Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure20.7
Wall-mounted fixture with an elevation
When you create an extrusion to represent the body of a light fixture that is
to be hosted by a vertical face, it is often easier to create it in a left or right
elevation view instead of the Ref. Level plan view. By doing so, the extrusion
you create will be associated with the Center Left/Right reference plane.
Additional reference planes can be added to create constraints for fixture
length, depth, and width.
Fixture Types Based on Dimensions
When you are creating lighting fixtures, you first need to decide what type
parameters are going to be used to determine the different types within the
family.Onecommonpracticeistocreatefixturesbasedontheirdimensions.
This is a good starting point for developing a fixture library, and additional
parameters can be added later to create more types within the family for
more-specific purposes.
For example, you can start by creating a recessed fluorescent troffer. Then,
creating parameters for the length and width of the fixture allows you to
make types in the family such as 2×4, 2×2, or 1×4. This is a very generic
method for creating fixtures, but it is useful for general modeling when
lightinganalysisorcircuitingisnotrequired.Thedepthofthefixtureshould
also be considered because it is an important dimension for coordination of
the space above the ceilings within a model.
This can be done for any kind of fixture you may use in a project, such
as downlights, surface-mounted fixtures, and pendant fixtures. A library of
generic (or “placeholder”) fixtures is useful in the preliminary design stages
of a project. Early on you may not know exactly what fixtures will be used,
