Purpose

The Non-Planting Tools are used to create, manage, and document landscape features that are not plant-based. These tools support the design and specification of hardscape elements, site furniture, surface treatments, external works, and other landscape components within an Artisan project.

Standard Workflow

1. Prepare the Project Drawing

Before creating non-planting elements:

• Open the project drawing.
• Confirm project standards, layers, and drawing units.
• Review the landscape design requirements.
• Verify that any required reference geometry is available.
• Ensure relevant schedules and specification data are up to date.

2. Review Non-Planting Categories

Before placing objects:

1. Open the Non-Planting Tools manager.
2. Review available categories and object types.
3. Identify the required landscape element.
4. Confirm specification requirements.
5. Verify the correct project standards are being used.

Typical non-planting categories may include:

• Hard landscape materials
• Paving areas
• Site furniture
• Bollards
• Fencing
• Walls
• Steps
• Edging
• Surface finishes
• External landscape features

3. Create a Non-Planting Object

To add a new landscape feature:

1. Select the required non-planting object type.
2. Define the placement location.
3. Specify dimensions and geometry as required.
4. Assign the correct specification.
5. Place the object within the drawing.
6. Verify the object's position and properties.

4. Assign Specifications

For accurate documentation:

1. Open the object properties.
2. Select the appropriate specification or product reference.
3. Review material information.
4. Confirm descriptions and notes.
5. Save the specification data.

5. Modify Existing Non-Planting Objects

When design revisions are required:

1. Select the object to be modified.
2. Edit geometry, dimensions, or specifications.
3. Update annotation where necessary.
4. Verify the changes are reflected in project schedules.
5. Save the updated information.

6. Organise Non-Planting Information

To maintain drawing standards:

• Assign objects to the correct layers.
• Apply standard object styles.
• Group similar landscape elements where appropriate.
• Maintain consistent naming conventions.
• Ensure specifications remain coordinated.

7. Generate Non-Planting Schedules

For project documentation:

1. Open the schedule generation tool.
2. Select the required non-planting categories.
3. Generate the schedule.
4. Review quantities and specifications.
5. Verify all placed objects are included.

Typical schedule information may include:

• Feature descriptions
• Material specifications
• Quantities
• Dimensions
• Notes
• Reference information

8. Coordinate with Project Documentation

Before issuing drawings:

• Verify non-planting objects match design intent.
• Confirm schedule information matches placed objects.
• Review labels and annotations.
• Check specification references.
• Ensure consistency across all project outputs.

9. Review Drawing Presentation

Prior to issue:

1. Check object visibility.
2. Verify annotation readability.
3. Review plotting appearance.
4. Confirm all required information is displayed correctly.
5. Resolve any presentation issues.

10. Validate and Save

Before completing the workflow:

• Verify all non-planting elements are correctly placed.
• Check specifications and quantities.
• Confirm schedules are accurate.
• Review project standards compliance.
• Save the drawing and update project records.

Recommended Standard Practice

1. Review project requirements.
2. Select the appropriate non-planting object types.
3. Create and position landscape features.
4. Assign specifications and material data.
5. Organise objects using project standards.
6. Generate non-planting schedules.
7. Coordinate schedules with drawings and annotations.
8. Complete quality assurance checks.
9. Save and issue project documentation.

Typical Non-Planting Tasks

Quality Control Checklist

Before completing work:

✅ Correct non-planting object types selected
✅ Specifications assigned and reviewed
✅ Objects placed accurately within the design
✅ Layer standards applied consistently
✅ Schedules generated successfully
✅ Quantities verified
✅ Annotations checked for clarity
✅ Documentation coordinated across drawings and schedules
✅ Plot appearance reviewed
✅ Drawing saved successfully

Outcome

Following the Non-Planting Tools workflow ensures that hard landscape and non-planting features are created, managed, and documented consistently throughout the project lifecycle. Proper use of these tools improves coordination between design drawings, specifications, schedules, and construction documentation, supporting efficient and accurate project delivery.