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How Can Using A Template In ArchiCAD Promote Standardization?
Author : Albert Roth
Submitted : 2011-08-28 Word Count : 715 Popularity: Not Rated
Tags: ArchiCAD, ArchiCAD Tutorials, CAD, DIM
Company standards set the graphic form and organization of files made by a company. These likewise play a considerable function in promoting uniformity, productivity as well as simplicity of job archives and workflow. Embedding your company requirements into your template projects is a simple way to make this happen.
The template file extension is *.TPL. When one uses a TPL file to start a project, ArchiCAD makes an untitled copy. When saving the project for the the first time, a prompt requests a name and place for the venture file, which prevents unintentionally overwriting the template file itself.
It is typical for template files to be vacant shells, akin to empty sheets of paper, in which one develops the project. You can set up a template file, though, with numerous features including guide materials, assorted attributes, and other beneficial defined design components.
This article will check out a variety of ways in which template files will help streamline and accelerate the workflow, in addition to supporting office standards. For examples, we're going to make use of ArchiCAD MasterTemplate (http://actemplate.com), as this can serve as a good universal example.
Getting Together A Strong Package of Construction Documents
There are four areas that converge together that lead to a effective and well structured ArchiCAD template. In the big picture, you require these for any CAD or BIM project.
Geometry - The real construction design as embodied in its form and structure
Drawings - The representation and annotation of the layout in a string of viewpoints from different orientations and levels of detail.
Attributes - Visual types of rendering such as types of lines and fills; Complex combos of these such as composite walls, slabs and roofs; Libraries of objects, doorways, windows and markers; Classifications of pens / lineweights and components; Organizational resources such as layers and layer combinations
Structure
- The outlined inter-relationship of drawings and layout sheets
- Classifications of views and hierarchies of connected views in directories
- Setup of schedules to report amounts and tabulate data
- Master styles that serve as title-block backdrops for the documents
Geometry, obviously, is basic to our principle of building, and formal blueprints date back at least hundreds of years.
More recently, attributes and structures are an addition to the computerized layout and planning schema.
When a fresh project file is started, even though it is figuratively “a blank canvas,” two of these four aspects are already present.
There is no geometry (except if it is a redesign or add-on), and thus no drawings to talk about.
Both attributes and structures and currently existing though. There are materials, layers, and line types along with additional fundamental attributes. Other standard layouts, master layouts,and views can be identified too.
To help you begin on the right foot, use a template that has a large range of attributes and structure sets. Another fantastic thing about ArchiCAD is that it comes with a basic template that will give you a structure and standard set. This basic template is easy to utilize and understand right away. You get the ArchiCAD basic template file when you install ArchiCAD by default. You can open it again by selecting File and New. Select "Use a Template" and select your ArchiCAD Template.
The Graphicsoft default template gives you basic configurations and tools that you can employ in your design. This, in most instances, is compatible with schematics for any country you're developing for.
If you're developing in the USA, as an illustration, when you draw a wall it'll have a 10 foot height and a 9 inch thickness;When you use the slab tool, it'll have a standard thickness of 12 inches and a surface of 0. Whenever you set a marker, it'll set a marker for the common marker most commonly used in your own country.
Part 2 continues on, http://www.bobrow.com/archicad-tutorials/archicad-tutorial-archicad-office-standards-templates/ or view the Author Resource Box for links.
Author's Resource Box
Youll also love more ArchiCAD articles, videos, tutorials, and training on http://www.bobrow.com/archicad . Save time and get more done with the #1 ArchiCAD Trainer, Eric Bobrow.