Enrico wrote:
Hi everybody, I've been recently working on a house renovation project using ArchiCAD 12. I was wondering if anybody can help me understand if what I did is actually a good way to use the software.

In the first place I've created the full model of the existing building with the data from the survey. Then I duplicated the file, and modified the building according to the renovation project.

Hi Enrico,

I used to work with renovations about 2 years ago, the best Workflow for us at the end was something like this:

- Model the Original building on a PLN and save it as MOD file.

- Create another file (PLN or PLP If teamwork) for the Renovations.

- Hotlink the MOD into the PLN or PLP, on a proper "Master layer".

- From this file, you can "Demolish" some of the elements using the Mark Up tool. (this allows you switch on/off the objects and to to override the color of those objects to gray or red, accordingly to your standards)

- If you're using a PLP or the file gets bigger than 50mb (2 years ago) then move all the layouts to a different PLN and use it as an old LBK o Layout Book file.

- Link all the views to the Layout Book as PMK files, this saves you hours of updating drawings.

This is obviously not compulsory but is a way to do it that used to works well.

Hopefully this helps

Nando M

We usually have our layouts in a separate PLN file as we find the main file size gets too big if the model and layouts are combined. However we often have trouble updating views, especially from Teamwork (PLP) files. While ArchiCAD rarely crashes when we try to update views it often will not complete the update. As far as I can tell this is possibly linked to an error or similar message when the file is opened e.g. ArchiCAD cannot find a particular add-on/item or similar resulting in a pop-up window that wants you to click "OK". If this happens during when you try to update a view I think the update fails because you cannot click the "OK"!
For this reason we are glad that PMK files have come back, even if it means using up more space on the server.
On a separate note I like the idea of using the Mark Up tool to edit the existing building model - I must try this out.

Another tecnique is to make a copy of the existing floor plans, explode them, convert them into dashed lines on a demolition layer and lock this layer. Then place this locked floor plan under the live modelled plans. When walls on the live plans are deleted, dashed lines automatically remain.

This was explained at length in the NZ archicad book called "Framework" and we've been using it ever since.

Read HERE AEC Byte's Tips & Tricks for Remodels and Additions.

KeesW wrote:
Another tecnique is to make a copy of the existing floor plans, explode them, convert them into dashed lines on a demolition layer and lock this layer. Then place this locked floor plan under the live modelled plans. When walls on the live plans are deleted, dashed lines automatically remain.

This was explained at length in the NZ archicad book called "Framework" and we've been using it ever since.

This technique sounds very good and is certainly something I would try next time. The last time I did a reno I just converted any walls or elements that were to be removed to a dashed line type and wire frame and this worked fine also.

Enrico wrote:
Hi everybody, I've been recently working on a house renovation project using ArchiCAD 12...

...and, by the way, Congratulations on winning a free commercial license in the monthly "Experience BIM" competition!

http://www.graphisoft.com/community/press_zone/bim_winner_200909.html

Cheers,
Karl

We have foud that the real issue with renovations is not layer control but things like junctions, priority intersections and similar issues that can completely stuff a drawing which contains new, demolished and old items. Archicad's inability to realise that 99% of users don't want gaps left in existing or new walls when the elements that previously joined at the point are removed or hidden causes inumerable, time consuming distractions. More intelligent defaults would help many users.