Using a Module for Base Drawing

[Anonymous]

Ok folks,

Here is an idea we are batting around.

We do lots of renovations, existing conditions are initially measured, though updated as time the project moves forward.
We also have some really experienced Archicad users, and some less so, who can accidentally move/delete stuff that should stay put. (I here calls of locking layers)

Here is the big idea: have a file that has existing, new and demo walls organized, and worked on by someone doing layout. They save it out as a module, which other team members can then overlay electrical, ceiling, flooring, landscape into.(I here calls of teamwork now)

I know it seems a little backwards: modules are often the piece brought in to make up the puzzle (bath modules, apartments in buildings, buildings in developments) but why not run it the other way?

Wonder whay you all think? What experience have you had.

-Nathan Brauer

[Anonymous]

I see a down side in this in that to create several plan views of the drawings would require separate files. To update any of the drawings (or when the module would change) would then require the opening of multiple (minimum 2) files rather than 1 teamwork drawing. If you have a problem of "disappearing" items in teamwork, check to make sure people are signing in only for the layers they need to access. Doing this will lock the other layers restricting the "misplacement" of items.

If you really need security on the control of layers, create an extra login with a password, sign in, reserve the layers, save a draft, and close without signing out.

Just an opinion.

[fuzzytnth3]

Nathan wrote:
Ok folks,

Here is the big idea: have a file that has existing, new and demo walls organized, and worked on by someone doing layout. They save it out as a module, which other team members can then overlay electrical, ceiling, flooring, landscape into.(I here calls of teamwork now)

I know it seems a little backwards: modules are often the piece brought in to make up the puzzle (bath modules, apartments in buildings, buildings in developments) but why not run it the other way?

-Nathan Brauer

We / I have worked this way in Teamwork projects and solo projects.

Two scenarios

In new build projects where we have repetitive elements such as repeating flat layouts see this tip I posted http://tinyurl.com/49hsa. We often use a module that just has the building grid on it that way no one can make a mistake and move a grid line thereby messing up the accuracy of dimensions in the drawing. Using Publisher to publish your modules keeps it all very simple btw.

In rennovation / refurb worb I am often given a 2d Autocrud drawing from a building surveyor, I tart up this drawing to suit our pen colours etc and insert it as a module in the ArchiCAD model. I then just 3d model the new elements only as and sections and elevations will be of the new areas. Where an area of the existing building is demolished I put this on a BS-0-Removals layer in the module file and in the ArchiCAD Project I just hide that layer.

As I don't trace / convert the Surveyor's drawing it saves a lot of time and I just concentrate on the new work.