When you are launching the ArchiCAD program, you can immediately start working. But then you are ignoring the power of this tool. This article will help you to recognize a few things you should do when you start a new project.
The ArchiCAD program is launched by double-clicking on the ArchiCAD icon. Then the Start ArchiCAD dialog box appears. You can choose either to Create a New Project or to Open a Project.
Using ArchiCAD Templates is the first step that needs to be made in the startup of a new project. They actually constitute the foundation of BIM success. In fact, we can note that you should always update the template once before you start with a project. Always thinking about the template before starting a project is a good job.
Project Info is the foundation of data in your project. You should always aim to enter as much data as possible. There are three most important categories of data in the Project Info: Client, Site and Project details. It is important to fill out the client information. If your client`s name, email, phone numbers etc is a part of the file, then you can easily find that information now and in the future.
Project Location is the next thing that you need to do when you start a new project. Find the right longitude and latitude. Set project north correctly. All of this will prevent errors when doing visualisation.
The Project Origin is a constant location which remains fixed for the life of your project. That`s the main reason why you have to determine it at the beginning of the project.
The Grid System command can save you a lot of time by automating the task of placing multiple grid elements in one step. The number of horizontal and vertical grid lines that are placed in the grid system depends on what you set in the grid position panel.
If you know anything about Story heights, set them before you start modelling buildings. Also, you have to set other useful Reference Levels which will help you to position the elements.
These are just a few things that you have to incorporate in your ArchiCAD project. This list can be updated over and over as the project is becoming bigger or involves legitimate collaboration. Do you have anything to add on this list?