Revit 2015 R2 - 12 Must See Links

Autodesk released an update to Revit 2015 this month. This update was a little different than others in that it included some the addition of some new features or tweaks to old features (not just stability and "under-the-hood" improvements.

There has been a bunch of great information and subtle changes noted about the new release.  I thought it would be beneficial to summarize them here in a pretty little list.

1. Click here to view the Autodesk PDF Enhancement List

2. Click here for a list of Enhancement in the Revit Wiki...

An announcement from Autodesk via David Light:

3. Autodesk New Update Notification:  David Light at Autodesk-Revit

Steve Stafford at Revit Op-Ed published a series of posts demonstrating some of the subtle, yet powerful, changes:

Are You a Student Using Autodesk's Cloud Rendering? Here's What You Should Know.

It is no secret that I am a huge proponent of Autodesk's 360 Cloud Rendering service.  Personally, I use it in the office almost weekly (if not daily).  The simple ability to send my views to the cloud and continue working without bogging down any computers is MASSIVE for me.

I have used it so much that I have created my own techniques on how to make a raw cloud rendering look similar to renderings produced with professional rendering engines (such as V-Ray).   If you are interested in my techniques check out BIM After Dark - Volume 1.

Example: Rendered in the cloud using the techniques I illustrate in BIM After Dark (Click here to see more).

If you are student, Autodesk was gracious enough to give you unlimited cloud rendering credits absolutely free.  This is huge!  I remember leaving my laptop on for days rendering a few scenes while I built a physical model (crossing my fingers hoping the machine didn't break or restart).  Throwing up 30 or 40 interior/exterior scenes to the cloud and being able to crank out floor plans, sections, and elevations while they rendered was life changing.

Well, with the release of Revit 2015 and a new cloud update, the word "unlimited" is key.  You will still have an endless supply of cloud credits at your disposal, but, you may not able to throw thirty up to the cloud and let it crank away...

Revit Tutorial - Create "Butt Glazing" in a Curtain Wall / Storefront

Javier emailed and asked a very good question:

"Hi Jeff, I was wondering if you have a tutorial where explain how create a exterior glazing wall where the mullions are behind the glazing?"

First, thanks for the question, Javier.  This is a condition commonly known as "butt glazing".  Typically, the glazing sits in front of the mullions and it joined with silicon sealant like the detail below:

A Typical "Butt Glazing" Detail

When I create butt glazing in Revit I find it unnecessary to model this silicon joint.  I simply but the glass together and use the default mullion and curtain panel families.  Keep reading for a quick video illustrating the way I usually create a vertical butt glazed mullion in Revit that looks something like this...

Revit Vertical Butt Glazing - 3D View

Revit Butt Glazing - Plan View

Revit Technology Conference in Asia!

If you have followed this blog over the years you would know how highly I recommend attending the Revit Technology Conference (RTC).  In fact, here are a list of posts over the years about RTC...  RTC is now expanding and adding a new region to its already impressive series of confrences: Asia.

When I first heard this news I decided to log into Google Analytics and see how many of you, readers, are from Asia...

Well, just about 175,000 unique individuals from Asia have visited this blog within the past year.  Cool!  That means that many of you reading this may be from Asia!  Will you be attending RTC Asia?  I hope so!

Click here to read the press release from Wes over at the RTC blog...