Category Method

One-to-One Textures

Textures are typically understood to be a repeating module marching across the surface of an element. Which is why so many of them are so bad – it is not that easy to work out the edges of each texture image to seamlessly match up with itself on all sides.

Wall Cleanup Tip using Column Tool

Passing along a tip from onland.info.

Wall Typology

An enduring clot of inefficiency in our process involves establishing and managing schedules of partition and wall types in our construction documents. New features of the AC14 label tool might help. Discussion.

Terrain

We’ll expand on this later. Meanwhile:

Digtal Vision: comprehensive site modeling pdf.

Graphisoft help article on mesh techniques.

Bobrow’s exposition.

On Land: two excellent posts: one, two.

AC Concepts


Working in all three dimensions – this is the practical underpinning of our practice.

Careful development of the 3D model pays off significantly in 2D drawing production and presentation renderings. Herewith guidelines for model development:

Construction Administraton ConDoc Management

A peek into our CA workflow.

Layer combinations

It’s a complex world.

WS

Ground rules for Wall Section sheets.

Layer Set Concept

The model is visible for reference but locked.

Setup

  1. Create wall sections with the section tool, not the detail tool.
  2. [tim: clarify] If the wall section matches a building section, use a hidden section marker layer to create the wall section. Place this marker  in plan directly over the corresponding building section marker at the appropriate wall. The section marker should be on a visible section marker layer if it needs to show in plan.

Drawing References

  1. Use linked detail markers tied to the specific drawing on a Layout.
  2. Source markers may be used to originate a detail but the marker should then be changed to link to a drawing on a layout.

3D

  1. Same as building sections.
  2. Leverage the model as much as possible.
  3. Use the detailing effort to inform the 3D model: unlock the model layers and move 3D elements to keep the model coordinated with the developing details.
  4. Important. Navigate from the view map when starting work in a wall section so the proper layer set locks model elements in the wall section drawing.

2D

  1. Use heavy outlines towards the end of the CD phase once most of the structure and spaces are fully developed.
  2. Lines and fills should be used over the model to convey the necessary amount of detail and scope of work.

download: A 40 WALL SECTION

E, BS, IE

Ground rules for Elevations, Building Sections, and Interior Elevations.

Layer Set Concept

  1. The model is live and unlocked.

Setup

  1. Place section and elevation markers in plan as needed.

Drawing References

  1. Use linked detail markers tied to the specific drawing on a layout.
  2. Do not use source markers for any wall sections as these are developed separately.

3D

  1. Maintain live linked sections to the building model through the life of the project. Remember that appearance of the section is determined both by section attributes of the elements shown, as well as overlay attributes determined by the section tool itself.
  2. Element settings: Utilize element fills cut directly from the model to convey sectional properties.
  3. Section tool settings: Utilize the “uniform pens” settings wherever possible so the overall appearance is consistent.
  4. Profiles are an excellent way to develop an additional level of detail in the building section. They are also handy because they can be updated throughout the life of the project as details develop. Refer to the Profiler Tips and Tricks for some pointers on how to maximize their potential.

2D

  1. Use heavy outlines towards the end of the CD phase once most of the structure and spaces are fully developed.
  2. Add lines and fills as needed to assist with presentation, but utilize the 3D model as much as is sensible.

Floor Plan

Ground rules for Floor Plans

Layer Set Concept

  1. As many different layer sets as needed to produce drawings.
  2. Different layers and corresponding sets should be used for drawings of a different scale.

3D

  1. If you are drawing an element that will be seen in any other drawing in the set, model it.  This live feedback loop is critical to minimizing mistakes.
  2. Use the graphic control of “model view options”, story display and built-in display functions of library parts to enhance the 2D appearance of the plan as you model the building.
  3. The ArchiCAD library parts are quite good at providing a high level of 2D control.

2D work: Notes, lines, fills, etc…

  1. Exhaust 3D capabilities before you begin to add fills and lines to elements in the model.
  2. Think of 2D work as something static that will live on its own apart from a changing and developing model.
  3. “Model view options” allows a surprisingly high degree of graphic control of the plan view – you may not need to augment at all.
  4. Be sure you have explored all these options before deciding to paint the plans with lots of 2D graphics.  Use composite walls to enhance the amount of detail needed.

download: A 11 FLOOR PLAN