IntCad

By Eric Bobrow

Eric Bobrow of Bobrow Consulting Group and creator of the ArchiCAD Master Template has prepared a new video tip on a topic that should be of interest to many ArchiCAD users. In this demonstration, he shows you how to bring in 2D drawings (in this case, DWG files) as a tracing reference to make it easy and fast to create an accurate 3D model.

The video may be viewed here: www.archicadtemplate.com

Here is a step by step outline of the process:

1. Create a new project
2. Import the DWG files into separate Worksheets and coordinate their origin points
3. Set up the Story Levels to correspond to the project heights
4. Use Virtual Trace to reference the ground floor DWG as a background while working on the ground floor plan
5. Move the original MasterTemplate base slabs, elevation and section markers, and gridlines to the vicinity of the traced DWG
6. Set up the wall tool for the proper thickness and height, then trace the outline of the building
7. Repeat for the upper story
8. Place windows in the walls using the plan DWGs as references for location and width
9. Open each of the Elevation viewpoints and correspond the DWG Worksheets for trace reference
10. Adjust window heights, types and glazing patterns to match the original drawings
11. Repeat for the doors, first on plan, then in elevation
12. Draw the first roof piece on plan by tracing over the roof outline from the original drawing
13. Coordinate the height and thickness of the roof in each elevation
14. Use these adjusted settings to create the rest of the roof system on the lower level, then repeat the process for the upper roofs
15. Trim walls to the roofs to clean up the model
16. Adjust some of the windows and doors to have arched tops with bricks above
17. Review the 3D model, elevations and plans, which now correspond beautifully to the original drawings

Thanks Eric!
www.archicadtemplate.com

///