Model Space Grid & Layout Standard

Purpose. This process ensures a consistent project layout that sets clear expectations and maximizes efficiency. It organizes labeled TopoSquares in plan view to represent dedicated areas for each Building Type, Unit Type, and a final Site Plan extents square, positioned in a predictable and modular way. This predictability also enables automation by ensuring layouts remain consistent and machine-readable.

What it creates

Building Grid

• Starts at the Revit Site Internal Origin (0,0,0), on the Level associated with an elevation of 0'-0".

• Lays out building TopoSquares left-to-right in columns, then wraps to the next row based on the number of building types that exist in the project.

• Each TopoSquare is sized to the largest building footprint (max_dimension + buffer).

• Spacing between TopoSquares = spacing.

• Each TopoSquare is named from the building’s name in the Project Data Questionnaire.
  
  

Unit Grid

• Placed below the building grid with a clear vertical_offset gap.

• Uses fixed square TopoSquares sized by unit_dimension.

• Follows the same column rule and spacing between TopoSquares.

• Each TopoSquare is named from the unit’s name in the Project Data Questionnaire.
  
  

Site Plan Extents

• The site plan may need to be adjusted manually if future iterations of the automation cannot source the AutoCAD Civil file to determine the actual site size.

• A single large TopoSquare labeled “Site Plan”.

• Located below the unit grid with another vertical_offset gap.

• Size = max_dimension * building_instance_count (a quick visual canvas for the overall site).

Constants

• buffer = 100  # Additional buffer for building TopoSquares

• spacing = 25  # Space between TopoSquares

• vertical_offset = 125  # Gap between grid sections
  
  

Why and What Are TopoSquares

TopoSquares are placeholder site elements created during early-stage planning to represent Building Types, Unit Types, and the overall Site Plan in a predictable, modular layout. The name TopoSquare is derived from Autodesk Revit's topology elements but designed as perfect squares to create a consistent, grid-based layout. Each square is sized relative to the maximum dimension of the Site Plan, Building Type, or Unit Type to ensure uniformity and clarity.

They act as visual references in plan view and provide a structured, machine-readable grid that enables automation while improving clarity and consistency for project teams.