Building Up: New Features for Arckit

Physical architectural models can be notoriously tricky and time-consuming to build. Constraints, both in time and budget, are starting to make these models unfeasible.

Arckit is a set of reusable components used to convey design intent. (Image courtesy of Arckit.)

Arckit is a set of reusable building blocks designed to make it easy for architecture professionals to put together a model to convey design intent.

When I had the opportunity to take a hands-on look at Arckit, I noted that it could be translated to CAD designs using a component library on SketchUp and that soon it would be available for building information modeling (BIM) as well.

Recently, Arckit announced that the day had come. Along with a new integration with Revit, the building block system has a slew of new components and an education program to add to its roster.

Let’s have a look at what’s new for Arckit.

New Components

When Arckit went through its test run, there were four different sets available, all with fairly standard modular pieces. Now, there are several more types of kits, as well as the addition of new components for the Angle, Curve and Dormer sets.

These components are designed for creative design and have been integrated into the larger kits as well, including the professional-level A360 pack.

It’s also worth noting that the kits now come with preprinted Arckitexture adhesive sheets to decorate finished models, as well as blank sheets. This will be helpful for users who don’t have easy access to an inkjet printer.

3D Print Your Own Components

Custom components created with 3D printing. (Image courtesy of Arckit.)

Arckit teased the possibility of being able to 3D print custom components this year. Users will very soon have the option to do so using the kit’s online Infiniti 3D store, where they will be able to order custom components—including walls, archways, roofs, stairs, dormers and even figurines and vehicles. These parts will then be printed and shipped.

The store is still in progress, but users can submit ideas for components on the website.

Build with Arckit in Revit

One of the neat features of Arckit is that its standard components are available in virtualized form on SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse plug-in. Part of the recent announcement is that these components are now also available on Autodesk Revit for professional and educational purposes.

Teach a Lesson

Another feature that Arckit has introduced is an education program to go along with its kits. There are two different variations available:

A 10-week lesson plan focusing on design inspiration, planning and CAD design, as well as practical model-building projects
Two- to four-hour workshops and other pop-up activities that show students what it’s like to work on an architectural team

Although these seem to be targeted more to the primary and secondary levels, Arckit reports that it is currently working with senior professors in the United States to expand the kits into a staple for education.

For more information, check out the Arckit website.