ArchiCAD Tutorial | Introduction to Tilework

http://www.acbestpractices.com ArchiCAD training tutorial shows how to add tilework to your ArchiCAD model; a variety of approaches are demonstrated. This is an excerpt from a coaching call webinar included with the Best Practices Course - http://www.acbestpractices.com - a comprehensive online training resource for ArchiCAD users created by Eric Bobrow.

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Education

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• ArchiCAD
• ArchiCAD tutorial
• ArchiCAD training
• learn ArchiCAD

[EricBobrow]

FOLLOW-UP:

I've received emails from ArchiCAD users, plus there were some interesting posts on the LinkedIn discussion page.

One intriguing suggestion is to use the Curtain Wall tool to create the tile pattern, with the mullions becoming the grout lines. I think this may work, but I'd be concerned about the 3D model getting too "heavy" with polygons, particularly if the tiles were small and there were many of them.

There is no "perfect" solution - that's why this is so much fun to brainstorm!

[EricBobrow]

@imemyslef82 -

Complex profiles are very powerful, and I recommend them for many things. The main limitation is that the surface is constant over the entire length of the element. Thus to put tile above the bathtub, for example, one would have to break the wall up into multiple pieces, to stop the tiling after the end of the bathtub.

This is workable, but doesn't easily handle more complex arrangements such as one would find working tile around cabinets. Additional profiles could make it work.

[EricBobrow]

@architecturegeek -

I agree, it would be great if Graphisoft improved the capabilities of the program in this area. Tileworks is an interesting object, and inexpensive too, but is somewhat limited in terms of the tile patterns that it can create.

Another option that people may want to consider is Cadimage Coverings (formerly called 3D Accessories), which adds elements directly to the surface of the base element.

My aim here is to show some approaches that work without add-ons.

[konglian]

Thanks for the tutorial! One question: How do I change the "setting out" of tiles on the wall surface? E.g. if I want the tiles to start in the lower left corner of the bathtub, or the lower right corner, etc.?

[architecturegeek]

Or you could just use the vastly superior TileWorks object.... Just saying.

It's beyond me as to why Graphisoft hasn't included an official tile object.

[imemyslef82]

Is there a reason to prefer this over Complex profile ?