Modeling Engineering Openings

In ARCHICAD, Opening geometry is defined by the Opening body and its connected element(s).

(In mathematical terms: an Opening is defined by an Operator Body and one or more Target Elements connected to the operator by relation links.)

Each Opening is associated to one element, but can cut and connect to multiple elements.

Opening Body

The Opening body is a linear extrusion of a base polygon, which can be rectangular or circular/elliptical. Edit the polygon’s width/height dimensions in the geometry input fields.

https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/wp-content/uploads/archicad-23-reference-guide/005_newfeatures/OpeningSettigns.png 

Opening polygon shapes - Opening extrusion limits

To define niches/recesses:

Set the Opening’s limits to semi-infinite or finite

Define the depth of the niche/recess relative to the associated element’s reference plane (and offset it as needed)

Use Flip to change sides

Use finite option to specify the exact extrusion length, to create Openings that are mostly or completely within a cut element

Associated Element

In ARCHICAD 23, an Opening can be placed into a Wall, Slab, Beam or Mesh.

While an Opening can cut and be connected to several elements, one element is defined as the associated element.

https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/wp-content/uploads/archicad-23-reference-guide/005_newfeatures/OneCutElement.png 

https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/wp-content/uploads/archicad-23-reference-guide/005_newfeatures/MultiCutElements.png 

Opening with One Cut Element

Opening with Multiple Cut Elements

Use the Openings grip to manage connections:

Add new cut elements

Remove cut/connected elements

Change the designated associated element

Positioning and Orientation

The position of the Opening is defined relative to its associated element, and moves along with it. If you move any other connected cut element, the Opening’s original position does not change.

An Opening can be oriented in different directions: horizontal, vertical or aligned with (perpendicular to) the face of the associated element.

https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/wp-content/uploads/archicad-23-reference-guide/005_newfeatures/OpeningOrientations.png 

Opening Body orientation options

You can also define a custom angle: select an existing Opening, click the “Custom” orientation option, then rotate the Opening into place.

Anchor Point

Choose one of nine points as the Opening’s Anchor.

The Anchor point is the reference used to measure the Opening’s elevation. If the Opening body is aligned or horizontal: enter the Anchor point elevation to the home story of its associated element (e.g. Wall).

Intuitive and Consistent Placement and Editing

Intuitive editing interactions make it easy to work with Openings. Opening statuses are tangible in all 2D and 3D views, and all the familiar editing interactions are available via the pet palette and Edit menu.

Use View > On-Screen View Options > Opening Cutting Bodies to optionally display Opening Bodies on Floor Plan and in 3D.

Openings can be placed and edited the same way in all the supported element types.

You can only copy/paste an Opening if you also copy/paste its associated element.

To copy an Opening (without moving or copying the associated element), use Drag a Copy

Stretch, Offset and Rotate work in all views

Free Rotate function is available (works the same way as for Morphs)

Parameter transfer between Openings is available

Create Openings from Building Elements

ARCHICAD 23 provides a workflow to create Openings via intersecting model elements.

https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/wp-content/uploads/archicad-23-reference-guide/005_newfeatures/CreateOpeningPalette.png 

https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/wp-content/uploads/archicad-23-reference-guide/005_newfeatures/CreateOpeningsDone.png 

Create Openings Dialog

Openings are created automatically

With a single click, Openings are created in each element that the selected model elements intersect (subject to the settings of the Create Openings dialog).

Use the Create Openings dialog to:

Specify the base polygon shape of the Openings, and an Opening edge offset from the original elements

Decide whether to keep or delete the original elements after Openings are created

Define IDs for the new Opening elements (Inherit from original, or Use tool defaults)

Optionally, set a tolerance distance for nearby Openings: if they are any closer than this distance, merge them into a single Opening (e.g. in parallel Walls that are close together or Slabs on top of one another)

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