So what exactly is BIMx and how can it be used? Graphisoft BIMx is an interactive 3D presentation tool that allows all the stakeholders in a project to have access to the building model, without requiring any specialized BIM skills. BIMx is a game changer that allows for innovation with the types of models created and the presentation/utility of these models.
In 2009, Graphisoft released Virtual Building Explorer (VBE) for ArchiCAD 12. The core engine for VBE was developed by Zermatt Virtual Reality Software, which was subsequently bought by Graphisoft in 2010. For the release of ArchiCAD 15 in 2011, VBE was rebranded as Building Information Model Explorer (BIMx). And that’s when things got really interesting. Originally a standalone viewer for PC and Mac, BIMx is now also available on iOS and Android devices. While the add-on to ArchiCAD required to produce the BIMx models must be purchased, the viewers on mobile devices are free (you can download them from the Mac App Store or Google Play Store). Viewing the models on a PC or Mac requires either a free desktop viewer or the self-executing .exe or .app model file.
