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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION………………………………………… 6

ORGANISING DRAWINGS

LAYOUT BOOK…………………………………………… 7
TITLE BLOCK……………………………………………… 8
DRAWING TITLE…………………………………………. 9
DRAWING CODES……………………………………… 10
LEGEND…………………………………………………….. 11
REVISIONS………………………………………………… 12
DRAWING REGISTER………………………………… 13
PUBLISHER………………………………………………. 14
MARKERS………………………………………………….. 15
FENESTRATIONS MARKERS……………………. 16
STOREY ELEVATION MARKERS………………. 17
LABELS……………………………………………………… 18
FINISH LABELS…………………………………………. 19
VARIOUS LABELS……………………………………… 20

ORGANISING FILE

VIEW MAP…………………………………………………… 21
LAYERS……………………………………………………… 22
PEN SETS………………………………………………….. 23
MODEL VIEW OPTIONS…………………………….. 24
GRAPHIC OVERRIDE………………………………… 25
RENOVATION FILTER………………………………… 26
LINE TYPES……………………………………………….. 27
FILLS………………………………………………………….. 28
SURFACES………………………………………………… 29
BUILDING MATERIALS……………………………… 30
ZONES……………………………………………………….. 31

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SET A NEW PROJECT

USE OF TEMPLATE…………………………………… 32
PROJECT INFO & PREVIEW……………………… 33
PROJECT LOCATION………………………………… 34
PROJECT NORTH……………………………………… 35
SITE BOUNDARY………………………………………. 36
STOREYS…………………………………………………… 37
FILE NAME…………………………………………………. 38

PROJECT VOLUMES

SITE INVESTIGATION………………………………… 39
POINT CLOUD……………………………………………
EXISTING BUILDING………………………………….
DEMOLITION……………………………………………..
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT………………………
STRUCTURAL SET TING OUT……………………
STRUCTURAL FLOOR……………………………….
WALLS SET TING OUT………………………………..
WALLS DETAILS………………………………………….
INTERNAL FINISHES…………………………………
REFLECTED CEILING PLANS…………………..
INTERIOR ELEVATIONS…………………………….
DOORS & WINDOWS SCHEDULES………….
ELEVATIONS………………………………………………
SECTIONS………………………………………………….
DETAILS……………………………………………………..
DETAILED SECTIONS…………………………..…..
ELECTRICAL AND FF&E SCHEDULES……..
FINISHES SCHEDULE……………………………….
AREAS SCHEDULE……………………………………
BELOW GROUND DRAINAGE…………………..
ABOVE GROUND DRAINAGE…………………..
WATER & GAS SUPPLY……………………………..
HEATING & COOLING……………………………….
VENTIL ATION & AIR CONDITIONING………. © Alexey Podolsky, London 2020. Content of the manual is copyrighted. Can be used only in training purposes. Reproduction,
ELECTRICAL……………………………………………… distribution or modification is forbidden without written permission of the author.

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LIGHTING……………………………………………………
PREFABRICATED BUILDING PARTS………..
AUTO-GENERATED SCHEDULES…………….
ELEMENT ID……………………………………………….
ELEMENT CL ASSIFICATION……………………..
QUANTITY TAKE-OFF…………………………………
COORDINATION…………………………………………
IFC IMPORT………………………………………………..
HOTLINKS…………………………………………………..
LINKING REVIT MODEL……………………………..
3D VIEWS……………………………………………………
SUN STUDY……………………………………………….
ISOMETRIC SCHEMES……………………………..
BIMX…………………………………………………………..
MARK-UP…………………………………………………..
SKETCHES…………………………………………………
PRESENTATION DRAWINGS…………………….
DRAWING ISSUE……………………………………….
EXPORT IFC……………………………………………….

MODELLING TECHNIQUES

SITE…………………………………………………………..
NEIGHBOUR BUILDINGS………………………..
RAMPS………………………………………………………
ROAD & PAVING……………………………………….
NON-STRAIGHT WALL………………………………
STEEL STRUCTURE………………………………….
STAIRS………………………………………………………
RAILING & FENCE…………………………………….
COMPOSITE STRUCTURE……………………….
COMPLEX PROFILE………………………………….
MORPH……………………………………………………..
ROOF…………………………………………………………
SHELL……………………………………………………….
EXPORT 3D MODEL…………………………………
CREATING LIBRARY ELEMENT……………….
DETAILS FROM 3D DOCUMENT……………..

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CREATING NEW FILL………………………………..

CREATING NEW SURFACE………………………
ADJUST SURFACE TEXTURE………………….
ELEMENT COLOUR OVERRIDE IN 3D…….
GRIDLINES……………………………………………….
LINES & POLYLINES…………………………………
FILLS…………………………………………………………
ELEMENT EXPLODE………………………………..
OPENING IN EXISTING ELEMENT…………..

TROUBLESHOOTING

ARCHICAD CRASH…………………………………..
DETACHED TEAMWORK PROJECT…………
MISSING LIBRARIES………………………………..
MISSING ARCHICAD LICENCE………………..
MISSING LIBRARY LICENCE……………………
BIM SERVER OFFLINE……………………………..
MISSING L ABELS……………………………………..
STOREY ELEVATION MARKERS ARE NOT
WORKING…………………………………………………..
LIBRARY PARTS ERRORS………………………..
REPEATED REVISION DESCRIPTION……..
BIMX INCLUDES EMPTY LAYOUTS………….
BIMX IS SHOWING WRONG INFO…………….
MULTIPLY BUILDINGS PROJECT……………..
LARGE FILES…………………………………………….
CANNOT SEE STUDS IN 3D……………………..
TITLE BLOCK DISAPPEARED…………………..
WALL BUILD-UP SCHEDULE EMPTY………
CANNOT SEE 3D MODEL…………………………
COMPANY FONT MISSING……………………….
COLOUR-CODED DRAWING SHOWN
AS MONOCHROME…………………………………..
CANNOT SEE POINT CLOUD……………………
ELECTRICAL AND FF&E SCHEDULES
ERRORS……………………………………………………
MISSING TEXTURES………………………………..

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CANNOT SEE SOME ELEMENTS IN 3D….

ARCHICAD IS NOT RESPONDING…………..

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INTRODUCTION
Many architectural practises are not able to establish common standard for project documentation,
produced in the company. The management is divided into several group: financial, professional, BIM, IT.
Previously existed CAD management has been abolished and together with it supervising of drawings
quality and developing graphical style that belongs to the group of architects. Old CAD standards
still might be used, however the more architects are moving into BIM, the more they relay on out-of-
the-box solution, provided by software developers.
By another hand software developers are concentrating mostly on programming and inventing new
ergonomic features, proving universal BIM solution for all the world. They cannot and do not want to
concentrate on local markets otherwise as commercially. Development of local CAD standards they
are leaving for local network of distributors, that doing a little or maybe nothing in this field.
As a result - drawings quality is falling, directors do not know how to use software, old professional
technicians are very weak with computers and young drafters are non-experienced in both BIM and
construction engineering. Everyone in the company almost reinventing the wheel, introducing in his
work new ways how to represent the project he is working on.

Our attempt to create unified system for project delivery in ArchiCAD, that includes working template,
customised GDL library and methods of work very soon brought us to the new level of quality and
new horizons in understanding of the BIM world.

Current User Manual is written for architectural BIM technicians that working in the company and
aiming to give easy to use, quick and interesting guidance in developing BIM projects in ArchiCAD. A lot
of illustrations and short texts will help to understand the topic quicker. A3 size an album format has
been chosen that printed copy would be comfortable to use while working.

Because the manual is oriented to architects, familiar with the basics of ArchiCAD, we explain only our
part of development within this system, leaving to Graphisoft to provide initial ArchiCAD training.

The first part of the manual explains how drawings are organised in the template, which new tools and
features we are using, and parts of ArchiCAD settings, that has been rearranged. The second part -
step-by-step instruction how to set the new project file. And the fourth part will lead through all
project stages.

Let force be with you!

Alexey Podolsky
London 2020

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LAYOUT BOOK
Title block is placed directly to Layout as a GDL object, this provides several benefits:
1. It is possible to have several designs of the Title Block in the same object.
2. It reduces the number of Master Layouts to 4 which follows page sizes A0, A1, A3, A4.
3. Use parametric features of GDL object: show / hide North Symbol and Scale Bar, change
position of them on the page, modify drawing name, use standard set of notes.

Drawings in Layout Book are organised following U.S. National CAD Standard,
developed by The Construction Specification Institute. it has been decided to use
USA standard, because there is no UK standard or official recommendations in
regard to drawings numbering.

Each folder (or subset) in the Layout Book contains sub-folders, that covers
needs of almost each type of project. It's always possible to create specific /
custom sub-folder or rename existing subset.

Each sub-folder can contain up to 100 Layouts.

There is an example of various Title Block designs for construction drawings, sketches and presentations

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TITLE BLOCK Title Block font, standard notes and disclaimer information can be
modified using GDL object tool called "WORK Company Standards” and
located in the folder "Miscellaneous" in the Library.

The first page of Title

Block settings lets to
show North symbol (it
follows project north,
or can set to custom
direction), set page size,
scale, title block type,
Notes are set in Title Block
client information,
Object settings second page. It
drawing's name and date.
is possible to choose standard
Scale, set to NTS (Not To
notes, set by "WORK Company
Scale) hides scale bar.
Standards” tool or edit them.
On page A1 title block
shows scale for A1 and
A3 page sizes.

Use Project Info (Menu: File / Info /

Project Info) to enter project name,
description, project code, site address,
client name and company contact In Disclaimer use <n> code for new line,
details. <b> for bold text, <BREEAM_SCHEME>
and <BREEAM_REGNUMBER> to link
autotext to Project Info entries.
Drawing's volume, level, Type, Role, Status
as well who is checked the drawing are set
in Layout Settings Dialog Window.

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DRAWING CODES
VOLUME / SYSTEM LEVEL TYPE ROLE STATUS

XX Not Applicable DG Drainage

XX Not Applicable
DR Drawing
A Architect
S0 Work in Progress

Building
ZZ SK B
Water &
ZZ WG S1
All Levels Sketch Suitable for
All Building Gas Supply Surveyor Coordination

SH C
Suitable for
FR Refrigeration Schedule Civil Engineer
S2 Information
DX
Drawing Index /
Register Room Drainage,
HC RD D S3
Heating & Suitable for

…
Data Sheet Highway Engineer
EX
Cooling Review & Comment
Existing
Electrical
BQ E
Suitable for
VA S4
Ventilation & Bill of

DM Demolition
Air Conditioning
05 Fifth Floor Quantities Engineer
Facilities
Stage Approval

PP F
Suitable for
EL Electrical
04 Fourth Floor
Presentation
Manager S5 Manufacture
GA General
Arrangement
CM G
Combined Suitable for PIM
LT S6
Geographical &

03
Light Model Land Surveyor Authorisation
SO
Third Floor
Setting Out
Heating &
M3 H
Suitable for AIM
CS S7
Communication & 3D Model File
Mezzanine
M2
Security Ventilation Designer Authorisation
Second Level

ST VS I
Visualisation File Suitable for
Site
FS Fire Safety
02 Second Floor of a model Interior Designer
D1 Costing

SB
Animation File
AS J
Sub- Suitable for
Structure TR Transport (Lift)
01 First Floor of a model BREEAM Consultant
D2 Tender

SP K
Super- Suitable for
Structure
M0
Mezzanine
Ground Level
Client
D3 Contractor Design

WL
Landscape Suitable for
Walls
00 Ground Floor L Architect D4 Manufacture /
Procurement

FL
Mechanical
Floor
B1 Basement Level 1 M Engineer

CL
Approved & Accepted
P A1
Public Health
Ceiling
B2 Basement Level 2 Engineer as Stage Complete

FN Fenestration
P3
Underground
Parking Level 3 R Employers Agent
A2
GL
Quantity
Glazing
P4
Underground
Parking Level 4 Q Surveyor …
RF
Structural
S B1
Partially Signed-off
Roof
…
Engineer with minor Comments
from Client
IF
Town & Country
T B2
Internal
Finishes Planner

IN Interior
W Contractor
… As Construction
FF Fittings, Fixtures &
Equipment Y Specialist Designer
CR Record
Documentation

EW
General (as-built)
External Works
Z (Non-Disciplinary)

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DRAWING TITLE
Every drawing, placed into layout has a lot To simplify the task of placing and adjusting the drawings there have been set favourites. Drawing's Title Block combines
of settings, such as ID, Name, Update type, Choose needed favourite and place the drawing by clicking on the layout and choosing from various elements, needed for the
Pen-set, scale, Border, Title and similar. the drawings list of the window "place drawing" or by dragging it from the view map. drawing, in one object: Standard
drawing title with or without
scale, North symbol, Scale bar,
Match lines or Break marks.

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LEGEND
In the library folder "Drawing Layout" are located Legend and Abbreviation objects, that can be placed directly on layout. All Legend objects have the
similar structure and designed for Fire Safety, Lighting Control, Lighting Fittings, Reflected Ceiling, Small Power, Structure and Ventilation.
First page of user interface let to show or hide legend items, second page set names, pen colour and type of item as abbreviation, line, hatch or symbol.
The third page let to set general settings, as number of items in the list, title, text and frame pen etc.

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REVISIONS
Title block has built-in revision tracker. Revisions' arrangement varies in horizontal and vertical Title To create new drawings issue set select layout I n " n e w i s s u e " d i a lo g
Block. Revision entry has two parts - an issue name and a list of changes. List of changes is shown only book settings (the root of the layouts tree, that window enter the issue
for the last revision. Initials of a person who issued the drawing is automatically taking from Operative has project name) and click on the button "New name, that will be shown
System's users account name. Issue". as a first line of revision
description in the title
block and issue status,
that will be shown as
drawing's header.

By default ArchiCAD adds all drawings layouts that never been issued
into the list. It's recommended to select them all, delete and add needed
layouts. There is built-in drawing register layout - don't forget to add it
to the issue too.

Until issue is not closed, the header will

show text "WORK IN PROGRESS" and
revision number will be shown in brackets
in drawing number field. by default
ArchiCAD sets a revision number to "01",
change it to needed code or number. it is
recommended to use these revisions:

P01 for preliminary, T01 for tender and

C01 for construction.

After right revision ID

and drawings changes
are set, close the issue. It
will lock further
modifications of revision
number and changes, will
show revision issue date
and issue status in title
if you want to add several revision clouds with the same Block header.
change text, please change marker type from "Create New
It is possible to edit revision ID only when Change" to "Place Linked Marker" to avoid repetitive text in
issue is open. revision description text.
Add change or create new one or use
change tool to add revision clouds to the Please note, that changes and revision clouds can be
drawing. added to the drawings until issue is open.

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DRAWING REGISTER

T h e L ayo u t B o o k c o n ta i n s
Drawing Register Layout, that
has typical look of Drawing
Register used in UK. Drawing
Register has made from two
parts. First part is a GDL object,
showing issue date, information
about project and recipients list. Because of software limitation, revisions in Project Index must be set manually. In the future
Second part is Project Index it is considered to make this feature automatic.
that shows drawings names list,
scale, page size and revisions.
That Drawing Register would
work correct, it has to be added
into each new issue. Drawing
Register has 10 issues, after
amount of issues exceeds 10, new
Layout must be set.
Drawing Register GDL object lets to set Recipients. It is
possible both - type into the field custom recipients or
link them with autotext from Project Info.

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PUBLISHER
By default there is 4 publisher sets: All layouts in Drawing Issue publisher set are renamed to follow BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 Use Print Layouts publisher set to
naming convention. It is possible to choose option to publish layouts in current issue - and all print a large set of drawings
1. Bills of quantities in Excel spreadsheet format relevant drawings in PDF and DWG file format will be saved in the folder that set in publishing (batch printing). Set page, printer
2. BIMx hypermodel properties. and print options for folder and
3. Drawing Issue set in both DWG and PDF format all layouts within this folder or
4. All Layouts ready for printing each layout separately.

In organizer copy drawings that you would like to publish in BIMx Use organizer if you want to create a new layout. Select folder where you would
hyper model from Drawing Issue publisher set to BIMx set. like to create a new layout and copy existing. It will be copied with all settings,
placed drawings and title block. After change the new layout name, update
necessary settings and link a new drawing. This technique lets faster to create a
layout, also by re-linking the drawing (for example Ground Floor to First Floor) a
new drawing is located on the page on exact position and the same scale as
replaced one.

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MARKERS

All markers have been re-designed to have only few parameters and a simple user
interface. Most of the parameters - style, size, pen colour are set as global variables
and are updating instantly by changing Model View.

To save amount of layers for detail markers, all detail markers are placed in one Depending on marker reference: Source marker or Drawing placed into
layer and their visibility is controlled by Model View Options. Detail markers are layout, it shows Reference ID or Drawing ID and Layout ID.
classified (General, Structural, Setting Out, Finishes, Doors/Windows etc.) and also
can be shown or hidden depending on Partial Structure Display (Entire Model, Markers font is set by "Company Standards" tool, located
Without Finishes, Core Only, Core of Load-Bearing Elements Only). in the library folder Miscellaneous. The tool is setting
the font for all library elements - Markers, Labels, Title
blocks and another annotation elements.

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FENESTRATIONS MARKERS

The marker is showing ID in the first line and as

optional in second line Fire Rating, Acoustic Rating or
Windows / Doors / Roof Lights markers have no additional parameters and fully controlled by U-Value, that can be entered in Window / Door settings
Model View Options. Markers can be re-located on different scale and "remember" their position in description field.
for each scale.

To place the markers on elevations, use label tool.

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STOREY ELEVATION MARKERS

WORK Library contains custom designed Storey Elevation Markers, located in the folder "Drawings Markers". It can be placed onto Section, Elevation as well onto Worksheet or Detail. It has three main representation modes, that can be set
by Model View Options. The third one has additional levels (up to 10 for each floor) and can indicate FFL (Finished Floor Level), SSL (Structural Slab Level), FCL (Finished Ceiling Level) and similar on the Construction Drawings.

Use the second page of object's

user interface for markers
alignments, typical floors and After levels are edited don't forget to lock
others settings. editing. The program will write into DataBase
Storey Elevation Marker placed on the drawing as new values that markers, placed in another
regular ArchiCAD Object. The object designed the way, Sections/Elevations, would read the new
that cannot be moved, rotated or mirrored - that means it values - this way updating through the all
always stays on the right position. It has editable hotspots project. Information exchange between
in four corners for horizontal stretch and top and Storey Elevation Markers objects happens
In construction mode each marker (triangular shape) can be relocated
bottom hotspots in the middle for vertical stretch. through TXT file, located in Embedded
along the line. The markers also can be aligned through the all floors.
Library in the folder "WORK Library Data".
Don't forget to reserve this folder or file
To edit levels unlock editing in while editing levels in TeamWork mode
Object's User Interface. Each (otherwise Levels editing will not work).
level line will show editable
hotspot in the middle. Drag
hotspot to change the level
position, or enter the value in
Object's Settings. Dragging
hotspot of storey's level (usually
FFL) will not change the level, but
will create the new one. To delete
the level - move it to the storey's
FFL, or enter height value,
identical to storey's height.

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LABELS

Walls / Slabs label shows structure

ID by using the abbreviated ID code,
which is defined by all characters
before the first space. You can select Ceiling label is showing height of the ceiling (bottom of the slab) to
custom name, if wall or slab has basic floor level (FFL).
structure (non-composite).

All labels shall be in

the same layer and
their visibility is
controlled by Model
ID label shows object ID and can be used for Furniture,
View Options.
Appliances, Sanitary Ware, Electrical and Mechanical
equipment.

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FINISH LABEL

Finish label shows the code of

the element surface and can
be used for interior
elevations or perspective
views. it works the same
principle as walls / slabs
label by showing all symbols
before space in the name of
surface attribute.
When you place the label, it
automatically detects type of
element and asks to select
with surface of the element to
show.

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VARIOUS LABELS
In the library there are additional labels with various specific functions.
Electrical Label can be placed on the Interior Elevation and shows
various information about socket or switcher as amperage and height.

Structural steel label shows profile name for beams and columns, ID or
IFC property - if the element was received from external consultants.

Various labels are designed for drainage library. it Level label can be used instead of standard level
reads parameters from GDL object - for example dimension tool and has more options and
name and length of the pipe or pipe gradient. possibilities. For example it can detect top of the
wall, that cannot do level dimension tool.

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VIEW MAP
View Map has organised folders, following main stages of Sub-folders that contain Plans,
project delivery. Folders have preset views and sub-folders, Sections, Elevations and Interior
usually required during project development. For example: Elevations are saved using
Site Survey folder has pre-set views of Exisitng Site (Ground function "Clone a Folder" and
Floor of the model), Plans, Elevation and Sections, Survey has different look from typical
DWGs folder, where can be saved Worksheets with placed 2D folder. The Folder Clone has
DWG from site surveyor, as well Worksheets with Aerial Map Settings, that let to set all view
(usually screenshot from Google Map) and OS map. parameters for all Floors (in
case if it's Floor Plans), and, if
new floor will be created in the
project or deleted some of them,
Plans sets will be updated
automatically in all View Map
folders. Opposite - simple folder
does not have any settings and
each floor plan needs to be
saved into the folder manually
and settings to be set for each of
them.

Folders structure can be modified during project development, but it's

recommended to keep root folder structure, or modify it very carefully. For
example - if project development started on Construction stage, Feasibility
Study can be deleted, but Site Survey and Planning Application might be
needed - to locate there 2D information about the project, received from
another Architect.

Please keep View Map folders well organised, because this is the centre of
communication of team working with the file. Give simple and understandable
names to the folders and views.

Common rules of managing folders and views:

- Sketches have to have set of sub-folders with the date in format YYMMDD
and Description, even in the folder will contain only one drawing.
- File must contain all 2D information received from Architects and
Engineers for coordination, giving the same name to the worksheet as placed
there DWG or PDF file.
- All external 2D drawings, placed into project in separate worksheets must
be located and scaled according to ArchiCAD model, that would be possible
to use Trace & Reference function quickly without moving or rotating trace.
Placing several plans or elevations next to each other in one worksheet is
not allowed even if they have been placed in one layout originally.
- Try to keep the same ID and the name to the View as the source (Floor Plan,
Section, Elevation, Detail, Worksheet etc.) where it's possible.
- Saving views in the root of View Map without locating them in the right
folder is not allowed.
- Use Folders Clones as much as possible. Although Folder Clone has all
plans, sections or elevations, that exist in the project and none of them can
be deleted from the set - for example you will have Roof and Foundation
Plans in Reflected Ceiling Plans - it's possible to modify settings of all views
at once, that has many benefits. Unnecessary views can be ignored then.

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LAYERS
Layers are named according to 'AEC (UK) Protocol for Layer Naming (version 4.02)'. Layer name has code
and description. The code made from three parts: Role - Classification - Presentation.

- Role is a code, adopted from a standard BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018, where A - Architect, S - Structural
Engineer, I - Interior Designer, W - Contractor.
- Classification is a Uniclass 2015 code, where Ss stands for Systems and Zz for Non-physical elements,
such as annotation, dimensions, markers, gridline, site boundary and similar.
- Presentation is a letter at the end of code, showing type of element in the layer, where M - model-related
element, P - paper-related element, D - dimension, T - text, X - existing element.

Description it's a simplified Classification Title. It has several rules:

- Make it as short as possible.
- Do not use space, underscore or hyphen between words.
- Use '&' symbol instead of 'And'.
- Never use plural.

Layer combinations have numbers and all related to pre-set views in View Map. Do Not modify Layers or
Layer Combinations. Do not create new layers, or, if it's really needed, do it only with supervision of BIM
Manager.

Between code and Description there is a gap that aligns all Descriptions in the list for easier navigation. Please note,
that layers are set not in alphabetical order, but following Uniclass code. It starts from Ground works and
foundations, after structural elements, then finishes and covers, Furniture and Fixtures with Services at the end. Layers
for non-physical elements go after Model-related layers.

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PEN SETS
Pen-sets are well organised to cover all needs of various Drawings and
presentations. They keep standard ArchiCAD Pen-set logic with partial
modifications and extensions, that any user who had ArchiCAD experience
would have orientations in these Pen-sets by colour and location/number.
First 7 rows are classified by building elements and annotation. 8th and 9th
rows are for Building Materials. Rest of the pens - special set for
architectural presentations.

Standard Colours Pen-set is used in ArchiCAD model and set in most of views - that ArchiCAD user can separate elements on the screen by colours
while working with the model. When view is placed to layout, different pen-set must be applied to the drawing, as monochrome or details. These pen-sets
are turning most of colours into grey or black, keeping colour pen-sets, when it needed - for example colour services, markers and presentation pens.
Monochrome pen-sets are used mostly for floor plans with the scale up to 1:50, when Details are at scale from 1:20 to 1:5 and some of the pens are
thicker - for Example Concrete cut.

Black and grey pen-sets can be used for 3D documents views, or, if it's preferable not to have any colours in the drawing.
Blue and Ochre pen-sets can be used for specific presentations to mimic old blue-prints.

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MODEL VIEW OPTIONS

Model View Options have pre-defined set used in Views. Current set has been
developed based on previous projects experience:

3D Explode - can be used in 3D views to show "exploded view". Exploded view

works with custom made Library Parts.

Construction - covers most of the drawings, issued for construction. Plans,

Sections, Elevations, 3D models. Has high level of details and all necessary
markers and labels.

Presentation - can be used for various project presentations, planning

applications drawings, medium level of details in 3D.

Reinforcement 3D - shows concrete reinforcement bars in 3D.

Reinforcement Plan - shows concrete reinforcement bars on plan.

RCP - for Reflected Ceiling Plans only.

Room Areas & Sizes - presentation plans (for the client or selling purposes),
showing room main sizes and area in square meters and feet.

Schematic - for schematic drawings. Can be used for Key Plans, Sections and
Elevations.

Services - various services plans with related labels.

Setting Out - for Architectural Setting Out plans (walls and partitions
setting out).

Simplified - for conceptual design.

Site - for site setting out.

Structural - for structural drawing and models.

New Model View Options can be introduced during project development, when
needed, but it's preferable to modify present to fit project needs and keep the
list as small as possible.

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GRAPHIC OVERRIDE B/W - Black Cut, No Cover,

B/W - Black Cut B/W - Black Cut, No Cover Furniture Grey Colour - Black Cut Colour - Black Cut, No Cover

B/W - Filled Cut B/W - Filled Cut, B/W - Filled Cut, No Cover, Colour - Filled Cut,
No Cover Furniture Grey Colour - Filled Cut No Cover

B/W - Grey Cut, No Cover,

B/W - Grey Cut B/W - Grey Cut, No Cover Furniture Grey Colour - Grey Cut Colour - Grey Cut, No Cover

Graphic override combinations are set for universal use. They have three groups:

- B/W: Black and White. Used for construction drawings and monochrome presentation
drawings.
- Colour. Used for colour presentation drawings. B/W - Whiteline, No Cover,
- Zones. Used for project zones schemes. B/W - Whiteline B/W - Whiteline, No Cover Furniture Grey Colour - No Fills

During project development much more combinations can be introduced. Currently

there is no specific rules of using Graphic Overrides Combinations.

Zones - no overrides Zones - Circulation Area Zones - Net Area Zones - Rentable Area Zones - Usable Area

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RENOVATION FILTER
Renovation filter overrides are set according to BS 8541-2:2011 standard. It shows unfilled (white) existing structure in survey/
existing drawings, structure to be demolished in dashed contour lines and dark grey filled for existing structure in demolition
and proposed plans.

Existing Demolition Proposed

Renovation filter also can be used for design options. By default there is three options, but can be any amount of options. Using
renovation filter for options is more beneficial then having several models - there is no need to duplicate part of the building
that remains the same through all options. As well it's better than creating additional layers for options - optional element still
will be in the right layer and there will be no problems with element intersections.

To apply option property to the element, in settings dialogue change Or in Renovation Palette Select needed filter
'Show On Renovation Filter' from 'All relevant Filters' to needed option. name and click right button that it would show
pin. This method let to select several elements
and apply the property, or, if nothing is selected,
create new elements with this property.

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LINE TYPES

Line types are organised for simple and quick use. First five line types have names, reflecting their use:

- Above - for element showed above plan cutting plane. For example exposed concrete beams in the ceiling.
- Above Hidden - for hidden elements above plan cutting plane. For example drainage pipes that goes in ceiling void.
- Below Hidden - for hidden elements below plan cutting plane. For example services hidden in floor screed.
- Section Line - for section lines only and cannot be confused with any another lines.
- Centre Line - for gridlines and centre lines only.

There is a strict rule to use right line types, do not create more line types and do not use X-refs or paste into the file DWG file, opened in
another ArchiCAD instance, because it can dramatically increase the list by adding useless line types.

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FILLS
Standard ArchiCAD Fill set has been re-organised. Every fill is receiving code in front of the name for easier navigation. For example SITE - for fills used for
site elements, STR - for structure, WALL - for wall elements.

ArchiCAD has four types of fills: SOLID, VECTORIAL, SYMBOL AND IMAGE:

- Vectorial fills are build-in or can be created via GDL programming code. During conversion to PDF vectorial fills are exploded onto lines, that increases
the size of PDF. In DWG vectorial fills are represented as a native AutoCAD hatches.
- Symbol fills can be easy created by any ArchiCAD user by copying lines from any view (plan, detail, section, elevation or worksheet) and pasting into fill
settings window. Symbol fill conversion behaves opposite - in PDF it converts into fill, that reduces size of file and in DWG it converts into lines.

Most of the standard vectorial fills have been replaced by symbol fills to have smaller PDF files, when DWG saving happens via special translator, that
replaces all symbol and solid fills with standard AutoCAD hatches.

DWG translator must be set in any computer, running ArchiCAD.

Description how to set the translator is located in DWG Translator
folder.

All Image Fills must be seamless. They can duplicate symbol fill (for
that reason the name can be the same - just adding space before) and by
using graphic overrides replaced in certain views, for example wooden
floor symbol fill can be replaced in colour presentation plans.

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SURFACES
All Surfaces are organised into groups. Each group has its own code and header marked with pink colour for easier navigation.
the first group is concept colours that can be used in all cases when specific finish is not specified. The concept colours have
the same number as colour pens in the pensets. Next group for 3D zones - these surfaces are semi-transparent. After surfaces
with the code BUILD for typical building materials such an insulation, OSB, plywood, concrete, membranes etc. Next group -
various surfaces for site visualisations. Rest of the surfaces - specified finishes, that also can be scheduled. By default all
finishes has two letter code. To use them in the project please add number, such: VF01, VF02, VF03. This way each finish can be
easier labeled and scheduled. By default surface has to be overrided in the element settings to appear in the schedule.

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BUILDING MATERIALS
Each Building Material has specific code in ID field for easier navigation: BOARD, FLOOR, FNSH -
finish, GEN - general, INSL - insulation, MBRN - membrane, MIX, ROOF, SITE, STEEL, STRC - structure,
WALL.
There are two types of Building Material - general, for example "BOARD Fire Retardant MDF" or
"BOARD Gyproc FireLine" for exact product, that will be used during construction.
For exact product please use product name in the name field, as well Manufacturer name and full
description. This information will be shown later in Building Material quantities schedules.

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ZONES
For zones has been created a library object called 'WORK Room'. To compare to standard ArchiCAD zone it has very few parameters and fully controlled via Model
View Options. Additional feature is room size shown with arrows for commercial plans. Arrows need to be updated manually. Each Model View Option can have unique
Room Stamp Position Code - that means room stamp can change its position following various Model View Option. Zone Stamp also can have different position in
various scales. To change the position of the Zone Stamp use editable hotspot and select the cross from pet palette.

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USE OF TEMPLATE
A new project is set using project template file (WORK Currently the Template is
Template.tpl). If it does not exist in the menu, use command working with ArchiCAD 23 and
'Browse Template…' and find it on the computer disc. By higher versions. Later it can
default the Template file is located on Common Data be upgraded.
Environment, from where it can be downloaded.
ArchiCAD 24 or higher
version will ask for Library
Migration. Choose 'Migrate
ARCHICAD Libraries'.

After new file is loaded, libraries can be modified. Library

Migration process do not replace MEP Library, so it can be
replaced to the latest version. By default the Template has
'WORK Library.lcf'. It can be replaced with the same library,
located on BIM Cloud. To do so, click on the arrow next to
button 'Add…' and choose 'Add BIMcloud Library…'

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PROJECT INFO & PREVIEW

Setting of the new project file starting from entering right information in Project Info. This information will be shown in Title Blocks and Drawing Register. Some
fields are necessary, some optional, some can be left empty:

- Project Name
- Project Description (optional)
- Project Code. It is preferable that project code would contain three letters. Sometimes one letter can be replaced by digit. For example project name is given by the
address '20 Roke Road Kenley', the code is 'RRK'. Another Example '1 Penfold Place' the code is '1PP'.
- BREEAM Scheme. If project is going to be registered in BREEAM, to be entered the name of the scheme. By default it is 'BREEAM New Construction 2014'.
- BREEAM Registration Number. Number given during BREEAM registration.
- Site Full Address.
- Contact Company.
- Contact Company Code.
- Contact Full Address.
- Contact E-mail.
- Contact Phone Number.
- Contact Web.
- The list of engineers, architects and consultants, involved into the project, including their e-mails and phone numbers. If needed entry does not exist in the list, they
can be created.
- Client Full Name
- Client Company
- Client E-mail
- Client Phone Number.

Paste from the Clipboard the image in Project Preview & Architects
Credits in BIMx dialog. It's preferable to have photo of existing building
(if it's refurbishment project) or Computer Generated Image of new.

There are examples of Project Previews:

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PROJECT LOCATION
The second step is to set Project Location. If Project Name and Site Full Address were
entered previously in Project Info, they will be shown in the upper two lines ('Edit…'
buttons will open Project Info dialog).

In this dialog it is necessary to enter Latitude, Longitude, Time Zone (if project is
outside of UK, otherwise Greenwich Mean Time set by default) and Altitude. Project
North rotation is preferable to set using command 'Set Project North’.

Altitude (Sea Level) must be set according to the Ground Floor Finished Floor Level. If it
is refurbishment project and Ground Floor is changing - it needs to be set according to
the new level.

To get Latitude and Longitude of the project, open Google Maps in Internet Browser, Coordinates will appear on the side panel,
enter the address and click with right mouse button in the middle of the building. In from where they can be copied and pasted into
the drop-down menu choose 'what's here?’. Latitude and Longitude fields in ArchiCAD
Project Location dialog.
On the bottom of the screen will appear small window with coordinates. Click on the
coordinates.

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PROJECT NORTH
Before setting Project North, it's needed In the floor plan use Trace & Reference to show one of the drawings that
to place one or all three: clearly shows north location. Use command 'Set Project North' to set it
manually on the plan.
- Site Survey drawing
- Ordinance Survey Map
- Aerial Map

For Aerial Map use screenshot of satellite

view of Google Map and, using Drawing
Tool, place image to dedicated Worksheet.

Site Survey Drawing, Ordinance Survey Map and Aerial Map must be placed on the worksheets in the right scale, with orthogonal position of the new
building and that centre of the building would be on the origin of X-Y coordinate system (X=0, Y=0). Site boundaries can be drawn on all three views,
using semi-transparent fill (for example 25% solid fill, 59 fill pen, 73 contour pen).

Use Trace & Reference to align position of After drawings are positioned and aligned correct, use 'Set Orientation' command to rotate the view
the drawing. and save updated view by choosing 'Get Current Window's Settings' in the View Settings dialog.

By default the template has four

elevations with North Elevation on
Top. After setting correct north
location rotate or rename elevations
accordingly.

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SITE BOUNDARY

Draw Grid Elements on the Ground Floor. Although each

segment needs to be drawn separately and use of polyline would
be easier, Grid Elements are shown on all floors, as well they
appear on sections and elevations.

To set Site Boundary use Grid

Element tool. Choose one from
Favourites.

Apply for each Grid Element

unique name, for example
'Boundary1', 'Boundary2' etc.
This way, if on section are
appearing more grid elements,
then needed, unnecessary ones
can be simply deleted.

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STOREYS
Set the storeys of the project. Use full By default Storey Elevation Markers are placed in each Elevation and Section. Copy/paste them to new created sections.
name for each storey. The amount of Adjust Structural Slab levels (SSL) and Finished Ceiling levels (FCL).
storeys must be exact as in the future
building. Do not create additional storeys
for sub-floors, structural plans and
similar. Ground Floor elevation must be
on the level 0 (Project Zero).

Decide which storeys are typical. Please note, that to

change type of storey possible only if markers are in
editable mode.

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FILE NAME

PRJ-WRK-ZZ-ZZ-CM-W-0001_PROJECT_NAME
To save project file / upload to BIM server use BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 naming convention for file name.

PRJ - The project code (see Page 26, describing Project Info).
WRK - The company name code.
ZZ - All volumes / systems.
ZZ - Multiply levels / locations.
CM - Type of information: combined 3D model file
W - Role: Contractor
0001 - Four digits for file number. If it is a single project file, number 1 applies. Otherwise depending on files
condition.

Please note, that status and revision can be used ONLY if file is IFC conversion of external consultant's 3D model. In
that case use M3 code as type of information meaning 3D model. Use M3 code for hotlinked parts of the building too.

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SITE INVESTIGATION

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