Modeling Pattern Component Families

Designing the pattern component is very similar to sketching the conceptual design mass. You use the same modeling tools that are used to design forms, though with the following limitations:

There is only one floor plan (level) view, which is defined by the pattern tile grid.
There are no elevation views.
There are no default vertical reference planes, though reference planes can be defined by geometry.

Lines, Curves, and Splines

Draw reference points, lines, and closed loop geometry to design and modify a pattern component. While the template reference points will not move horizontally, the template reference lines can have driving points added to them to alter their geometry.

Extrusions and Forms

Using sketched lines and geometry, create extrusions, forms and voids to give the component dimension.

Best Practices

Divide and pattern a surface before applying components.
Work with border tile conditions set to Empty or Overhanging when possible. When set to Partial, the size of the file and resulting memory requirements increase. Loading pattern components and modifying conceptual masses with applied pattern components in this state may take longer than anticipated.
When working with closed forms, select patterns that will seamlessly interlock.
Work with multiple windows to facilitate your pattern component family design workflow.
To design a pattern component
1. Open the pattern component family.
2. Open the conceptual design mass (3D view, floor plan view, or both).
3. Click View tabWindows panel Tile.
Designing in this manner allows you to work in the pattern component family and see how it displays in your conceptual design mass.