Revit "Super Users" AMA - Replay

 

Well... that was fun!

Last night marked the 50th episode of "BIM After Dark Live".  To mark the occasion I was joined by 6 other previous guests and Revit "super users" all with their own Revit super powers.  ;)

We took questions and discussed an array of topics for almost 2 hours!!  

Some of the topics included:

- Phasing, Design Options, and more.

- What feature we wished would be in the next release of Revit

- Linear light fixtures...?

- Interior design (tagging wall materials, etc...).

- PyRevit... Lot's of PyRevit

- What versions of Revit we all started on.

- Shared Coordinates (and coordinate systems)...

... and so so much more...

This was, honestly, just a great time.  Not to mention, the chat was on fire.  Literally, the 7 of us could not even keep up with the discussions, questions, and more...  

Thank you all who joined us live.  For those who didn't, continue reading to view the replay!

I've also listed all of the guests previous appearances on the show and whatever links I could scavenge together mentioned throughout the 2 hour session! 

Architects, Developers, & BIM: Test-fitting with the TestFit Team (Replay)

 

I remember seeing a GIF of TestFit a few years back on Twitter.  It showed a 3D diagram of a simple apartment looking building and a parking lot around the outside.  The site was pulled in one direction and the building grew,  changed shape, and the parking lot reconfigured as it was stretched... 

Mind blown.

Fast-forward to today, TestFit is a platform that blends architecture, building codes, crowd sourced input, real-estate developer knowledge, BIM, and generative design to completely disrupt the early stages of a project development.

On this episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by Clifton and Nat to not only discuss how an application like TestFit interacts with your Revit models, but also about how an understanding of what developers value and an acceptance of co-creation tools will ultimately benefit you as much as them...

The conversation was awesome, the questions were great, and Nat showed us how you can bring a TestFit building into Revit ... yes, those are Revit Walls, Floors, Roofs, etc... Automatically!

Continue reading to view the replay and see it in action....

From Revit to Unreal Engine (Replay) w/Carl Gibson

 

As expected, last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live was a ton of fun!

Many of you have tuned into my Twinmotion and Revit tutorials, streams, and tips... Many of you may not know that Twinmotion runs on a gaming engine called "Unreal".

On this episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by Carl Gibson as he ran through the process of getting your Revit models into the Unreal Engine environment for renderings, animations, and VR!   

Some of the topics Carl touched on are:

-Summary of tools needed (Revit, Unreal Engine, Datasmith Exporters)

-Prepping a model for Datasmith

-Importing into UE

-DataPrep graph for model optimization, material replacement, etc.

-Setting up a project for VR.

If you have been wanting to learn the process of getting your model's into Unreal or are curious as to what Unreal can do for you, be sure to check out the replay below...

Interactive 3D Revit Models in Power BI (w/Nate Miller) - Replay w/Links

 

On yesterday's episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by Nate Miller to talk about Revit, Power BI, and an application he built that gives you the ability to interact with 3D models IN a Power BI dashboard... Nate is the founder of Proving Ground, and has a long history of creating useful applications for architects, engineers, and contractors including LunchBox, Rhynamo, & Slingshot. Nate will be joining us to talk about some of his new projects that deal with how Power BI can interact with 3D modeling programs (like Revit & Rhino). Tracer, his suite of applications that let you export Revit data, import it into Power BI, and generate an interactive 3D model (in Power BI) is sure to be a game changer for data analytics, visualization, and more...

We had a great conversation, Nate showed some awesome stuff, and there were excellent questions from the audience...

Continue reading to view the replay and the links mentioned (and to try out Nate's dashboards!)...

Dynamic Data Images with Revit and Power BI (Synoptic Panel) (Replay w/Links)

 

On this episode of BIM After Dark Live I demonstrated the process of connecting Power BI visual data to 3D model images created in Revit... Essentially, this is the next best thing to actually having your models IN Power BI... We'll get to that next week... ;) If you are wondering what this could look like, check out this link and click the images of the building on the top right... See how you can interact with the image and the data dynamically?! That is what I will show you in the episode... Topics Covered: - Exporting Images - Exporting Revit Data for Power BI

- Making a "smart" layered SVG file (Adobe Illustrator) - Using "Synoptic Panel" in Power BI -Importing Revit Data into Power BI - Tying it all together...

Continue reading to view the replay and links mentioned...

Managing LARGE & COMPLEX Sites in Revit and Twinmotion (Replay w/Links)

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I broke down how my team and I manage large, complex, and phased scenes in Revit & Twinmotion 2020 to create construction logistics/phasing plans, aerial views, and more... There are a lot of aspects to this session for Revit: - Model setup of super large scenes (acres upon acres of land). - Use of Container models using the design teams files. - Managing multiple phases, fencing, and more... Then, there are all the lessons learned when using Twinmotion 2020 with these large scenes, such as: - Export/Import Tips for less crashes. - Managing Phases/Sequencing, etc... - More efficient and stable model refreshes on large scenes - Best trees and material settings for aerial views. - Best lighting settings for aerial views...

Follow along as I walked through two different projects with their own unique approaches to creating large site models in Revit and managing how those scenes are built in Twinmotion.

Also, it's worth watching this episode to see how nervous I was while running two instances of Twinmotion 2020, two instances of Revit, and streaming live to YouTube from a 2K monitor... Talk about risky!

Continue reading to view the replay and all of the links mentioned (as well as the Twinmotion light settings I walk through at the end)...

Array Based Families in Revit - What You NEED TO KNOW! (+ Free Guide)

 

Missed the show live?  Be sure to check out the replay below and a link to my Free Desktop Revit Family Cheat sheet...

Yesterday's episode of BIM After Dark Live was inspired by a subscriber's email (Matt).  Matt had a few questions about using an array in Revit to build families and some of the tips and tricks when doing so...

So, I thought it would be fun to build an array based family live!  And walk through some of those little "need to know" tips and tricks along the way.

Topics Covered:

- Creating a nested family and "carrying over" the parameters.

- Creating a line based family.

- Using and applying arrays

- Formulas to drive the array

- How to handle single objects and arrays in the same family...

There were a bunch of great questions and even some comments from Paul Aubin and Nick of Revit Pure!

Continue reading to view the replay, see the links, and download the free desktop family guide...

Residential Revit - Under Construction (Replay + Links)

 

In this episode of BIM After Dark Live I gave an update on my ongoing home addition project ("Split Level Redux") and talk about some of the ways Revit has helped during the construction phase. 

So often in residential construction, as the architect, we spend countless hours working with a client to design their dream home (or addition).  However, there isn't always a connection between that effort and the efforts in the field.  

I have been using my own personal project as an opportunity to explore how Revit (and "BIM" in general) can add value to residential contractors, too.

In this episode we explored:

- General construction updates on the project (with some cool footage).

- How I am using Revit to track progress.

- How Revit is helping me place material orders.

- Real-time diagramming and problem solving using the model..

- And of course, some of the head-aches along the way....

Continue reading to view the replay and all of the links mentioned (there were quite a few links mentioned!)... 

Revit and Drones - Mapping, Point Clouds, and More...

If you missed last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live, do yourself a favor and check out the replay below...  If you're an overall technology junky/geek like me, you

Drones and Revit are two technologies I have been trying to figure out how to connect for a couple of years now.  Recently, a colleague of mine introduced me to a technology that makes it all possible.

In this episode I walked through how I was able to take a $600 (Black Friday sale drone) and map out an existing building, export it to a point cloud, and bring it into Revit...

Oh, and so so much more...

Like this really cool looking image...

Continue reading to see what I am all jazzed up about and to see the links (software and hardware) mentioned...

BIM for Everyone - Assemble Systems & Revit

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I introduced Assemble Systems and ran through some of the more valuable features of the platform. 

I wasn't expecting it to be as interactive of a discussion as it was (as seen from the live chat log below).  But, I think it shows the interest and value of Assemble Systems... Pretty cool!

In the episode I  introduce you to Assemble, but I also used real-world examples to demonstrate how Assemble has removed the barriers of entry and given access to BIM for everyone at Turner Construction.  

Some of the topics we discussed were:

- Learn about the way conditioning and filtering a model SHOULD be in Revit...

- Model based quantity takeoff that anyone can do.  Seriously, anyone.  Even “old man Phil” with the drafting board and French curve on his desk.

- Model version comparisons for dummies.

- Model based constructability reviews that don’t require a fancy laptop or a “BIM kid” to help.

- 3-Click model based production (work-in-place) tracking even your most “old-school” superintendent can do.

- Creating real-time and dynamic dashboards to analyze model data.

Continue reading to view the replay and see the links mentioned... 

DynaMaps and Revit - Adding Context to Your Models (w/Mostafa & Paul Aubin)

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live we welcomed Mostafa El Ayoubi.  Mostafa is an architect and civil engineer.  He is the creator of Dynamo packages like DynaMaps and Data-Shapes.

This episode introduced the genesis of the DynamMaps package and it’s foundations as well as some workflows showing how to get site geometry inside Dynamo and push it to Revit will then be live demoed.

Also, this was another "crossover" with Paul Aubin and the ChiNamo users group!

Topics Included:

- Introduction to DynaMaps

- Installing the Package

- Step by Step demonstration of how to bring in buildings, topography, roads, and trees from open source data to your Revit models.

Continue reading to view the replay and learn how to install and use DynaMaps today!

Parametric Dining Room Light Fixture Family in Revit - Start to Finish

 

I built a parametric family in Revit on yesterday's episode of BIM After Dark Live.

But, not just any old Revit family.  A dining room light fixture. 

Why a light fixture family?  

Well, I've noticed over the years that light fixtures are probably some of the most wanted families.  Probably because there are literally millions of fixture with all sorts of little details within them.

Another reason I wanted to walk you through the creation of this fixture live is that is contains a whole bunch of great family creation tips and tricks along the way.  

There were some great questions and I shared a lot of "process" references (like sketches, and diagrams) that are worth checking out...

Topics Covered:
- Laying out a Parametric Object
- Using Nested Families (when, why, and how).
- Using multiple light sources in one family.
- Carrying parameters (like materials) through nested Families
- When to use sweeps over extrusions
- Tips for making "rods"...

And so much more.  

If you missed it, be sure to continue reading to see the replay and view all of the reference materials...

AMA Replay (Plus, a 30% Off Discount!)

 

To wrap up 2020 with a bang, I thought it would be fun to host another "Ask Me Anything (AMA)" style episode of BIM After Dark Live.  The last time I did an AMA style episode was almost 20 episodes ago.  

That day, I hosted a double header and couldn't even keep up with all the questions I got!  (Check out the replays here.)

Yesterday, there were so many questions is was hard to keep up!  Thank you all for joining, asking questions, and making this live show thing... well, a thing!

Topics the we Covered:

- Building a wall under a ramp (and other ramp options).

- Creating Door Window and Curtain Wall Elevations (touched on it).

- Revit Backup File Management

- Creating a Concrete Mass in Revit

- Using the overhead line trick ... sort of ...

- 3D Details and When to Model versus draft (hint, MODEL MODEL!).

- My middle name...

Continue reading to view the episode...

The Dynamo and Grasshopper for Revit Reference Manual (Replay)

 

On this episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by a very special guest, Marcello Sgambelluri. Marcello was on the show a few months ago and mentioned a book he was writing... Well, that book is now available! "The Dynamo and Grasshopper for Revit Cheat Sheet/Reference Manual" is 272 pages of pure awesomeness. Marcello includes hundreds of working Dynamo scripts and their working counterpart in Grasshopper (for Revit). We talked about the book and how knowing BOTH of these tools expands the functionality of Revit for you.

We also had a little fun when I did an example of a practical use of one of Marcello's scripts in Dynamo followed by Marcello demonstrating how to do the exact same thing in Grasshopper/Rhino... Super cool!

Continue reading to view the replay and download the sample files from our demonstration (including the Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, and Dynamo files...)

Calculating Occupancy in Revit, Automatically

 

On the latest episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by Dana De Filippi to talk about automatically calculating (and tagging) occupancy loads in Revit.  Dana is a co-host on the BIM Thoughts Podcast and a BIM technologist within the field of architecture and kicks all kinds of Dynamo butt.

Dana shared the workflow she developed that will automatically (and accurately) calculate your occupancy loads and place them into tags for you!  Something I know you all just love doing manually ... ;)

Topics Covered:

- Creating and using Area Schemes in Revit

- Constructing key values and using conditional formatting in Revit schedules.

- Use Dynamo to collect Revit and Excel Data

- Discover how to integrate user selection of different code requirements.

This is a DO NOT MISS for all of my fellow Architects out there (and FP engineers, too!)...

Continue reading to view the episode and download the sample files Dana was so gracious to share!

pyRevit - The Ultimate Guide

 

pyRevit has been gaining momentum as a solution for many common problems Autodesk Revit users run into daily.  From advanced "purging", to colored tabs, sheet creation, and more, pyRevit has become a staple in my Revit Add-In arsenal.

And it should be in yours, too.

On this episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by Ehsan Iran-Nejad. Ehsan is an Architect and the creator of the pyRevit add-in (among other things) and he introduced pyRevit to you,  highlighted some of the great built-in features, and demonstrated the power/simplicity of building your OWN custom extensions.

Topics Covered:

- What is pyRevit?
- How to download and install pyRevit
- Shift Clicking for Settings
- Using the Pick Tool (even if you've used it before, I bet you'll learn something new here).
- Using the Sheet Management and the Batch Sheet Maker
- Using the Keynote Manager (AWESOME!)
- Using the Wipe Tool
- And some new features and functions coming soon...

Oh, and did I mention... Ehsan made Paul Aubin fall off his chair... yup... you have watch to see why.

Continue reading to view the episode and see all of the links mentioned (including a ridiculously awesome BIMBOX discount)...

Revit + Twinmotion 2020: Rendering a Night Scene (Tips and Tricks)

 

On this special Tuesday episode of BIM After Dark Live I gave an update on my own house project and jumped back into some Revit & Twinmotion 2020 content.  

We talked about rendering night scenes in Twinmotion 2020 with Revit.

This episode was inspired by a student's question following our Twinmotion class.  She asked about making a "moody" nights scene.  Then, it dawned on me, I had yet to make a NIGHT SCENE in Twinmotion.  

So, I dug in, spent some time, and figured out some of the tips and tricks to creating sexy, moody, and super-fun images!

Continue reading to view the replay an all of the links mentioned (including my FREE Revit to Twinmotion course...)

Flipped Interview w/ BIM Thoughts (Talking AU2020, Fishing, & More!) + Announcements!

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live, I welcomed Dana, Bill, and Carl from the BIM Thoughts podcast.  It was nice to have a drink, sit back, and chit chat about myself, AU2020, 3D printing, fishing, and more...

Also, a couple important event notes for next week (before you check out for the holidays!):

Continue reading to view the discussion and links mentioned...

Tips for Deploying Dynamo Scripts w/John P (+ Datasets)

 

On yesterday's episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by the one and only SixySecondsRevit (aka John P). John is a Design Technologist at Parallax Team and is also the creator of one of my favorite Dynamo custom packages (Rhythm). John will be talking about his approaches to handing off and deploying Dynamo (for Revit) scripts. This is huge! Once you've created the greatest script ever, understanding how to share it and let other users actually use it is the next big step... Some things John and I discussed... - Drop down considerations (for Revit versions) - Grouping ideas

- Dynamo Templates!!!?!? - Showing View Extensions to Help - and more...

Continue reading to view the episode and download the datasets...!

Advanced Revit Railings (w/Revit Pure) + Big News!

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by Nick from Revit Pure and we got REALLY deep into railings... 

Maybe, too deep?  

No way!

Nick was forced to learn every little property within the railing tool when he was tasked with modeling an old ancestral stair (seen in the image above being slid down by The Revit Kid, haha).  Nick used this opportunity to document what he was learning and share it with us all!!

Topics Covered:

- Difference between top rail, mid rail, and hand rail...

- Stacking Balusters

- Building Custom Terminations

- Dealing with extensions.

- Mitering and Fileting rails....

... and so much more ...