Archiglazing for Archicad 16: The Ultimate Add-on for Glass Structure Design
Archiglazing for Archicad 16: A Comprehensive Guide
If you are an architect who wants to design a broad range of glass structures, such as custom windows, vertical or slanted glass walls, conical or shed glass structures, or winter gardens, you might be interested in Archiglazing. Archiglazing is an add-on for Archicad that enables you to create these types of glass structures quickly and easily. In this article, we will explain what Archiglazing is, what features it offers, how to use it in Archicad 16, what benefits it provides, and what limitations and challenges it faces. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how Archiglazing can help you achieve your architectural goals.
Archiglazing for Archicad 16
Features of Archiglazing
Archiglazing is an add-on that extends the capabilities of the standard Archicad library by offering a variety of tools to design glass structures. These tools are:
Vertical glass structure tool
This tool allows you to create vertical glass structures along lines, line combinations, or closed contours. You can adjust the number, size, shape, and position of the glass panels, as well as the frame type, material, color, and thickness. You can also apply different types of opening mechanisms to the panels, such as sliding, folding, or pivoting.
Slanted glass structure tool
This tool enables you to create slanted glass structures along lines, line combinations, closed contours, or in roof panes. You can modify the angle, height, width, and depth of the slanted glass structure, as well as the properties of the panels and frames. You can also choose from different types of roof shapes, such as gable, hip, or mansard.
Sketch window tool
This tool lets you create windows, doors, or freestanding glass structures from draft sketches. You can draw any shape or contour with the sketch window tool and then convert it into a window or door object. You can also position corner glass structures automatically by using this tool.
Conic glass structure tool
This tool helps you create conical glass structures along arcs, circles, on circular ceiling apertures or walls. You can define the radius, height, angle, and direction of the conical glass structure, as well as the properties of the panels and frames.
Shed glass structure tool
This tool assists you in creating shed glass structures on rectangular line contours, walls or ceiling apertures. You can specify the length, width, height, slope, and orientation of the shed glass structure, as well as the properties of the panels and frames.
Winter garden tool
This tool allows you to create winter gardens from lines, walls, or closed contours. You can design the shape, size, and style of the winter garden, as well as the properties of the panels and frames. You can also add doors, windows, or skylights to the winter garden.
How to use Archiglazing in Archicad 16
Archiglazing is an add-on that works with Archicad 16, a popular architectural software that allows you to create 2D and 3D models of buildings. To use Archiglazing in Archicad 16, you need to follow these steps:
Installation and activation
To install Archiglazing, you need to download the add-on from the official website and run the installer. You will be asked to choose the language and the destination folder for the add-on. After the installation is complete, you need to activate Archiglazing by entering your license key in the Archicad Add-On Manager. You can find your license key in the email confirmation that you received after purchasing Archiglazing.
Creating custom windows from sketches
To create custom windows from sketches, you need to use the sketch window tool. You can access this tool from the Design menu or from the toolbar. To use this tool, you need to draw a sketch of the window shape on a floor plan or a section view. You can use any drawing tool, such as lines, arcs, splines, or polygons. You can also snap to existing elements or guides. After you finish drawing the sketch, you need to select it and click on the sketch window tool icon. A dialog box will appear where you can adjust the parameters of the window, such as the frame type, material, color, thickness, opening mechanism, sill height, and reveal depth. You can also assign a name and an ID to the window. When you are satisfied with the settings, click OK and the sketch will be converted into a window object. You can then place the window on a wall or a roof by dragging it with the mouse.
Building vertical and slanted glass walls on curves
To build vertical and slanted glass walls on curves, you need to use the vertical glass structure tool or the slanted glass structure tool. You can access these tools from the Design menu or from the toolbar. To use these tools, you need to draw a curve on a floor plan or a section view. You can use any drawing tool that creates curves, such as lines, arcs, splines, or polygons. You can also snap to existing elements or guides. After you finish drawing the curve, you need to select it and click on the vertical glass structure tool icon or the slanted glass structure tool icon. A dialog box will appear where you can adjust the parameters of the glass structure, such as the number, size, shape, and position of the panels, as well as the frame type, material, color, thickness, and opening mechanism. You can also assign a name and an ID to the glass structure. When you are satisfied with the settings, click OK and the curve will be converted into a glass structure object. You can then place the glass structure on a wall or a roof by dragging it with the mouse.
Placing conical and shed glass structures on arcs and walls
To place conical and shed glass structures on arcs and walls, you need to use the conic glass structure tool or the shed glass structure tool. You can access these tools from the Design menu or from the toolbar. To use these tools, you need to draw an arc or a wall on a floor plan or a section view. You can use any drawing tool that creates arcs or walls, such as lines, arcs, splines, or polygons. You can also snap to existing elements or guides. After you finish drawing the arc or the wall, you need to select it and click on the conic glass structure tool icon or the shed glass structure tool icon. A dialog box will appear where you can adjust the parameters of the glass structure, such as the radius, height, angle, direction, length, width, slope, and orientation of the glass structure, as well as the properties of the panels and frames. You can also assign a name and an ID to the glass structure. When you are satisfied with the settings, click OK and the arc or the wall will be converted into a glass structure object. You can then place the glass structure on a wall or a roof by dragging it with the mouse.
Designing winter gardens with lines and walls
To design winter gardens with lines and walls, you need to use the winter garden tool. You can access this tool from the Design menu or from the toolbar. To use this tool, you need to draw a closed contour on a floor plan or a section view. You can use any drawing tool that creates closed contours, such as lines, arcs, splines, or polygons. You can also snap to existing elements or guides. After you finish drawing the closed contour, you need to select it and click on the winter garden tool icon. A dialog box will appear where you can adjust the parameters of the winter garden, such as the shape, size, style, and properties of the panels and frames. You can also add doors, windows, or skylights to the winter garden by using the sketch window tool or selecting from the Archicad library. You can also assign a name and an ID to the winter garden. When you are satisfied with the settings, click OK and the closed contour will be converted into a winter garden object. You can then place the winter garden on a wall or a roof by dragging it with the mouse.
Benefits of Archiglazing for Archicad 16
Archiglazing is an add-on that provides many benefits for architects who want to design glass structures. Some of these benefits are:
Parametric behaviour and flexibility
Archiglazing allows you to create glass structures that are parametric, meaning that they can be modified and updated easily by changing their parameters. You can also edit the shape and size of the glass structures by using the pet palette or the tracker. Archiglazing also gives you the flexibility to create custom glass structures from sketches or curves, as well as to choose from different types of frames, materials, colors, and opening mechanisms.
Compatibility and integration with Archicad
Archiglazing is compatible with Archicad 16, which is a powerful and user-friendly architectural software that supports 2D and 3D modeling, documentation, visualization, and collaboration. Archiglazing integrates seamlessly with Archicad, allowing you to access its tools from the Design menu or the toolbar. You can also use Archiglazing objects in conjunction with other Archicad elements, such as walls, roofs, slabs, zones, or labels. You can also export and import Archiglazing objects in various file formats, such as DWG, DXF, IFC, or PDF.
Aesthetics and functionality of glass structures
Archiglazing enables you to create glass structures that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Glass structures can enhance the appearance and value of a building by providing natural light, transparency, spaciousness, and elegance. Glass structures can also improve the performance and comfort of a building by providing insulation, ventilation, solar control, and noise reduction. Archiglazing allows you to design glass structures that meet your architectural vision and your client's needs.
Limitations and challenges of Archiglazing for Archicad 16
Archiglazing is an add-on that also has some limitations and challenges that you should be aware of before using it. Some of these limitations and challenges are:
Legacy code and lack of support
Archiglazing is an add-on that was developed by a third-party company called Cadimage Group. However, Cadimage Group discontinued the development and support of Archiglazing in 2017. This means that Archiglazing is based on legacy code that may not be compatible with newer versions of Archicad or operating systems. It also means that there is no official support or updates for Archiglazing from Cadimage Group. You may have to rely on online forums or user manuals for troubleshooting or assistance.
System and hardware requirements
Archiglazing is an add-on that requires a certain level of system and hardware specifications to run smoothly and efficiently. You need to have Archicad 16 installed on your computer, as well as a valid license key for Archiglazing. You also need to have a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, a dual-core processor, a graphics card with OpenGL support, and a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. If your system or hardware does not meet these requirements, you may experience slow performance, crashes, or errors when using Archiglazing.
Potential errors and bugs
Archiglazing is an add-on that may contain some errors or bugs that can affect its functionality or quality. Some of these errors or bugs are related to the geometry or calculation of the glass structures, such as incorrect dimensions, gaps, overlaps, or distortions. Some of these errors or bugs are related to the display or rendering of the glass structures, such as missing textures, incorrect colors, or poor quality. Some of these errors or bugs are related to the compatibility or integration of the glass structures with other Archicad elements or file formats, such as incorrect placement, lazing for Archicad 16:
Q: Where can I download Archiglazing for Archicad 16?
A: You can download Archiglazing for Archicad 16 from the official website of Cadimage Group, which is the developer of the add-on. Here is the link:
Q: How much does Archiglazing for Archicad 16 cost?
A: Archiglazing for Archicad 16 costs $199 USD for a single user license, or $399 USD for a network license. You can purchase the add-on online from the Cadimage Group website, or from an authorized reseller in your region.
Q: How can I learn more about Archiglazing for Archicad 16?
A: You can learn more about Archiglazing for Archicad 16 by reading the user manual, watching the video tutorials, or browsing the online help. You can also join the online community of Archiglazing users and share your questions, feedback, or tips.
Q: What are some alternatives to Archiglazing for Archicad 16?
A: Some alternatives to Archiglazing for Archicad 16 are Curtain Wall Tool, Glass Wall Tool, or Window Maker Tool. These are also add-ons for Archicad that allow you to design glass structures with different features and functions. You can compare and contrast these add-ons to find the one that suits your needs best.
Q: How can I contact Cadimage Group for support or feedback?
A: You can contact Cadimage Group for support or feedback by sending an email to support@cadimagegroup.com, or by filling out the contact form on their website. You can also follow them on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. dcd2dc6462