The best place to start is with the BIM modeling guidelines for Archicad. This is a compact document from Graphisoft. It shows you how to draw and classify components in Archicad so that you can transfer your Archicad model optimally to NOVA AVA via IFC.
You can obtain the modeling guidelines directly from your Graphisoft partner. They can also provide you with further support for modeling with Archicad.
Graphisoft’s modeling guidelines show you how to draw and classify components in Archicad. Here, for example, on the topics of foundations and external walls.
Most components are automatically classified correctly by Archicad during modeling if you use the appropriate tool. For example, you can create an exterior wall as a component using Archicad’s wall tool – this will classify it correctly as a wall.
Sometimes you have to classify extra. To create a strip foundation, for example, use the Archicad wall tool. It is then automatically classified as a wall. But then you have to classify it correctly as a “strip foundation” afterwards. You can also see this in the modeling guideline.
You make this classification in Archicad in the wall tool, under “Classification and properties”.
The BIM modeling guideline for Archicad from Graphisoft shows you the best way to proceed in a structured and clear manner.
A few settings are also important for the IFC export from Archicad.
You export your Archicad building model from Archicad using the NOVA AVA translator. You can find the translator and its settings here:
Now select the IFC translator “Nova AVA”.
And make sure under “Settings” that “IFC4” is selected as the IFC schema and – very important! – “All 3D elements” is selected for the model filter.
This way you can get your own model on the way to NOVA AVA. What happens next in NOVA AVA? Take a look at our tutorials.