[Practice Archicad for Beginners] Lesson 15 – Model Complex Profile

Next, we will create a Parapet wall on the roof.

A Parapet wall can be generally understood as a wall used to prevent water from flowing off the roof (as shown in the image below).

Because this wall has a special shape, we cannot model it like a normal wall. Instead, we will use a Complex Profile.

Thực chiến archicad

Steps to Follow

1. Open the Profile Manager

Go to Options > Complex Profiles > Profile Manager

archicad Archicad practice

The Profile Manager dialog will appear.

complex profile 03

2. Create the Parapet Wall Profile

In the Profile Manager dialog, we will create the cross-section for the Parapet wall:

  • Click New

  • Name the profile Parapet Wall

  • Click OK

complex profile 04

3. Draw the Profile in the Profile Editor

In the Profile window, use the Fill tool (you can find the Fill tool in the Toolbox, or use the default shortcut Alt + F) to draw the wall profile shape as desired.

| See more: Getting started archicad interface

complex profile 05

  • Step 1: Use the Fill tool to draw the wall cross-section as desired.

  • Step 2: In the Fill Pattern section, choose the material you want.

  • Step 3: Pay attention to the origin point in the Profile window (similar to the origin point in the Floor Plan).

    This origin point will be the anchor point of the wall, so its position is very important.

  • Step 4: Select the Wall tool.

    In the Use with area, you will see icons for the following tools:

    • Wall

    • Beam

    • Column

    • Railing

    • Object

    When you select a tool icon, the profile will be applied to that corresponding tool.

    In this case, we use the Wall tool to create the Parapet wall, so select the Wall icon.

  • Step 5: After finishing the settings, click Save to save the newly created Profile.
4. Assign the Profile to the Wall Tool

Return to the Floor Plan working view.

  • Select the Wall tool

  • Open Wall Settings

complex profile 06

  • Step 1: Choose the wall type with a complex profile

  • Step 2: Select the Parapet Wall profile you just created

  • Step 3: Click OK

5. Model the Parapet Wall

Proceed to draw the wall along the roof perimeter,
similar to how walls were created on the lower floors in the Wall tutorial.

complex profile 07

Open the 3D View to check the newly created Parapet wall model.

complex profile 08Parapet wall model

Applying Complex Profiles to Other Elements

For other elements with special shapes, including:

  • Columns

  • Beams

  • Railings

You can follow the same method.

Column

complex profile 09
Draw the Column cross-section > select the Column icon in the Use with section

complex profile 10
In Column Settings, choose the correct corresponding Profile

complex profile 11
Column model with the applied Profile

Beam

complex profile 12
Draw the Beam cross-section > select the Beam icon in the Use with section

complex profile 13
In Beam Settings, choose the correct corresponding Profile

complex profile 14
Beam model with the applied Profile

With this lesson, we have completed the building model.

In the next lessons, I will continue guiding you through:

  • Modeling the site/terrain around the building

  • Adding some basic Objects

« Previous Lesson                    Next Lesson »