The model viewer for your architectural designs: Solibri

VisualARQ bets for Rhino for the design and generation of documentation for parametric and freeform architecture. If you want to combine their varied possibilities with other programs, you need a common language and a file viewer. IFC is the most common format and it is included in many developers’ software. You can transfer files with .IFC extension painlessly between your architectural software. When you work on a project, you exchange information with others: collaborators, partners, contractors or anyone assisting in any phase of the project. And, of course, not everyone will have the same software installed because the suppliers of materials or services use the software they believe is the most suitable to their activity. Here lies the real advantage of IFC, the fact the flow of information and the work on models are truly collaborative. It is a smooth and simple way of working, without errors or confusions that could result in delays or extra costs. You don’t need to interpret a design, you simply have to look at it. Since your models will be used by different people for different purposes, how can these people properly view them? Thanks to Solibri Model Viewer and its seamless integration with BIM. We at VisualARQ have tested Solibri and have included the process in our Youtube video channel. As you will see, it is very simple: it just takes 1 step to export a .IFC file from Rhino and VisualARQ to Solibri Model Viewer. First we created a model in Rhino using VisualARQ and Rhino geometry. The project is organized in three stories using the Level Manager. When you save the model, simply do it with the .IFC extension. The IFC file keeps the information from all levels and VisualARQ architectural objects. You can then open it with Solibri Model Viewer. Among other options, you can display each object type individually:  beams, columns, curtain walls, doors… Among these objects, there will also be Rhino geometry, such as surfaces or polysurfaces. Solibri is available for Windows and MAC. Now you know its advantages and you can watch how it works in our video. Last but not least, something you will surely find irresistible: you can download it freely. When you think about architectural design, Rhino and VisualARQ, remember there is Solibri Model Viewer to share your architectural projects. Teamwork will be much easier with it, something that is impossible to refuse. Also, if you want to know how to directly connect VisualARQ and Revit, we have a video to show you. Would you rather connect VisualARQ and ArchiCAD? In that case, this is the video for you. Would you like to share with us your Rhino projects? Visit our Facebook, we are always happy to share architecture. (Article by M.A. Núñez)