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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

New Revit 2010 Update!

These updates are always great at fixing little bugs here and there. Thanks to Greg from Revit3d.com AGAIN for being the first to post it!

Revit Architecture 2010 Update 2 build (20090917_1515)

"Note:
The service pack contains changes from the previous service pack (Update 1 - June 2009).
The service pack can be applied to both the standalone and suite versions of Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010."

Arch Daily Interview - Marvin Malecha

Yet another great interview over at ArchDaily.com. This time with the president on the AIA.




Monday, September 28, 2009

Tutorial - Level Head Units

Here is a tutorial I think will greatly help many of you. The importance of levels is clear with any project, but what about the units of those levels? The surveyor gives units of decimal feet. You want to show units of decimal feet on your Revit model. So you go to Project units and you change it.... but wait... all of your dimensions now change!!

Damn... so how do you change just the level heads to be decimal feet? Check out my tutorial below.


Topics Covered:
  • Editing the Level Head Family
  • Changing the Units of the Elevation Parameter.
  • Loading the family back into the project.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

AutoBIM ... Add it to your vocabulary.

I had a great lengthy conversation with Greg over at Revit3D.com today and he wrote a wonderful post, or synopsis if you will, of our conversation. I thought I would like this on m blog given that I figured my readers would be interested to hear what a conversation between Greg and I would contain:

"I was on the phone today with Jeff Pinheiro, better known as "TheRevitKid.com" and we were discussing a number of topics on BIM, LEED, IPD (and Phil B of course).

We were discussing one of their projects with an architect still drawing by hand. Hard to imagine in this day and age. Jeff was making a point about CAD vs BIM. I stopped him right there with those words ringing in my ears. I said "Don't you mean AutoCAD?" When did the word AutoCAD actually get truncated to simply CAD. I broke the word into two pieces, Auto and CAD. I told Jeff I had just started reading the book 'Crossing the Chasm' and it starts out talking about how the marketing people always get blamed for everything.

I think I've discovered a major flaw in the system. First, I made up an new word. I'm calling it AutoBIM. If you're going to have an AutoCAD, then the opposite is AutoBIM. So, here's where I think the architectural industry made a mistake and I'm not entirely sure it's their fault.

When your product starts out with the word 'Auto', you think it's referring to automatic. Like the word automobile. It's an automatic way to be mobile. Makes sense and it's far easier than ManualMobile, known as walking. I sometimes blame the marketing folks at Autodesk for overselling their products. I told Jeff a story that 4 months ago, I had the IT manager at a firm how Revit increased coordination, accuracy and productivity. He immediately said, "Greg, you told me that in 2005 when you were trying to sell me ADT." My response was "yeah, but back then, I was just following the script, Revit really does increase coordination, accuracy and productivity." I've learned a lot in the last 5 years, and one of the biggest things is don't listen to the marketing hype and regurgitate it. I wonder what would have happened if Word and Excel were called AutoWrite and AutoSpreadsheet... Continue reading the rest of Greg's post..."

Those of my readers who are student's like me... are these your topics of conversation? Do you contemplate with your peers about the tools you are using in studio? About how it will all work when you graduate? About how Rhino, SketchUp and Maya will never really help you if you own your own firm? No? I do... Let us start the conversation.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Tutorial - Skylight Above Tip

This issue was brought up during a project we are working on at my firm. Very simple little tip that I think will help many people using lots of other crazy workarounds.


Topics Covered:
  • Using Underlays.
  • Using the Linework Tool.
  • Viewing skylight in plan view when it's really above.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Autodesk - Project Twitch

students licenses are officially sufficient to try project twitch!!


OVERVIEW

Welcome to project Twitch! This project is testing remote delivery of our applications over the Internet. The goal of project Twitch is to enable you to test and try the latest versions of AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, and Maya without having to install or download the applications. These applications run remotely on our servers and are delivered to you over the Internet. You will use them in the same way that you would if they were on installed on your system.

FEATURES NOT SUPPORTED TODAY

As a technology preview, there are currently several limitations with the service.

  • No ability to upload, download, or save files. To make it easier to try out the application, we have loaded a number of sample files that will allow you to interact with complex drawings.
  • No ability to load or keep any customizations that you create .
  • Access is limited to users that have hardware and network connections capable of supporting the service

PROVIDE FEEDBACK

We need your feedback on Twitch. Please send an email tolabs.trials@autodesk.com. At the end of your session, we also encourage you to take the survey. You can also post comments on the It's Alive in the Lab blog.

Click here to enter the Project Twitch mini-site for much more information.


IPD at Trapelo Road

This project was mentioned to me when I spoke to Autodesk about the AIAS Forum and when i had dinner with Phil Bernstein. To expand my knowledge for the forum I will divulge into this experiment with a students perspective. As an introduction check out the full story from Autodesk:

KlingStubbins, Tocci Building Companies, and Autodesk
A New England commercial interiors project breaks new ground with integrated project delivery.

Project Summary
Design technology company Autodesk recently expanded its presence in New England with a new headquarters for its Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Solutions Division. Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, the new facility accommodates staff expansion and offers additional space for meeting with customers, the press, and the community. Right from the start, Autodesk viewed this project as an opportunity to implement several new trends in the building industry, including integrated project delivery (IPD), sustainable design, digital design-to-fabrication, and the technical process underpinning all of them—building information modeling (BIM). “We felt strongly that it was important to use these methodologies because we advocate their use to millions of customers around the world,” says Phil Bernstein, FAIA, vice president, Industry Strategy and Relations of the AEC Solutions Division at Autodesk. Throughout the project, the team relied on multiple Autodesk BIM solutions integrated with the Autodesk® Revit® platform.

The Team
For help completing this groundbreaking IPD project—the first of its kind in New England—Autodesk turned to architectural firm KlingStubbins and construction manager Tocci Building Companies. Both fi rms are local and have a proven history of successfully employing both the BIM process and fast-track, collaborative project delivery methods. They also have the necessary training and hands-on experience to tackle the project’s ambitious LEED Platinum sustainable design goal.

“Our firms are very savvy about BIM,” says Scott Simpson, principal and senior director at KlingStubbins. “Because we both have a lot of experience with it, we were able to approach Autodesk with a common strategy for the project.” Once the project began, the two fi rms invited input from subcontractors, as well as a group of Autodesk employees, who regularly collaborated in the design review process through participation in an internal building advisory team.

The Challenge
After a careful search for an appropriate site, Autodesk selected a 61,000-square-foot speculative office building near Boston at 1560 Trapelo Road in Waltham, Massachusetts. The unfinished existing interior space required a complete build-out known as a tenant improvement. The new facility includes offices, conference rooms, and a 5,000-squarefoot Customer Briefing Center featuring a gallery of customer work that demonstrates how design technology supports innovation.

The project team designed and constructed the interior on a fast-track schedule. “Autodesk needed to occupy the building in January 2009, giving us a hard deadline,” says Laura Handler, virtual construction manager at Tocci. That factor, as well as the LEED Platinum goal, gave the project team a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the power, scope, and capabilities of Autodesk BIM solutions. “As a team, our goal was to build a digital model of the project, comprehensively test it using advanced energy analysis tools, and then execute it on time in the field.”... Continue to Autdesk for the Rest of the story and a must see video...

Monday, September 21, 2009

TED Talks : Bjarke Ingels

I mentioned TED Talks before... it has some great speeches. This one I saw on ArchDaily a little while ago and finally got to finish the whole video. Outstanding and brilliant speech:


Sketchbook Mobile - First Sketches

I downloaded Sketchbook Mobile on my girlfriends iTouch and fiddled around with it a bit. Here are two of the first sketches I made:

Drawing with my pointer finger is very hard to get used to. It took me till long after these to sketches to figure out how to draw two lines in the same location.

Ultimately, the program has some great potential and is a step in the right direction for sure. For being the first time I ever used this program I would say the sketches look pretty good, no?

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Autodesk Sketchbook Mobile


I don't think I need to post commentary for what you just saw... other than lets see it on my Blackberry Storm!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

AIAS Forum 2009

I am absolutely honored to be asked BY Autodesk to REPRESENT Autodesk at this years AIAS Forum 2009. I was contacted about manning a table at the Career Expo. I could not imagine something like this would have came from starting this measly little blog! I hope you all come and support me supporting you. Some information about the event:

DECEMBER 29, 2009 - JANUARY 1, 2010
TWIN CITIES, MINNESOTA


FORUM is the global gathering of architecture and design students and the annual convention of the American Institute of Architecture Students. This educational event offers students the opportunity to learn about issues facing architectural education and the profession, to meet other students and professionals with common interests and to interact with today's leading architects, designers and those making a difference in the world through architecture.

Students and professionals are invited to join in FORUM 2009: Connections. 1,000+ people are expected to participate this year. The event is hosted by the AIAS Chapter at the University of Minnesota.

In addition to the evening keynote presentations, the activities include tours, daily seminars and workshops, the Architecture College + Career Expo and the Beaux Arts Ball on New Year's Eve.

All architecture and design students are invited to attend (membership in the AIAS is not required).

ARCHITECTURE COLLEGE + CAREER EXPO
Wednesday, December 30 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Free | Lunch included

The annual Expo is an opportunity for AIAS members to meet face-to-face with architecture firms, graduate schools, product manufacturers, professional associations and other organizations. It is a "one-stop shopping" event to find out more about the architecture and building industries and to explore educational and career opportunities. A complimentary lunch will be provided. You are encouraged to bring a resume to share with the participating exhibiters.

Please go and visit the AIAS Forum 2009 website to read about all of the events. I don't think I need to go into why it is so important to get involved in your local chapter of AIAS as well as attending this forum.



Thank you to my readers and fellow students who have truly pushed this blog into a realm I would have never imagined. I will keep you all posted with information about this event.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Pinheir, LEED AP
"The Revit Kid"

Tutorial - Curtain Wall Panel Tag

I was asked to investigate how to tag a curtain wall with the window tag. The actual wall is not going to be tagged as a window... Revit does not like the fact that we are calling a wall a window. The curtain panel, on the other hand, is a different story.


Topics Covered:
  • Curtain Wall Panel Tag
  • System panel investigation.
  • Creating custom curtain wall panel.
  • Changing Curtain Wall Panel's category.
  • Tagging Curtain Wall Panel.

As I said in the video I will create a new tutorial on basic curtain wall creation. I apologize for running through that part so quickly but I wanted to get to the topic of conversation for this particular video.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

New MRc7 - LEED

This is not Revit oriented but will effect those of us LEED AP's. This is the kind of stuff we need to keep our eyes on... From Real Life LEED:

How I Learned to Accept a Change from Simple Imperfection to Torturous Accuracy

Yesterday the USGBC released the 2nd draft of the proposal for a new MRc7, Certified Wood credit for LEED-NC, LEED-Schools, LEED-CI, LEED-CS, and LEED-EBOM. You may remember that this was ultimately spurred by the lumber industry's complaints about how their own certification label, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), was unfairly excluded from the LEED credit which only recognized the Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) more rigorous requirements. You can view the results of a report comparing various lumber certification schemes here. The new proposal is lengthy enough that I thought a summary here, with some commentary, might be useful to you guys.

More Complexity Please

As a result the USGBC's consensus-based process for developing new standards has developed a more inclusive and equitable standard for ranking the standardscalled the USGBC Forest Certification Benchmark. The new approach is a sort of LEED system within LEED where if a particular forest certification standard complies with over 48 prerequisites and more than 40% of the 32 voluntary credits (sound familiar?), you may attribute the cost of those products towards your "certified wood" percentage needed to earn credit MRc7... Continue Reading for much more great information...


Lecture Series 2009

If you remember some posts a few months back about a Phil Bernstien lecture at the University of Hartford well the series is starting again. Oh, and Phil Bernstein is on the list again for this series (he gave me his word he would show this time... right Phil? =P ). The first lecture is tomorrow... I will be there and I hope anyone in the area will be there too.


ELIJAH HUGE LECTURE SEPTEMBER 17

Architect and Yale graduate Elijah Huge, who teaches architecture at Wesleyan University, will kick off our fall lecture series on Thursday, September 17 in Mali Auditorium (in Dana Hall) at 6PM. The lecture is open to the public, and all architecture students are strongly encouraged to attend. Huge’s students have completed a series of design/build projects (such as a Sukkah, pictured left) and he will discuss the design/build process and what students can learn by using it. This year we have expanded the lecture series to include young architects, prominent practitioners, films about architecture, and faculty presentations, with an event every Thursday at 6PM through late November.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Careful Consideration of Fees?

Another interesting post over at Design Intelligence:

Problems with Pricing
Scott Simpson

"One inevitable effect of the recession is that more firms are chasing fewer projects. Hence, the odds of success are greatly diminished, and those firms that do win new commissions often have to discount their fees, sometimes substantially, in order to secure the work. To compound the problem, firms that have shed staff are spawning their own competition. The same qualified people who used to be employed can now compete on a much lower cost basis, which further drives down prices.

Since most projects have a lifespan of several years, this not only affects profitability in the near term, but it has long-term consequences as well. When the recession subsides and work becomes more plentiful, projects that suffer from low fees run the risk of becoming orphans. To recover financially, firms will be tempted to concentrate on the newer, more profitable projects at the expense of the older losers. This can cause quality problems, ultimately affecting the overall reputation of the firm... Continue Reading the Article...."


Best Computer for 3D Modeling and BIM

I have posted numerous times about this subject as well as received a ton of emails asking the best computers to use. David over at DesignReform recently posted a nice break down of this question.


This week classes started and one the most common questions I’m getting is “What’s the best computer for 3d modeling?”. Beside the people that REALLY want me to say “MAC BOOK PRO, of course” this is a tough question to answer. (I’ve noticed once a person has decided to go with a Mac book, there is really no point on discussing it further ) When it comes to hardware I try and stay objective and really find the best tool. I had a Mac Book and the issue for me was mapping the keyboard. I could not get used to the command key. For me the most important things are performance and comfort, you are going to be spending a lot of time with this computer so make sure you like it.

My recent recommendation has been the 15″ HP elite book. At CASE we have one of the 17″ versions and although it’s pretty big, it has been a great machine. Fed, Steve and I work on Dell Precisions M4400(s). We have had mixed results….. Fed’s hard drive failed, my monitor has had to be replaced 2 times and we have spent waaaaay too many hours on the phone with dell customer service. And….. that was all in a period of 8 months. That being said Steve has had little to no problems with his machine. 1 out of 3 is not good odds.

So my question to you is what is the Best Computer and/or Laptop for 3d Modeling and BIM?

My general concerns, or things I tell students to look out for include:

Processor: The processor affects things like rendering and computationally heavy operations (updating a huge grasshopper definition). What it does not affect is things like spinning a model or composting in Photoshop. Generally I try and not get the best option. It tends to add quite a bit to the price tag. I go for the one just below the most expensive.

RAM: Try and get 4 gigs or above (if you go with a 64 bit OS)

Graphics Card: The graphics card affects things like orbiting a model (not so much in Revit) and real time shading previews (software like Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Showcase and Autodesk Newport) I prefer nVidia over ATI. Upgrading quatro is a different discussion in and of it’s self. (What do you think?)

Hard drive: This is for storing your models. 3d models, rendering and all the other file you produce will get very big (100 megs per file at times) . Hard drives are getting fairly inexpensive so I would go with at least 250 Gigs. That being said, for me your HD can get too big and you should avoid making it your life long data storage bin. Back that data up on an external drive.

Operating system: I bought our machines with Vista 64 and in general it was not too bad. I definitely had some things about it that drove me nuts. Now I’m running Windows 7 (64 bit) and I have to say, I really like it! for you Mac lovers, running 3d apps on parallels or VMware is going to get you mixed results in terms of performance and…. you will run into some listening issues with Autodesk application (3ds Max in particular)

That my 2 cents on the issue of hardware. Please post your thoughts (students need it) and forward this post to anyone you feel can provide some insight on this subject.


So what are my readers using? Let's see some comments and we can add to Davids post. Also, do a quick search using the search bar on the right of my site for some related posts.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Tutorial - Walkthrough (Up Stairs)

This topic was brought up over in RevitSociety's forum by Elton. The question revolved around walkthroughs and going up or down stairs. It reminded me of a video I saw way back when on CAD Clips.. here is the video:


Sunday, September 13, 2009

Tutorial - Curtain Wall Louver (Revit OpEd)

Another interesting tutorial over at Revit OpEd:

I think that Phil Read is the first person I saw reveal this technique many years ago now, probably at Autodesk University but it may have been at AUGI in a thread, I just don't remember now.


The essence of this tip is using a curtain wall type to define a series of mullions that pose as louvers. The special curtain wall type is then swapped out for other panels in a larger host curtain wall. The mullions are defined as new types as well, one for a louver and one for the perimeter framing if necessary. It is important to use the Empty Panel for the Default Panel parameter so that there are no panels in the louver curtain wall, just mullions. I posted a
VIDEO and you can listen and watch here now if you prefer.



Saturday, September 12, 2009

Intro to Building Information Modeling

Great find by Greg over at Revit3D.com... Those of you new to the site, Revit, BIM, or IPD sign up and take a look at this PDF.

An Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM)

An Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides information on how to adopt BIM tools and applications for use in business practices. This Guide indentifies state-of-the-art in software applications and related protocols, along with additional resources for making a transition to BIM.

BIM is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. To create a BIM, a modeler uses intelligent objects to build the model. BIM provides a reliable basis for making building decisions during its life cycle from inception onward, including how building components function together and overall building energy use.


Friday, September 11, 2009

Tutorial - Revit OpEd: Dutch Stair

If you noticed my Stair Tutorial recently here is a great follow up tutorial over at Revit OpEd:

Dutch Stair Winders - Part II

A comment in my previous post asked about stringers that are exposed. Since I took the easy way out and said that most of these stairs are tucked away inside walls it is only natural that someone would like to do it the hard way!

In my reply to the comment I mentioned a few options that come to mind: In-Place Family, Walls and Edit Wall Profile, Railing with custom profiles or just accept the way the boundary/stringers are created by Revit (yeah I know that last one isn't very tasty). Here's an image of the result for the stair using an In-Place family. It's late and I was lazy so I only did one side, that and the other side is still buried in a wall, that's my story anyway.

I created a VIDEO that shows what I did. You can listen and watch here instead.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Autodesk Sustainable Design Webcast.

Login to your Autodesk Student Communit accounts and head to this link.

Autodesk is proud to offer a series of free webcasts focused on sustainable design and building.

In a special arrangement with the AIA, our webcasts are offered for continuing education credits. For non-AIA members, we offer certificates of completion.

Greening a Building Project through Materials
September 15, 2009, Tuesday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Presenter: Mark Kalin, FAIA, FCSI, LEED, Kalin Associates

Green Community Development: Geospatial Technology and LEED ND
October 13, 2009, Tuesday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Presenter: Pete Southwood, Geospatial Applications Engineer and Michael Schlosser, Geospatial Technical Expert

Civil Engineering for Sustainable Water Resources Management
November 20, 2009, Friday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Presenter: Lucy Kuhns, Technical Expert for Civil Solutions


Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Facebook Offices: ArchDaily

I figured because this blog is geared towards students, I am a student, Facebook gets billions of hits a day from students, and we are all interested or involved in architecture in some way, this post would stimulate most of your minds.

Facebook Headquarters! Very cool building and very interesting to see the place where it all happens.

A few weeks ago we presented you photos from architectural offices that our readers shared through Facebook. And now, we bring to you the Facebook offices in Palo Alto, designed by Studio O+A.

Studio O+A is a San Francisco based practice, founded by Primo Orpilla and Verda Alexander during the dot-com boom of the early 1990s, bringing quality design to start-ups and venture firms at Silicon Valley.

I wish ArchDaily was big enough to require such facilities… the interior space is amazing, specially the open working areas and several small meeting/working/relaxing spaces here and there, that reflect the spirit of collaboration inside Facebook.

Architect’s description and more photos after the break:

Employees of Facebook recently moved to a new headquarters that facilitates interaction and connection, reflecting the company’s mission as a social networking website provider. Formerly a laboratory facility for high-tech manufacturer Agilent Technologies, the 150,000-square-foot structure at Palo Alto’s Stanford Research Park brings together more than 700 employees originally scattered throughout 10 locations in and around downtown Palo Alto.

The design of the space relied heavily on input from the users, appropriate for a flatly structured company that weights every employee’s opinion equally. O+A designers interviewed employees about what they wanted from their new headquarters. The Facebook platform was used to conduct company-wide polls about design decisions, post construction photos and updates, and keep everyone informed of the thought process behind the project. An advisory board of employees from every department collaborated with the design team on the design process, from space planning to finishes to final move coordination.

Because the new facility houses employees coming from various locations, the company wanted to maintain each division’s distinct identity. The design takes its inspiration from the patchwork nature of Facebook users and employees, bringing together seemingly disparate elements to form a cohesive pattern and using color and interior spacing to create neighborhoods within the open plan space. The company’s executives sit in central areas, accessible to all employees. Large lounges and open spaces provide venues for the community to come together. A kitchen and café continue Facebook’s tradition of providing gourmet meals to staff at all hours, while drinks and snacks are available at micro-kitchens throughout the headquarters.

Continue to the post and pictures.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Tutorial - Tapered Roof Insulation

Here is a quick tip that I guarantee will help you all out.


Topics Covered:
  • Creating a flat roof, while sloping the insulation.
  • Modifying Roof's Sub-Elements
  • Creating a "Variable" Material

Monday, September 7, 2009

Architecture for Humanity Winners!


Architecture for Humanity announced it's winners for the Classroom Competition.


Some absolutely great projects here. Read all about them. Great work!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

3DS Max Connection.

I talk to a lot of fellow CAD students who use 3DS Max for a lot of modeling. Well now they can use Revit after Max... muwahaha!


3dsmax 2010 Connection Extension- SAT file Export

I'm surprised this one got past me, but if you are a 3dsmax subscription customer you can download the new Connection Extension for 3dsmax 2010 and 3dsmax Design 2010. For me the highlight is the ability to finally export a SAT file from 3dsmax for use in Revit or Inventor. If the mesh in 3dsmax is watertight, then the resulting SAT file will be water tight, which means we can utilise this file in a Revit Mass to calculate floor areas and use the building maker tools.

In this example I created a torus knot in 3dsmax Design 2010.

connection_1

I then exported the file; notice that ACIS SAT is now an option in the export menu after installing the extension.

connection_2

You have a number of different options to choose from when exporting to SAT, including the ability to Export 3ds Max Nurb objects.

connection_3

Once exported, you will receive a confirmation message to say that the export is complete.

connection_4

In Revit, we can then import the resulting SAT file into a Mass Family or an Inplace family. Assuming the original 3dsmax mesh is watertight we are then able to cut floor plate and calculate areas from the mass.

connection_5

The resulting model with floor plates, curtain wall system applied and rendered.

connection_6


Thanks so much for the tip David. Always appreciated.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Revit Society

Interesting new idea... Basically, Facebook/MySpace for Revit users...

Revit Society

"Welcome to the Revit Society!

Let me first introduce myself. My name is Dan Pisko, and I am currently employed as a BIM/CAD tech at a small structural engineering firm (Structural Solutions - ssei.ca) in Vancouver, BC Canada. I have worked with Revit for roughly 3 years now, and I have used various blogs/forums to build my knowledge of the program.

I have yet to come across a site that allowed me to create friends with other Revit users, interact, post blogs, video chat/IM and post on forums all within one site. It is my goal for revitsociety.com to provide users with this ability.

Please join today, and help the society grow!

Please contact me with any ideas and comments about the site. dpisko@live.com

Thank you everyone!

Dan"

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Tutorial - Stair Question

I was asked about how to create a certain stair.


I have never created a stair like the one in the video. I think this was a great way to show you all my process of figuring out little things in Revit. Problem solving is a very important part of Revit and Architecture. Without schools pushing the requirement of programs like Revit we are faced to learn on our own. I hope it helps!


\

Oh the Comments.

If you all remember my "Revit Sucks" post from way back when you would remember the amount of comments it received. Well... people are still commenting 4 months later.

I figured I would post the latest comment and response...

Stevo said...

Here's the #1 reason that makes Revit suck:
IT'S NOT A TRUE 3D MODELING SOFTWARE - which makes it easy to use, until you have to do a full set of CD's... (ever tried making stairs?? or a rail? what a pain in the ass)
Reason #2: Autodesk got its hands on it = might as well bury it right now. (WTF is the point of the "ribbon"??? Revit had a very functional and user friendly "ribbon" ALREADY!!!!)
And yes, I work with Revit on a daily basis and have for the past 3 versions.

If Revit could do true 3D sweeps it could actually be a great user friendly program.
September 3, 2009 5:02 PM

The Revit Kid said...

Thanks for the comment Stevo.

#1 - Do a search of this site and the many blogs out there using Revit. It most certainly is a 3D modeling software. I just modeled a 3D door in it today.

#2 - You would not even be using Revit right now if Autodesk did not get it's hands on it. I understand people resentment towards "the man" but the little firm that developed Revit would not have had the millions of dollars in R&D to push it to the point where Stevo even knows about the program.

#3 - Yes, I have done CD's in Revit. Yes, I have made stairs and railings in Revit. I have also benefitted greatly from using Revit stairs and railings. Ever try changing the slope of a handicap ramp in elevation with strictly line drawing in CAD? Re-trimming balusters that are set at 2"o.c.?

If you truly have worked with Revit for as long as you say... you would have had a much more intelligent, in depth, and detailed description of why you think Revit sucks.

Thanks again for reading the blog and bringing up these points.

There are a few more posts like this. The only problem I have with these posts is that these people do not even read the rest of the blog. If they did they would know a majority of the stuff they state has been dismantled by me or a fellow blogger.

I urge you all to comment back ;)

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Global Design: The Architect’s Dilemma

"While the recession still rages in the A/E/C industry, there is a bright spot, which is the amount of international work currently being undertaken by U.S.-based design firms. Over the past 10 years, the fee volume of overseas projects has grown by a compound rate of 30 percent per year. More than $1.5 billion in design fees are now earned on foreign projects, and for some firms this can be as high as 30 percent to 40 percent of their total revenue. International contracts greatly extend the influence of U.S.-based architects, providing unique opportunities for collaboration and outsourcing, but there is a hidden cost that poses a significant long-term challenge to the health of the profession.

When working overseas, most architects typically provide only the SD and DD services, with local firms handling the CD and CA phases. Since SD and DD generally represent only 35 percent of the A/E typical fee, this means that the vast majority of the fee volume (65 percent) is reserved for foreign firms, which can often provide those same services at a much lower cost. It follows that an office which is heavily dependent on international work will experience a significant shift in the need for talent — more designers and fewer technical staff. Over time, architects who concentrate primarily on overseas work could well see their technical capability severely eroded. To compound the problem, those doing foreign work often rely on outsourcing to produce models, renderings, and even some of the design documentation... Continue Reading Article..."

Keep them coming DI!!


Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Revit Elevation/Section View Depth Clipping Workaround

Cool little video over at RevitRants:

Hello readers,

This is another one of those workarounds that I've been doing for a while and wasn't aware that a lot of people didn't know of it. Its a very quick method to creating depth in your elevations/sections without adding masses, using the linework tool, or utilising shadows. (although in Revit 2010, with directx turned on printing of views with shadows has improved exponentially!).
Click here to see the post and video...

This is my first attempt at uploading a video so please let me know if people have any difficulties viewing. It has been encoded using the Techsmith codec. TSCC in AVI format.



Thanks for the video Chris!