Making a non-hosted family "cut" a linked ceiling

[matt__w]

We've decided to create our own light fixture families and make them non-hosted elements... the main reason being that about 90% of the time when we start a project, we don't have a ceiling from the architect so we can't attach the light fixtures and we don't want to have to create multiple reference planes and manage them if/when ceiling heights change. SO... with that being said, how do you create a non-hosted element that will "cut" other elements, I.E. ceilings from linked architectural models.

Thanks in advance!
Matt

[truevis]

We've decided to create our own light fixture families and make them non-hosted elements... the main reason being that about 90% of the time when we start a project, we don't have a ceiling from the architect so we can't attach the light fixtures and we don't want to have to create multiple reference planes and manage them if/when ceiling heights change. SO... with that being said, how do you create a non-hosted element that will "cut" other elements, I.E. ceilings from linked architectural models.

The only reason to use hosted families, IMHO, is when they're cutting their hosts. So you are SOL. You'll need to edit your ceiling sketches or to add separate openings.

[matt__w]

I was just thinking about this... and I think really the only reason they (the designers in the office) would want the fixtures to cut the ceiling (if / when we actually HAVE one) is for renderings which probably won't happen too often. I think maybe the way I'm going about it right now will work - until they decide otherwise.

Matt

[RobertB]

I was just thinking about this... and I think really the only reason they (the designers in the office) would want the fixtures to cut the ceiling (if / when we actually HAVE one) is for renderings which probably won't happen too often. I think maybe the way I'm going about it right now will work - until they decide otherwise.

Matt, you ought to reconsider that decision when it comes to collaboration. The architect won't be happy when they bring in your lighting model and expect it to cut their ceiling grid.