The New Project section offers a number of ways of creating new VE projects. The top-left of the New Project page lists the different sub-sections, each offering different methods that can be used:
These options are:
- Schematic Geometry Wizard: Allows for easy configuration of a default building within the new project using a set of pre-defined footprint shapes, with options for storey, roof and external glazing configuration.
- Create From Starter Geometry: Allows creation of either a blank project (no pre-defined geometry) or with one of 16 common pre-defined building types (e.g. Small Office, Primary School, Secondary School).
- Create From Project Template: Allows creation of a blank project including pre-defined thermal templates and profiles appropriate to a particular building type.
- Create From BIM File: Allows creation of a project including the geometry and/or data from a gbXML, IFC or veXML model, with configurable options for what will be imported.
- Quick-Create Project: When clicked, this will close the Start Page and create a blank project with the default location and HVAC methodology. This is a one-click solution to quickly create a new project without any further configuration.
All sub-sections with the exception of Quick-Create Project will display further options to the right when they are selected – the currently active sub-section will appear highlighted. This example shows the Schematic Geometry Wizard sub-section active:
Each set of configuration options is grouped into blocks in a vertical “accordion” form, with only one expanded at any one time. The title of each group of options is displayed at the left, with a summary indicating the value(s) selected at the right. This summary may be displayed in red in certain cases, if the options selected within its block are not valid to create a project with.
At the bottom of the options groups, two buttons are displayed:
- Save Settings as Defaults: When clicked, this button will persist all currently selected values for the groups to be used as the defaults when the sub-section is selected.
- Create Project: When clicked, this button will use the options selected in each of the groups to appropriately create and configure the new project.
