Wall Schedule Label

Andrew Kim

Updated on 9 June 2024

Overview

Over the years through ArchiCAD’s development, there have been a number of solutions for the production of wall schedules.

In the earlier stages of CAD software, wall schedules were typically created manually, requiring meticulous attention to detail and extensive time investment. ArchiCAD introduced a paradigm shift by enabling architects to generate dynamic and data-rich wall schedules directly from the 3D model.

Thus, any modification to the wall geometry or properties is automatically reflected in the associated schedules. This not only streamlines the design process but also promotes accuracy and consistency across project documentation.

Our new Smart Wall Schedule Label offers a new documentation workflow that utilises GDL scripting to automate the display of key data. This minimises the amount of manual input into drawings and establishes a workflow that is determined by the association between the 2D and 3D formats.

Workflow

1. Construct the Composites

Prepare the composite attributes for relevant wall types. These composite attributes will be the basis for the label’s data.

Unlike other wall schedules, it is critical to use the correct materials for the skin structure as it will be displayed as the exact building material name.

Tip > Skin Material Thicknesses As the SMART Label will automatically extract information from the composite data, it is crucial to ensure the composite thicknesses are accurate to the building material product being used.

2. Feature a Floor

The label is designed to be associated to a physical wall element and as such it is necessary to have the schedule live on a separate, nominated floor.

Unique wall types can be drawn on this floor.

Caution > Wall Reference Line and Length It is critical for the walls to be drawn with their reference line set to 'centre' and with consistent overall lengths. This is to ensure that in the event of changes to the composite, the walls grow/shrink from a consistent point and avoid instances of labels shifting positions.

3. Link the Label

Once the walls are drawn, it is a simple matter of placing the label associated to the wall. This will ensure any changes to the composite will carry through automatically on the schedule.

Initially, the label will be very basic with little information provided. From the label’s settings, relevant information fields can be added.

Tip > Classifications and Properties The default ArchiCAD classifications for values such as fire and acoustic rating are limited. FRL and Acoustic rating classification and properties are available for import from our SMART Template.

4. Guide the Graphics

Once the relevant fields populated on the label, it is ready to be organised into a schedule.

The label’s individual rows and columns can be resized with the purple object handles to suit the size of wall and amount of information showing.

Tip > Favourites Once a desired label configuration has been achieved, it is wise to save a favourite for future ease of reference. Using favourites will reduce the need for repetitive adjustments.

5. Sheeting the Schedule

Once the labels have been placed and the graphics adjusted as desired, it is ready to be organised into a matrix and placed on the layout sheet.

The label supports both vertical and horizontal configurations.

Tip > Orientation The label supports both vertical and horizontal configurations. Adjust the 'orientation' field in the label settings dialogue, under "features".

Also included with our SMART Template

Learn more about walls and composites.

Smart Wall Schedule Label

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Wall Schedule Label

Andrew Kim

Overview

Workflow

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