FormFonts® 3D to Host Parametric ArchiCAD Building Objects Online

FormFonts, the leading provider of high quality Google SketchUp models, is partnering with Graphisoft to develop, host and share GDL building content libraries.  These libraries include both generic and manufacturer specific content for residential, commercial and institutional projects such as hospitals and research laboratories. 
The GDL objects found on FormFonts can be placed into ArchiCAD’s 3D workspace and once placed; they can be edited at any time, including modifications to color, material or any other parameter setting.  GDL objects are information containers that carry 2D and 3D geometry, product logic and behavior, parameters, material definitions and an object-specific user interface. Unlike other object libraries in the building industry, GDL objects take full advantage of parametric technology allowing the user to create many variables from one object single object.
FormFonts 3D is unique in the marketplace” said Patrick Mays, VP of Graphisoft North America. “It creates value - an economic platform for ongoing creation of professional virtual building objects. We believe this is the only rational and viable approach to generating the vast model library BIM requires.”
The FormFonts website offers both a content trading section as well as a professional subscription library of more than 35,000 3D models. All models are available in multiple 3D formats, and can be accessed for as little as $16.58 per month in prepaid annual subscriptions.
FormFonts pioneered revenue sharing for 3D developers under the subscription model in 2003.
“We have a professional community of modelers producing excellent content on our website today, and now we will expand that community to encourage GDL developers to contribute content in exchange for royalties,” said Fred Abler, Principal and CEO of FormFonts. “In BIM environments, digital product models are not just “content”, they are essential data. High quality objects are a ‘must have’ that people gladly pay for.” Abler sees this awareness growing rapidly as users increasingly exploit the analytic capabilities of their BIM environment.