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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Bad Building... Go to your room... I am taking your LEED Away.

Very interesting... Makes a lot of sense overall...

.... From Architectural Record....

By Grigg, Dani

"In the newest version of the U.S. Green Building Council's green building standards, there's an element that has never before been hinted at in the LEED guidelines: A green building can now have its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and certification revoked.

That's got some industry professionals a little worried.

"I think it will discourage some owners," said Garett Chadwick, a LEED-Accredited Professional from Driggs-based Plan One/Architects. "We're already seeing some discouraged by the whole LEED process because of the submittal process. If they make the requirements a little more intense, ... that's certainly going to discourage some of them."

New rules require building owners to submit performance data on an ongoing basis for five years after certification. If they don't comply, their project's LEED status can be rescinded.

The USGBC has said this change was spurred by studies showing some LEED buildings were not performing up to expectations, casting a shadow on LEED's credibility.

"If you don't maintain and operate your building correctly, all the work to certify would be for naught," said Adam Richins, an attorney with Boise-based Stoel Rives. He specializes in issues related to construction and energy, and he's a member of the USGBC Idaho chapter's board.... Continue Reading..."



Architecture Lecture Series - Steve Badanes

This definitely looks like it will be an interesting lecture... and it's free!

"Architect/builder Steve Badanes, head of the design/build firm Jersey Devil, is the featured speaker in this week's architecture lecture series at the University of Hartford.

Jersey Devil is a group of architects, artists, and inventors based on the model of medieval craftsmen. Their design/build projects and work with students for non-profit clients has gained international attention and is known for its innovative use of materials and energy efficiency. This lecture will explore design and making, climate-responsive building, community outreach education, and courage in architecture.

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will take place on campus in Wilde Auditorium this Thursday, October 29, at 6:00 PM.

Autodesk University - Virtual Pass

For those of you who do not have the money or time (or students in school like me) to go to Autodesk University, you now can! What a great idea.

Autodesk University (AU) is an experience not to be missed, but not everyone can travel to Las Vegas. So this year, we are introducing AU Virtual, a web-based event that originates at the AU 2009 Conference in Las Vegas.

"With AU Virtual, you can benefit from AU—without ever leaving your office. By streaming select classes and content from AU 2009 directly to your desktop, AU Virtual offers a fast, cost-effective way to obtain practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional contacts.

See how AU Virtual compares with the AU 2009 Conference in Las Vegas.

There are two ways to experience AU Virtual:

AU Virtual Premier Pass – US$99 (free to Autodesk Subscription customers), and includes full access to 50+ classes, keynotes, and other premium content streamed live from AU in Las Vegas. Plus access up to 350 on-demand sessions post-event.

AU Virtual Free Pass – US$0 (available to everyone), and includes highlights of AU 2009 in real time and the ability to check out the latest technology innovations.

Now, more than ever, you can't afford to miss Autodesk University!

Revit Kid Challenge 2 Winner!

The winner of my Revit Kid Challenge 2 is Jay Clancy! Although his model was not exactly what I had in mind it did the trick. His model will help you all see different ideas of how people attack ma family. Check out the video below for more information...

"Hi Jeff,

This gave me a real headache!

I tried different sweeps & extrusions and made many mistakes along the way until finally putting together something that just about works…

I used ref lines to create extrusions and voids controlled by a ref plane skeleton, so that (within kind reason!) the building shapes are parametric for width & height & offset from the ground. It does start to come apart if you offset the 2 main building areas away from each other, and I know it isn’t 100% the correct shape… But I have learnt a lot about working with the new conceptual environment and am fairly happy with the end result. (Although the ‘Depth’ parameter won’t work due to the way I created some parts early on)..."

Thanks for all of you who participated. When you see this post, Jay, shoot me an email with your address and shirt size! Congratulations!


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Tutorial - Revit Calculus 2

A continuation of my Revit Calculus Experiment...

I began to explore the reference line and reference spline relationship.


Stay tuned for some more experimentation and in depth analysis of whatever it is I am doing.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Autodesk Student Community - Internation Email Issue & Updates

Apparently international students (going to schools outside of the United States were having issues with their school email address's not working when registering for the Student Community.

From Autodesk:

"To address the issue many countries have of not providing school issued email addresses, Autodesk allows all students from India – and several other countries – access to the Community without the requirement of a school email address. You must, however, use a valid personal email address, and must choose your school from a pull-down on the registration form.

Go to the registration page, choose your country from the pull-down menu, then continue to fill out the form."

Now, go to the Autodesk Student Community and start using Revit for FREE!

Also, Autodesk 3DS Max and Maya were always 30 day trials for students... not anymore. Head to the Student Community and you can download Maya and 3DS Max for 6 month trials.


"The Autodesk Sustainable Design Guide illustrates sustainable design principles and technologies for every phase of the project life cycle – whether new construction or renovation. Decisions made early in the process can deliver significant results when it comes to the efficient use of energy, water, materials and land in a final project design. Using this guide will help you better understand which decisions are critical – and what steps to take to create and deliver more sustainable designs.

You Will Learn...

What decisions impact the sustainability of your project
When to make those decisions
What tools and information you need to inform these decisions..."

Saturday, October 24, 2009

LEED Accredited Professional

It finally came in the mail today. Thought I would share. Just when I was beginning to forget the two weeks straight of studying and thousands of practice tests I took this certificate brought it all back to mind. I am very proud of my accomplishment and hope I can make something of it.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Tutorial - Revit and Calculus - Part 1
















My Calculus 1 professor has given us the option of doing a final project instead of taking a final exam. Given the hatred I have for any type of testing I decided to start tackling the idea of a final project. One thing that has always fascinated me about Revit families is the ability to use formulas.

The ability to create parametric families is already a major advantage but using formulas to drive some of these parameters opens up a whole new world. First, I would like to copy and paste the page in "Revit Help" that presents the correct syntax to use when conducting formulas within Revit:

"Formulas support the following arithmetic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation, logarithms, and square roots. Formulas also support the following trigonometric functions: sine, cosine, tangent, arcsine, arccosine, and arctangent.
The valid formula abbreviations for arithmetic operations and trigonometric functions are

• Addition— +
• Subtraction— -
• Multiplication—*
• Division—/
• Exponentiation—^: x^y, x raised to the power of y
• Logarithm—log
• Square root—sqrt: sqrt(16)
• Sine—sin
• Cosine—cos
• Tangent—tan
• Arcsine—asin
• Arccosine—acos
• Arctangent—atan
• e raised to an x power—exp
• Absolute Value—abs

You can enter integers, decimals, and fractional values in formulas, using normal mathematical syntax, as shown in the examples below:

• Length = Height + Width + sqrt(Height*Width)
• Length = Wall 1 (11000mm)+ Wall 2 (15000mm)
• Area = Length (500mm) * Width (300mm)
• Volume = Length (500mm) * Width (300mm) * Height (800 mm)
• Width = 100m * cos(angle)
• x = 2*abs(a) + abs(b/2)
• ArrayNum = Length/Spacing.

Parameter names in formulas are case sensitive. For example, if a parameter name begins with a capital letter, such as Width, you must enter it in the formula with an initial capital letter. If you enter it in a formula using lower-case letters instead, for example, width * 2, the software will not recognize the formula."


Now, my goal is to create some sort of element, family, or project that will be driven solely by calculus, trigonometry, and basic mathematics. The purpose is to prove the use of these subjects within my field of study (architecture). Therefore, how would architecture and calculus relate?


Topics Covered:
  • Creating a Conceptual Mass.
  • Create From with Spline and Profile.
  • Edit and Create formulas within Families.
  • Drive formulas with parameters.
  • Add Profile.
  • Use CALCULUS IN REVIT!
Here is a great video to compliment my tutorial: Greg Lynn at TED:


Thursday, October 22, 2009

Project Cooper.

CAD for Dummies?

Interesting little release I found over at Autodesk Labs. Not sure how I feel about it yet. I just installed and and messed around for a bit. It reminds me of an advanced Microsoft Paint. I am curious to hear my readers opinions on the introduction of this software.


Ideal for quick design work, Project Cooper sketching software enables you to draw accurate, detailed plans and layouts to scale using simple 2D drawing tools, predrawn symbols, and sample drawings. Because the software produces files in one of the most widely used design format, it’s easy to share your drawings with clients, architects, and other project partners.

Specialty Contractors: Make a Good Impression
Instead of delivering hand sketches, use Project Cooper to present your ideas in a clear, professional way. See how in these videos:

Architects: Cut Down on Rework
Ask your colleagues to use Project Cooper so you can include their drawings in your designs and cut down on rework. See how in these videos:




Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Revit 2010 Advantage Pack and Students

I promised that I would find out some information about how the Student subscription is represented in this whole ordeal. Debra Pothier, Senior Education AEC Marketing Manager at Autodesk, was kind enough to help me, and all my readers, out.

"...So the way to get these great extensions into the students hands …is if the institutions actually purchase the subscription package.

So the way the students can help… is to let the professors/institution know that they need to explore these subscription packages so they will have the latest extensions!..."

There you have it fellow students. When you begin to see all the videos and images of awesome looking wood framed houses, structural steel decking, and switching back and forth from model to detail lines, remember to talk to your department chairs. Tell your peers and gather up to talk to your department chair about these options.

Thanks, Debra, for your time and help with this matter.

Revit 2010 Advantage Pack.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to Autodesk's Revit Blogger event... This was an online webcast review, featuring, and demonstrating the newest package of extensions and features for Revit 2010 Products.

This package is only being released to subscription users. After watching and listening to the new features for an hour and half now it looks to be quite a giant step. I am sure you have all read the features lists on many other blogs already but here is my quick list:

Revit Architecture 2010:

- Revit Structural Features added to Revit Architecture:
  • Curved Beams
  • Slanted Columns
  • Create Trusses
  • Beam "Coping" Tool
  • Slab Direction and Decking
  • Tag Beam Systems
- Split wall with gap.
- Wood Wall Framing
- "Countrification" Content for:
  • China
  • Russia
Revit Structure 2010:

  • Insulation Tools
  • "A" and "W" User Defined Paramters in Schedule Field
  • Placing 3D Beams from geometry references in imported 3D drawings.
  • Control Beam Length tolerance.
  • Wood Framing - Extension
  • Interferences of Reinforcing Bars- Extension
  • Bridge Design Modules- Extension

Revit MEP 2010 Additions:
  • Temporary dimensions in layout mode.
  • MEP Performance Improvements.
  • "Contrification" Content.

Screen shots:




I also asked about how those of us using student subscriptions will or will not be able to obtain this package. The people at Autodesk believe there is a way for us to use the subscription packages. When they tell me how to use it you will be the first to know!

The meeting was great and I cannot wait to show you all some of the many new improvements to the software. The Wood Framing Extension is one of my favorite and it will be yours when you see it as well. Stay tuned for some follow up posts.

Tutorial - Circular Stair

Following the stair tutorials I posted a while ago I was asked about how to create a circular stair. I went through some options prior to the video and decided to record the rest of my trial and error approach.


Please, feel free to email me with any questions, comments, or answers!


Monday, October 19, 2009

Helmut Jahn, FAIA - Sustainable and Modern Building

From Off the Record:

In the 45 minutes that followed, Jahn outlined his strategy for creating architecture that is both sustainable and modern. Such buildings are naturally dependent on material selection, orientation, and management and operations, he said. But most important, they require a deep integration with structural and climate-control engineering. “When architecture and engineering speak the same language, there is no demarcation between where architecture ends and engineering begins,” said Jahn... Continue Reading...


Sunday, October 18, 2009

Tutorial - Recessed Lighting Fixture



A quick tutorial in response to an email I received.

This tutorial addresses the issue of a recessed ceiling light (usually fluorescent) that is not built into the Revit families. It is very simple to make the typical 2 foot by 4 foot ceiling light that is seen in every acoustic tile ceiling.


Topics Covered:
  • Editing a Lighting Fixture Family.
  • Creating Parameters.
  • Editing Parameters.
  • Testing Parameters.
  • Aligning and constraining family elements.




Thursday, October 15, 2009

Barney Rubble

Barney Rubble, who I suspect is using a fake name, posted an interesting response to my post today:

"Hey Revit Kid -

A counter-point to the article posted...

To assume that an architect with a Master's degree and a family physician have arguably the same amount of schooling and experience, and therefore should be treated with the same amount of respect (financially or otherwise), is laughable.

I know many practicing architects with Master's degrees and most all of them feel the same way you do. It's the arrogance you present that blows away most non-architects when it comes to discussing the importance of what architects do.

The healing of the human body takes far more skill than designing an attractive, functional building (which resides more in an engineer's expertise than an architect, a subject for another time) - and therefore takes more knowledge, training, and experience to become a licensed, practicing physician than it is to become a licensed architect with a Master's degree.

The thrust of your argument is based on the architect as a integral member of any given society, as compared to a doctor. Let's say for argument's sake they are of equal importance: the issue here is not architects vs. doctors, it's architects vs. architects. Many architects concern themselves with performing services as cheaply as possible to guarantee they'll continue to remain in business. They will undercut the competition in order to work, often operating at a loss for extended periods of time just to remain self-employed. This suggests an ignorance of business principles to which most every other industry adheres and survives.

Most doctors with family practices do not concern themselves with these types of constraints, as many fees are derived from federal regulations (Social Security), insurance company guidelines, and the basic knowledge that most everyone will continue to require regular healthcare, thereby guaranteeing repeat business. An architect does not have these luxuries built into his/her practice.

Bottom line, there are too many architects who are in business for themselves that should not be, as this over-abundance of self-important "partners" drives prices down (Supply/Demand). These people, who ignore the time-tested laws of economics because they feel they're more important than they really are, continue to hurt the industry as a whole with their arrogance and selfishness. This is why architects do not make as much as doctors -- not because they can't negotiate."


Thank you Barney Rubble, you are quite a nice write for someone in the stone age. I really enjoyed the entire portion that I bolded. It is something that very few Architects would admit or tell me if I asked them the same questions.

I understand how it could sound arrogant to compare the role of a physician as compared to the role of an architect in society to someone who I suspect is not an architect. Personally, I believe an argument could be posed for both sides. Architects provide a necessity of life; shelter. An architect designed the office and hospital the physician is practicing in. Argue the experience and education if you will but arguing the importance of each will not get anywhere.

The article I posted sparked the argument I presented. It was not the basis of the argument. The dialogue I posted was more of a conversation started and it worked well. I enjoy posting numerous questions like the previous post to start these conversations.

Thanks again Barney and I hope the rest of the Rubbles are doing good!


Too Expensive?


Adapted from Architect’s Essentials of Negotiation, 2nd Ed., Ava J. Abramowitz, 2009, John Wiley & Sons Inc. Reprinted with permission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


"Ever had a client say you cost too much? How did you react? Did you take it personally and want to hit back? “You have no idea how hard I’ve worked.” “You don’t appreciate my value.” “If you had to put up with a client like you, you would be charging twice as much.” Or maybe you just collapsed under what you perceived as an assault (“Why me?”), and then thought, “If I reduce my fee, will my client like me better?” Maybe you even reduced your fees. But you had another choice: not to personalize and internalize the statement, but to explore your client’s needs directly with them.

Clients change over the course of a project. Before they take it on, they question whether the result and the benefits will exceed the cost of the project. The more serious, the more strategic the business or personal problem they hope the building will solve, the more willing they will be to pay for the resolution. This came home to me in one second flat when I wanted to break through a wall to expand the kitchen. “Go to the Kitchen Guild,” the architect advised, “and ask them to design and cost out two kitchens — one within existing space, the other with expanded space. Then add $50,000 to the cost of the larger kitchen.” Right then and there I knew, and the architect knew, I would live with a small kitchen. I would get no increased strategic value out of the increased cost, which made the project “too expensive.” Had the architect been able to help me understand that current conditions would interfere with my enjoyment and use of the house, then the cost of mitigating those impacts might have receded, and the strategic benefits of remodeling would have shimmered more brightly. In that case, I might have gone for it. Instead, I thanked him mightily for putting me ahead of the project (and his practice) and promptly sent him two referrals... Continue Reading..."


The topic of payment, proposals, and fee's has always interested me as a hopeful future architect. In school we are taught these wonder numbers and contracts but will they be the same 5 or 10 years from now? If BIM and IPD really gain friction how will this process change? If the role of the future architect is to change his/her services and contracts will change as well. Should the adoption of BIM and IPD and the use of programs such as Revit yield a higher commission? Would more or less work have to be done by the architect?

It is no secret that many people take what an architect does for granted. Last time I spoke to Phil Bernstein we talked about the outstanding salary differences between a doctor and architect. A licensed architect with a masters degree, for example, and compare his average salary with that of a family physician. Arguably, they both have the some amount of school and possibly the same amount of experience. Additionally, would you tell a surgeon that he/she is too expensive? Rarely.

A fascinating conundrum. I will be picking up this book soon for sure.


Monday, October 12, 2009

Revit Family and Model Guide

This is an interesting idea. I always preach about how it is important to use and create smart families. Families that are parametric and look correct in all views. Families that content all the necessary information for all types of studies (heat, energy, cooling, light, etc..).

Well Autodesk released a Guide for Family creation. I have not looked at every family and PDF inside yet but the ones I looked at are promising. Take a look at the PDF's and models. They will help a beginner more fully understand a family and family creation as well as a novice enhance his or her families....

"DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the Revit Model Style Guide is to define Autodesk guidelines and standards for model creation in Revit® Architecture, Revit® MEP, and Revit® Structure.

LIMITATIONS

All sample family and project files were created based on the Revit Platform 2009 release; therefore, they can’t be opened in earlier versions of Revit."

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Over Passionate Young Architects.

I have been very busy in school and the posts recently have been a mix between some of my own tutorials and posts of other information. I would like to finally take the time and type some good old fashion editorials.

The first topic I would like to shed my opinion and knowledge on is a comment to my recent repost of a Design Intelligent article. Alan, this is absolutely not hard feeling towards you... Your comment just spiked some interesting ideas in my head and I thank you for that. Alan writes:

"Why am I reading this and thinking it sounds like a profile of a Bond villain?

Sounds like a collection of power crazy ego maniacs, or perhaps just over passionate young architects!

Sorry Jeff could not resist....."


The main reason I chose to share this article with my readers is it's overall intent. The first keyword that jumped out at me when I read the article was "master builder". The basis of the article, and the meeting spoken about in the article, is the architects role in the communication and collaboration efforts of construction. In school the architectural professors, who are usually practicing architects, preach the idea of how the architect is responsible of every task from the specifications to the cost estimation. Is this really true? Where does the responsibility of the architect end and other parties begins? Why am I not taught this in school?

I took a class a few semesters back called "Construction Documents". Half of the semester was spent diving deep into the AIA Contract Documents. Including the contract between the owner and architect, the architect and contractor, and so on... That's right... Because of this class I read every Article in the AIA Documents. In retrospective I am glad that I did.

Ultimately, what did I learn from that class? I learned how an Architect can cover his or her butt when something goes wrong. The overall tone of the documents that I read in entirety was protection. Protection of lawsuits if something goes wrong. If something goes wrong between the day the architect meets the client for the first time until the day of occupancy and on...

Returning to the earlier idea of "master builder". First, the origins of the word master builder:

"The master builder, who planned and directed the erection of the pyramids and other great structures, occupied a high position in society. Ancestor of the modern architect and engineer, he was a trusted court noble and adviser to the ruler. He directed a host of subordinates, superintendents, and foremen, each with his scribes and recorders (Encyclopedia Britannica)."

This definition creates the idea of a "master builder" being much more of a general contractor in today's society. I have been studying the idea of integrated project delivery (IPD) and building information modeling (BIM) quite a bit lately. The interesting idea with the introduction of IPD is the shared interest and benefits of the success of the project instead of a separation in roles that encourages the personal benefit for each party involved (as in traditional contractual approaches). Where do architects fit in?

I find the idea's of the Design Intelligence's article promising. Promising in the idea that students, like me, are discussing these topics. With the introduction of all these new programs, methods, and technology we need to be thinking about how it will effect our profession. Additionally, who WILL be the forefront of this "revolution"? Will it be the architects, contractors, engineers...? I think that the over passionate and "egocentric" young architect has the power to be at the forefront. The term "master builder" has not been used since ancient time but it could be common dialect again one day. What will the role of the master builder be today? These are all ideas worth discussing. Perhaps the over passionate young architect needs to stand up and be the leader, communicator, and collaborator.




Build San Francisco 2009

I figured I would post the video from my previous Autodesk post for those of you not students to see:


Autodesk Student Community News.

Some new features and info over at the Autodesk Student Community:

Architecture Students
October 2009

2010 Sustainable Design and Conceptual Design Curricula Now Available
The Autodesk Education Community provides valuable resources to help aspiring architects learn more about sustainable and conceptual design concepts. The new 2010 curricula will help you prepare for professional practice by exploring a building information modeling approach to design.


Explore the Curriculum
A Day in the Life of a Build San Francisco Student
Hear how a student from the Build San Francisco program is using Autodesk products to help learn about sustainable design in this intriguing documentary by ConnectED: The California Center for College and Career.


Watch the Video
Interactive Guide to Sustainable Design for Architecture
Developed for AEC professionals, this new online guide highlights sustainable design principles and technologies for every phase of the project life cycle. Users can explore each project phase to see the opportunities for impacting the efficient use of land, water, energy and materials, then dive deeper to learn more.


Learn More
2011 Solar Decathlon Requires Teams to Use BIM Tools
The U.S. Department of Energy, which hosts the Solar Decathlon competition, will require all teams in the 2011 competition to use Autodesk® Revit® Architecture and Autodesk® 3ds Max® in the design development, construction documentation, and "virtual tour" phases of their projects.


Learn More
Autodesk University 2009
December 1-3, 2009, Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas
Learn. Connect. Explore. Meet face-to-face with experts in your industry and learn about the latest technologies.


Register Today

Monday, October 5, 2009

Toward a Collaborative Future

Interesting blog post from Design Intelligence... again...

| Author: Jonathan Bahe
"A few weeks ago, I attended the AIA Northwest/Pacific Regional Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, and participated in its first Leadership Institute. The leadership institute was made up of about 20 students and young professionals from Washington, Montana, Oregon, and Hawaii. This remarkable group of young leaders spent two days discussing characteristics of leadership and how we as architects — or future architects — can contribute our talents to the betterment of the built environment. Among the many leadership characteristics that the group discussed and began to dissect, one rose to the top as particularly germane to the challenges facing our future — and the opportunities architects have to lead this future.

The group identified a key attribute for leaders — both present and future — to be collaborative integrators of information and perspectives. The reasoning for this should be apparent, so I won’t elaborate further, as we spent time not discussing why this was important, but rather are we really? We talk about the architect being the person at the table who can bring various view points together. We believe that the design process is inherently collaborative, and the architects as “master builders” are the rightful leaders of this collaboration... Continue Reading...."


Sunday, October 4, 2009

The Revit Kid Challenge 2!

Due to the great response of the first Revit Kid Challenge I decided to do one more. I received this email from a reader:

"Hey Jeff,

Hope your well. I'm just about to start second year of Architecture school I thought learning a BIM package would be highly beneficial. While reading about which is the elitist of the BIM packages, I came across your blog, so I decided to go with Revit.

I have been doing the built in Revit Tutorials for a few weeks now. I have a question for you and was hoping you could explain how I could create these curved walls - see image."


There you have it... your challenge. Send me an email at: Jeff@TheRevitKid.com with your procedure, ideas, images, etc... of how YOU would get this done. I have some ideas in my head but I would love to see what my readers come up with. Remember: Take advantage of the program... a simple un-parametric extrusion is not a great solution.


Thanks to Kai for the email!