Two prominent members of the ArchiCAD community, Stefan Boeykens and Ruben Van de Walle, have recently co-authored a book titled, “A BIM Professional’s Guide to Learning ArchiCAD.” This guide aims to provide a structured approach to mastering ArchiCAD, catering to both beginners and experienced users.
Meet the Authors: Stefan Boeykens and Ruben Van de Walle
Stefan Boeykens is an architect-engineer and senior BIM consultant at D-studio, as well as a guest professor at KU Leuven in Belgium. His work focuses on information management in construction projects and BIM standards. He has been an ArchiCAD user since 1998.
Ruben Van de Walle is a co-founder of studiov2 and a lecturer at Howest University of Applied Sciences and Ghent University. His expertise lies in modeling complex geometry, optimizing workflows using GDL and Grasshopper, and developing ArchiCAD templates. He has been working with CAD and BIM software since 1992 and has been using ArchiCAD for over 10 years.
Learning ArchiCAD: A Structured Approach
Boeykens and Van de Walle emphasize the importance of a well-structured learning approach for ArchiCAD, given its extensive features. They believe that understanding the principles of building design is crucial for effective modeling in ArchiCAD.
Ruben gained expertise while working at KUBUS, the local ArchiCAD reseller, developing localized templates and learning advanced techniques.
Why a Physical Book?
Despite the abundance of online resources, the authors chose to publish a physical book due to its capacity for in-depth exploration and offline accessibility. The format encourages readers to actively process information rather than passively “clicking along” with tutorials.
Who Should Read This Book?
“A BIM Professional’s Guide to Learning ArchiCAD” is primarily intended for individuals new to ArchiCAD. However, experienced users can also benefit from the book’s insights, tips, and tricks. It is also a valuable resource for students in architecture and construction, as well as their instructors.
Key Takeaways for BIM Professionals
The book offers guidance on modelling, drafting and organizing layouts, and published workflows, which are essential for developing a virtual building from initial sketches to complete designs.
Acknowledging Regional Differences
The authors acknowledge the existence of regional differences in measurement systems and ground floor numbering. However, they chose to adhere to the INT version and template to cater to the largest possible number of users worldwide.
Where to Leave Feedback
The authors encourage readers to leave reviews on Amazon to provide feedback on the book’s value and suitability. Honest feedback helps build and share knowledge within the ArchiCAD community.
“A BIM Professional’s Guide to Learning ArchiCAD” by Stefan Boeykens and Ruben Van de Walle offers a comprehensive resource for mastering ArchiCAD. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, this book can help you improve your skills and knowledge of this powerful BIM software. You can order the book from Amazon here.
