Allplan is a Building Information Modelling (BIM) software platform developed by ALLPLAN GmbH (part of the Nemetschek Group) that provides architects, structural engineers, and construction professionals with tools for 3D design, modelling, detailing, and project coordination. It is widely used in Europe and increasingly adopted worldwide for building design and civil engineering projects.
Key features
Allplan offers a comprehensive set of tools spanning the entire design and construction process:
- Architectural design — 3D modelling of buildings from concept through to detailed design, including walls, floors, roofs, stairs, and facades.
- Structural engineering — Reinforcement detailing, formwork planning, and structural analysis integration for concrete and steel structures.
- Civil engineering — Road, bridge, and infrastructure design tools with terrain modelling and alignment planning.
- BIM collaboration — Open BIM support through IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) enables data exchange with other software platforms such as Revit, ArchiCAD, and Tekla.
- Visualisation — Built-in rendering and animation tools allow designers to create realistic presentations of their projects.
- Quantity take-off — Automatic extraction of material quantities from the 3D model for cost estimation and tendering.
Application
Allplan is used across a wide range of construction disciplines:
- Architectural practices — From residential houses to large-scale commercial and institutional buildings, Allplan supports the full design workflow.
- Structural engineering firms — Detailed reinforcement drawings and formwork plans are a particular strength of the software.
- Infrastructure projects — Bridges, tunnels, and road design benefit from Allplan’s civil engineering modules.
- General contractors — Construction planning, coordination, and clash detection help contractors manage complex builds.
Advantages
Allplan’s strength lies in its integration of architectural and structural workflows within a single platform, reducing the need for separate software packages. Its strong IFC support makes it well-suited for open BIM projects where multiple disciplines and software tools must work together seamlessly.
Related terms
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
- Revit
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