to the original chat is below. The graphic outputs expire but you’ll be able to see everything else. I’ll attach a few screenshots of the graphic outputs below.

History Museum Example

I asked ChatGPT to design a fictional history museum, using design principles from Christopher Alexander’s “A Pattern Language.” I also wanted it to be compliant with the Living Building Challenge and work within a CLT mass timber structural grid.

ChatGPT gave me alternative layouts, highlighting different experiential aspects. For example, in one layout, it organized the main gallery centrally, creating a radial flow around it. It considered site constraints, street views, and room relationships whi...

Revit Question

2023-10-19T10:26:20-04:00

I know, a Revit question. How mundane.

Using 2024 and came across this for the first time. We have a consultant model linked in and their line weight thicknesses are different than ours. For example: #1 is say 0.1 in our models but in the consultants it's 0.2. When we use visibility graphics to change the linked files lines they're still off because their lines thickness is different.

Any idea how to get the consultants model to use the same line weight thicknesses as ours?

Anti-graffiti coating (for raw CMU)?

2023-10-14T17:21:26-04:00

Does anyone have any experience/recommendations for a graffiti blocking sealant for CMU walls?

The walls of this house consist of raw, unpainted and uncoated standard CMUs. I'd like to use something with the lowest sheen. Something that looks as invisible as possible, allowing for the CMU to look like CMU.

I'm not wholly anti-graffiti. I just don't want it to be permanent if I don't think the artistic level matches the house.

Revit

2023-09-26T20:37:00-04:00

How’s your experience been using Revit to produce professional construction documents?

Anyone have a razer blade 16 2023 and how is it for archi work ?

2023-09-12T12:34:00-04:00

Hi does anyone have a razer blade 16 2023 with the mini led screen? I am I how it performs for cad /rhino/ illustrator work …have some concerns about the screen and blooming.

any feedback would be greatly appreciated ! Thanks

Outsourcing land use restriction research

2023-08-22T15:22:00-04:00

For all architects...

1) Is land use restriction (zoning, HOA, easement, etc.) research a time-consuming, undesirable, or lengthy process?

2) How often do you need to do this?

3) Do you use any services currently to do this?

Thanks!

Software used in practices

2023-08-11T14:36:40-04:00

Dear all,

I was wondering what drawing, modeling, and rendering software you use in your practices. In my case, AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, TwinMotion, and Adobe(s) comprise my toolset, but I was wondering if anyone use something different.

Thanks.

ArchiCad online course

2023-08-10T20:01:33-04:00

Hi there,

I'm searching for a good online ArchiCad course for beginners. Any recommendations from someone who took a course recently?

Thank you!

Laptop recommendation for an architect

2023-07-03T13:02:00-04:00

Hello,

with the changing my work style, I need a very good laptop for my work as an architect and I would be very grateful for your tips and recommendations.

I'm basically deciding between Macos and PC platforms. I have work experience with both environments. Personally, I'm probably tending more to the Macos environment, but I don't want to make a decision based on pure emotions.. I have an iMac 27 with an i9 processor from 2019 at home, and everything I need works fine on it.

My laptop requirements: Good performance, good graphics card, RAM min. 16 GB (rather 32 GB), mobility (weight), high-quality processing/robustness, silent operation, long battery life, around 1 TB of storage is sufficient. Rendering ocassionally.

Apps: Archicad, Sketchup, Twinmotion, Adobe (Id, Ps, LrC, il), MS Office. Besides the general comparison, do you have recommendations for individual models? Many thanks for any of your recommendations and comments.

Best regards

Andrew

Apple vision pro goggles.

2023-06-08T17:31:19-04:00

what are people’s thoughts? Is this just another VR gimmick, or is this finally a breakthrough in augmented reality and visual computing? What are its (and future similar products) potential in architecture?

The following info will help you to learn how to read structural plans.

2023-05-25T00:53:33-04:00

As an architect, you not only needs to know architectural plans and spec, you also need to be able to read the consultants’ plans to coordinate them. The following info will help you to learn how to read structural plans.

Gang Chen, Author, AIA, LEED AP BD+C (GreenExamEducation.com)

SFIA/AISI steel designator:

ZHA developing "most" projects using AI-generated images says Patrik Schumacher

2023-04-27T10:33:25-04:00

dezeen.com

Gulp.

SWAPP.AI?

2023-04-25T20:17:29-04:00

Has anyone gotten a closer look at this than what's on their web site? Any idea if it comes close to performing as advertised or just vaporware?

https://www.swapp.ai/

Metaverse architecture - Meta-Architects

2023-04-19T11:40:00-04:00

Hello everyone,

I am excited to share with you that I am an architecture student in my final year of studies, and I am currently working on a project that explores the intersection between the metaverse and architecture.

As an architecture student, I am interested in exploring how the metaverse can be integrated into the built environment. I believe that the metaverse has the potential to change the way we design and the way we conceptualize spaces. It can offer new possibilities for collaboration, communication, and interaction within architectural spaces

My project aims to showcase the evolution of working from home by designing a virtual architecture agency in the metaverse. The goal is to create a space where architects and designers can collaborate and work together on projects, regardless of their physical location.The virtual agency will also have the ability to create virtual spaces and metaverses, which can be used to showcase architectural designs to clients and stakeholde...

Using .obj files in Revit

2023-03-08T17:35:28-05:00

Uhg!

We've been given an .obj file (point cloud type file) for an existing building that was 'laser scanned' to create a 'super accurate' existing conditions model by a developer. Unfortunately I can't seem to get REVIT or even AutoCAD to recognize it and import it.

The research I've done is that I need to convert the .obj file (or a .xyz file) to a .rcp or .rcs file type using ReCap Pro.

Anyone have experience doing this? How was the conversion? How useable was it in REVIT? Any input on this process would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Need advice on building renovation

2023-02-28T18:24:00-05:00

The building is sports facilities located in England. The goal is to extend the existing building and better the internal layout to suit the changing needs of the community and to meet current legislation. This includes adding another level, a new roof, changing the floor plan where necessary and upgrading the walls for u-value.

Building regulations and other applicable legislation require careful consideration at an early stage.
The client brief and schedule of accommodation is as follows and all must be accommodated
within your proposals / reports:
• maintain the same number of changing facilities
• maintain the existing umpire facilities
• enlarge the clubroom and ancillary facilities i.e., kitchen, bar, server
• provide a new reception area
• ensure a security room and main office is provided
• provide a spectator viewing area
• additional visitor toilet facilities
• first aid and physio room
• additional storage for plant and hockey equipment
• additional office and conference facilities
• ...

Asset Managment for Small Firms

2023-02-23T16:07:00-05:00

Does anyone have a good system for organizing their firm's digital assets? I'm curious how other firms organize their many photos, project information, branding content, and so on. We're looking for a less clunky way to sort and look through files and move away from our current file / folder system, which requires a lot of clicking and digging around. If people have experience with photo sorting, automation/processing, and tagging/metadata and know of good platforms to use, I'd love to hear about those systems. My firm uses Adobe Creative Suite, so we're considering using their cloud for organization. Any tips on how to better organize a firm's digital assets will be greatly appreciated.