AECOsim Building Designer Help

Place Object (User Defined Types)

Used to place application installed catalog item types as well as user defined types. The active user defined catalog type displays in the title bar along the top of the tool settings window.

Note: Supported catalog type file items include PAZ, BXC and CEL.
Note: Placement is completed using the controls found on the Placement ribbon tab and the Property Panel which is loaded with the active Building element catalog items and properties.
Accessed from:


  • Ribbon: AECOsim > Architectural > Place Architectural Elements > Object split button > Object
  • Ribbon: AECOsim > Structural > Place Building Elements > Object split button > Object

Similarly, Opening is one of the Place Object tools, used to place Wall or Slab Penetrations.

Accessed from:
  • Ribbon: AECOsim > Architectural > Place Architectural Elements > Opening
  • Ribbon: AECOsim > Structural > Place Structural Elements > Opening

Placement tab

Note: The Placement tab opens on the ribbon when placing Building elements. The Placement tab contains settings specific to the Building element being placed that are used to define the position, orientation or dimensions of the Building element being placed. Also available on the Placement tab, are a collection of Building common tools selected specifically because of their relevance to the Building element being placed.

Object Properties



SettingDescription
Catalog Type Selector Used to select from available Catalog Types. Selections made here updates the Catalog Item Selector combo box.
Catalog Item Selector Used to select from available Catalog Items. The Catalog Item Selector combo box contains several options and settings designed to make it easier to find the exact catalog item you need to place/change.

A generic example of Catalog Item selector options for searching, grouping and navigating

  • Search - Used to search for catalog items by name. Results are dynamically updated in the catalog items list. The searched text is also highlighted in the results.
  • Group By: - Used to list catalog items in groups based on values assigned to specific catalog item properties. Groups can be collapsed and expanded by clicking the down/up arrows on the group name headers. For instance, selecting Group By: > Type for a wall catalog type creates groupings with Schematic, Partition, WallComponent, etc headings. Catalog items which have Type defined as Schematic, Partition, or WallComponent will be listed under those headings. You can also select Group By: > Do Not Group to create a flat list with no grouping.
  • (Large Icons) - Displays a representative icon for each catalog item listing.
  • (List) - Displays catalog item listings without any icons.
  • - When selected, the Catalog Item Selector combo box is detached from the placement/modify dialog, and becomes a separate dialog. You may prefer to have the floated dialog docked and always open over clicking the Catalog Item Selector in the placement/modify dialog for each catalog item selection.
    Note: The main dialog still has the Catalog Item Selector combo box so you can select catalog items from either dialog.
    Click the red X to close the floated dialog.
  • Recently Used - Lists catalog items that were recently selected in a "Group". This is useful because when you need to repeatedly place or modify the same catalog items, you do not need to repeatedly browse or search the main catalog items list.
Note: When you make your catalog item selection, it becomes the active part the Family/Part Toolbar.
Catalog Tools A split button located to the right of the Catalog Item Selector contains tools to assist with managing catalog data prior to placement of selected catalog items.
  • (Refresh) - Synchronizes the interface with current catalog content. Catalog libraries are updated to reflect newly added content making them available in the tool settings dialog.
  • (Reset to Defaults) - Resets the selected catalog item property values to the default state as defined in the catalog library.
  • (Edit Catalog Item) - Used to edit the selected catalog item. Opens the Catalog Editor, where you can create and edit new catalog types and catalog items. Catalog Editor can also be used to edit existing data and to view catalog item instance properties and values by definition.
Show/Hide Preview Show preview displays the selected catalog item in the preview window. This display changes and the preview updates as various options are chosen. A right-click in the Preview opens a Show/Hide Viewing Tools option menu:
  • Zoom In - Zooms in about center of preview.
  • Zoom Out - Zooms out about center of preview.
  • Pan - Moves the preview following the pointer. Click again to stop panning.
  • Fit - Fits the object to the extents of the preview.
  • Rotation - Sets the orientation of the selected item in the preview to one of the standard orientation options:
    • Isometric
    • Right Isometric
    • Top
    • Bottom
    • Left
    • Right
    • Front
    • Rear
  • Display Mode - Sets the display of the selected item in the preview to one of the standard display modes.
    • Solid
    • Wire Frame
    • Visible Edge
    • Filled Visible Edge
Properties list - toolbar Used to manage catalog item properties during placement or modification. Catalog item properties define the catalog item instance in the model, and are accountable in the DataGroup System data management tools. You can place a catalog item with its default property values or you can change property values as needed, place an instance in the model, and optionally save the changes to the catalog.

The Properties combo box contains tools for sorting and searching the properties list:

  • (Categorize) - When on, catalog item properties are grouped in categories based on the catalog type definitions. When off, the properties are listed alphabetically without grouping.
  • (Alphabetical) - When on, catalog item properties are listed alphabetically without grouping. When off, the properties are listed in categories.
  • (Description) - Toggles a description field at the bottom of the placement dialog listing information about the highlighted catalog item property. The information listed includes the property definition display name, internal name, and type definition.
  • Search - Used to search for catalog item properties by name. Results are dynamically updated in the properties list.
Preferences
  • Back Offset - Offsets the back surface of the door/window frame from the selected wall outer surface closest to the back surface of the frame.
  • Front Offset - Offsets the front surface of the door/window frame from the selected wall outer surface closest to the front surface of the frame.
  • Dynamics - Defines how the door/window is displayed during placement. 2D displays the door/window plan symbol graphics only. 3D displays both the plan symbol and the model geometry during placement.
  • Rel./Active ACS - When Enabled, Sill/Head Height works relative to the active floor elevation at time of placement. During instances when the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap locks are turned off, Sill/Head Height is relative to the Active Depth.
  • Sense Distance - Sets the distance over which the door/window searches for a wall.
  • Side Offset - Offsets the placement point of the door/window along the selected wall.
  • Sill/Head Height - Offsets the window sill/door header from the active floor.
IFC Override Lists IFC properties not automatically mapped to DataGroup System properties that can be manipulated for export.
Parametric Definition Parametric properties such as Frame thickness, height and dimension of rough opening, offset and angle values of downspout roof specialty are set here. Parametric properties are available for types Louver, Curtain Wall, Shelving, Roof Specialty, Toilet Partition etc.
LEED Properties Lists several common Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design properties used to identify compliance of the active catalog item.
Accessibility The options available to set or no the handicap accessible, non-skid surface are provided here. Applicable to types Plumbing Fixture, Ramp, Interior Specialty, Toilet Accessory, Toilet Partition etc.
Frame Detail | Jamb Fenestration properties to construction design of objects used as openings in a building such as Louver, Curtain Wall are set here.
Fire Resistance Lists fire rating properties based on agency fire safety tests and classifications.
Identification Lists identification properties for the active catalog item type.
Manufacturer Lists properties used to identify a manufacturer name, model number or website.
Classification Building Classification Systems are supported by the DataGroup System. MasterFormat, OmniClass, and UniFormat property values can be associated with any Building element. Click the Value cell to open the Classification System selection combo box. The combo box is populated with selected classification system property values. It can be resized by clicking on the combo box's bottom right corner. Search for properties by name. Search results are displayed in the classifications hierarchy. Double click a property to select it. This action also closes the selection menu. The selected property displays in the selected classification system property value (on the Properties list).


Construction Phase Lists design and construction phase properties for walls such as New Construction, Future Construction, and Items to be Moved.
Space Bounding Lists properties that can be defined as True/False making the selected catalog item eligible for consideration during Building energy analysis.
Base Plate - Properties

Preferences | IFC Override | Parametric Definition | LEED Parameters | Accessibility | Frame Details / Jamb | Fire Resistance | Identification | Manufacturer | Classification | Construction Phase | Space Bounding

Used to set base plate dimensions and bottom elevation, as well as the number of anchor bolts that hold the plate on the slab.
Curtain Wall - Properties The physical dimensions that include spacings and thickness of curtain wall frame, mullion and glazing details are set here.
Elevator Door / Call Buttons - Properties The type, material and finish details of an elevation door is set here.
Escalators - Properties Escalator properties include speed, capacity -person per hour, power rating and whether seismic or not is set here.
Furniture - Properties Furniture condition, type, material, finish, color and price details are set here.
Interior Specialty - Properties Specialty type, thickness dimension are set here.
Ladders - Properties Ladder dimensions including spacings and offset values are set here.
Louvers - Properties The louver area and spacing, and physical dimensions of frame, blade and flow rating properties are set here.
Penetration - Properties Properties pertaining to penetration dimensions, the base location of opening as well as fire proofing and insulation details are set here.
Plumbing Fixtures - Properties The fixture connection sizes and mounting type, height as well as fixture material and type properties are set here.
Ramps - Properties The ramp dimensions and landing length properties are set here.
Roof Specialties - Properties The type and dimensions of roof specialty are set here.
Safety (Fire) Specialties - Properties The dimensions of fire protection cabinet, equipment, and extinguisher and their ratings and capacity details are set here.
Shelving - Properties The shelving dimensions are set in the Dimension category.
Site Equipment - Properties No separate properties, other than what selected catalog item defines are attributed to the site equipment.
Toilet Accessories - Properties The type, finish, material of toilet accessory and special requirement details are set here. The physical dimensions are set in the Dimension category.
Toilet Partition - Properties The material, finish, mounting type and the dimensions of partition are set here.
Mounting Parameters The mounting type, height and mounting by properties for objects such as Interior Specialty, Toilet Accessory are set here.
Imported Properties Lists the properties that are associated with imported objects, such as for “RFAs”.
Note: Information in the Value column rows can be completed by selecting the applicable cell to activate an editor field, an option menu, or a pop up dialog. This data is written to the element properties. Properties displayed with grey text are read only. Some of these are set in the placement tool's Placement tab, and can be modified there. The dividing bar between the Property, and Value columns can be moved to change the width of either area, or resize the dialog. A vertical and horizontal scroll bars are available to scroll and adjust Properties panel viewing and the display of data.
Key-in: ATFPLACE ASSEMBLY USERDEFINED [ Catalog_Type ] [ Catalog_Item ]

Use the Catalog_Type and Catalog_Item arguments to key-in catalog items directly. For instance ATFPLACE ASSEMBLY USERDEFINED Ladders "Ladder | with Cage" where Ladders is the catalog type and "Ladder | with Cage" is the catalog item.

Note: Catalog_Type and Catalog_Item arguments are case sensitive. Be sure to key them in exactly as they appear in the catalog.
Note: When keying in User Defined catalog items, the Catalog_Type and Catalog_Item arguments can not contain spaces because within the key-in, the space character is reserved to separate the key-in arguments. If the Catalog_Type or Catalog_Item names contain spaces in their names, they must be entered in quotes. If there are no spaces in their names, there is no need for the quotes. This is different when keying in the catalog items only. Here the Catalog_Item argument can contain spaces.
Tip: When keying in User Defined catalog items, you must use the catalog type definition Type Name for the Catalog_Type argument instead of the Display Name which can not be processed by the key-in. Type Name can be displayed in the Catalog Editor by selecting the Show Catalog Types filter control or Properties from the catalog item right click menu (opens the Catalog Type Definition dialog dialog where catalog types are created and managed).

User Defined Object Types in the Application

AECOsim Building Designer delivers multiple instances of the Place Object tool for placing content such as furniture, shelving, plumbing etc. The Catalog selection in Unified Placement tool settings enables placing the content of the active catalog type. The following lists the instances of this tool and their catalog types.

Note: To key-in the catalog items directly, follow the syntax described above. For instance, for Placing a Curtain Wall object, activate the tool using the key-in ATFPLACE ASSEMBLY USERDEFINED CurtainWall "Curtainwall | Full Frame-Equal Spaced Mullions"
Select To Catalog_Type
Base Plate Place base plate. BasePlate
Curtain Walls Place curtain walls and storefronts. CurtainWall
Elevator Doors/Call Buttons Place elevator doors and call buttons. ElevatorDoor
Escalators Place escalators and moving walks. Escalators
Furniture Place chairs, stools, armchairs, lounge chairs, swivel chairs, office chairs, settees, coffee tables, kidney tables, desks, drawer units, shelves, file cabinets, partitions, PC workstations, desktop and laptop PC's, computer monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers, and telephones. Furniture
Ladders Place ladders for roof access. Ladders
Louvers Place louvers. Louver
(Opening) Wall or Slab Penetrations Place rectangular and round holes in walls, slabs, and floors. Penetrations
Plumbing Fixtures Place sinks, toilets, urinals, shower stalls, bath tubs, lavatories, and other plumbing fixtures. PlumbingFixture
Ramps Place single run moving and loading ramps. Ramps
Shelving Place shelving units. Shelving
Site Equipment Place site equipments SiteEquipment
Interior Specialties Place corner guards; crash guards; locker accessories; locker room benches; single tier, double tier, triple tier, five tier, and six tier lockers; marker boards and tack boards; and vinyl wall guards. Specialty_Interior
Roof Specialties Place rectangular and round downspouts; corner and straight gutters. Specialty_Roof
Fire Specialties Place fire extinguishers, fire hose assemblies, and defibrillators. Specialty_Safety
Toilet Accessory Place hand dryers, mirrors, paper towel dispensers, waste receptacles, and other toilet accessories. Toilet Accessories
Toilet Compartments Place toilet partitions made of corian, marble, metal, phenolic, plastic laminate, solid plastic, and stainless steel. ToiletCompartment
When translated RFAs are available, they can also be placed as an object. The properties of imported RFA objects are listed and editable properties can be set in the Imported Properties category.
Note: Heads Up Display (HUD) dimensions are available for many catalog items including Curtain Walls, Louvers, Penetrations, Ramps, and Roof Specialties such as downspouts. HUD dimensions can be used to modify the size of the catalog item instances. HUD dimensions display when the component is selected.
To place a user defined catalog type item
User Defined Catalog Types
To Select and Place a Concrete Base Plate with Grout Cell
Parent topic: FFE - Object Tools