Learning AutoCAD Architecture 2010-Sample Ch

8/12/2019 Learning AutoCAD Architecture 2010-Sample Ch

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2009, ASCENT Center for Technical Knowledge

Chapter 1 Introduction to AutoCAD Architecture 1 - 1

Chapter 1:

Introduction to AutoCAD Architecture

In this chapter you learn how to:

Understand how AutoCAD Architecture functions.

Work with general drawing tools.

View in 3D.


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1 - 2 Learning AutoCAD Architecture 2010

Understanding AutoCAD Architecture

AutoCAD Architecture is useful for any residential or commercial

building project. Architects, structural engineers, facilities managers, and

interior designers, among others, can use it. It is also the basis forAutoCAD MEP for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design.

The software is designed to work from first concept through to workingdrawings and facilities maintenance. This training guide focuses on

Design Development tools for basic building modeling, adding interior

components, and construction documents. It also includes an introductionto visualization for presentations.

AutoCAD Architecture is based on AutoCAD and all of the standardAutoCAD tools are available, including ribbon tools, tool palettes,

Properties information, Polar & Object Snap tracking, Fields, Tables,DesignCenter, and Sheet Sets.

In AutoCAD, you work with lines, arcs, and rectangles that you formto look like walls, doors, etc. In AutoCAD Architecture, you work

with smart objects that know they are walls, windows, or doors. For

example, when you put a door in a wall, it automatically cuts out the

opening.

In AutoCAD Architecture, you work in 2D and 3D at the same time.There is only one 3D model, but there are many different views of it

available in either 2D or 3D. For example, you can set up some views

showing 2D reflected ceiling or floor plan information, and othersshowing all components in 3D. Views are controlled byAnnotation

ScaleandDisplay Configurations.


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AutoCAD Architecture uses automatic layering; therefore, changing

layers manually is not necessary. You can choose the layering standardwhen you install AutoCAD Architecture or you can change it later.

This training guide uses the AIA (American Institute of Architects)

layering standard.

Most objects in AutoCAD Architecture are defined bystyles, such as

wall styles, door styles, and roof styles. AutoCAD Architecture comeswith sample styles, and you can also create your own.

It is a good idea to start new drawings using one of the templates that

come with AutoCAD Architecture. Many of the configuration options

are preset, enabling you to proceed with the job more quickly.

AutoCAD Architecture also includes an extensive Drawing

Management system that helps you create and manage projects. Most

plot sheets are created through this system.


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The User Interface

You can add and modify building elements in AutoCAD Architecture

using the Ribbon, Tool Palettes, Properties, grips, and the shortcut menus.

These methods remain the same, regardless of the type of object being

added or modified.

The Application menu button focuses on file related tasks as well as toolsrelated to the overall drawing.

There are no pull-down menus available in AutoCAD Architecture unlessthe user adds them using the Customize User Interface.

Tooltips display information about an object when you roll your cursor

over it.


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Tool Palettes

The main way to add objects to your drawing is through the Tool Paletteswindow. To use the Tool palettes, drag and drop the desired tool into the

drawing, or click on a tool to start a command.

TheDesigntab holds most of the building element tools. There areseparate tabs for wall, door, and window styles as well as space andmassing tools. FF&E stands for Fixtures, Furnishings, and

Equipment.

There are also separate Tool Palette groups for Document, Detailing,and Visualization. You can open groups by right-clicking in the Tool

Palettes title bar and selecting a group.

To save space on your screen, you can hide the palettes. If it is

floating, click in the palette title bar to toggle Auto-hide on or off. Ifit is docked, click in the upper right corner to hide it. If the palette

does not dock, right-click on the title bar and select Allow Docking

You can also right-click on the palette title bar and select Anchor Leftor Anchor Right to have the palette anchor to the side of the drawing

area.

If you have numerous palettes anchored to the same side, the easiestway to see them is to change the visibility of the palettes to Icons only

as shown below.


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The Ribbon

The Ribbon in AutoCAD Architecture functions as it does in AutoCAD. Itprovides quick access to tools and settings, and replaces the pull-down

menus which were used in previous versions of AutoCAD Architecture.

TheHometab includes all basic tools, including Building tools such as

Walls, Doors, and Ceiling Grids, and Basic Drawing and Modifying

Tools. Other tabs include Insert, Annotate, Render, View and Manage.

The Tool Palettes should be used for most tasks involving adding new

objects to the drawing. The default palettes contain far more choices ofstyles for wall, doors and other object types than are available from the

Ribbon, which only lists the generic tools. As well, the Tool Palettes can

be customized to include the specific styles of objects which you requirefor a project.

The Ribbon is used for modifying existing objects, as it has contextsensitive tabs which appear automatically when an existing object is

selected. The context sensitive tabs have a green tint to them to indicate

that they are related to the selected objects.

If desired, individual panels can be pulled off the Ribbon into the maindrawing area so that their tools are always accessible. When done, click

the Return Panels to Ribbon button.

By right-clicking on a Ribbon tab or panel, you also have the option ofturning off entire tabs or specific panels within the current tab.


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Properties

As you add objects to your drawing, you can adjust the options through

the Properties palette. You can also use Properties to modify selected

objects, such as changing the style or height of a wall.

Double-clicking on a building element in AutoCAD Architecturetypically opens the Properties palette. You can also open it from most

of the shortcut menus, or by pressing + 1.

Each type of object has different properties, but they are typically

divided into Design and Extended Data, with sub-categories as needed.

Select an option in Properties to see a description of it at the bottom of

the palette.

It is a good idea to leave Properties open at all times and to set it toAuto-hide.

TheDisplaytab holds properties that apply to the display of theselected object.

TheExtended Datatab holds non-graphical data about objects that is

used by tags and schedules.


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Grips

Grips are more powerful in AutoCAD Architecture than in AutoCAD.

They provide extra ways of modifying objects without having to start acommand. The various grip options for each object type are discussed

during the training guide.

There are different types of grips in AutoCAD Architecture, including

grip tipsthat explain the uses of each grip. Move your cursor over a gripto see the tip about using it.

Shortcut Menus

Use the right mouse button extensively. You can access tools related to the

selected object from the shortcut menus. For example, if you select a wall

and right-click, you find the many modification tools related to walls.

The shortcut menu typically includes the Basic Modify Tools such as

Erase and Move, Clipboard tools, some annotation tools, and access toProperties.


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The Quick Access toolbar, located just to the right of the Application

Menu button, gives quick access to common tools. It can becustomized to add more tool icons. Simply right-click on an icon on

the Ribbon and select Add to Quick Access Toolbar. To remove an

icon from the toolbar, right-click on the tool button and select Remove

from Quick Access Toolbar.

You rarely need to type in AutoCAD Architecture command names.They are very long (for example: aeccolumngridadd). Instead, use tool

palettes and the shortcut menus.

Status Bars

The standard Status Bar in AutoCAD Architecture includes many drawing

aids, such as object snaps and polar tracking, as well as access to PaperSpace layouts. It also includes several basic viewing tools and access to

workspaces.

The Drawing Status Bar

The Drawing Status Bar located just above the Command Line contains

Project information, Annotation Scale, current Display Configuration, CutPlane, and several tools.

If a project is loaded, information about it displays on the left side of theDrawing Status Bar.

Annotation Scaling

Annotation Scale in Model Space Viewport Scale in a Layout

In the middle of the Drawing Status Bar, you see information about the

Annotation scale. If you are in Model Space, you can select theAnnotationScalefrom a list. In a layout with a viewport selected, you can set theViewport Scale, which also sets the annotation scale, as well as locks the

viewport.

The other buttons control how annotation objects are displayed.


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Display Configuration

Using aDisplay Configurationenables you to see only the types ofcomponents needed for a particular view. TheModeltab can only have

one display configuration. However, each viewport in a layout can have a

different display configuration.

The Display Configuration can be linked to the drawing scale. Check

with your CAD Manager to see how it is set up in your office.

Workspaces

When you open AutoCAD Architecture, you are in a workspace, whichconsists of a specific set of palettes and Ribbon panels arranged on your

screen. AutoCAD Architecture has one default workspace. While you can

also create your own, the focus on the Ribbon and the lack of toolbars inAutoCAD Architecture means that using workspaces has little advantage.

To switch workspaces, click on the Status Bar.

To create your own custom workspaces, set up the screen the way you

want, click Save Current Asfrom the Workspace menu, and savethe workspace with a new name.


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Viewing in 3D

As you begin to work in AutoCAD Architecture, you need to know how to

move between 2D and 3D views. There are a number of preset views andeasy orbiting techniques you can use to move around the drawing. You

can also use Visual styles to change the shading status of the objects in the

drawing.

The quickest way to switch to a 3D view or from a 3D view back to a

2D view is to select a preset view from the View panel on the Hometab. This panel by default floats on the right side of the drawing area to

give quick access to the navigation features.


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Once in 3D, you can use the orbitingcommands to change the view

and to switch between parallel and perspective projections.


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Visual Styles

When you first change to a 3D view, it could be hard to visualize the

building because it displays in a wireframe view. Visual styles are ways of

hiding and shading 3D objects to help you get a better understanding ofthe design. Several visual styles are available in the Appearance panel on

the Viewtab. They can also be accessed from the drop-down list in the

View panel on the right side of the drawing area. You can createadditional ones. You can add and modify objects and change the view in

any visual styles.


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Orbiting in 3D

Once you select a preset view and a visual style, you can view the drawing

from many angles by orbiting around the building. The best tool for

viewing in 3D is temporary orbiting. Hold down the key and thescroll wheel of your mouse to orbit around the model. The cursor changes

to the icon. The target stays stationary but the camera moves.

If you are in a 3D visual style, you also see the ViewCube in the upper

right corner. You can click on various parts of the cube and relatedelements to move to specific views. You can also click and drag it to

rotate the drawing.


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The icon in the upper left corner of the cube is the Homebutton.Click this to return to the default Home view. To create a Home view,

set up the view you want, right-click on the ViewCube, and select Set

Current View as Home.

You may also see the SteeringWheel in the lower left corner of the

screen. You cover this in the visualization section of the class.

Pract ice - Introdu ct ion to the AutoCAD

Arc hitectu re Interface

In this practice you review important features in the AutoCAD

Architecture interface. Estimated time for completion: 10 minutes.

Task 1 Explore the Interface

1. Start AutoCAD Architecture.

2. Open the drawing Office Space-10.dwg.


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3. Look at the various tabs in the Tool Palettes window. Pause the cursorover several tools in theDesigntab to see the available designcomponents. Try the visual styles from the drop-down list in the View

panel on theHome tabor in the Appearance panel on theView tab.

4. Practice moving, docking, and hiding the palettes. Set up the screen inthe way you are most comfortable. In the Workspace icon on the

Status Bar, select Save Current As... in the pull-down menu and givethe new workspace a name. This is the main way to customize a

workspace to your needs.

Task 2 Review User Interface Tools

1. Right-click in the drawing window without any objects selected.Notice the commands in the menu.

2. Select a wall and notice the variety of grips. Right-click and notice the

additional commands in the menu. Notice that a contextual Walltabhas appeared on the Ribbon. Select Deselect All.

3. Select a window and right-click. Notice the window-specific tools.Note again that the Ribbon is showing a contextual tab. Clear all

objects from selection.

4. On theHometab in the Ribbon, click the Wallicon in the Build panel.Look at the Properties panel. These properties can be set for a wall.Press to cancel the command.

5. In the Tool Palettes window, click the Wallicon in theDesigntab.Look at the Properties palette. Note that the Styleparameter hasStandardlisted beside it. These properties can be set for a wall. Press

to cancel the command.

6. In the Tool Palettes window, select the Wallstab. Note the differentstyles of walls available here. Look at the Properties palette. Note that

the Styleparameter has the name of the specific wall style you selectedfrom the Tool Palette. Press to cancel the command.

7. Repeat the process with the Window tool.

8. Zoom in on the Elevators.

9. In the Drawing Status Bar, change theDisplay Configurationto LowDetail. Notice that the hatching is automatically modified.

10.Change theDisplay Configurationto High Detailand then toPresentationand others.


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11.Finally, change the configuration back to Medium Detail.

Task 3 View in 3D

1. Use the View Presets to change to an Isometric view.

2. Hold down the key and scroll with the middle mouse button.Notice that you can quickly move the orbit around the building

without starting a command.

3. Try the visual styles from the drop-down list in the View panel.

4. Use the ViewCube to change to several different views.

5. Switch back to the Top view.

6. Close the drawing. Do not save changes.


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Command Summary

Icon Command Location

Tool Palettes Ribbon:Hometab > Build panel > Toolsdrop-down > Design Tools

Shortcut: Ctrl + 1

Properties Ribbon:Hometab > Build panel > Toolsdrop-down > Properties

Annotation Scale Drawing Status Bar

Viewport Scale Drawing Status Bar (in a Layout)

Lock/ Unlock(viewports)

Drawing Status Bar (in a Layout)

Display Configuration Drawing Status Bar

3D Orbit Ribbon: Viewtab > Navigate panel >Orbit drop-down list

Ribbon:Hometab > View panel > ViewDirection pull-down (often located at

right of screen)

Shortcut: Hold down and the

scroll wheel on the mouse

View Presets Ribbon: Viewtab > Appearance panel >View Appearance box

Ribbon:Hometab > View panel > ViewDirection drop-down (often located at

right of screen)

Visual Styles Ribbon: Viewtab > Appearance panel >Visual Styles pull-down

Ribbon:Hometab > View panel > Visual

Styles pull-down (often located at right of

screen)


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Chapter Review

1. List some of the object types found in AutoCAD Architecture.

2. What is the quickest way to start a drawing command in AutoCADArchitecture? What is the quickest way to start a modificationcommand?

3. If you are in a 3D view and want to display the objects by removinghidden lines, what do you do?

4. If you are in a 3D view and want to return to a plan view, what do youdo?


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Learning AutoCAD Architecture 2010-Sample Ch