LOD Recommendations

Recommended 2D Symbol Level of Detail

Consider the pen thickness and detail appearance at scale – too detailed 2D representations for larger scales might be difficult to read.

Examples of 2D Symbol Level of Detail

Figure 1. Window: Low, Medium, Full LOD Assignments

Figure 2. Door: Low, Medium, Full LOD Assignments

Figure 3. Object: Low, Medium, Full LOD Assignments

Recommended 3D Model Level of Detail

Creating very detailed 3D models can lead to a heavy polygon count that can slow down Archicad. Here are some hints to help you create Library Parts without compromising performance:

• Avoid modeling details legible at scales less than 1:20 in general (e.g. 1:10 or 1:5 etc.)
• Simplify shapes of frame/sashes sections or assembly profiles
• Do not model unnecessary elements (if possible) such as door/window seals, detailed door/window ironmongery, fasteners and similar.
• Avoid creating an excessive number of curved surfaces.
• Creating curved surfaces with very small radii will result in faceted faces; the best approach is to simplify them. (A typical example for the simplification use would be extruded steel/aluminum profiles of door or window frames and sashes).
• Use the Morph tool (plane with zero thickness) for elements that should appear as a single line in Sections (e.g. glazing panes or door leaf/window sash in “Schematic” 3D LOD).

Examples of 3D Model Level of Detail

Figure 4. Window: Schematic, Simplified, Full LOD Assignments

Figure 5. Door: Schematic, Simplified, Full LOD Assignments

Figure 6. Object: Schematic, Simplified, Full LOD Assignments