Hello, my fellow Rhino3D architects. I’m a newly graduated architect from Brazil, and I’m trying to transition from using AutoCAD (floor plans) > SketchUp (3D modeling for rendering) > AutoCAD (final documentation) to a workflow with Archicad (floor plans) + Rhinoceros (3D modeling for rendering) > Archicad (final documentation). Does this workflow make sense? Using Archicad for floor plans, Rhinoceros for creative 3D modeling, and returning to Archicad for proper documentation? If so, how do you do it (or how would you do it)?
I export a 3DM file with a basic model from Archicad, but when I import it into Rhino, all the objects, walls, and geometries come in as blocks, which makes editing very inconvenient. Imagine having to edit every wall individually every time! Not to mention that these blocks are categorized into layers—walls in the wall layer, furniture in the furniture layer—but all the geometry inside the blocks ends up on other layers, seemingly chosen randomly, from those imported from Archicad. For instance, if I explode my wall blocks, they might move to a terrain layer.
Is there any command or script to explode the model exported from Archicad into the correct layers, with unified geometry, ready for modeling?
I’m also open to suggestions for useful Rhino commands for architects, as well as tips on viewports and display modes.
I should mention that I’m interested in using VisualArq instead of Archicad, but as a newly graduated architect, I currently don’t have the budget for it. Additionally, the office I work for uses Archicad, and they provide me with a license to carry out my tasks, so this workflow is my only option for now.
Do you use Rhino as your modeling software for architecture? Do you use Rhino because of Grasshopper, or is it effective for traditional modeling as well? I understand that for my current needs, Grasshopper will rarely be used, although I want to focus on it more in the future. Could you share some examples of models you create for rendering?
Sorry for the many questions in one post—I’m trying to summarize all my struggles to see if I can find some solutions for this transition. I love Rhino, but I’m still a beginner and don’t know its limits for rendering-oriented modeling. I’ve noticed that most YouTube tutorials focus on parametric architecture or massive iconic projects, but I’m looking for something more practical and relatable for a newly graduated architect.
Heres that block layers bug, and you should notice that walls are separated from each other.
And here’s an example of architecture we model here in brazil.
Thanks for your attention! 