Easy one? Equally divide a storefront window?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for reading...

I just upgraded from 6.5 to 9, and see there is a really nice curtain wall symbol that seems like it would be perfect for doing storefront windows.

But if I want an alumninum storefront window thats 10 feet wide divided into 3 equal panes, is there any way to do that without doing the math and entering the 1st pane width and the 2nd pane width... etc etc.

Perhaps i should be using another part?

[Anonymous]

Absurdity Abounds.

I can't think of what else to say to this.

[Aussie John]

Djordje wrote:
Select the placed one, view it in 3D, set your Special snap points to 3 divisions, drag mullions in place. No math required.

Djorde, Thats a good idea and of course can do it in elevations view too.
If the window sets the middle mullions out by the centreline then your method wont give you equal width glazing panels as the end mullions are setout by the outside edges. Hence the outer panels will be half a mullion narrower.

At least in elevation view you can draw a line (length less one mullion long) and use that for the division points.

I personally would hack the object script to have the option of setting the mullions out evenly.

[Aussie John]

And yes an all singing and dancing object becomes absurd to script. That said I try to use only one door type (that has many options including roller, multifold, sliding, double, single, fanlight, frameless etc) as it means i dont have to resize it if I change to a different type of door.

It also facilitates the interactive schedule and production of a useful door schedule.

If I need a door with a sidelight I combine it with a window.

[Anonymous]

Aussie wrote:
And yes an all singing and dancing object becomes absurd to script. That said I try to use only one door type (that has many options including roller, multifold, sliding, double, single, fanlight, frameless etc) as it means i dont have to resize it if I change to a different type of door.

The problem is that this should not be necessary. As Adalbert and I agree elsewhere, library parts are in serious need of improvement. You shouldn't have to have a one size fits all door just to preserve common parameters.

[Djordje]

Aussie wrote:
Djorde, Thats a good idea and of course can do it in elevations view too.
If the window sets the middle mullions out by the centreline then your method wont give you equal width glazing panels as the end mullions are setout by the outside edges. Hence the outer panels will be half a mullion narrower.

At least in elevation view you can draw a line (length less one mullion long) and use that for the division points.

Knowing the mullion width, you can always start the Special snap point rubberband at a relative coordinate - half a mullion - from the opening end and end it before.

And, Karl, I do not think that this deserves a Tip status. It would in the same way that "HEY! YOU CAN EDIT IN 3D WINDOW!" would.

Now, why people who realize the advantages of the Virtual Building insist on working in plans, sections and elevations, is beyond me ...

[Anonymous]

Djordje wrote:
Now, why people who realize the advantages of the Virtual Building insist on working in plans, sections and elevations, is beyond me ...

Different views (of the model) provide different features and advantages. I frequently switch views to do various tasks. For example: nothing beats the section window for precise fitting of roofs, walls and eaves details; the plan window is still the easiest place to layout furniture; for doors and windows I switch between all three.

[Dwight]

[With enthusiasm]

"But, Djordje and Matthew, you are both right! Even if we are working orthographically, the Virtual Building provides an information link and instant update between all views vital to productivity in the new millennium."

[Turn, smiling, to camera. Hold up ArchiCAD 9 box. Rooster - since c*o*c*k was censored - [what shyte!] head inquisitively.]

[Djordje]

Dwight wrote:
[With enthusiasm]

"But, Djordje and Matthew, you are both right! Even if we are working orthographically, the Virtual Building provides an information link and instant update between all views vital to productivity in the new millennium."

[Turn, smiling, to camera. Hold up ArchiCAD 9 box. Rooster - since c*o*c*k was censored - [what shyte!] head inquisitively.]

... as the audience is smothered by the warm, fuzzy feeling ...