What is a Compound Cell?

Question

Hello Good ABD Community 
 So here is a question I'm asing because I've seen a lot of this "compound cell" topics and tips and tricks and other marvelous features, the only problem is that I don't have a clue of what on earth IS exactly a compound cell. 
 Probably you must be thiking that every Bentley user must have know this by now, the only problem is that to be honest ABD has like one million (maybe I'm exagerating) diferent features and tips and tricks and stuffs. So please help me here 
 What is exactly a compound cell? What makes it different from a regular cell? 
 
 Regards

Robert DiMauro · Accepted Answer

Compound Cells are used to create and place cells that include 3D and 2D (plan view) representations. Cell 3D components are displayed in the 3D model. The 2D representations are used in drawings and construction documents. The 2D representations can also display in the 3D model. You can access this tool in V8i from the following: &bull; Task - Architectural Design > Compound Cells &bull; Task - Structural Design > Compound Cells &bull; Toolbox - Compound Cells From CONNECT Edition: AECOsim > Architectural > Place Architectural Elements > Object ribbon bar. Compound cells can be created using Walls or (Forms) and MicroStation graphical elements. The biggest difference between a MicroStation Cell and a Compound Cell is the Perforator. Numerous Perforators (no limit other than the size of the Compound Cell) can be added to a Compound Cell. A Perforator is a shape that generates an opening in a Wall or Form when the Compound Cell is placed. Parts can be attached to individual elements in a Compound Cell to generate quantities or display materials for Compound Cell elements. However, parts are generally attached to each Compound Cell to calculate quantities. 
 https://communities.bentley.com/products/building/building_analysis___design/w/building_analysis_and_design__wiki/36954/what-is-a-compound-cell

Marc Thomas · Answer

Hi Rafael, 
 Here are a couple of examples of using them: 
 AECOsim Building Designer - Compound Cells - Non Parametric Doors 
 AECOsim Building Designer - Compound Cells and Metadata 
 Additionally, while the 2D representation was designed with only the plan view in mind, it is also possible to include 2D representations of section and/or elevation and select them in the same step as documented for the plan. For straightforward orthogonally presented objects a cuboid could represent the occupied volume at a minimum LoD, with a 2D representation in each plane that would be displayed in drawings.

What is a Compound Cell?

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