Summary
- Archicad is a leading tool in BIM solutions that enables architects and designers to visualize their designs effectively with clients.
- Enscape helps architects create real-time visualizations and transforms design communication with real-time rendering.
- Enscape Impact supports early-stage performance analysis and how sustainability insights can influence better design decisions from the start.
- See how you can achieve greater impact through BIM visualization through an Archicad and Enscape live-sync workflow.
Keeping a fluent workflow from early design to final presentation can be challenging. Archicad and Enscape help simplify it. This article is based on a webinar hosted by Graphisoft, with support from Chaos and IES, and will show how to speed up your design visualization workflow using Enscape and Archicad
How does Archicad enable clients to visualize their designs effectively?
By combining powerful BIM modeling with built-in visualization tools and real-time rendering integrations, Archicad gives architects the ability to present designs in a way clients can instantly understand.
As a flexible and robust BIM solution, Archicad accommodates every phase of a project lifecycle, assisting architects with conceptual sketches and photorealistic renderings. Its comprehensive suite of integrated solutions and seamless connection of third-party visualization tools expand your creative possibilities.
Built-in visualization features include a default 3D perspective and axonometric view, enabling you to explore models from any angle. Dedicated cameras can be set up from specific viewpoints, making it easy to review your designs and prepare professional presentations for stakeholders.
The 3D document feature transforms any model view into an immersive, informative presentation. This helps clients visualize the design effectively and makes it easier to review models. Its native, physically based rendering engine provides realistic, real-time visualizations directly in the modeling window.
Seamless integration with tools like Enscape brings real-time rendering directly to your BIM workflow. This live link lets you explore design options instantly, refine details on the fly, and present updates without time-consuming exports. By combining robust modeling capabilities with dynamic visualization, you can streamline your workflow and keep creativity at the forefront.
Archicad’s rendering engine offers both pre-configured settings and full customization options. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, you will find the tools you need to create stunning visuals.
How real-time rendering can transform your design communication
Enscape enables you to visualize your ideas in real time and integrates directly into your modeling software, like Archicad. This makes it easy to use while delivering high-quality visuals, using deep integrations and two-directional data flows. This immediate feedback makes it easier to communicate design intent, clarify details, and avoid misunderstandings with clients and stakeholders, making Enscape perfect for design and client presentations.
Can sustainability insights influence better design decisions from the start?
By integrating reliable performance data early in the workflow, architects can make informed choices without slowing down creativity. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in architecture, and architects are expected to consider it. That’s why Chaos partnered with IES, a software company that utilizes its simulation engine for building performance modeling across all phases of a building’s life.
Enscape Impact supports you during early design phases by enabling quick and intuitive energy analysis with minimal input data. Templates based on ASHRAE 90.1 standards allow you to understand how design decisions impact energy use, without disrupting creative workflow.
With real-time feedback at an early stage, architects can test multiple design scenarios side by side and immediately see their impact on energy performance. This empowers teams to balance aesthetics, function, and sustainability from the start, rather than treating efficiency as an afterthought later in the process.
You’ll get more precise results while using Enscape Impact with better data provided. As the same simulation engine is used throughout the design and operational lifecycle, results are consistent and trustworthy.
Enscape Impact’s goal is to change sustainable design, reduce rework, and bridge the gap between design and performance. It is currently available for Windows, with Mac support planned in the future.
6 tips for using the Enscape and Archicad live sync workflow
Using Archicad and Enscape is easy. Here are some tips to get you started:
- When working with the live sync workflow, make sure to have your model clean and centered at 0,0 origin. Additionally, unnecessary geometry should be removed.
- When you begin, set up a dedicated 3D view and apply basic materials. You can refine these later using Enscape’s material library and editor.
- Use the Enscape live sync to render in real time. Any changes made in Archicad, including geometry and materials, will be updated instantly in Enscape. The Enscape Material Library has over 400 prebuilt materials. Additionally, existing ones can be refined with the Enscape Material Editor. This seamless process does not override your original material names.
- Adding assets, like people and vegetation, can be done in Archicad or directly in Enscape, syncing back automatically. You can populate your scene using trees with the multi-asset placement tool, including distribution and density settings.
- Visual modes like Sketch, Polystrol, or Watercolor can enhance your presentation. HDRIs or third-party images allow you to easily enhance lightning, cloud settings, and horizon backgrounds. Shadows and reflections will adjust in real time.
- Using the Chaos Cloud, you can generate high-resolution renders, batch renders, video walkthroughs, 360 panoramas including QR codes, and full virtual tours. Furthermore, clients can leave comments and navigate tours interactively.
Creating a seamless BIM visualization experience
Together, Archicad and Enscape create a seamless BIM visualization experience, elevating it by bundling Enscape and Enscape Impact into one powerful design toolkit. By combining immersive rendering and data-driven sustainability evaluation, it lets you visualize beautiful designs in real time and assess their energy performance on the spot, helping you make smarter decisions earlier.
Chaos suites are software packages curated to provide essential tools to enhance your workflow. The ArchDesign Collection includes Enscape and Enscape Impact, as well as Veras and Envision. This suite delivers real-time visualization and gives you access to building performance insights all within your familiar BIM workflow.
Discover the ArchDesign Collection