Arc Hi Wall

Free Shape Walls
ArchiWall
™
vers. 2.0
PLUG-IN FOR ARCHICAD®
Cigraph
ArchiWall™
User Guide
ArchiWall “User Guide”
Version 2.0 for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh
© 2006 Cigraph Factory S.r.l.
Copyright
The contents of this manual and the software described therein are the sole property of Cigraph S.r.l. with
all rights reserved.
As per copyright laws, this manual and the software programs cannot be copied either fully or in part
without the written consent of Cigraph S.r.l., except during normal use of the software to create a back-up
copy. This exception does not allow the buyer to make copies for others, even if the software is sold, tra-
ded or given away.
Written by Roberto Corona

Translation: Katherine Cosentino
Cover Illustration by Marco Marella
Guarantee limitations
Even if Cigraph S.r.l. has tested the software described in this manual and reviewed its contents, Cigraph
S.r.l. can give neither express nor implied guarantees or statements with reference to the software, its quali-
ty, its performance or suitability for any particular purpose.
Therefore, this software is sold “as is” and the buyer assumes all risks with reference to its quality and per-
formance.
In no case shall Cigraph S.r.l. be held responsible for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential
damages deriving from any defect in the software or from errors in the manual, even if its notified of the
possibility of said damages.
In particular, Cigraph S.r.l. shall not be held liable for possible loss of data or of the program on compu-
ters, including the cost of recovery or the cost of data reproduction or of the program itself.
Licences and Trademarks

ArchiWall is a registered brand name of Cigraph S.r.l. ArchiCAD, PlotMaker, StairMaker, PlayBack, and
GDL are registered trademarks of Graphisoft. Microsoft Windows and Windows 95/NT are registered tra-
demarks of Microsoft, Inc. Apple, Macintosh, Power Macintosh and Mac OS are registered trademarks of
Apple Computer Inc.. AutoCAD, DXF and DWG are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Ind..
Other products and trade names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies and are
used purely for demonstrative purposes in favour of the trademark holder, without intent of breach.
Cigraph S.r.l.
Via Orsato, 38 - (I)30175 VE/Marghera
Tel. +39 041 93 23 88 - Fax +39 041 92 00 31
Internet: http://www.cigraph-store.com
e-mail: home@cigraph.com
Contents
Contents
ArchiWall 1
What is an ArchiCAD plug-in? 1
System Requirements 1
ArchiCAD versions 1
Where to install the plug-in 1
Package Installation 2
Introduction 3
The palette 4
Wall creation 5
Polygonal Wall 5
General settings 6
Special Settings 7
Angle management 8
View 10
Materials 11
Help 11
Information 12
Free Shape Wall 13
Tubular Linear Wall 15
Tubular Wall 17
Stripe Wall 19
Reveal Wall 21
Block Wall 23
Edit Parameters 25
Data update 25
Explosion 26
Geometry update 26
Window creation 28
Moulding creation 32
3D colour 37
Help online 40
Appendix 41
Custom block creation for Block Walls 41
III
ArchiWall
IV
User Guide
ArchiWall
ArchiCAD Plug-In used to create walls
with irregular surfaces
What is an ArchiCAD plug-in?
A plug-in is a Software component that allows you to add functions to
ArchiCAD.
ArchiCAD manages the plug-ins automatically, activating and closing them
using the menu bar. Once the plug-in has been installed, a new command
will appear in the menu bar. This menu acts like any other ArchiCAD
menu.
You won’t even realise that you’re using a plug-in: it’s like using your
ArchiCAD, but with more functions.
System Requirements
The plug-in requirements must comply with the ArchiCAD configuration. If
you do not have sufficient memory for the libraries, you will be prompted
by a dialogue window.
If this occurs, make more memory available by quitting other applications
or by limiting the memory assigned to ArchiCAD.
ArchiCAD versions
This plug-in is compatible with ArchiCAD 8.1 and will not run with pre-
vious ArchiCAD versions.
Where to install the plug-in

The plug-ins cannot be directly activated from the Finder (Macintosh) or by
Windows Explorer (Windows). In order to activate them, you must copy
the plug-ins in the ArchiCAD Add-Ons folder.
• Mac OS: the Add-Ons folder can be located in the same folder in which
you find the ArchiCAD application, or on the inside of the Graphisoft
folder located in the System folder.
1
ArchiWall
• Windows: the Add-Ons folder must be located in the same folder in

which you find the ArchiCAD application, if it is placed in any other
location, you will not be able to enter into ArchiWall.
ArchiCAD verifies the presence of the plug-ins upon start up. If the plug-ins
are not in the correct location, you will have to quit the program, place the
plug-in in the appropriate location and restart ArchiCAD.
For temporary use, you can activate the plug-in using the Load Add-on
command… located in the Tools menu.
Package Installation
The ArchiWall folder contains the ArchiWall plug-in and the
“ArchiWall.Lib” folder. To install the plug-in:
• Copy the ArchiWall folder into the ArchiCAD Add-On folder.
If the installation has been correctly carried out, a new menu command
will appear in the Menu Bar.
The library needed to run the “ArchiWall.Lib” software is automatically

added to the list of active libraries from ArchiCAD.
If the additional library has not been added, the first time you use one of
the plug-in commands, the software will prompt you to activate it.
Select the Library Manager… from the ArchiCAD File menu.
In this window, select the ArchiWall.Lib folder and add it to the active
libraries list.
To avoid any improper functioning of the Plug-In, do NOT rename the fol-
der and do NOT move the file from the Library (ArchiWall.Lib) from the fol-
der where the Plug-In (ArchiWall.apx) is located.
2
User Guide
Introduction
With the ArchiWall add-on, you can add "overlaid-structures" to normal

ArchiCAD walls, transforming simple prismatic blocks into multiform con-
struction elements. The elements created are single instances of a library
part which interacts with the add-on, but can also be used independently,
although with some limitations. This allows you, for example, to send your
project to a colleague who does not have ArchiWall, without the risk of
supplying him with an incomplete image. You just have to remember to
send him the ArchiWall library as well, or to save the project in Archive
format.
The element created by ArchiWall has all the geometric characteristics of
the original wall, including trims to roofs and openings created for doors
and windows. The object maintains a link with the original wall, with the
possibility of automatic (in real time) or manual updating, but the link is not
binding. Unlike ArchiCAD "Accessories" objects, ArchiWall objects can
remain present and functional, even if you decide to delete the wall used
to create them.
3
ArchiWall
The palette
Let’s begin with an exploration of the palette controls. The top button
labelled ArchiWall displays a simple info window enabling the serial num-
ber of the product to be entered.
The largest button marked with the type of structure to be created is the
Wall Creation button and has a small triangular icon at the bottom right.
When you click and hold down this button, a pop-up menu appears where
you can select one of the seven wall options available:
Polygonal Wall, Free Shape Wall, Tubular Linear Wall, Tubular Wall,
Stripe Wall, Reveal Wall and Block Wall.
Below are the following eight buttons:
Modify parameters Data update

Explosion Geometry update
Window creation Moulding creation
3D colour Help on-line
Now let's see how to use the various functions.
4
User Guide
Wall creation
Simply clicking this button immediately activates the process of defining the
type of structure represented. Although the number of steps depends on the
wall type chosen, you will always start by defining the reference wall sur-
face. With this add-on, you can process structures derived from linear, tra-
pezoidal and circular walls. You cannot use ArchiCAD polygonal walls.
Note: If you make a copy of an ArchiWall element, both the original and copy
will refer to the same wall. When you copy the object and wall together,
the duplicate element remains associated with the host wall, not its copy.
Polygonal Wall
This tool is used to create a vertical prism-like element, whose outside
shape is defined by a profile previously drawn on the Floor Plan in the cor-
rect planimetric position with respect to the wall. To draw the shape, which
may contain linear and curved segments, you must use the Polyline tool.
After clicking on the Wall Creation tool, the ArchiCAD cursor is marked by
a small circle prompting you to define the reference wall face. Next you
must indicate the shape of the element. To prompt this operation,
ArchiWall places a small downward pointing arrow next to the ArchiCAD
cursor.
Alternatively, you can choose the wall and polyline first, then click on the
Wall Creation button.
When the reference elements have been defined, the Settings Window will
appear.
This window will be more or less the same for all types of ArchiWall gene-
rated wall. Obviously the controls may be different according to type.
There will, however, always be seven buttons on the left side providing
access to seven settings tabs: General Settings, Special Settings, Angle
Management, View, Materials, Help, Info.
The contents of each tab in this first window are described in detail below.
5
ArchiWall
General settings
In this tab, you can enter values for the base and top of the element.
Remember that the object is also "cropped" to follow the shape of the
base and top of the wall, including above or below trims to roofs. This
means that even if you enter a value higher than the top of the wall, the
element can never project above the wall. Similarly, the base of the ele-
ment can never be below the base of the wall.
The magic wand button at the bottom left activates or deactivates the
Automatic Update function. When this function is active, the element will
always adapt in real time to modifications in the geometry of the host wall.
If the button is not active, you can always update manually using the Data
Update button in the ArchiWall palette.
6
User Guide
Special Settings
If the polyline includes curved segments, the resolution can be set here.
The value entered defines how many straight segments will be generated
to approximate the curvature.
7
ArchiWall
Angle management
The shape of the new element may cover the entire or partial length of the
wall. In the former case, the ends adapt to any junctions in the wall, follo-
wing the bisector. In the latter case, they will be perpendicular to the wall
surface. If the element has to follow the junction of the walls, it may be lon-
ger than the wall it is attached to. This must be borne in mind when dra-
wing a polyline which must project sufficiently with respect to the angle for-
med by the two walls.
For each of the two ends, there are three buttons enabling the orientation
to be defined. With the first option, the ArchiWall element is cut at the
same angle as the ends of the reference wall. In the case of free ends, the
angle will be 90°, while for L or T connected walls, the angle will be equal
to the bisector of the angle formed by the two walls. This option enables
8
User Guide
you to correctly manage the junctions between similar ArchiWall elements

on continuous walls. The second option locks the angle in such a way that
it is always perpendicular to the surface of the reference wall. With the
third option, a specific angle value can be entered manually.
There are also two check boxes displaying two "handles" with editable
hotspots on the Floor Plan. These can be used to set the angle graphically
and interactively by simply dragging the ends with the mouse.
Note that the angles of the cut are always calculated from the ends of the
reference wall, not the ends of the ArchiWall element.
9
ArchiWall
View
In this tab, you can set the parameters defining the appearance of the ele-
ment in the 2D and 3D images. The box at the top left provides a more
detailed image in 2D symbol. In the field below, you can choose the sec-
tion value for the plan symbol. This value also defines the visibility of any
openings on the Floor Plan and, for certain types of element, the thickness
of the sectioned element. On the right, you can choose the pen to be used
for non-sectioned lines such as thresholds and any overhanging parts pre-
sent in certain types of element.
The controls below can be used to choose the type of fill and pen to use
for the fill, background and outline of sectioned parts. If the box with the
dropper is selected, these controls will be deactivated and the element will
use the same properties as set for the reference wall. Note that the line of
separation between the ArchiCAD wall and the ArchiWall element is cor-
rectly hidden only if the pen used for the fill background is other than
zero. In addition, in Display Options, the Fill Background Colour command
must be set to "For element settings".
Below, you can choose the pen to use for lines in the 3D view and for non-
sectioned parts, visible in the Section/Elevation view. Here too there is a
box with a dropper enabling the pen set in the reference wall settings win-
dow to be used.
10
User Guide
Materials
In this window, you can choose the materials for the surfaces of the
ArchiWall element. The box with dropper at the top left enables you to use
the same materials as set for the reference wall. When deactivated, you
can choose a specific material for the outside surfaces. For the sides, you
can choose whether to use the same material as set for the edges of the
reference wall, those defined for the body of the element or another mate-
rial.
The button at the bottom right with the chain icon limits the material on the
side and front surfaces. By activating this limit, the edge material set above
will be used only for the openings and trims to roofs.
If the dropper boxes are not selected, the default pens, filles and materials
will always correspond to those used for the reference wall.
Help
This button opens a pdf document containing the electronic version of the
user guide. Help on-line will be available only if the AWall_Help.pdf file is
in the correct position in the same directory as the add-on. To consult the
documentation, Adobe Acrobat Reader or other suitable software must be
installed on the computer.
11
ArchiWall
Information
This button displays a simple window with info on the add-on.
Whatever window is currently active, there is always a pop-up menu at the

bottom of the settings window to choose the layer on which to place the
element. When you click on the OK button (bottom right), ArchiWall calcu-
lates and creates the Polygonal Wall element, linking it to the host wall.
The generating polylines are not cancelled from the Floor Plan.
12
User Guide
Free Shape Wall

This tool is used to create an element whose shape is the result of a union
between two profiles, one top and one bottom. The two profiles must have
previously been drawn on the Floor Plan in the correct planimetric position
with respect to the wall using the Polyline tool. The only condition to be
respected is that the two polylines must have the same number of sides,
while there are no limits to the use of curved or linear segments.
a small circle prompting you to define the reference wall face. Next you
must indicate the top and bottom shape in order. To prompt the correct
sequence, ArchiWall places one small arrow pointing downwards and one
pointing upwards beside the ArchiCAD cursor.
Wall Creation button. In this case ArchiWall will only ask you which of the
two polylines is the bottom one.
appear.
The content of the various tabs is identical to that described for the
Polygonal Wall.
13
ArchiWall
For this type of element, the resolution entered in the Special Settings tab is
used to divide both the curved and linear sides of polylines into segments.
The individual surfaces of the Free Shape wall will usually be complex and
therefore not part of a simple slanting plane. ArchiWall will therefore
approximate them by dividing them into triangular planes. In the 2D
image, the segmentation may be obvious above all in sectioned parts.
Using higher resolutions will produce more accurate results, but the proces-
sing times will increase proportionally.
When the dialog window is closed with OK, ArchiWall calculates and
creates the Free Shape Wall element, linking it to the host wall. The gene-
rating polylines are not cancelled from the Floor Plan.
14
User Guide
Tubular Linear Wall

This tool is used to create a horizontal prism-like element, whose outside
shape is defined by a profile previously drawn on the Floor Plan, keeping
in mind the following points:
- the Y axis represents the vertical axis;
- the value of the lowest point of the profile is the same as the value of the
base of the wall;
- the point farthest left will be linked to the host wall;
- the part of the profile facing right will be the outside surface with respect
to the wall.
The profile must be traced with the Polyline tool and may contain linear
and curved sides.
a small circle prompting you to define the reference wall face. Next, you
must indicate the profile of the element. The operation is prompted by a
small icon which ArchiWall places beside the ArchiCAD cursor.
Wall Creation button. In this case, ArchiWall displays the eye cursor which
can be clicked on one side or the other of the wall to choose the side on
which to construct the element.
appear.
15
ArchiWall
The controls in the various tabs of this window are all identical to those
previously described for the Polygonal Wall.
The field defining the top value of the object created by ArchiWall will not
be taken into consideration if the designed profile is lower. If on the other
hand the profile is higher, it will be cut to the set height. Modifying the bot-
tom value shifts the profile vertically.
The resolution indicated in the Special Settings tab is used to segment the
curved sides of the profile.
creates the Tubular Linear Wall element, linking it to the host wall. The
generating shape is not cancelled from the Floor Plan.
16
User Guide
Tubular Wall
This tool is used to create a horizontal prism-like element along a path. Its
outside form is defined by two shapes (path and profile), which must have
previously been drawn on the Floor Plan. The path must be in the correct
planimetric position with respect to the wall and represents the trace of the
innermost point of the profile.
The profile must be drawn keeping in mind the following points:
- the Y axis represents the vertical axis;
- the value of the lowest point of the profile is the same as the value of the
base of the wall;
- the point farthest left will follow the path;
- the part of the profile facing right will be the outside surface with respect
to the wall.
Both the profile and the path must be traced with the Polyline tool and may
contain linear and curved segments.
a small circle prompting you to define the reference wall face. Next, you
must indicate the path and then the profile of the element. These opera-
tions are prompted by the small icons placed by ArchiWall beside the
ArchiCAD cursor.
Alternatively, you can choose the wall and the two polylines first, then click
on the Wall Creation button. In this case ArchiWall will only ask you
which of the polylines is the path.
appear.
The controls in the various tabs of this window are all identical to those
previously described for the other types.
17
ArchiWall
The field defining the top value of the object created by ArchiWall will not
be taken into consideration if the designed profile is lower. If on the other
hand the profile is higher, it will be cut to the set height. Modifying the bot-
tom value shifts the profile vertically.
The resolution indicated in the Special Settings tab is used to segment any
curved sides of the two polylines.
18
User Guide
creates the Tubular Linear Wall element, linking it to the host wall. The
generating polylines are not cancelled from the Floor Plan.
Stripe Wall
This tool is used to create an element with an almost non-existent thickness,
formed from simple horizontal stripes of different materials whose characte-
ristics can be defined directly in the settings window.
The element created will always be the same length as the host wall. For
continuous walls, the length of the wall will continue until the bisector of
the angle formed by the two walls.
a small circle prompting you to define the reference wall face.
Alternatively, you can choose the wall first, then click on the Wall Creation
button. In this case, ArchiWall displays the eye cursor which can be clic-
ked on one side or the other of the wall to choose the side on which to
construct the element. At this point, ArchiWall displays the Settings
Window.
The majority of the controls in the various tabs of this window are all simi-
lar to those previously described for the other types.
19
ArchiWall
The Special settings tab contains specific controls to define the appearance
of a Stripe Wall. At the bottom there are two numbered lines containing a
numerical field and a pop-up menu. These represent the first two stripes
covering the wall. The first stripe usually begins at the base of the wall, but
the value of the entire element can be modified using the bottom field in
the General Settings tab. The numerical field defines the width of the stri-
pe, while the material can be chosen using the pop-up menu.
Using the "more" and "less" buttons on the bottom right, the number of stri-
pes can be modified. The stripes are always added at the top, after the
last current stripe. The stripe added will have the same characteristics
(height and material) as the previous one. Similarly, when a stripe is can-
celled, it will always be the last one added, in other words, the one at the
top. You can never have less than two stripes. The chain icon at the right
of the material selector enables a series of alternating stripes (even and/or
uneven) to be linked together, enabling their parameters to be modified
simultaneously.
The series of stripes defined in this way can be repeated, until the entire
wall height is covered (or to the level set in the General Settings tab), sim-
ply by activating the Repeat Stripe check box at the top left.
For this type, the Angle Management tab is no longer active as the element
has virtually no thickness and is always precisely adapted to the length of
the host wall. The Materials tab is also inactive as these are defined in the
Special Settings tab.
20
ArchiWall
creates the Stripe Wall element, linking it to the host wall.
Reveal Wall
This tool is used to create an element formed from a series of horizontal
reveals whose characteristics can be directly defined in the settings win-
dow. This element is very similar to the element created with the Stripe
Wall tool, but in this case the thickness of each stripe can also be defined.
The element created will always have the same length as the host wall. For
continuous walls, it may continue as far as the bisector of the angle crea-
ted by the two walls.
Window.
21
ArchiWall
The Special Settings tab contains specific controls to define the appearance
of a Reveal Wall. At the bottom there are two numbered lines containing
two numerical fields and one material field. These represent the first two
stripes covering the wall. The first stripe usually begins at the base of the
wall, but the value of the entire element can be modified using the bottom
field in the General Settings tab. The first numerical field defines the width
of the element and the second defines the height, while the material can
be chosen using the pop-up menu.
Using the "more" and "less" buttons on the bottom right, the number of stri-
pes can be modified. The stripes are always added at the top, after the
last current stripe. The stripe added will have the same characteristics
(thickness, height and material) as the previous one. Similarly, when a stri-
pe is cancelled, it will always be the last one added, in other words, the
one at the top. You can never have less than two stripes. The chain icon at
the right of the material selector enables a series of alternating stripes
(even and/or uneven) to be linked together, enabling their parameters to
be modified simultaneously.
The series of elements defined in this way can be repeated, until the entire
wall height is covered (or to the level set in the General Settings window),
simply by activating the Repeat Element check box at the top left.
creates the Reveal Wall element, linking it to the host wall.
22
User Guide
Block Wall
This tool is used to create an element formed from two alternated series of
blocks arranged in horizontal rows, whose characteristics can be defined
directly in the settings window.
Window.
The Special Settings tab contains specific controls to define the appearance
of a Block Wall.
In the area at the bottom there is an illustration of four sample blocks and
a series of numerical fields enabling the sizes to be set. The distance bet-
ween the blocks, set in the central field at the right, is used for all horizon-
tal and vertical joints.
At the four corners of this area there are pop-up menus for choosing the
material for each block.
23
ArchiWall
You can use the Choose button in the top part of the tab to select the block
to be used from those present in the loaded libraries. ArchiWall comes
complete with a number of blocks already available. Every user however
can personalize extra blocks as described in the appendix. Note that libra-
ry blocks can be used for linear and trapezoidal walls only. A simple
default rectangular element will be used for curved walls.
The two blocks in the bottom row and the two in the top row are two sepa-
rate modules. The modules will be repeated side by side horizontally and
alternating vertically until they cover the complete surface of the reference
wall, in respect of the upper and lower limits set in the General Settings
tab.
creates the Block Wall element, linking it to the host wall.
24
User Guide
Edit Parameters
This is an extremely important function, even though described in a few
lines. After creating one or more ArchiWall elements, the specific setting
window can be opened again to modify the parameters by simply selec-
ting the element and clicking on this button. ArchiWall allows you to edit
more than one element at a time. If the elements are of different types, the
settings window will obviously relate to one type only. In this case, you
can edit the parameters common to the various types only. If you edit spe-
cific parameters in the Special Settings tab, these values will be applied to
the elements of corresponding type only. For example, if you select a
Stripe Wall and a Reveal Wall, the Stripe Wall Settings Window could be
displayed (depending on the order of creation and/or selection of the ele-
ments). If the base value is modified, the modification will be applied to
both objects. If the height or material of the stripes is modified, it will be
applied to the Stripe Wall only. In this situation, you cannot change the
thickness, height or material of the Reveal Wall elements.
Note: this function can be used for Wall, Moulding and 3D Colour elements. For
Window type elements, the parameters can be edited using the ArchiCAD
Settings Window dialog only.
Data update
This tool can be used to update the geometric data the ArchiWall Elements
inherit from the host wall. Instead of activating the automatic update (by
using the relative button in the settings windows) it may be more practical
to manually update as required only, making editing of walls with associa-
ted ArchiWall elements easier and faster. Updating is possible only if the
original wall has not been deleted.
Updating will be carried out on the selected elements. If no element has
been selected, ArchiWall will ask if you want to update all of the elements
on the current story.
Following this operation, the ArchiWall elements will take their position
and orientation, together with value, height, door and window openings
and trims to roofs, from the host wall. The properties of the element (pens,
fill type, materials) will also be updated if the corresponding boxes with
dropper are active in the View and Materials tabs.
25
ArchiWall
Explosion
The first four ArchiWall element types (Polygonal Wall, Free Shape Wall,
Tubular Wall, Tubular Linear Wall, Tubular Wall) are used to define shapes
(paths and/or profiles) created with the Polyline tool. By selecting one of
these elements and clicking on the Explosion button, ArchiWall will provi-
de a restored copy of the original polylines on the Floor Plan in order to
proceed with an update of the geometric definition.
The path is restored to its original position with respect to the host wall,
while, to position profiles (Tubular Wall and Tubular Linear Wall)
ArchiWall asks you to click on the Floor Plan.
During this phase, the ArchiWall object is placed in edit mode and this is
indicated by a small box with the pencil icon.
The Explosion operation can be performed on a number of elements simul-
taneously. If a number of tubular walls are selected, you must also click on
the Floor Plan to position the relative profiles.
Note: this function can be used in the Floor Plan view only. This operation can be
performed only if the host wall has not been deleted.
Bear in mind that in many cases you will not need to use this function as
many modifications can be made directly by graphic editing, using the
cursor to drag the hotspots of the selected element. In the Floor Plan view,
you can modify the position of the nodes on the bottom polylines
(Polygonal Wall, Free Shape Wall, Tubular Linear Wall). For curved sides,
a further hot spot at the centre of the side enables the curvature to be
modified. In the 3D window, you can also edit the top polylines and profi-
les. Here too, you can modify the curvature by means of a hotspot at the
centre of the curved sides. Further hotspots positioned at the vertices of the
bottom and top polylines enable the bottom and top values of the element
to be modified interactively. Therefore the Explosion function need only be
used when you want to modify the number of nodes on the polylines or
transform straight lines into curved lines or vice versa.
Geometry update
Once the Explosion function has been used and the geometric data defi-
ning the object has been modified, you can use this button to regenerate
the updated object. Select the box that shows the element in edit mode
and click on Geometry Update. According to the element type, one or
more mouse clicks will be necessary to define the updated elements to be
used. This is similar to creating an element, except that the reference wall
26
User Guide
does not need to be defined as it is already known. Once again, as in ele-

ment creation, all elements can be selected before clicking on the button. If
you are updating a Free Shape Wall or a Tubular Linear Wall, ArchiWall
will ask you to indicate which of the two polylines is the bottom one.
Note: This function can be used only if the host wall has not been deleted and if
the layer in which it is positioned is visible.
27
ArchiWall
Window creation
This function can be used to create openings of any shape, in some ways
like normal ArchiCAD Window objects. The tool can be used (with slightly
different procedures) in the Floor Plan or Section/Elevation views.
In the Floor Plan view, it constructs the shape of a window using a fill.
Curved sides can also be included, but holes will not be considered.
Select the fill and click on the Window Creation button. A Settings
Window will appear showing the normal Window tool settings dialog. The
3D_WALLHOLE window will always be selected, configured with the same
shape as the fill used to define it.
Note: do not select other library windows otherwise you will have to repeat the
procedure from the beginning.
In the user interface panel named ArchiWall you can choose whether to
create a niche, a simple hole without window or a complete window. To
28
User Guide
access other settings, press the button at the right under the three buttons
showing the main types.
In the subsequent window, you can enter the sizes and resolution for cur-
ved lines in the various numerical fields. For niches, the only dimension
available is the depth, while for the empty hole, the window will show the
resolution parameter only. With the right hand buttons, you can move to
the next windows (pens, materials, grid) or go back to the initial window
(question mark).
In the Pens window, you can use the four pop-up menus to choose the
pens to use for the 2D and 3D image of the window. This window is not
available if the Hole or Niche type is selected.
29
ArchiWall
The Materials window can be used to select the materials for the various
parts of the window. If Hole or Niche is selected, you can activate a check
box to use the same material as the host wall. When deactivated, you
can use a pop-up menu to choose a different material.
In the Grid window, the two fields on the left enable the number of hori-
zontal and vertical subdivisions to be defined. In the two fields at the bot-
tom right, you can enter the sizes of the elements, while the pop-up menu
at the top chooses the material to be used. This window is not available if
the Hole or Niche type is selected.
When the settings dialog is closed by clicking OK, the defined element will
become the current default Window. Choose the Window tool from the
Tool Palette, then place it on one or more walls in the usual way.
Remember that you have not created a "new" window, but an ad hoc con-
figuration of the 3D_WALLHOLE window. This means that if you choose
another window and then the 3D_WALLHOLE window again, it will no lon-
ger have the shape or other customised parameters you defined as they
will all be reset to the default values. To insert other windows identical to
30
User Guide
the one already defined into the design at a later date, you can transfer
the parameters by Alt-clicking the configured window then inserting the
new windows.
As said above, the Window Creation tool can also be used in the
Section/Elevation view. In this case, the fill which defines the shape of the
window will be created directly on the host wall. Not just the shape but
also the position and height of the window can thus be defined in a single
operation. To use this procedure, the section must be parallel to the wall.
Before clicking on the Window Creation button, you must select both the
fill and the host wall. After configuring the element and closing the settings
dialog by clicking OK, the window is automatically inserted into the wall.
The same element will also become the default window and other identical
windows can be inserted following the usual procedure.
Note: this method can be used for linear or trapezoidal walls only. To insert
ArchiWall windows in curved walls, you must create them as described
above.
Once positioned, you can select the ArchiWall windows and edit them in
the settings dialog like any other ArchiCAD window. There are also edita-
ble hotspots on each vertex and at the centre of each curved side. By
dragging these nodes in the 3D or Section/Elevation views, you can inte-
ractively modify the shape of the element. For niches, there is a further hot-
spot (also present in the Floor Plan view) to modify depth.
31
ArchiWall
Moulding creation
This tool can be used to create various types of moulding following the
course of linear walls, trapezoidal walls or curved walls.
When you click on the Moulding Creation tool, the ArchiCAD cursor is
marked by a small circle prompting you to define the reference wall face.
Given that the same moulding is generally used on a number of façades or
on a number of buildings in the same group, this command is cyclic. This
means that after you have clicked the side of the first wall, the cursor will
remain marked by a small circle and you can go on indicating further
walls on which you want to position other mouldings. These will all be
defined together and will all therefore be identical. You can, however, edit
them later, even individually.
If the button is clicked on a wall which has already been selected,
ArchiWall will display the eye cursor with which you can click to indicate
the side where the element is to be built.
The moulding settings window will appear, very similar to the window
described for the various types of ArchiWall wall. Once again, there is a
series of buttons down the left side providing access to the various tabs
containing the controls to configure all aspects of the elements - General
Settings, Special Settings, Angle Management, View, Materials, Help, Info.
In the General Settings tab, you can choose the shape of the moulding,
using the five buttons at the top. A sixth button enables custom mouldings
32
User Guide
to be created. This button is only active if, before activating the Moulding
Creation button, you have selected a fill in the Floor Plan view representing
the shape of the element to be created. While creating the custom shape,
remember that the left part will face the wall and the right part will face
outwards. The values in the numerical field refer to the topmost part of the
fill.
At the bottom of the tab there is an Automatic Update button. If active, as
already described for the walls, the element will always adapt to modifica-
tions to the geometry of the host wall. If the button is not active, you can
always update manually using the Data Update button in the ArchiWall
palette. On the right of this button there is a numerical field where you can
enter the height of the moulding. To the right, the Gutter button opens a fur-
ther Settings Window where you can define the characteristics of this
optional element.
When the top box with the eye icon is selected, the gutter is displayed.
This also makes the other controls below available. On the right you can
choose the shape - round or square. The sizes and (for the round gutter)
the resolution can be entered in the numerical fields on the right. Two pairs
of options further down can be used to set open or closed ends. At the bot-
tom, there is a pop-up menu to define the material for the gutter.
33
ArchiWall
34
User Guide
The dimensions of the type of moulding chosen can be defined in the

numerical fields in the Special Settings tab. If the fifth type has been cho-
sen, there will also be a pop-up palette to select the shape of the crossbar
under the moulding.
This tab is not available when a moulding with custom shape is being
created as the dimensions are already entirely defined by the perimeter of
the fill.
The Angle Management tab is identical to that described for ArchiWall
walls. Mouldings can also automatically follow the junctions of the host
wall and have the ends either at right angles or cut at angles defined
either numerically or graphically by the user.
The View tab is very similar to that described for the walls. In this case,
however, there are controls to define the fill and pens for the element in
the sections. In the Floor Plan view, mouldings are in fact always without
fill. There is also a further pop-up menu at the top right to choose the type
of line for the planimetric image, enabling you to use filling to indicate the
presence of the moulding.
35
ArchiWall
The Materials tab usually contains only a pop-up menu to choose the mate-
rial. If the fifth type of moulding has been selected, there will also be a
second pop-up menu to choose the material for the crossbars under the
main structure.
creates the Moulding, linking it to the host wall.
To modify the settings of one or more mouldings already in place, select
them then click on the Modify Parameters button. The settings window
opens and all settings can be modified.
Note: when editing custom mouldings, if you choose one of the pre-defined types
in the General Settings tab and pass to another tab, you cannot select the
custom button again. In other words, the custom shape will be lost.
36
User Guide
3D colour
This function can be used to create arbitrarily shaped areas of colour on
the surfaces of linear and trapezoidal walls.
To use this tool, proceed as follows:
- create a section parallel to the wall;
- in the Section/Elevation view, trace out the area to be coloured on the
wall using the Fill tool;
- Select the Wall and Fill together, then click on the 3D Colour button.
A Settings Window similar to those described for ArchiWall walls and
mouldings will appear.
The General Settings tab contains the Automatic Update button and a
numerical field to enter the thickness of the element.
37
ArchiWall
The resolution for curved sides can be entered in a numerical field in the
Special Settings tab.
The Angle Management tab is not available for 3D Colour. In the View
tab, the only properties which can be set is the pen used to trace the outli-
nes of the element in the 3D window.
38
User Guide
In the Materials tab, you can choose the material to be used for the surfa-
ce of the 3D colour.
creates the 3D Colour element, linking it to the host wall.
The element created is a GDL object which respects the openings and trims
to roofs of the host wall. When an object is selected in the 3D view or in
the Section/Elevation view, the editable hotspots enable the shape of the
area of colour to be modified. As for all ArchiWall elements, there will be
an editable hotspot on each corner and one on each curved side. The pos-
sible modifications to the shape are therefore limited to moving the corners
and redefining the curves (if you want to increase or decrease the number
of nodes, you will have to recreate the element).
To modify the settings of one or more 3D Colour elements already in
place, select them then click on the Modify Parameters button. The settings
window opens and all settings can be modified.
39
ArchiWall
Help online
This button has the same effect as the Help button present in the ArchiWall
settings windows. It opens a pdf document containing the electronic ver-
sion of the user guide. Help on-line will be available only if the
AWall_Help.pdf file is in the correct position in the same directory as the
add-on. To consult the documentation, Adobe Acrobat Reader or other sui-
table software must be installed on the computer.
40
User Guide
Appendix
Custom block creation for Block Walls
When you use the Block Wall, ArchiWall allows you to choose the element
to use. The "block" is a normal library part which ArchiWall turns (into the
vertical), scales and repeats.
If you wish to create blocks other than those provided with the add-on, just
place them in the library, providing they have the correct subtype specifi-
cally created by ArchiWall.
There are two ways to create a library part: write it or... have ArchiCAD
write it!
Let's take a look at the second possibility. Just proceed as follows.
- Create your element in the horizontal using any ArchiCAD construction
tool, for example: Story, Mesh, etc.
- Select the elements and use the GDL objects > Save selection as command
from the File menu.
- Open the recently created object using the GDL object > Open Object
command from the File menu.
- The main object editing window will open. Click on the Select Subtype
button at the top right.
- On the proposed list, select the AW_TILE_SubType Subtype.
- Close the Subtype Hierarchy window by clicking on Select and save the
object definitively. This can then be used in ArchiWall. To save the object,
use the normal Save command from the File menu, or simply close the
window and answer "yes" when ArchiCAD asks you if you want to save
the object.
41
ArchiWall
When creating a grooved element, it could be more practical to create the

block vertically. In this case, you need a parallel view. Select Front view
and set the azimuth to 270°. To save as a 3D object, the File menu com-
mand becomes Save 3D model as. The following steps to attribute the sub-
type are the same.
If you want the block to use a generic origin, no further operations are
required to position the texture and 3D vector fill. If, however, you want
the texture to have its own origin, linked to each single block, before
saving the element as a part, proceed as follows:
- Select the element in the 3D view. If you use more than one component,
select all of them.
- From the Edit menu, choose the Align 3D Texture > Set Origin command.
- Click on the vertex that you want to define as the origin.
After following this procedure, the selected elements will have a customi-
sed origin definition for texture and 3D vector fill management.
To manually create the blocks, they must be written using GDL language,
after choosing the GDL Objects > New Object from the File menu. Make
sure the origin of the element is in the lower left corner.
A simple rectangular element with a rhombus in the centre can be created
by entering the following instructions in the GDL 3D text.
42
User Guide
Z = zzyzx/2
BLOCK a, b, z
ADDZ z
PRISM 4, z, a/2, 0, a, b/2, a/2, b, 0, b/2
DEL 1
Once again, If you want the block to use a generic origin, no further
instructions are required to position the texture and 3D vector fill. If you
want the texture to have its own origin, linked to each block, you must add
the following instructions after each structure created in GDL:
BASE
VERT 0, 0, 0
VERT 1, 0, 0
VERT 0, 1, 0
VERT 0, 0, 1
COOR 8448, -1, -2, -3, -4
BODY -1
In this case, the previous list would become:

z = zzyzx/2
BLOCK a, b, z
BASE
VERT 0, 0, 0
VERT 1, 0, 0
VERT 0, 1, 0
VERT 0, 0, 1
COOR 8448, -1, -2, -3, -4
43
ArchiWall
BODY -1
ADDZ z
PRISM 4, z, a/2, 0, a, b/2, a/2, b, 0, b/2
BASE
VERT 0, 0, 0
VERT 1, 0, 0
VERT 0, 1, 0
VERT 0, 0, 1
COOR 8448, -1, -2, -3, -4
BODY -1
DEL 1
With a little imagination and a few lines of GDL you can create ever-new
blocks to give your walls a unique and original appearance.
44

Arc Hi Wall

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Free Shape Walls

PLUG-IN FOR ARCHICAD®

Written by Roberto Corona

Licences and Trademarks

Where to install the plug-in

• Windows: the Add-Ons folder must be located in the same folder in

The library needed to run the “ArchiWall.Lib” software is automatically

With the ArchiWall add-on, you can add "overlaid-structures" to normal

Below are the following eight buttons:

Modify parameters Data update

Now let's see how to use the various functions.

you to correctly manage the junctions between similar ArchiWall elements

Whatever window is currently active, there is always a pop-up menu at the

Free Shape Wall

Tubular Linear Wall

does not need to be defined as it is already known. Once again, as in ele-

The dimensions of the type of moulding chosen can be defined in the

When creating a grooved element, it could be more practical to create the

In this case, the previous list would become:

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