CONSULT-BIM (by BCCV)
2 - Import References
In this tutorial, we'll explore how to convert 2D drawings into 3D models using BlenderBIM. This process is especially useful for those who are not architects but need to work with architectural plans.
You'll need 2D drawings, which can be in PDF or DWG file format. In this tutorial, we'll focus on using PDF files.
If you have a PDF in vector format, it's advantageous, as it allows for precise editing. You can use Inkscape to convert the PDF into SVG. Open Inkscape, select "File," then "Open," and choose the PDF file. After the file loads, ungroup the objects. Select the floor plan you want to use, copy it, and open a new Inkscape instance. Paste the copied plan, go to "Edit," then "Resize page to selection," and save it as an SVG file (e.g., "Ground_Floor_Demolition.svg"). Repeat this process for other drawings if needed.
Open Blender and create a new project (e.g., "ARC_001.blend"). In Blender, go to "File," "Import," and select "Scalable Vector Graphics." Import the SVG file you created. The imported drawings might appear small. Scale them by a factor of 100 to match the 1:100 scale (e.g., "S" to scale, "100" to scale by 100). Join all the curves together by selecting them and pressing "Ctrl + J."
Superb. Let's repeat the same process for the other drawings.
To ensure the drawings are correctly positioned and aligned, you can add empty objects as reference points. Let's also hit "Ctrl + J" to join all the curves together. We can now add an empty object at a reference point in our drawing. We'll choose a column that appears on all drawings.
Check the elevation drawings to determine the building's levels. In Blender, go to "Create," then "Project" and select the metric system. Create a project and set up the spatial manager. Add elevation levels such as "Street Level," "Ground Floor," "First Floor," and "Roof" with corresponding heights. Rename your project, site, and building for clarity.
Use the empty objects to help position your drawings at the correct elevations. Make sure to constrain the Z-axis to ensure accuracy.
In the scene properties, go to "Object Information" and look for "IFC Annotation." Assign an IFC class to your drawings. Optionally, you can assign statuses such as "Demolish," "New," etc., to categorize drawings based on their construction status.
Save your Blender file with a descriptive name, like "architecture_001.blend." Save your IFC project, making sure to set it to a relative path for easier management. Keep in mind that while working with BlenderBIM, you're directly editing the IFC file, not the Blender file, as BlenderBIM serves as the user interface for the IFC data.
Remember that BlenderBIM is still in alpha development, so there may be limitations in maintaining synchronization between Blender and IFC files.
