• TechNotes
• Using Modules for Complex Furniture and Equipment

Winning Techtip of August, 2007

Using Modules for Complex Furniture and Equipment - by Ignacio Azpiazu, Phoenix, AZ, USA & Buenos Aires, Argentina

This a splendid example of lateral thinking, that also demonstrates the strength and flexibility of ArchiCAD.

Below is the original problem, and Ignacio's reply.

A basic guide on placing modules in your projects can be found Using Hotlinked Modules at http://download.graphisoft.com/ftp/publishing/ac11_help/wwhelp/wwhimpl/common/html/wwhelp.htm?context=AC11_Web_Help&file=05_Collaboration.7.23.html#1184528

KeesW wrote: I've created a desk with complicated drawers [...] Now, I want to alter it. 

Ignacio's reply:

That is the reason why it often makes a lot of sense to use modules for custom pieces of furniture and equipment. It is easy to open the module, edit and save with the same name or a new name, and that's it.
That and the fact that because you can (easily) use layers you have a lot more control over how the thing looks and performs in different views.

You can put annotations to show in some equipment plan, do a fancy 2d plan view and keep the model in a 3D-view-only layer, you can even have the roof vent moving around in the roof plan following your equipment or whatever.
With the basic shapes and grills and special operations and profiles you can do a lot, and the module can include some slabby object for some handle or whatever too. 

This is an alternative approach allowing for the creation of complex objects that are displayed differently depending on actual view settings, but, without getting into GDL first.

The original thread can be found at: http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=96971

Hint: For further help on Hotlinks (eg Multi-story hotlinks, (these are also feasible before ArchiCAD 11!), visit: http://archicadwiki.com/Multistory_Hotlinked_Modules)