Revit Architecture 2015 – Column Type Differences

By John Flanagan 

Revit Architecture 2015: Column Type Differences: Architectural Columns / Structural Columns

Introduction

The purpose of this blog is to review the differences in properties between Architectural and Structural Columns.

The two types of columns can be selected from the Column button on the Ribbon Build Panel. Hover over the Structural and Architectural icons in turn to access the tool tips outlining the main features of each type of column.

Structural Columns have extra tools for quick and easy placement. Structural Columns will allow you to place them along column grids or even inside existing Architectural Columns. At grids will automatically centre the Structural Columns any place a structural grid is located at.

Placing Structural Column Options

At grids is a feature that Architectural Columns do not have, they cannot attach themselves automatically to structural grids. Structural Columns can be vertical or slanted. All Architectural Columns by default are vertical. If you want an Architectural Column to slant you have to model it that way in the family editor.

The advantage of Architectural Columns is that whenever you place them up against an object (e.g. blockwork layer in a wall) they will take on the properties and materials of that particular object type. This allows us to create such things as pilasters very quickly and easily using Architectural Columns.

The following video illustrates column type differences.