GRAPHISOFT > Case Studies > KOZ Architects' Transition to 3D Design with Archicad: A Case Study

KOZ Architects' Transition to 3D Design with Archicad: A Case Study

Technology Category

Robots - Collaborative Robots
Sensors - Environmental Sensors

Applicable Industries

Buildings
Glass

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Experimentation Automation
Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing

Services

Training

About The Customer

KOZ Architects is a Paris-based architectural firm founded by Christophe Ouhayoun and Nicolas Ziesel in 1999. The firm is known for its expressive and cheerful architecture, which is founded on discussion, experimentation, and 'creative democracy.' Over the years, KOZ Architects has participated in 75 competitions and tenders, winning 27 and building 18. The firm currently relies on a 13-member team and partners like PLAN01, a group of five architectural firms and an environmental study office. KOZ Architects is committed to driving social and environmental innovations through their work.

The Challenge

KOZ Architects, founded by Christophe Ouhayoun and Nicolas Ziesel in 1999, had been using 2D design software for their architectural projects. However, they found the process of designing a project in plan, then modeling it for communication, and making a specific model for thermal simulation to be inefficient and time-consuming. This challenge was particularly evident in their 'Tête en l’Air' project, which involved rehabilitating a social housing unit and creating 15 new wooden buildings. The project required a high level of detail and precision, which was difficult to achieve with 2D design software. Furthermore, the collaboration with carpenters, who think in 3D from concept to execution, highlighted the limitations of their existing 2D design tools.

The Solution

KOZ Architects decided to switch to Archicad, a 3D design software, in 2009. This transition was driven by the need for a more collaborative and efficient design process. Archicad allowed them to design in 3D, like the carpenters they often collaborated with, and facilitated communication with these carpenters. The software also enabled them to understand and model complex structures, such as wood structures, more effectively. Archicad's ability to handle different file types and its interoperability were also key factors in their decision. Since the switch, KOZ Architects has used Archicad in all phases of their projects, from conceptual design to execution. The software's features, such as the ability to draw elements in space with information, value, and thickness, have transformed their design process.

Operational Impact

The transition to Archicad has had a significant impact on KOZ Architects' operations. The software's 3D design capabilities have enabled them to visualize and understand their projects better, leading to improved design quality. The ability to design in 3D like carpenters has also improved their collaboration with these craftsmen, leading to better execution of their projects. Furthermore, Archicad's interoperability has facilitated data exchange with other design software, improving their workflow. The software's features, such as the ability to draw elements in space with information, value, and thickness, have also transformed their design process, allowing them to explore possibilities and experiment with different concepts more effectively. Overall, the switch to Archicad has enhanced KOZ Architects' efficiency, collaboration, and design quality.

Quantitative Benefit

Switching to Archicad allowed KOZ Architects to design and model their projects more efficiently, reducing the time spent on each project.
The use of Archicad facilitated better collaboration with carpenters, improving the quality of their projects.
Archicad's 3D design capabilities enabled KOZ Architects to handle complex projects, such as the 'Tête en l’Air' project, more effectively.