Graphisoft Team Wins Grand Prize at 'Build Live Tokyo'

Competition Highlights ArchiCAD's Edge

BUDAPEST, Hungary, March 30 /PRNewswire/ -- "Build Live Tokyo," a competition
aimed at raising awareness of BIM (Building Information Modeling), was held
February 25-27. Build Live is the Japanese version of the international BIM
Storm event. Graphisoft Japan was part of the Skunk Works team, led by Maeda
Corporation, which won the Grand prize.

The six participating teams were tasked with designing an environment
technology research center, including a collaboration research facility,
conference center, and exhibition space, at the Tokyo Bay site. Three out of
the six teams were using ArchiCAD.

Graphisoft Japan was a member of the Skunk Works team led by Maeda Corporation
Building Design Department.

The Skunk Works team tackled the time-limited task by implementing an
impressive BIM workflow and brand-new technologies. Right from the start, they
produced small-scale models using a 3D printer. The final presentation
included a VBE (Virtual Building Explorer) file - a newly released Graphisoft
feature for use with ArchiCAD - to enable the judges to view the building in
3D.

The jury members especially appreciated the high level of detail and
thoroughness involved in the end product submitted by Skunk Works.

"As the design process progressed, it incorporated the results of the light,
shadow, wind, construction and other simulations. The team developed a BIM
process which is transparent and trustworthy." The juries commended the Skunk
Works submission in the categories of "Professional BIM" and "Design Build
BIM."

Team Skunk Works included professionals from:

-- Maeda Corporation Building Design Department
-- Tekla K.K
-- Graphisoft Japan
-- RIK Corporation
-- Advanced Knowledge Laboratory Inc

Build Live Tokyo was organized by the Japan Association of the
buildingSMART(TM) International Alliance for Interoperability.

Images and comments of the juries from the competition can be viewed on the
Build Tokyo Live website: http://bltokyo2009.seesaa.net/ (Japanese)

Maeda Corporation:

Maeda Corporation was established in Fukui, Japan in 1919. Since then, it has
progressed to become one of Japan's leading building and civil engineering
contractors. Maeda has a well-earned reputation for completing contracts with
high-quality work and technical standards within short construction periods.
Since 2001, Maeda has invested in an advanced design system to integrate
building information consisting of several domain-specific BIM design
processes, such as architectural, structural and HVAC. Recently Maeda has a
high reputation for extensive engineering and consultation services, such as
designing a manufacturing process for a production facility. Maeda keeps
innovating technology and providing the best of service. More information at
http://www.maeda.co.jp/english/outline_e.html

About Graphisoft:
Graphisoft is the pioneer and leader in developing Virtual Building(TM)
solutions. For 25 years, Graphisoft has been empowering the broadest community
of architects to deliver model based projects that are better designed, more
predictable to construct and less expensive to operate. Further media requests
for information can be made to Akos Pfemeter at: press@graphisoft.com

Graphisoft and ArchiCAD are registered trademarks of Graphisoft. All other
trademarks are property of their respective owners

SOURCE Graphisoft

Akos Pfemeter of Graphisoft, +36-1-437-3000, press@graphisoft.com