ArchiCAD + Office Set-up Sytems

[Anonymous]

I have a small architectural practice, one without an IT oficer, and no experience with setting up a CAD office. Consequently, I would like any help that I can get beyond the STS system of how to organize, set-up etc.. the basic office standards for a small practice trying to use the very large program of ArchiCAD...

thanks....Paul

[Eduardo Rolon]

look for Link in any of the forums and private message him. He does consulting for firms using AC and he travels.

[Anonymous]

a personal opinion which others will probably disagree with

small practice/smallish projects

draw everything on just one layer (Archicad layer), why not?

i think that layers are just a leftover from the autocad(etc) way of working

at most have a construction layer and ME (MEP) layer, and maybe furniture layer

judicious use of the phat marquee will speed up 3d work rather than using layers for this

[Eduardo Rolon]

I disagree on using only one layer, because then you will have trouble creating the different views. But I don't mind limiting the number of layers and organizing them by groups like; construction, demolition, reflected ceiling, site,etc.

[TomWaltz]

draw everything on just one layer (Archicad layer), why not?

The biggest cause for use of layers is to separate what you want to show in different views.

If you want to show all your elevation trim work (window headers, trim bands, etc), in elevation, but not in plan, you have to use more than one layer.

If you want to speed up your elevations on larger buildings, you can only turn off your interiors if you use more than one layer.

[Anonymous]

The number of layers is not a real problem for me...but How & Why of the organization ofr a $500,000 to $1 mil project is quite different from the $20 Mil that ArchiCAD is set to be able to accomodate..ie the new 80 story residenbtial tower in Australia. But what about pen weights, Libraries, organization of files and copies, etc, etc. so much that is offered that I do not even understand whay or when...?

again thanks - Paul

[Anonymous]

atelier wrote:
The number of layers is not a real problem for me...but How & Why of the organization ofr a $500,000 to $1 mil project is quite different from the $20 Mil that ArchiCAD is set to be able to accomodate..ie the new 80 story residenbtial tower in Australia. But what about pen weights, Libraries, organization of files and copies, etc, etc. so much that is offered that I do not even understand whay or when...?

again thanks - Paul

There are three ways for you to approach this:

1. Search through old threads here. All these topics have been discussed at considerable length and you can learn a great deal reading through them. The subject of standards in general is much too broad to revisit as a whole. If you then have specific questions please feel free to ask.

2. Hire a consultant to help set up your standards. Your reseller may be able to help you directly or refer you to a local consultant. You could also call Link who is a frequent contributor to this forum, is very knowledgeable, and willing to travel.

3. Use/adapt existing templates. These include the NCS and MAXats which are included with your copy of ArchiCAD, and Eric Batte's STS templates which are available at http://www.getstandardized.com. Eric's system is based on the NCS but includes much more coordinated and preset templates for ArchiCAD and PlotMaker than the included examples.

Another way to advance your expertise (besides hanging out here) is to attend ArchiCAD University (http://www.archicad-university.com). You just missed the one down in Ontario, CA this Spring, but if you feel like an Autumn trip to England it is happening in Nottingham on September 9, 10 & 11. (Of course for you that's about 11hrs each way - CA and UK are about equidistant for me.)

You should also check to see if there is a user group in your area. There are certainly a lot of users in SF and GSUS used to be based there so I would be surprised if there is not.

[TomWaltz]

A couple of other free, online guides:

ArchiGuide
http://www.graphisoft.com/support/archicad/archiguide/
little tips & trick of Archicad Usage

Graphisoft US Technical Resouces
http://tr.graphisoftus.com/
More tips & tricks, as well as updates and downloads

Graphisoft Handbook Collection
http://www.graphisoft.com/products/productivity_tools/handbooks/
A couple PDF's of Archicad manuals not included with the software, such as "Archicad for CAD Managers," "Creating Large Building Models,"

Digital Vision
http://www.digitalvis.com/archicad_tips.php
Website of an Archicad dealer in California, with lost of great Archicad usage ideas and documentation

[Anonymous]

as i said, others will disagree

quote

If you want to speed up your elevations on larger buildings, you can only turn off your interiors if you use more than one layer.

no, like i said, use the phat marquee with ' elements to show in 3d' menu item (ie marquee the interior and show elements outside maquee)

all i'm saying is keep it as simple as possible

you don't have to follow 'standards'. they're too disparate these days to be meaningful. communicate your ideas in the most simple and direct way possible

[Richard Morrison]

Paul:

I found the "Project Framework" book an excellent guide to the thinking behind setting up projects, including layers and pen weights. Also when to model vs. draw in 2D. Highly recommended.