Introduction
Teleki-Bolyai Library’s charm lies in its architectural features—roof, arches, stucco details, and particularly, its historic Baroque windows. These double-hung, double-sashed windows, where the exterior sash opens outward and the interior sash opens inward, present a unique blend of architectural beauty and technical complexity. Many of these windows are set in arched or inset wall reveals, further adding to their intricacy.
However, modeling these windows in ArchiCAD has proven challenging due to limitations within the software.
Modeling Challenges in ArchiCAD for Historic Windows
While ArchiCAD is a powerful tool, it has specific limitations in handling historic window designs:
- Limited Built-in Options: Double-hung, double-sashed windows with one sash opening outward and the other inward are not available as default library elements.
- Rigid Reveal Settings: ArchiCAD restricts rectangular windows to rectangular reveals and arched windows to arched reveals. This constraint complicates the accurate modeling of Teleki Téka’s diverse window reveals.
Interested in our solutions?
Solutions for Modeling Historic Windows in ArchiCAD
To address these constraints, we explored several creative approaches, each with unique benefits and limitations:
1. Inside-Outside Historic Window
Approach:
Duplicate and mirror the window to create a double-hung, double-sashed effect.
Challenges:
- Requires custom solid element operations for accurate reveals.
- Difficult to align mirrored windows seamlessly.
- Adds two entries to the window schedule for one window, and floor plans show an extra line between the two windows.
2. Double Window Thin Wall
Approach:
Duplicate the window by inserting a thin AirSpace material wall in the first window hole, creating a space for the second, outward-facing window.
Challenges:
- Thin wall may affect quantity schedules if not made from AirSpace material.
- Creates two entries in the window schedule for one window.
- Requires an additional wall that matches the opening size, which complicates modeling.
3. Custom Window Using Library Part Maker
Approach: Create a custom .gsm window using Library Part Maker.
Benefits: This solution maintains accuracy in window schedules.
Challenges:
- Limited flexibility in customization.
- Sashes are non-operable, which may limit design presentations.
- Extra work is needed to ensure accurate floor plan representation.
4. Custom Window Using Param-O or GDL scripting
Approach: Use Param-O or GDL scripting for a fully custom window.
Benefits: Allows for extensive customization, solving many issues related to reveals and sash operations.
Challenges:
- Time-consuming and requires advanced GDL scripting knowledge.
- May not be practical for projects with tight timelines.
Handling Custom window reveals
For projects with custom reveals exceeding window setting capabilities, two main approaches offer flexibility:
- Opening Tool: Allows straightforward work in 2D and 3D, but cannot create conical openings as inner outlines are parallel to the outer outline.
- Solid Element Operation: Offers complete flexibility for custom reveals. However, it can introduce extra lines in 3D, and the 2D representation may not always be accurate.
Our Solution
After preparing the base of the BIM model, we assessed the complexity of the windows and the limited project timeline. We determined that the second methodology, using a thin wall to replicate the window, was the most feasible solution for historical building surveying.
The process began by accurately modeling the first window with precise height and width measurements. A narrow wall was then placed in the opening to accommodate the second outward-opening window. After finalizing the settings for both windows—including the reveal, sill board, casing, and textures—the vaulted part of the reveal was completed using a solid element operation.
As a historical monument, Teleki Téka features several unique elements integral to the windows. Many windows include beautifully forged metal grilles, placed either in front of or between the sashes, which required custom modeling. Additionally, stucco window frames on the facades and other architectural details were custom-modeled to match the building’s historical integrity. Some windows featured sunshades, for which ArchiCAD’s built-in options provided an effective solution with minor adjustments.
This comprehensive BIM-based modeling approach allowed us to balance historical authenticity with precise modeling techniques, ensuring the preservation of the monument’s architectural charm.
Conclusion
Each solution offers a unique way to model Teleki Téka’s historic windows in ArchiCAD, though each comes with trade-offs. The choice of method should be based on project-specific priorities such as visual accuracy, customizability, and time constraints.
Combining approaches may provide the best results for complex historical projects. As technology advances, we look forward to more refined tools that better accommodate the intricacies of historic architecture. Until then, creative problem-solving is our key to preserving architectural heritage in buildings like Teleki Téka.
Do you have questions?
About the author
