EFFICIENCY-ArchiCAD Key Features Ebook

PRESS
EFFICIENCY
KEY FEATURES TO BE A PRO IN ARCHICAD
DOMINIC SIFO & MOTHUSI MOLAO

PRESS
Copyright © 2020
by Dominic Sifo & Mothusi C. Molao
Hello, in this book, were are going to look

at key features to master if you want to
become a PRO in ArchiCAD.
No part of this publication may be
produced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or any
information storage and retrieval system,
without permission in writing from the
publisher. Details on how to seek
permission email:
mesolight.info@gmail.com
ISBN 323-1-2345678-9-0 (EPUB)
Mesolight (PTY) LTD Group

Plot 39490, Block 6, Gaborone
Botswana, Africa
mesolight.info@gmail.com
MSBIM
GRAPHISOFT BIM RESOURCES
KEY FEATURES TO BE A PRO ARCHICAD EFFICIENCY
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION AND
THEORY
06 PREFACE
CHAPTER 01
07 THE USE OF TEMPLATE
08 BENEFITS OF USING A TEMPLATE
10 TEMPLATE KEY COMPONENTS

SPOTLIGHT
THE USE OF PROJECT TEMPLATE
Benefits and its components, the Workflow and best practices /p8
CHAPTER 02-04
PROFILES
38 THE USE OF VIEW MAP THE USE OF PROFILE FOR
COMPLEX DETAILING
44 CLASSIFICATIONS AND PROPERTY
SYSTEMS Check out how profiles can solve
much of your 2D headaches/p24
50 ELEMENT ATTRIBUTES
CHAPTER 03
53 ARCHICAD GOODIES
60 PROJECT DOCUMENTATION
62 PROJECT PREFERENCES
69 PROJECT INFO DATA

GOODIES COMPOSITES
SPECIFIC ABILITIES AND THE USE OF COMPOSITES
FEATURES FOR DETAILING STRUCTURES
APPENDIX
Learn how to add realistic details Learn how to leverage composites
to your roof, slab, walls and ceiling structure for detailing
74 ARCHICAD TEMPLATE CHECKLIST finishes / p44 elements/p26
78 PROJECT EXAMPLES
109 FM ROOM DATA SHEET PROJECT

A cut through section

of virtual BIM model
The book is divided into eight (8) chapters. The
Introduction first chapter focuses on the use of the project

template. The information provided in this section
spans a range from the functions and benefits of
and Theory using a template and the type of data that it

contains. We will discuss the components of a
good template as well as possibilities that can be
explored.
PREFACE
We are glad that you have decided to purchase "Save more than 50% of your
this book on key features to master and be a PRO
in ArchiCAD. We hope you will enjoy reading the time doing architecture
book and the opportunity to learn new things. We
projects by using a template. "
trust that you will able to apply this information in
your future projects.
INRODUCTION AND THEORY PAGE 6

CHAPTER 1
BIM (building information modeling) projects.
01. The use A good template:

Makes you save lots of time by using commonly
used presets of any tools and operations. This will
of Template make you automate the majority of your

workflow and utilize best practices.
CONSISTENCY ACROSS ALL It should let you think about architecture and
PROJECTS design and eliminate the headaches of
recreating things time and again.
To have a successful ArchiCAD BIM workflow, you
need just a powerful template. These provide the
foundations necessary to efficiently assemble
2
FILE STRUCTURE / 1
BUILDING
OPERATIONS DESIGN/
GEOMETRY
Project Map, View Map, Layout
Book 3D Elements
Source Markers & Viewpoints Design Creativity
Favorites & Interactive legends Program requirements
PROJECT
FILE
ATTRIBUTES/ ANNOTATION
DEFINATIONS /DESCRIPTION
Layers & Layer combinations 2D Elements

Composites (Walls, Roof, slab Design Creativity
types) Program requirements
Material, Fills, Linetypes
Pensets, model View Options 3 4
TEMPLATE BUILDING
Credit: Eric Bobrow: (Template mind-map Concept)
Fig: Template concept
Benefits of
Using Template
SAVE TIME , BE CONSISTENT AND DELIVER HIGH QUALITY
Templates are intended to reduce or eliminate the time to create a new project by reducing
the repetitive task of creating these items.
It contains a set of preferences and attributes…that is used when we start a new project.
For architecture best practice, the template is what guarantees the office standards. So you
have consistent elements throughout your project. Such little things like type of dimensions,
fonts type, and size.… Same size of markers, same title blocks.
THE TEMPLATE PAGE 8

Fig: Template interface
The template will make you dedicate more of

your time to the design stage. So, the
documentation and coordination part will be
made faster and this will keep your work
consistent across all projects. If you are not using
a template, during documentation you spend a
lot of time…setting up the 2D symbols.… Creating
new attributes,…making sure that everything looks
good before we publish.
Fig: Favorites window

(A time-saving feature of the template)
THE TEMPLATE PAGE 9

COMPONENTS
TEMPLATE KEY
PROJECT SAMPLE A file structure system of the template.

ORGANISED VIEWS Organize and manage views.
LAYER SYSTEM Controlling the visibility and organization of elements.
REPORT SCHEDULES Create and customize interactive catalogs
AUTOMATED LAYOUTS Office standards to produce projects drawings and docs.
BUILDING MATERIAL A super attribute -Coding and description of material is key.
PROFILES FOR DETAILING Definations and detailing project.
COMPOSITES Material composition for elements
ELEMENT CLASS Organize project elements/materials and their related data
FAVORITES Save and apply tool settings configurations
TEMPLATE KEY COMPONENTS

Tip:
Set all tool settings configuration for
physical, graphical, and data properties.
>>Attributes: Pens, line types, fills, building
materials, surfaces, composites, and profiles
Fig: Template Project sample
Sample
Project
A PROJECT DEFINES THE TEMPLATE STRUCTURE
A good and efficient template has a project that will create a template project file structure
system for defining and extracting information for a new project. Note that a template is a project
file structure system. So, you need a project to build up a good template.
THE TEMPLATE PAGE 11

Fig: A drawing for Handrail Detail
DETAILS OF
THE PROJECT
Detailing is repetitive
from project to project
and having this stored
in your template for
future use is key.
Fig: Handrail fixing detail

Fig: A Section View
ELEMENTS PARAMETERS
SETTINGS
Set all key components that define the project
from design to construction. This may require you
take time and tweak all settings of elements. Save
them as presets: your views, profiles, layers,
layouts, classification and properties, pen sets and
graphics, materials, dimensions, and annotation,
etc. Make sure you are 100% satisfied with the
quality of the standard. Then once you have
assembled your project in all aspects of BIM and
architectural standards, you can save this as TPL
file (A template format). We will discuss these key
components as we go on. How to set, tweak and
save them as a robust automation machine for
your future projects.
Fig: A cut through 3D section

Tip:
Recreate a Project Map folder inside the
View Map. Start by creating folders to put
your views in.
Fig: A Detail View
Organised
Views
A PROJECT FILE STRUCTURE
Views are the basis for creating architectural drawings (placed onto Layouts) for the final
documentation hence you need a good structure to organize your drawings. In this case, use a
view map in the project navigator to create folders and subfolders to stored custom-created
views according to your office standards and workflow.

ARCHICAD EFFICIENCY
A created folder
Fig: Navigator-View Map-Creation of folders 1. This means that you recreate a Project
Map folder inside the View Map. Start by
creating folders to put your views in.
A project involves multiple discipline for it to

successfully completed, so the arrangement
and order for creating views has to address the
sequential system for sharing of information
among the team members.
CREATION OF FOLDERS AND

VIEWS
A cloned folder for all stories
2. Click the Clone Folder at the bottom of
the View Map (in the Navigator or
Organizer). This opens the Clone a Folder
dialog box.
Fig: View Map-Creation of cloned views

Key:
Layers are used to separate elements
logically according to their group relations,
such as Substructure, Superstructure,
Services, 2D data, and so on.
Fig: Layer settings dialog
Layers
System
A layer system is a category of elements in a form of layer or layer combinations that can be
hide/show in any view associated with. All elements are associated with layers except door and
windows because are part of a wall. Layers are the primary means to control the visibility and
organization of elements. When creating layers, make sure you group them as their elements
group by using layer extension in layer settings. When grouping elements, it is important that the
groups can be identified easily and fast to access or use the information.

Fig: Layer System
CREATION OF LAYERS SYSTEM
We use layers to separate elements logically

according to their group relations, such as A
Substructure, B Superstructure, D Services,
2D data, and so on.
1. Click on NEW to create a layer
2. Use layer extensions to create element

groups

2
Fig: View Settings
LAYER COMBINATION SETTINGS
Layer combinations represent the discipline to

manage drawing information in the project.
E.g Architectural folder in the view map will
be assigned ''All PLANS ARCHITECTURAL layer
combinations''
1. Discipline view
2. View settings
3. Choose Layer combination of the view to

show only relevant elements for the
discipline

Fig: Ring beam/Column formwork report
Report
Schedules
AUTOMATED INTERACTIVE SCHEDULES
Schedules are part of views, and you need a well-defined schedule scheme with an intended
result. ARCHICAD provides the ability to create and customize interactive catalogs (schedules)
and to have this automated is key to the speed of your template.

3D Elements with A BIM project file Extraction of

properties and with abilities to Masonry report
data that extract different that captures all
assemble the types of wall elements
building information. E.g with their
Reports, Views, properties and
that is depended geometry data
in elements
properties data.
ELEMENTS
REPORT
PROJECT
TOOLS ASSEMBLY
Fig: Concept of report schedules in ArchiCAD

OUTPUT (SCHEDULE CRITERIA & FIELDS)
WALL PARAMETERS 3D BRICKWORK BRICKWORK REPORT

ASSEMBLY
Fig: A Brickwork report schedules concept in ArchiCAD

Fig: Finishes schedule from zones

and property metadata
Data From
Properties
Fig: Finishes schedule scheme settings

Fig: Layout Book
Automated
Layouts
For office standards and consistency in the publishing of your project. You need an automated
permanent layout system for every team member and for every new project to extract drawings
from views.

Fig: Layout (Details sheet)
LAYOUT BOOK SETTINGS

PROPERTIES
Available settings and properties of Layout Book: 1 2

IDENTIFICATION AND FORMAT
1. Layout ID 3
4
2. Layout Name
3. Master Layout options
4. Layout size
IDS OF DRAWINGS IN THE LAYOUT
REVISION HISTORY Fig: Layout Properties
LAYOUT INFO

Fig: Layout Settings It's best to automate the layout
numbering but you do have an option
to customize it.
DRAWING PROPERTIES
Drawing ID and Name

The source path of drawing
Scale
Drawing size
NOTE: You can move and rearrange Layouts by

drag and drop technique to different subsets
and the layout properties will be automatically
updated according to the hierarchy of subsets.
Fig: Drawing properties

Tip:
Building Materials can be Classified, and you
can assign properties to them. 1. Brickwork
2. Cement screed
3. Concrete structural
4. Floor finish
1
2
3 3
Fig: Wall to Slab joint 3D detail
Building
Materials
DEFINED AS ''SUPER ATTRIBUTE'' BY GRAPHISOFT
Stop applying traditional drafting methods over advanced tools, let's embrace the power of what
ArchiCAD can do for us. Building materials are the combination of multiple attributes and thanks to
global editing features. We can edit materials attributes and make changes throughout the entire
model. All model elements use Building Materials instead of Cut Fills. ArchiCAD comes with default
building materials, but what makes it key here is the coding and description of it. To report and
document, a task like placing annotations to your views is dependant on the profile/material name
of the elements.

5
3
Fig: Building Materials dialog
BUILDING MATERIALS MAKEUP:
1. Cut fill
2. Cut fill pens (foreground/background)
3. Intersection Priority
4. Fill orientation (if used for a composite or
complex element)
5. Surface
6. Classifications and Properties, including
Physical Properties
"See Chapter 04 for step by step building

material creation"
Fig: 3D of a floor composite ( Layers of materials)

Cut Fill
WALL BMAT Priorities
BEAM Classification Properties
(Building
ID Categories
COLUMN Material)
Physical properties
ROOF
(Eco-designer)
WINDOW
DOOR
SHELL
MORPH
MESH
Color
(Elevation/ Physical appearance)
Surface Texture
( Override (Physical appearance)
options in each Vectorial Hatching
element dialog (Elevation appearance)
settings)
ELEMENT ATTRIBUTE ATTRIBUTES PROPERTIES
Fig: Concept of Building Materials and

related data

Tip:
Instead of further detailing using 2D tools,
craft details using profiles to fully detail your
model. This will add value to your template
and speed up future projects.
Fig: Handrail detail from the model
Profiles for
Details
BIM WORKFLOW DISCOURAGES 2D
BIM workflow discourages 2D, profiles are a definition of the constructability of project
components/elements. You need to have them readily available in the template for modification
and reuse to speed up the construction documentation stage.

The profile manager allows the

user to draw a section cut through
or profile of element then
extruded along the path of an
applied element.
Fig: Handrail to beam connection
PROFILES MAKEUP:
Fig: Handrail to beam connection assembly Fig: Profile manageprofile

Tip:
Composite has one or more "skins" made of
1
Building Materials with specific depths and
annotation settings; these are set in the
Composites dialog and cannot be edited
2
within the Settings dialog.
3
Fig: 3D of a floor composite
1. Floor Finish
Composites
2. Concrete slab structural
3. Damp Proof Membrane
4. Sand Blinding
Structure 5. Graded hardcore

6. Earth
ELEMENTS MATERIAL DEFINATION

Just like profiles are a definition of the material composition of the elements. have them readily
available to be applied in your template. This will save you a lot of time. This depends on the
stage of the project and it's always recommended to work from basic to specific.

Fig: Floor Slab Composite defination

COMPOSITE MAKEUP:
1. Floor Finish
2. Concrete slab structural
3. Damp Proof Membrane
4. Sand Blinding
5. Graded hardcore
6. Earth
Fig: 3D of a floor Element (Slab Composite) Fig: Section (Slab Composite)

ETISOPMOC ROOLF
Floor finish
Brickwork
PROFILE
Cement grout
Concrete Structural
Fig: 3D model of Wall to floor joint (Combination of profile and composite)
COMPOSITE AND
PROFILE MAKEUP:
Fig: Section of Wall to floor joint (Combination of profile and composite

Fig: Classification Manager
Element
Classification
ORGANISE PROJECT ELEMENTS
This is used to organize project elements/materials and their related information and to define
which properties are available to an element or Building Material (available properties depend on
its Classification) ARCHICAD comes with a default Classification System, but depending on your
working methods and local standards, you may want to use different or additional Classification
Systems. See chapter 03 to learn more about classification

Fig: Slab classified as ceiling
IMPORTANCE OF CLASSIFYING ELEMENTS

CORRECTLY
ArchiCAD is an OPEN BIM setup, it encourages collaboration with different software. So this
software would not be precise enough to refer to each construction element in the project. In
ArchiCAD, we can use a tool out of its context e.g, A slab tool can be used for other construction
elements such as ceilings or room finishes. In this case, we need to classify these elements as
what they really represent in the construction context. If not, they will remain ''slabs''

Tip:
Instead of further detailing using 2D tools,
craft details using profiles to fully detail your
model. This will add value to your template
and speed up future projects.
Fig: Favorites Pallete
Favorites
SAVE TOOLS AND OBJECTS SETTINGS CONFIGURATION
Favorites provide a convenient way to save and apply tool settings configurations that you use
frequently. The Favorites Palette is a great time-saver in ArchiCAD. The creation of favorites is
heavily dependant on a Virtually Library. A library that gives the graphics and physical settings of
an element. So no Virtual library you will get vague favorites.

ELEMENT DATA
CLASSIFICATIONS AND PROPERTIES
ID categories
Structural function BIM PRESET
Description and MODEL MODEL
specification data Element rich Saved
in data Configuration of
element settings
ELEMENT GEOMETRY
Size and positioning
Floor plan & Section display
Physical appearance
ELEMENT DATA ELEMENT WITH DATA ELEMENT FAVORITE
Fig: Favorite concept
IMPORTANCE OF CLASSIFYING ELEMENTS

CORRECTLY
A BIM element is made up of element data and element geometry. This takes a bit of time to set
and tweak for just one element. e.g wall tool settings, Do it once and reuse it every time you place
that element.

ELEMENT DATA
ELEMENT GEOMETRY
Fig: Favorite concept

KEY FEATURES TO BE A PRO
ELEMENT DATA
ELEMENT GEOMETRY
THE TEMPLATE
ELEMENT DATA
ELEMENT GEOMETRY
ELEMENT DATA
ELEMENT GEOMETRY
PAGE 37
ARCHICAD EFFICIENCY
CHAPTER 2
Each story in the Project Map can be saved as
multiple Views in the View Map to set up
02. The different views like: Construction Plan, Plumbing
Plan, Electrical Plan, and other variations. The
view map is the home
View Map
THE HOME OF YOUR PROJECT
The view map contains references to viewpoints
from the project map, but each one is defined
with context settings such as the layer
combination, Pen sets, scale, graphic overrides,
etc of your project.
Tip:
Use the View Settings dialog to control the
name/description, the graphic appearance,
the scale of the view, and determine which
project elements to show in this View with
aid of layer combination.
Fig: View Settings dialog
View Settings
PARAMETERS OF THE VIEW SETTINGS
Use the view settings controls to adjust the settings of the selected particular view. To OPEN the
"View settings", Click the settings tab at the bottom of the View Map. Also, you can open it
whenever you create or save a new View.
THE VIEW MAP PAGE 39

View ID
IDENTIFICATION
View Name
View source
View Layer Combinations

GENERAL View Scale
View Structure Display
VIEW LAYOUT
View Pen Set
View Model View Options Architectural Ground floor plan
View Graphic Overrides Plans First Floor plan
View Renovation Filter Roof plan
2D/3 DOCUMENT View Dimensioning

View Zooming
VIEW SETTINGS VIEW PROPERTIES BIM VIEWS OUTPUT
Fig: ArchiCAD Views Concept

10 KEY FEATURES TO BE A PRO ARCHICAD EFFICIENCY
VIEW MAP
TAB
STEP 01:
Select the
view
STEP 02:
Click the
View
Settings
STEP 03:
View
Settings
dialog
Fig: View Settings demonstration
PARAMETERS OF THE
VIEW SETTINGS
The parameters of the View settings are

categorized in four (4) panels. Identification
panel, General panel, 2D/3D Documents panel,
and 3D only panel.
Fig: View Settings panels

IDENTIFICATION PANEL
Fig: View Settings -Identification panel properties
They are three (3) parameters in this panel; ID, Name, and
source of the View. Each parameter has variables to assign
to a View. Eg, For the ID parameter, you can choose to
define the ID by the Project Map, Customise it or leave it
without ID by choosing None.
GENERAL PANEL
Fig: View Settings -General panel properties
In the general panel, they are six (6) parameters to define

your View. A Layer Combination parameter is to show
only Layers that are active on the selected layer
combination. This is done in "Layer Settings dialog" >Ctrl
L or >Options>Element Attributse>Layer settings.

10 KEY FEATURES TO BE PRO ARCHICAD EFFICIENCY
2D AND 3D DOCUMENTS PANEL
Fig: View Settings -2D/3D panel properties
2D/3D Document panel: This panel has three (3)

parameter controls for 2D and 3D documents. The
floor plan cut plane parameter is to adjust the cut
plane height of the View. This only applies to the
selected View, not the entire project.
3D ONLY PANEL
Fig: View Settings -2D/3D panel properties

CHAPTER 3
03. CLASSIFICATIONS
AND PROPERTY
SYSTEMS
Building information modeling (BIM) workflow
relies much on the information to define
projects. "It's the I on the BIM" It is the
information that add value to better
communicate your product.
Tip:
Automate your documentation by using the
classification and properties systems feature
in your workflow.
Fig: Classification manager To Open Classification window

>Options>Classification manager and manage your
classification systems.
Classifications
WE ALSO COVERED THIS IN CHAPTER 01
Page 33
CLASSIFICATIONS AND PROPERTIES PAGE 45

Fig: Classification manager

BENEFITS OF USING
CLASSIFICATION
ArchiCAD comes with a default

classification system, But you can choose to
use a system that addresses your working
methods and local standards.
Classification helps provides mandatory

deliverables on international industry
standards.
Examples of International classification

standards:
1. Uniclass 2 Fig: Classification downloads

2. Omni Class,
3. RICS NRM 1,
4. NBS Create, Examples of classification systems to download:
5. Master format, https://graphisoft.com/downloads/archicad/bim_data
6. Uniformat CSI .

To Open properties window

Fig: Slab settings dialog
>Options>property manager and manage your
property systems.
Properties
BENEFITS OF USING PROPERTIES
Properties are used to assign the information that is user-defined to an element or building
material. Properties serve to provide additional information parameters for elements. This is a
piece of valuable information we then use for documentation extracts like; Schedules,
Specifications, reports and even putting annotation in any project view.
Actions: To access the Property Manager: Window>Options>Property Manager. On this window,
you can create and delete properties or even customize their availability for element
classification.

Fig: Property manager window
BENEFITS OF USING PROPERTIES

They are numerous benefits of using BIM workflow that includes properties to your element;
This data can be used in form of a label, zone stamp, and door/window makers.
You can import and export the data to other applications for collaboration purposes.
You can list and manage them as schedules that are interactive E.g Door/window schedules,
Finishes schedules
The data can be exported as a spreadsheet or import property data from foreign spreadsheets
into your ArchiCAD elements and materials.
Use them to put labels for annotating your views. Eg Section and detail annotations.

ELEMENT ELEMENT ELEMENT

PROPERTIES CLASSIFICATION SETTINGS
This data is used from the

element settings by the use of
an element classification
Fig: Properties concept

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Fig: Properties ( Classification availability)

CHAPTER 4
04. ELEMENTS
ATTRIBUTES
ARCHICAD Attributes are groups of defined settings available to your project. It is the foundation to
create any element to your project. For example, Wall composition and Surfaces are Attributes that you
can apply to any elements as you create them. This a part where you define the communication of your
project elements and materials. A good template has to have presets of different attributes. We
covered some of the attributes in chapter 01.
Fig: Elements Attributes
COMPONENTS OF ATTRIBUTES
NOTE: Attributes like Building material, Composites, and Profile manager are dependent on
other attributes to create an element or building material definition.
For example, To create a wall composite; you need to use attributes like building materials, line
types, and Pens. To create building material you need; fills types for a graphical appearance on your
drawings, surfaces for a physical appearance on your 3D model, and pens for line weight to create
depth in your drawings.
ELEMENT ATTRIBUTES PAGE 51

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Fig: Building materials window
BUILDING MATERIALS
CREATION
Go to Options> Element
Attributes> Building 2
Material
1: Create a new material

2: Key material name
3: Choose the material fill
4: Choose pens for the fill Fig: Building material creation
5: Choose the material surface
6: Set the material strength
7: Choose material class
8: Hit OK to complete your operation
ELEMENT ATTRIBUTES PAGE 52

CHAPTER 5
05. ARCHICAD
GOODIES
Goodies are developed to boost ArchiCAD with abilities and features that will put details on the roof,
wall, and floor elements using zones and roof tools.
Check the link to download and install the Archicad goodies suite:
https://graphisoft.com/downloads/goodies
ROOF ACCESSORY
OBJECT
Fig: A Section-roof finish detail
EXAMPLE OF GOODIES DETAILS
Fig: A Plan-roof finish detail
ARCHICAD GOODIES PAGE 54

Fig: Roof selection settings
HOW TO USE GOODIES?
Let's use the roof as an example; The first

step is to prepare the roof before
applying the roof details.
1. Select the roof and right on your mouse to pop-out

the operation tools window and split the roof into STEP
single planes.
OI

Fig: Roof accessories application
APPLYING THE ROOF

ACCESSORIES
Select the split roof planes model and go to

Design>Design Extras>Accessories>Roof
Accessories
STEP
O2

Fig: Library Manager
APPLYING THE ROOF

ACCESSORIES
Make sure the accessories library is loaded on your

library manager for you to access the accessories
object.
File>Libraries and objects>Library manager then load

the accessories library form your computer C drive: STEP
Follow this path to load the library: Local C
O3
drive>Program files>GRAPHISOFT>Accessories library

1
4
6
7
8
Fig: Roof accessories object
APPLYING THE ROOF

ACCESSORIES
1. Select the object roof surfacer

2. Roof surfacer settings
3. Choose the finish type
4. Set the 2D representation
5. Set the geometry dimensions
6. Choose the surface or color
7. Don't forget the layer STEP
8. OK to apply this to your roof
O4

Fig: Roof plan Fig: Roof model
Fig: Roof section

CHAPTER 6
06. PROJECT
DOCUMENTATION
They are different tools to document your project in ArchiCAD. Being able to use interactive schedules
to quantify each element and even go to an extend of putting cost is fascinating. The best way is to
streamline and automate the workflow.
Fig: ArchiCAD schedule
Refreshable link
Fig: Excel BOQ spreadsheet
ArchiCAD schedules to Microsoft Excel is a great workflow to

quantify and put the cost to your projects. Export your
schedules to an excel spreadsheet to utilize the use of
formulas to put the cost to project elements and this data
can be put back to your model and keep the project well
intact. The greats of ArchiCAD Open BIM workflow.
PROJECT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 61

CHAPTER 7
07. PROJECT
PREFERENCES
This where you set standards and working methods specific to the project you are working on, and
which are saved along with the project. For example defining the location, units, and coordinates of the
project.
Fig: Working units settings
WORKING UNITS
Setup working units is the first thing you should do before starting a new project. Generally, working
units are displayed in dialog boxes and during input in the Tracker or Control Box.
Options > Project Preferences > Working Units to set the following units:
1. Length units
2. Area units
3. Volume units
4. Angle units
5. Layout units
PROJECT PREFERENCES PAGE 63

Fig: The tracker display
THE TRACKER
When you draw a wall the tracker shows automatically on your screen. This helps you draw precisely in
ArchiCAD. You can input the value of distance and coordinates of the element. The tracker can be used
while drawing or editing.
Here is an example of editing a wall:

Click on the wall point or node to stretch it, the tracker will automatically show on and key in the
length you want your wall to be.
Fig: The tracker editing display Fig: The tracker drawing display

Activate the Tracker toggle on the Standard toolbar:
Fig: The tracker tab
or check Show Tracker in Options > Work Environment > Tracker and Coordinate Input:
Fig: The tracker settings

THE TRACKER
TRICKS
OPTIONS TO OFFSET ELEMENTS

AN OPTION THAT ALLOWS YOU TO OFFSET SOMETHING FROM WHERE IT
IS USING THE TRACKER
COORDINATED PLACEMENT OF ELEMENTS

LET'S USE THE COLUMN AS AN EXAMPLE.
Fig: The tracker editing display

(Input 5000mm)
5000mm Ghost extension
Fig: The tracker editing display

(Add + after 5000mm to indicate
ghost extension)
OPTIONS TO OFFSET ELEMENTS

So let's look at an option that allows you to offset something from where it is using the tracker. For
example, if you take the wall and you wanted to make it longer you could go and say let me make
it 5000 longer, so you type in 5000 and you notice how it indicates a value and then a plus (+) sign and
you notice how it does the arithmetic of the total 6000 mm hit enter to complete.

Fig: The reference anchor Fig: Put curse to the corner to

point to the bottom left display the tracker
1 2
Fig: Type X and input 1000 Fig: Column is placed ( Measure to

mm and Y to 1000 mm check the distances)
3 4
COORDINATED PLACEMENT OF ELEMENTS USING THE TRACKER

Let's use the column as an example.
Draw a box of walls to place the column. If we wanted the column to be a certain distance from the
bottom left corner, then change the reference axis of the core to the bottom left. Before you click to
place it, Put your curse at the corner to display a blue circle guide. The tracker will display then you can
type the letter X, and then let's say you wanted 1000+ to move it up and you notice how the cursor
jumps and then Y 1000-and then hit enter to complete. What happened is it placed the corner anchor
point of the column exactly that distance. If you measure you'll see that it's that 1000 horizontally and
1000 down there.

CHAPTER 8
08. PROJECT INFO

WINDOW
It is essential to manage the information that is related to your project for documentation,
collaboration, and communicating/sharing the project. information such as the site address/location,
the name of the project, contact info, client details, etc. This is one of the features that many ArchiCAD
users tend to neglect. We all know BIM workflow leverage data, and they are three (3) different types of
data in ArchiCAD to understand. Project-based data, Element based data, and view-based data. In
recent years and ArchiCAD versions, ArchiCAD has been increasing the use of project-based data due
to the growth of ArchiCAD complexity and connectivity.
Fig: Project info
Project info is one of the project-based data, so this data is

available for use as autotext to provide easy insert of
projection information in both model view and layouts.
Autotext
Fig: Text settings
PROJECT INFO PAGE 70

Fig: Title block autotext application
HOW TO USE PROJECT

INFO DATA?
Let's apply project info to our layouts. So we are using
master layouts to house this information. We're going to
autotext client name info from project info window to our
title block.
1. Open the client name placeholder text

2. Click on autotext tab
3. Under the client details section , choose the client full
name

Fig: Project info settings
4. Go to project info under client details click the tab at

the right.
5. Insert your client details then OK
6. Your layouts will be updated automatically
NOTE: This process can be applied to any

text setup in your model views and layouts.
6

APPENDIX
1. GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD BIM TEMPLATE
CHECKLIST
2. GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD BIM PROJECT SAMPLE
PROJECT O1: A complex modern
double-story residential house
PROJECT O2: A residential modern

double UNDER CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT 03: A multi-residential

townhouse. Full of construction
details
PROJECT 04: A complete coordinated

VDC model (Virtual Design &
Construction approach)
PROJECT 05: Samuel Becket Bridge by

Santiago Calatrava: The use of
advanced morph and complex profiles.
3. FACILITY MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
PROJECT SAMPLE WORKFLOW
DOWNLOADS OF THIS MODELS ARE AVAILABLE HERE:

APPENDIX 01
GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD
BIM TEMPLATE
CHECKLIST
We came to the end of the first part of this book, Now you are equipped with the necessary knowledge
to be a better ArchiCAD user. We covered key components that formulate a good template to create a
better workflow. The following is a checklist or guidelines to help you create an ArchiCAD template.
The guidelines consist of ten (10) key features.
GRAPHISOFT
ARCHICAD BIM
TEMPLATE
CHECKLIST
Use this guidlines as ten (10) items to
consider when setting up a GRAPHISOFT
ArchiCAD BIM template. Credit to the AEC
(UK) BIM Protocol for GRAPHISOFT ArchiCAD
Template Checklist document.
PROJECT PREFERENCES
1
☐ Working Units (ArchiCAD > Project Preferences > Working Units)

☐ Dimensions (ArchiCAD > Project Preferences > Dimensions)
☐ Calculation Units (ArchiCAD > Project Preferences > Calculation Units)
☐ Calculation Rules (ArchiCAD > Project Preferences > Calculation Rules)
☐ Zones (ArchiCAD > Project Preferences > Zones)
☐ Construction Elements (ArchiCAD > Project Preferences > Construction
Elements)
☐ Levels & Project North (ArchiCAD > Project Preferences > Levels & Project
North)
ATTRIBUTES MANAGER (Options > Element Attributes > Attribute Manager)

2
☐ Layers
☐ Layer Combinations
☐ Pensets
☐ Pens & Colors
☐ Line Types
☐ Fill Types
☐ Composite Structures
☐ Profiles
☐ Materials
☐ Zone Categories
☐ Cities
☐ MEP Systems
☐ Operation Profiles (ArchiCAD 16 and above)
FLOOR PLAN SETTINGS

3
☐ Floor Plan Cut Plane Settings (Document > Floor Plan Cut Plane Settings)
☐ Floor Plan Scale (Document > Floor Plan Scale)
☐ Partial Structure Display (Document > Partial Structure Display)
ARCHICAD BIM TEMPLATE CHECKLIST PAGE 75

PROJECT NAVIGATOR
1
☐ Project Map (Window > Palettes > Navigator > Project Map)
☐ Story Settings (Design > Story Settings)
☐ Worksheets (View > Navigate > Worksheets)
☐ 3D Document Settings (Document > 3D Document > 3D Document Settings)
☐ Filter Elements in 3D (View > Elements in 3D View > Filter Elements in 3D)
☐ 3D Window Settings (View > 3D View Options > 3D Window Settings)
☐ PhotoRendering Settings (Document > Creative Imaging > PhotoRendering
Settings)
☐ 3D Projection Settings (View > 3D View > 3D Projection Settings)
☐ Element Schedules (Document > Schedules and Lists > Schedules > Scheme
Settings)
☐ Component Schedules (Document > Schedules and Lists > Schedules > Scheme
Settings)
☐ Project Indexes (Document > Project Indexes > Index Settings)
☐ Element Lists (Window > Palettes > Navigator > Schedules > Lists > Elements
(right click) > Set Up List Schemes)
☐ Component Lists (Window > Palettes > Navigator > Schedules > Lists >
Components (right click) > Set Up List Schemes)
☐ Zone Lists (Window > Palettes > Navigator > Schedules > Lists > Zones (right
click) > Set Up List Schemes)
☐ Views (Window > Palettes > Navigator > View Map)
☐ Master Layouts (Window > Palettes > Navigator > Layout Book > Masters)
☐ Layouts (Window > Palettes > Navigator > Layout Book > Layouts)
RENOVATION FILTERS
2
☐ Renovation Filters (Document > Set Renovation Filter > Renovation Filters)
☐ Renovation Override Styles (Options > Element Attributes > Renovation
Override Styles
MODEL VIEW
3
☐ Model View Options (Document > Set Model View > Model View Options)
PUBLISHER SETS
4
☐ Publisher Sets (Window > Palettes > Navigator > Layout Book > Publisher
Set)
PUBLISHER SETS
5
☐ Project Info (File > Info > Project Info)

☐ Project Notes (File > Info > Project Notes)
☐ Project Preview (File > Info > Project Preview)
☐ Session Report (File > Info > Session Report)

IFC FOR OPEN BIM

6
☐ IFC Manager (File > File Special > IFC2x3 > IFC Manager)
☐ IFC Scheme Setup (File > File Special > IFC2x3 > IFC Scheme Setup)
☐ IFC Options (File > File Special > IFC2x3 > IFC Options)
☐ IFC Options – Person and Organization (File > File Special > IFC2x3 > IFC
Options > Person and Organization)
☐ Smart Merge Options (File > File Special > Smart Merge Options)
PROJECT NAVIGATOR
7
☐ IFC Manager (File > File Special > IFC2x3 > IFC Manager)
☐ IFC Scheme Setup (File > File Special > IFC2x3 > IFC Scheme Setup)
☐ IFC Options (File > File Special > IFC2x3 > IFC Options)
☐ IFC Options – Person and Organization (File > File Special > IFC2x3 > IFC
Options > Person and Organization)
☐ Smart Merge Options (File > File Special > Smart Merge Options)
FAVORITES
8
☐ Favorites (Window > Palettes > Favorites)
MISCELLANEOUS
9
☐ Drawing Manager (Window > Palettes > Drawing Manager)

☐ Element ID Manager (Document > Schedules and Lists > Element ID Manager)
☐ Find and Select Criteria Sets (Edit > Find & Select)
☐ Grids & Backgrounds (View > Grid & Editing Plane Options > Grids &
Backgrounds)
☐ Light Parameters (Camera > Sun > Light Parameters)
☐ Location and Date (Camera > Sun > Location and Date)
☐ Magic Wand Settings (Options > Magic Wand Settings)
☐ Mark-up Styles (Window > Palettes > Mark-Up Tools > Corrections > Style)
☐ Quick Options (Window > Palettes > Quick Options)

APPENDIX 02
GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD
BIM PROJECT SAMPLE
Nothing is inspiring as an example of what you want to achieve. The following I prepared the pack of
six (6) well-delivered ArchiCAD projects as a downloadable pack.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 78
Showcase of the approach to
this BIM project
PROJECT
01
Remember this:
A complex modern double-story
Model well and
residential house with a lot of
spend less tine in attention to model details. A
documentation. well-assembled model. Get
inspired by the modeling
approach of this project.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 79
FLOOR PLAN presentations

The floor plan has been presented
accurately, with careful attention to
detail, and includes all of the
attributes of a professionally
presented plan. Below are expert tips
to make sure you produce a floor
plan of a very high standard in
ArchiCAD.
Walls Settings:
Building material: Brick finish
Cut Fill: Solid fill
Cut Fill foreground pen: Black pen
Surface: Brick brown
Furniture objects settings:

Create furniture objects with a soft
shade of fill to add depth to your
floor plan presentation.
Floor finish settings:

Create an image fill that matches
the 3D slab model surface.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 80
ELEVATIONS presentations
STEP 01 Background:
The background is used to put your drawings into context by
adding the scene and highlight to the subject. The background
helps enhance the subject and its environment. This will allow us to
distinguish different elements and determine depth in the drawing.
STEP 2 Editing the Background

By use of Adobe Photoshop, trim, adjust the intensity and opacity
effects of the image. This will give a fade effect to your background.
STEP 3
Drag and adjust the image in the elevation view. Use display
options and send the image to the back.
STEP 4
Use fill with solid white background to trace the contour edge of
your elevation. Add human figures and other necessary 2D
information. E.g Birds
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 81
ELEVATION view settings
STEP 5 Open the view settings of the elevation, Go to

model display, In the model display section, the uncut
elements, which are the surfaces of the current view of
elevation. There are options, • fills of the surfaces • Pens •
Victorial Hatching • Transparency Under fills options: •
You have a choice to make it uniform color, • Or make
them shading to colors representing the surfaces or •
You have non-shaded or shaded. Check vectorial 3D
hatching. To representing materials SHADOWS: Switch
on shadows GRAPHIC OVERRIDES: Presentation solid
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 82
SECTION presentations
Section depicts a relationship between

the building’s form and the interior that is
not possible to communicate in other
views. So to reveal the interior and exterior
profiles of the building, the 3D section
performs better in providing a unique
form of knowledge in the performance,
connections, and materials of a project.
This is created as a 3D document, with a
perspective this describes in-depth the
interior as space using the techniques of
perspectival projection.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 84
DETAILS presentations
A detailed description of the geometric

form and element data of a part of a
project.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 84
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 85
1
Aluminum top rail
2 Glass post
3 Aluminum bottom rail
4 I section steel beam
5 Timber structural
6 Concrete structural
7 Timber structural
8 Aluminium suspension tees
9 Gypsum ceiling board
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 86
this BIM project
PROJECT
02
Remember this:
Your model is a A residential modern double-
virtual story house under construction.
representation of Full of construction details.
your actual building.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 87
FLOOR PLAN construction

How to make construction plans
readable effectively?
Walls Settings:
Building material: Brick structural
Cut Fill: 100% fill
Cut Fill foreground pen: Grey pen
Surface: Brick- the common bond
Furniture objects settings:

Contour pen: 0.10mm weight
Fill type: 12.5% fill
Fill pen: 0.10mm weight
Fill background: Transparent
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 88
THEATRE Details layout
1. A theatre plan view created from the
plan viewpoint.
2. A theatre section view crated from the 4
section viewpoint.
3. 3D images created in Lumion.
4. 3D cutaway combined with selection
marquee.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 89
ELECTRICAL drawings layout
Draw everything in 3D to save time.
1.The electrical plan
is created from the stories and applied a graphic override to reduce the
structural elements opacity for pure visibility of the electrical elements.
2.Electrical legend
A schedule is created for all electrical elements in the model.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 90
ELECTRICAL PLAN graphic override ruling
1. Name of the graphic override
2. Elements to ruled criteria.
3. Override styles to be ruled on selected elements
1
3
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 91
ELECTRICAL legend settings
A list of all electrical 3D
elements.
Scheme settings of elements
listing.
1. Listing criteria
2. Columns of the list
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 92
REPORTS production settings
Account for all elements in your model by
an interactive schedule using different
selection criteria to pull out information
from these elements and create multiples
reports.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 93
REPORTS schedule settings

1
Brickwork report:
1. The format of the schedule
2. Merge uniform elements in
the listing
Scheme settings of elements listing.
1. Listing criteria (criteria used: Element type is
a wall and its classification. In this case the
class is C1010.10 for interior walls and B2010
exterior walls under Uniformat-2010 CSI
classification system)
2
2. Columns or fields used to pull out specific
data from wall elements
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 94
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 95
this BIM project
PROJECT
03
Remember this:
Your can't fake it in A multi-residential townhouse.
3D. It takes Full of construction details.
discipline to make
sure you do things
right.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 96
SITE PLAN presentation 1. A layer combination of a site plan on
view properties
How to make compelling site plans to
depict necessary information? 2. A layer combination is assigned to the
site plan view from the view settings

Site plan in ArchiCAD is a view or
drawing created from a 0. story / first window.
plan viewpoints of your stories.
Normally called ground plan.
The idea is to show your project
proposal to the site/property plot. In
this case, a layer combination is
created to control the visibility of
elements to show/hide in this view.
The site plan differs on how you want

to make the presentation, in this case,
the site plan shows a detailed ground
floor plan then with the use of a fill, the
intensity of the floor plan is controlled.
Another way is to show the roof plan
on your site plan to define the position
of the proposed building.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 97
FLOOR PLAN presentation

In this drawing, all secondary information e.g (room
labeling, door, and window coding is live data that is
dependent on the model status. Whatever adjustment
can be done to the design this information will be
updated automatically. It can be managed remotely e.g
the window and door coding can be set via the Element
ID Manager.
ID Manager window: Go to
Document>Listing extras>ID Manager
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 98
DETAILS of the model
The contrast of the 3D

documents and 2D
details.
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 99
this BIM project
PROJECT
04
Remember this:
Put everything you A complete coordinated model.
need to explain it to Design to
the contractor or construction utilizing best and
everyone in the easy practice workflows. Use
team. the power of computing to
design, manage and construct
project at a high level of
accuracy. ''easy & efficient way''
APPENDIX 02 PAGE 100

DETAILS of the model
If you model
everything in 3D, you
produce high-quality
drawings in less time
effortlessly.

SITE PLAN and setting out
A contrast of BIM and

VDC. (Building
information modeling
and Virtual Design and
Construction).

SITE PLAN and setting out
3D documents
produce super details.
This gives you
confidence in your
quality of work

3D Column to Base detail
Attract more clients due to easy and simple workflow of project
delivery
1. Column
2. A profile beam footing
3. A Base plate from slab tool
4. Nut and washer from sketchup model
5. Concrete foundation
3D DETAIL COLUMN TO BASE PLATE

this BIM project
PROJECT
05
Remember this:
Put everything you The project is the outcome of
need to explain it to the use of advanced morph and
the contractor or complex profiles. Results of
everyone in the controlling and managing the
team. project well.
Santiago Calatrava Bridge.

MORPH tool for sculpting
Architecture is art.
Morph tool gives
ArchiCAD users
freedom for
expression.

3D Morph & Complex profile
Modeling in 3D its about efficiency
1 1. Suspension cable from beam tool

2. Morph feature column
3. Complex profile bridge beam
3D DETAIL SUSPENSION BRIDGE

2
ARCHICAD TOOLS USED:
1. Beam tool
2. Morph tool
3. Complex profile

APPENDIX 03
FACILITY MANAGEMENT &

MAINTENANCE PROJECT
In this workflow, we are going to look at how powerful schedules can be leveraged to produce room
data sheets for facility maintenance and management.

Room list and and item list
ROOM
SHEDULE
Zone tool is a pivotal feature to
list all the rooms and items per
room.

Scheme settings for both room and item list.
Room list scheme settings
Items list scheme settings

Casework plan and case work
schedule
CASEWORK
SHEDULE
Classification system
Quantification of casework
components per room
Casework schedule scheme settings

Electrical plan and schedule
ELECTRICAL
SHEDULE
Quantification of electrical
components per room Classification system
Electrical components list scheme settings

Document which records
ROOM
DATA
SHEETS
Gives a detailed description of
finishes, fixtures, and fittings
mechanical, and electricals of
the project.

Document which records
FINISHES
DATA
SHEETS
Gives a detailed description of
the finishes of each room.

SIX BIM PROJECTS PACK
PROJECT 01 PROJECT 02 PROJECT 03
selpmas tcejorp MIB erutcetihcrA
A complex modern double-story

residential house with a lot of
A residential modern double-story
attention to model details. A well- A multi-residential townhouse. A
house under construction. A full
assembled model. Get inspired by full construction set.
construction set.
the modeling approach of this
project.
PROJECT 04 PROJECT 05 PROJECT 06

selpmas tcejorp MIB erutcetihcrA
This project harnessed the How powerful schedules can be

The use of advanced morph leveraged to produce room data
power of Virtual Design and
and complex profiles to sheets for facility maintenance and
Construction (VDC)
create a complex structure. management.
workflows. The power of
computing to design, manage
Project by Santiago Calatrava A full set of As-Built and project
and construct the project at
Bridge.
a high level of accuracy. maintenance data.
''easy & efficient way''
index
abilities and features, 52
advanced tools, 25
applying the roof, 55, 56, 57
archicad projects, 78
attribute, 25, 27
attributes, 8, 9, 25, 50, 80
attributes, 11, 50, 51, 74, 76
automate, 24
automated, 10, 19
autotext, 69
beam connection, 29
benefits of using properties, 47, 48
best practices, 5, 7
better workflow, 73
bim, 4, 6, 7, 20, 28, 34, 36, 40, 44, 48, 60, 68, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 102
building materials creation, 51
catalogs, 10, 19
classification downloads, 46
classification manager, 45
classification properties, 27
classification systems, 33
classifications and property systems, 44
classify, 34
coding, 10
collaboration, 34, 48, 68
complex element, 26
components of attributes, 50
composite, 30
composite and, 32
composites, 5, 10
configurations, 10, 35
constructability, 28
coordinated placement, 67
coordinates, 61, 63
cost, 59, 60
cut through, 6, 29
definitions, 10
detailing, 5, 10, 28, 35
details, 12, 53, 101
documentation, 9
drawing properties, 24
efficient, 11, 100
element based data, 68
element class, 10
element classification, 49
element geometry, 36, 37
element with data, 36
INDEX PAGE 117

index
elevation appearance, 27
excel spreadsheet, 60
extracting, 11
favorites, 10, 77
goodies, 52
graphical appearance, 50
id categories, 27
identification panel, 42
layout, 22, 24, 89, 90
layout book, 23
layout properties, 23
layouts, 10
offset elements, 65, 66
organize, 10
panel properties, 43
parameters, 13, 20, 39, 41
physical appearance, 27
physical settings, 35
preferences, 8
preset, 36
priorities, 27
profile manager, 29
profiles, 5, 11, 13, 28, 30, 35, 72, 83, 105
profiles, 28, 74
profiles makeup, 29
project elements, 10
project preferences, 62, 74
quantify, 59, 60
reuse, 28, 36
roof accessory, 52
roof surfacer settings, 57
schedules, 10, 19
scheme setup, 77
section, 6, 13, 29, 70, 82, 83, 89
setting, 9, 74, 102, 103
subsets, 24
system, 4, 10, 11, 15, 16, 22, 45, 46, 47, 94, 112, 113
template, 7, 8
template checklist, 72, 73
the tracker, 63, 65, 67
time-saving feature, 9
tool settings, 35
tracker and coordinate, 64
view -based data, 68
View map, 18, 38
view properties, 40
View settings dialog, 39
virtual, 6, 87
working units, 62
zone categories, 74 INDEX PAGE 118
Mesolight Group
Mesolight BIM Academy
Copyright | 2021
Virtual Design & Construction
Graphisoft BIM Adoption & Implementation Consultancy
Graphisoft BIM Training (ArchiCAD, Bimix, Tekla Structures)
Architectural Visualization Training (Lumion 3D, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere & After
Effects)
PAGE 119
About the author
DOMINIC SIFO
Dominic is the founder of Mesolight Group, A company that offers BIM training and
workflows to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction ( AEC) industry. He
has been using Graphisoft ArchiCAD for more than 15 years and has been involved
in training and BIM workflow implementation to assist other professionals to adopt
the best methodologies for their project delivery. In his years of the AEC industry,
He worked as a BIM manager acting as a collaborator between the client’s,
consultants team, and supply chain. His role was to oversee the production of
project information models which contain 3D visualizations that bring together
project deliverables (data, drawings, and schedules associated with the design and
construction phase of a project).
MOTHUSI MOLAO
Mothusi is a strategist, BIM Enthusiast, and researcher. Started in 2012, Mothusi

gained extensive design and construction experience on large residential,
commercial, and hospitality projects in Botswana. He is now a Software consultant
and trainer, Leading the BIM adoption roadmap in Botswana, an innovative,
research-based solution aimed at the direct development, implementation, and
enforcement of BIM standards with a focus on productivity through automation. He
has production experience in design, drafting, or engineering and providing
hardware and network support as it relates to BIM production.
PAGE 120

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DOMINIC SIFO & MOTHUSI MOLAO

Hello, in this book, were are going to look

ISBN 323-1-2345678-9-0 (EPUB)

Mesolight (PTY) LTD Group

07 THE USE OF TEMPLATE

08 BENEFITS OF USING A TEMPLATE

10 TEMPLATE KEY COMPONENTS

69 PROJECT INFO DATA

109 FM ROOM DATA SHEET PROJECT

A cut through section

The book is divided into eight (8) chapters. The

Introduction first chapter focuses on the use of the project

and Theory using a template and the type of data that it

INRODUCTION AND THEORY PAGE 6

01. The use A good template:

of Template make you automate the majority of your

Layers & Layer combinations 2D Elements

Fig: Template concept

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 8

Fig: Template interface

The template will make you dedicate more of

Fig: Favorites window

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 9

PROJECT SAMPLE A file structure system of the template.

TEMPLATE KEY COMPONENTS

Fig: Template Project sample

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 11

Fig: A drawing for Handrail Detail

Fig: Handrail fixing detail

Fig: A Section View

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 13

Fig: A Detail View

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 14

A project involves multiple discipline for it to

CREATION OF FOLDERS AND

Fig: View Map-Creation of cloned views

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 15

Fig: Layer settings dialog

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 16

Fig: Layer System

CREATION OF LAYERS SYSTEM

We use layers to separate elements logically

1. Click on NEW to create a layer

2. Use layer extensions to create element

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 17

LAYER COMBINATION SETTINGS

Layer combinations represent the discipline to

3. Choose Layer combination of the view to

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 18

Fig: Ring beam/Column formwork report

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 19

3D Elements with A BIM project file Extraction of

Fig: Concept of report schedules in ArchiCAD

WALL PARAMETERS 3D BRICKWORK BRICKWORK REPORT

Fig: A Brickwork report schedules concept in ArchiCAD

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 20

Fig: Finishes schedule from zones

Fig: Finishes schedule scheme settings

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 21

Fig: Layout Book

THE TEMPLATE PAGE 22

Fig: Layout (Details sheet)