Fear and Loathing In a CAD vs. BIM World

Get Your BIM Specs On: LA CSI Nite Thursday, February 23rd 2012, 3-9pm

2012-02-10T00:10:00.000-08:00

To all LA area Architects & AEC Professionals, -Or those who will be in LA later this month...

I am pleased to announce a speaking engagement at this year’s LA CSI Nite event. So if you can make it please register and join us for a great afternoon and evening of learning & networking. Remember that all professional attendees are free!!! All the presenters are awesome so be sure to arrive early to get a good seat...

LA CSI Nite 2012 Product Show & Seminars Thursday, February 23^rd 2012, 3-9pm HSW/CEUs free!!!

Marriott - Downtown Los Angeles, 333 South Figueroa Street,Los Angeles, CA 90071

CSI Nite Official Page –Registration Direct Link is further below, in this posting…

What's Going On?

Seminar #A1 3:00-4:00 (Not to miss!!! ;D )

QA/QC of Project Delivery

Credits: 1 LU/HSW

Presenters:

Bill Schmalz AIA, CCCA, LEED AP, Principal at Perkins+Will

Jay B Zallan Director of BIM at Perkowitz+Ruth Architects & Studio-111

Seminar #A2- time 3:00-4:00

Industry interest - Evolving CA Practices: Shop drawings and other submittals

Credits: 1 LU/HSW

Presenter: Debra Gerod Gruen Associates

Seminar #B 4:00-5:00

Integrated Project Collaboration Software - The Missing Link for IPD

Credits: 1 LU/HSW

Presenters: Steve Will Sales Manager for Submittal Exchange

Product Show 5:00-7:00

Seminar #C 7:00-9:00

Integrating BIM and Specs is Real!

Credits: 2 LU/HSW

Presenters:

Mark Kalin, FCSI, FAIA, CCS of Kalin Associates Specifications

REGISTER HERE

There's a bit of confusion on the registration page so be aware that the only truly required information you will need to use to register is as follows:

1) First Name

2) Last Name

3) Email Address

4) CTRL+Select sessions

All other fields are not needed for individual registration!!!

Then scroll to the bottom of the page…

5) Hit Registration Confirmation, then simply show up, Learn & Enjoy!!!

We hope to see you there,

Dear AEC, Get #BIM or a new career. Sincerely, Present Reality

2012-02-03T00:44:00.000-08:00

Andy Partridge is an awesome writer and really encapsulates brilliance in his works... Do get into him & XTC if you like thinking!!! Now (below the video) onto the letter...

Dear AEC,
Recently I tweeted you to get #BIM or a new career and I would like to follow up with more.

Can you see the fucking elephant in your room???

First let me say I love you.
Building realities from imagination is so natural a human pursuit.
Artists would agree.

Many of us really want to help you leave the inefficient past behind and innovate the industry to become the shining societal leaders we believe ourselves to be...

Unfortunately too many in AEC act like fat bloated politicians interested in personal standing and appearances and not the greater good.
AEC: Not enough of you see the dire straits you are in even though it's all around you.

You are acting with the ignorance similar to the commentator who said of Banksy's (hiding in plain sight) elephant:

I'm not sure what the point of having an elephant in a warehouse in downtown Los Angeles is

Jason Bentley US radio commentator
Perhaps you are just able to ignore the elephant in the room but some of us will not be so deluded and self absorbed.

Those of us who see the need to evolve and act on it will be more than happy to swoop in and take your projects more and more (as we have already started to do), so either get on the train or watch as your industry shrinks... We do not need more Architects for instance, we just need better ones... those that hold back technological evolution and betterment will find themselves in different careers... And some already are!!!

As a group your buried head is in the sand
You seem to stick with the status quo and fail to appreciate that obsolete technologies are helping kill you
Those that do see the future and to those for whom evolution is the present, we know it takes courage... courage to step outside of comfort zones and learn better processes and allow oneself to grow.

Without courage all one has is fear. If AEC doesn't act in the face of BIM fear they are doomed to ambivalent, neurotic impotence.

AEC, you must see that "continuing CAD (drafting) and not completely embracing BIM" is the elephant in your room. The elephant that you ignore (to a large degree)... and you must see how it will impact the world for generations to come... Negatively!!!
Builders of new things must see things anew and use the best tools for the overall good and CAD drafting tools are surely no longer that!!!

Your backwards, destructive ways will catch up to you... shit just look at your own fucking slideshows...

Your archaic ways of thought will splinter you into irrelevancy
Like too many of your ideas
Vision too stale to see through your egos
Driving yourself, powered by fear

I am writing to let you know that BIM can help
BIM can help you win projects
Shit BIM can help you keep projects
BIM helps production
BIM helps lessen litigation
if only you'd hear our cries: Kill CAD (drafting), fully mandate BIM.

We do not mean to kill true CAD: "Computer Aided Design"
but the CAD that most people hear when they use that term: "Computer Aided Drafting"
That's what is leading the charge in killing you, allowing the lowest common denominators to run the show... How laughable a business model that is!!!

Not able to evolve due to the fear of change and the initial investment needed to learn and grow... You have to recall that without great struggle and risk there can be no great success... you used to know that but now it appears that many in AEC are lost in an ego-drunken, fearful stupor.

Solutions do exist but are being ignored by too many in A, E & C (O too)
I don't feel you can wait
Please listen to what we say: Kill CAD (drafting)

When you're asked Why BIM?
There's an answer that sums it up nicely:

Because AEC does not want to become insurance salespeople.

Just before I go a few more morsels to think about when you contemplate your business model... (not BIM Model) -There you go #BimModelingFluffyKittenKillas strike again :-)

There are too many people who call themselves designers who are nothing more than glorified graphic illustrators.

-If a design is over budget or the budget and program is not followed to inform the design, then the "designer" is nothing more than an illustrator, without any insight to client needs or reality.

I know that "reality" is a debatable topic but I simply mean "the agreed upon business reality" Where the client is given what they want for the money that they want to spend.

Integrated firms are much more able to handle all projects efficiently, which will help save the building industry from itself: the more that teams can work efficiently, even if not integrated the better AEC will be.

Architecture positions in too many cases don't pay enough (like other Professionals get) because so many firms undercut each other in hopes of slamming extra services and printing costs onto the clients, then adding a shitload of fluff, like tons of wasted paper just to recover losses.

Bottom line:
Those firms and people who don't adopt BIM & further IPD will continue to lose work and find themselves needing new careers, so if you want to stay in AEC we will see you on the BIM train immediately.

Sincerely,
Present Reality

Revit Project Browser, View & Sheet Organization & Conventions (According to Me)

2012-01-30T00:25:00.000-08:00

A good project is an organized project...
Update 02/01/2012: I reposted the document on Scribd since Box.net is flash and doesn't work on the iPadasauros...damned apple...

JBZ Project Browser Organization 2012

Restructuring for BIM Success: BIM with Intelligence from DesignIntelligence

2012-01-18T01:15:00.000-08:00

One of LARUG's Leadership Consortium (Leather Jackets to follow?) has an article out on DesignIntelligence (@dinet) and if you are implementing BIM or any other process and/or process change this article will surely give food for thought... and a bunch of...well read it for yourself!!! Uhhh that's me BTW : )

"To find success with BIM, firms need to look beyond the CAD processes that staff are comfortable using. Assessment, planning, and communication are key." "CAD processes don’t require that architectural practices be good, but BIM processes do..."

Hit the images & links to the article and the resource links & follow the #BIMandments (Twitter anyone?)

LA CSI Nite: All BIM & Specs, No Crime Scenes

2012-01-11T00:13:00.000-08:00

What are you doing Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 beginning at 2pm?

If you are in the Los Angeles area then plan to come by the (LACSI) Los Angeles Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute's CSI NITE.

Held at the beautiful Los Angeles Marriott Downtown at 333 S. Figueroa St. LA 90071.

So what's on tap (other than food, drinks & awesome networking)...

Why don't we just see...

QA/QC of (BIM) Project Delivery

Bill Schmalz Perkins+Will
Jay B Zallan Perkowitz+Ruth Architects (hey, that's me)

Evolving CA Practices: Shop drawings and other submittals

Debra Gerod Gruen Associates

Integrated Project Collaboration Software - The Missing Link for IPD
Steve Will Submittal Exchange

Integrating BIM and Specs is Real!

Mark Kalin Kalin Associates Specifications

As always hit the red links and images for more...

See BIM, Feel BIM, Touch BIM, Heal BIM... Game=Changed (Soon)

2012-01-10T02:13:00.000-08:00

A Fluffy Kitten and Phil Read Walk Into a Bar...

Veo looks like it is what BIM has been dreaming of...next up; the product releases... "soon"
Follow M-SIX on LinkedIn and get the preview videos from hitting the image below... (See Arch+Tech too)...

Fear and Loathing In a CAD vs. BIM World and a Fluffy Kitten Walk Into a Bar... A 2012 Recap

2011-12-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

The following are 15 selected posts from the past year that I feel are still helpful. I did leave out the post on Revit Tools (no not the bad users) since there are a lot of new tools and I am considering a future post for that...

Thanks to everyone for reading, sharing, adding, teaching, voting, supporting, loving, friending, @ing, forwarding, liking, favorite'ing, this blog & me. I am having a great time growing with you all and will continue to inspire, infuriate, confound and everything else I do :-)

-J

1) Worksharing need to knows

2) Holograms... "To all my friends"

3) Skinput (Not helpful 'yet' but super cool)

4) Copy Monitor (Considerations for beginner to intermediate Reviteurs mostly)

5) More Dimensions of Revit (LOOK AT THE F'ing PROPERTIES DIALOGS PEOPLE!!!)

6) What's the best computer for Revit 2012 (a popular post for readers around the world) Get ready I am going to really up the anti for next year's Revit machine needs!!!

7) (most) Everything you'll need to know about Keynoting (just hit the post, then the 2 red "HERE" links)

8) That damned Revit Cow. (Just wait until RTC2012 everyone... we are going to blow your... mind(s))

9) Programmatic uses of Revit

10) Family Considerations to considerate (yes I know)

11) Keyboard Shortcuts Just for You (and you know who 'you' are)

12) So do you want to be an Architect REALLY? -A fun break from the BIM...

13) Detailing the Revit Detailing Process (NO LINES!!!)

14) Take a Ride on The Rails (A new future is inspired)

15) OMFG Building Rigs Have Unforseen uses -Those will follow next year as well!!!

Have a great New Year and be fantastic all year!!!

BIM In Love

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

“@GeorgeMokhtar2:addins 4 Revit: these guys are taking requests! lnkd.in/cKkAEN” @case_inc please dedicate that song to my girl!!!
— Jay B Zallan (@JayZallan) December 22, 2011

Bradley Components For All (If You Need Them...)

2011-12-16T00:59:00.000-08:00

bit.ly/rGAquJ @jobcaptain Nice dialog twitpic.com/7u6anv #BimModelingFluffyKittenKillas or #BimModelingFluffyGerbilKillas
— Jay B Zallan (@JayZallan) December 16, 2011

Are You A CAD Gerbil or BIM Kitten

2011-12-16T00:57:00.000-08:00

1 Sure Way To Get What You Want ;-)

2011-12-13T01:13:00.000-08:00

Last 2 days 2 Vote @JayZallan to the #AUGI Board bit.ly/rFoQu2 else @davewlight will send around the boys to get U #SavagedByKittens
— Jay B Zallan (@JayZallan) December 13, 2011

Live Renders NOT in the clouds

2011-12-12T00:21:00.000-08:00

There is much ado about clouds, infinite computing, etc. in AEC these days... Call me leery but I just do not see full production ready solutions out there yet (YET!!!)... I know we probably will but not so much yet; furthermore some people just need to work locally for a myriad of reasons...

Well In the past I have used Artlantis as a quick rendering solution in design stages, since they have a Revit plugin to get your files natively there to play with, it's fast and you see your changes live on screen without hitting the render button... Well now I have learned of Lumion. I am getting their demo now to test and will have some results in the future...but it looks quite promising; with live animated objects such as people, water, etc...an interface that 'seems' logical and user friendly (though we will see) and all the effects and modifications & additions are live and applied on-the-fly!!!

So until I get some results here are some demos... check them both out for yourself...
As always the links are links ;-)

LUMION

ARTLANTIS

Oh Revit Forums You Do Love Me Don't You

2011-12-07T02:15:00.000-08:00

A great year and great posts from around the Revit-o-sphere and I am happy to announce that a tutorial-post I created (based on some collaboration with Marcello Sgambelluri), called Make S Ride on The Rails (yes that's a link) has been voted as October's Post of the Month over at the Revit Forum.

The Image (left) links to the RFO main page where you can vote for PotY (Post Of The Year)!!!

Voting seems to be a theme this month, huh!!!

Some pretty rarefied air up there with the other Revit Forum-eers & winners and I am quite happy about that since I must admit, I dig the attention: even though it's the post itself and not me personally that won but I can delude myself easily enough: BTW "we" call that 'dancing'!!!

Next: voting is ALIVE NOW so if you have it in you & are a member of the Revit Forums go share your power!!!

Can we get a groundswell and win that too? I am not sure, but do go and vote for your 3 favorites and know that whomsoever comes out on top it's a win-win for all of us #BimModelingFluffyKittenKillas!!!

Board Of Directors? Vote New Directors Onto The AUGI Board

2011-12-06T00:47:00.000-08:00

Who to vote for? (by hitting the image left)

Me of course!!! (OK OK others as well :-))

There have been a few times where I felt that AUGI could have benefited from a Board of Directors that displayed a passionate and unique perspective such as mine, so when I was asked to throw my hat in for consideration I felt that running for it seemed a logical expression of my desire to inspire and improve our industries.

Many of you who know me: whether socio-digitally, personally or professionally: know that I will add a clear, creative and essential voice to the Board: if elected.

This is one of those (small) times where we can stand together and make our voices truly heard, while building a stronger ADSK community at the same time.

That's what voting is for, right; getting constituent's voices heard and making life a little better? This time; unlike the electoral college system your voices ARE the voices heard!!!

AUGI needs to fill some seats and voting is open through Thursday December 15th 10:59pm GMT (See this Zulu (GMT) Time Zone Guide); You can vote at: http://bit.ly/rFoQu2

If you do not yet know; AUGI (Autodesk User Group International) is a volunteer organization and is free to join, so whether or not you vote please join (if you already haven’t) as there are benefits for all Autodesk Software Users to be had through AUGI at http://www.augi.com/

I hope you can find the short time (outside of business hours) to show your support & vote for me in this endeavor.

There are others running and all of our the candidate information is available and can be found at: http://bit.ly/rNDluY I suggest that you read all of our posted documents as well as our responses to questions posed and make up your own minds (obviously)...

Thank You All Very Much and...

I approved this message :-)

A BIM Model and a Fluffy Kitty Walk Into A Bar

2011-11-23T01:51:00.000-08:00

Bartender says "What will you have BIM Model?", The fluffy kitty (AutoCAT) suddenly dies a bloody death and BIM Model says: "I'll have some of that...again"

Hmmm...A new drink: the "Bloody Fluffy Kitty" It's a double shot size glass of "Tequila, splash Benedictine, & Hot Sauce (unmixed)" Yumm... let's try that out... "I'll have a bloody fluffy kitty please" ... why yes i think that works!!!

So... after completing this post I realized that I'd only grade this Rig family an A-

The minus is because of the two mistakes (not following my own advice by not fully writing everything out first).

Error #1) Numbering of points should have been: P00-P35

That way P00 would be on 0° and all others would have related to their 10° spacing

Error #2) Naming of Minor points should have been: Minor P01- Minor P35

That way the naming would be simpler due to copy/paste efficiencies, like I realized when naming the Ellipse Points.
Plus some of the steps like 1a & 1B should come after 1c & 1d but that's life... there's beauty in imperfection...

That said: on with the... BIM Modeling MEEEOOO O OWWW GURGLE GURGLE

Crap, now we have another dead kitty :-( ???

Today we will look at creating a Rig to allow some nesting. You should consider recreating this type of Rig if you answer yes to any of the following (or have any other reason not mentioned):

1) Do you need 'dimensions' to get an ellipse built by someone?

2) Do you want to get better at building Adaptive Components & the use of Points?

3) Do you want to hone your problem solving skills (even just for the sake of doing it)?

4) Do you love fluffy kittens

5) Do you like to say "BIM Model"

Well the last two questions are just a BIM joke (wow I hope it's not really killing those cute little kitties) that states: (Saying "BIM Model" = 1 Fluffy Kitten Killed) I didn't make it up but I sure continue it (insert evil laugh). I am going to start to use "Saying BIM Model Kills a Fluffy Kitten" as parameter names in the future!!!

Saying "BIM Model" can be fun and I don't feel bad for saying "BIM Model" or writing "BIM Model" because of how I define BIM and BIM Models... According to me:

BIM is a process that creates everything necessary to procure, design, build and run Architectural projects. So saying "BIM Model" is just like saying "3D Model" which are but one part of the process, BIM Models are not the process itself... Take that fluffy kittens...

The processes herein assume that you will flex at each step, so if you don't have good family creation habits in Revit you should expect to create havoc and a broken family... Now you can't say you weren't warned... It's not Revit's fault if we are lazy, thoughtless or simply don't know how to validate and QA/QC our work as we go... I cannot stress enough that Revit family creation need flexing/validation at each step... In order to keep from raising super needy (Revit) families we cannot be enablers, we must be strong and uphold our values!!!

Well, anyhow...

I find that rigs are useful and just as other Artists, Designers, Modelers, Builders, etc. have always used rigs, so do I...

With rigs we can build things one time and adapt them for many uses... The imagination is the limit to what can be hosted to these rigs. What other uses can this be fit into? That's for you to define... If you think creatively and open then you can/will find many potential uses, if you think positionally and closed and don't look for potential, etc. then you might as well stop reading right here. -I am just saying :-)

OK Onto the post

Having "some" people build ellipse shaped constructions can be a pain... I have given Contractors several methods, including the 'string method', chock full of the necessary dimensions and for one reason or another that wasn't going to work according to them... I have resorted to printing 1/4 of entire elliptical rooms for others, but that can be impractical for everyone. So when a colleague was having this very issue (needing a detail with dimensions) the other day I sent them a copy of the "Auxiliary Circles Method" from Architectural Graphic Standards with the explaination, as they needed a detail with dimensions to give to a builder... Here are the simple directions, similar to the Graphic Standard ones:

1) Draw Circle of the Minor Axis Radii

2) Draw Circle of the Major Axis Radii

3) Draw ‘Rays’ that extend to the Major Axis Radii Circle (repeat) -The more 'the better

4) At each intersection of Major Axis Radii (Step 2) & the Rays (Step 3) Draw Vertical Lines straight down (perpendicular to Major Axis Line)

5) At each intersection of Minor Axis Radii (Step 1) & the Rays (Step 3) Draw Horizontal Lines straight across (parallel to Major Axis Line)

At each meeting of the lines from steps 4 & 5 make a point, join the points using ships curves, or a really good freehand, etc. and the result will be a true ellipse: As long as you join the points properly :-)

I was looking at the image above (credit Graphic Standards) and was mesmerized... looking at the image I thought "Hey, I bet that would be a fun Rig to build in Revit: and who knows maybe it will lead to other inspiration or even be useful"...

So I did, it was!!! And here it goes:

Preliminary note: I used shared parameters so if I use any of the angle parameters on other rigs or families they are ready and waiting. Look at the future!!!

Big 'R' New>Family>Generic Adaptive...

1) Create 2 Circles of different size & parametrize the radii to be:

a) Major Radii (Under Constraints)

a1) Use formula: = Major Length / 2

b) Minor Radii (Under Constraints)

b1) Use formula: = Minor Length / 2

c) Create length parameter: Major Length (Under Dimensions)

d) Create length parameter: Minor Length (Under Dimensions)

These length parameters will be what the user changes to get different types (yes, I made them type parameters)

2) Create a Point on the base REF PLANE

a) Change its "Offset" value to 30' (for example)

b) Associate "Offset" to a new length parameter called: "Height"

3) Create an elliptical Reference Line at the base level

a) Associate the big length to: Major Length

b) Associate the smaller length to: Minor Length

4) Similar to steps 3, 3a* & 3b* except this time set the active REF PLANE to be the one set to Height (the one above but parallel to the base level Plane).

* If you want the final ellipse to taper then you will want to create separate parameters for that.

5) Create 36 points along each Circle (yes there will be 72 of these but don't worry there will be more!!!

Note: Set one at 0° (P01) then 8 in between that and 90° (Top or 12 o'clock), then 8 more between 90° & 180° (opposite P01), 8 more between that and 270° (bottom or 6 o'clock) and 8 more between 270° & 0°: totaling 36) -This will allow one point every 10° ...logical, yes?

a) Host the points to the circles (they get small)

b) Set them all to "Angle" under 'Measurement Type'

c) Name them (tedious but it really is useful and necessary) I used the following:

c1) P01-P36 (for the major points)

c2) P01 Minor - P36 Minor (for the major points obviously)

I should have used :Minor P01", etc. as a naming convention since copying & pasting that would have made the tedium a bit less.

d) Remember those shared parameters I mentioned earlier? Well here's the time to create them:

d1) Create Angle shared parameter "Start Angle" (this will be set to 0° and linked to P01 through it's formula... See image of all parameters, below)...

d2) Create Angle shared parameters called P01 through P36 (these are what points P01 through P36 are associated to, of course)

d3) Associate each pair of corresponding points to these shared parameters (P01 to P01, etc)

Did I mention the formulas I used for each of these? Well, look at the image below for all of the parameters I used (Note that I probably should change them from "constraint' and organize them under 'Other' -which I normally don't use but in this case it would be much easier for the end user)...

6) Create 'Splines Through Points' for all 36 pairs of corresponding points

a) Select a pair of corresponding points

b) Hit the 'Splines Through Points' tool (see image below)

c) This turns them into Reference Lines: do that for all pairs...

Phew: Now that we have done all that more fun begins...

Remember: breathe...

Ellipse Reference Points

These will be the completion (???) of the rig and they will move in direct relation to their corresponding points along the Major & Minor Radii since we will constrain them so... These are similar to the points that result by intersecting the lines from the Auxiliary Circles Method found in that Graphic Standards image shown earlier.

Name these ellipse reference points properly, like: Ellipse P02, etc. -As you will see we won't need Ellipse P01, Ellipse P10, Ellipse P19 or Ellipse P28. Why? Only points along the ellipse will want to be visible and...Points 'P01', 'P10 Minor', 'P19' & 'P28 Minor' will all fall on the ellipse as a function of nature or physics or math, etc. as they will be at the 12, 3, 6 & 9 o'clock positions of the Radii...

So we will set all the points that fall on the ellipse to the visibility parameter "Ellipse Reference Points" (you know, points 'P01', 'P10 Minor', 'P19' & 'P28 Minor' and the 32 other "Ellipse Reference Points" we are about to make).

The reason for their visibility? So we can dimension them at the project level...one main point for using such a rig (but not the only one by far!!!) How about making a dynamic... (you'll have to wait to the end of this moderately epic post for the conclusion of that sentence...) Now back to creating the Ellipse Reference Points...

Go to your 3D view & set it to "Top" and make sure that P01 is at the 3 o'clock position; then open a plan view (with view range set correctly to see all you need) and tile these 2 views to work functionally.

7) Set the active Reference Plane to be the flat plane from Points 'P02' & 'P02 Minor' (not shown in the image at left but at least the image shows a flat ref plane, along one of the Reference Lines :-) and that's the ...point... pun intended.

8) Place a point on that Reference Plane, do not place it on any objects such as the line itself, etc.

-See image below for these next steps:

a) Name the point per your planned convention

b) Change the 'Show Reference Planes' value to "Always"

c) Associate 'Angle' to the corresponding Radii Point's angle parameter

d) Check the 'Mirrored' box

e) Check the 'Flipped' box

f) Align & lock the ellipse point to the Minor Point, not the Minor point's ref planes but the point itself.

The ellipse reference points' ref planes will be used to align to though. Confused? See the image left.

To reiterate: The Minor "Points" are the Align "TO" object (1st Align click), the Ellipse Point's "Horizontal REF PLANE" is what we Align up to that (2nd Align click)

g) Align & lock the same ellipse point to the Major Point, not the Major point's ref planes but the point itself.

The ellipse reference points' ref planes will be used to align to though. Confused? See the image left.

To reiterate: The Major "Points" are the Align "TO" object (1st Align click), the Ellipse Point's "Vertical REF PLANE" is what we Align up to that (2nd Align click)

Alignment for these Ellipse Points: Point to Planes...Point to Planes...

Once I have created the first of these aligned/locked Ellipse Points I flex the "Start Angle" parameter, just to see if they work properly...I do not continue unless they work...

That flexing (32 times) may seem tedious but since I will use this Rig for actual constructions (Hmmm Nesting some ___ on these points...) I need this to really work: if it was purpose built for ONLY generating points along an ellipse then it wouldn't have to flex, so most of the parameters and work would be unnecessary; but for my uses and my future uses it IS necessary for the angle parameters to work and all of these points need to move in concert with one-another.

NOTE: Ellipses are perfectly symmetrical so if you need a simple rig for dimensioning an ellipse juts do this kind of thing for 1/4 of the rig and just let the builder transpose the dimensions around the object... But I want to use this to layout designs, etc. so I am going all the way!!!

ANOTHER NOTE: You had better use dimensions set to their best possible limit (1/256") or else these will never get built even nearly correct, if dimensions are the guide.

9) Remembering what I said previously "So we will set all the points that fall on the ellipse to the visibility parameter "Ellipse Reference Points" (you know, points 'P01', 'P10 Minor', 'P19' & 'P28 Minor' and the 32 other "Ellipse Reference Points"...)" It's now time to set them so.

a) Select all of the Ellipse Reference Points & the other 4 mentioned previously

b) Click the Associate Parameter button next to the field for "Visible"

If you didn't create a visibility parameter yet:

c) Click Add Parameter and add one :-)

Once associated i set the behavior to be "on" by default... Also Instance or Type is your choice...

Voilà an Elliptical Rig.

Hey Bartender: Yes BIM Model? I'll Have another bloody fluffy kitty now!!! So to end where we began just so much different now...

A new drink: the "Bloody Fluffy Kitty" It's a double shot size glass of "Tequila, splash Benedictine, & Hot Sauce (unmixed)" Yumm... Next time i will go over nesting some other Adaptive families into this rig for some (more) real excitement!!!

Make S Ride on "The Rails": Tastes great, More Fulfilling

2011-11-17T00:36:00.000-08:00

After collaboration with Marcello Sgambelluri, inspiring each other to a breakthrough of sorts on how we can model more effectively in Revit...at least for some components & objects: I posted a solution for how to create twisting geometry; using 'rails' to drive angles RIGHT HERE.

So now, it's that Revit Forum's "favorite post of the month" voting time!!!

It seems that the awesome folks at the RFO have thought enough of my post to nominate it for best of the month...WOOHOO... They even looked past my 'crying' about member statuses being goofy.

So If you would like to help me stuff the ballot boxes (or really; if you think it's a good posting) Hit the image at left to get your voice heard... The winner gets the honor of peer recognition (giving others crap :-)).

If you haven't seen the original postings hit This Blog's Post and for the back-story see the LARUG blog post...

After you vote that is!!! FYI: I did vote for others as well :-)

AUGI World November Issue

2011-11-15T01:42:00.000-08:00

Great articles as always and SoCal Reviteur Brian Andresen got the cover.

Read the entire issue, as there is gold throughout!!!

As usual hit the images for the goods!!! The top image is for downloading any AUGI World issue and the image below is directly to the online version...

RTC USA 2012 Southern Hospitality here we come!!!

2011-11-04T00:21:00.000-07:00

These timezones are fun... Although I also got this email last night @davewlight blogged it out first so I'll just link to his post!!! Plus if you don't already visit his site regularly you should...

So go check out the RTC USA 2012 notice and we'll see you there, in June!!!

Perception, Breakthrough, Success & Help

2011-10-20T02:11:00.000-07:00

Click Me!!! for the first part of this cross-post, if you want to understand where all the perspective & viewpoint is coming from!!!

On To The Help!!! More Transformation for all.

One of the questions was how to correctly model a twisting element (see image left).

Marcello Sgambelluri & I took this one on. I modeled it the (now) olden way, as a generic component. I got the majority of success, where the model rotated from 1° to 76°. good since it only needs twist to 90°. but that is now a dead way to model...what I mean is, angular dimensions for rotation present inherent limitations... The other reasons for a new way of modeling is due to a breakthrough that Marcello had, that should/has inspired us all... Even people who think of themselves as Revit Heavyweights!!!

The breakthrough came due to this simple modeling exercise, so get it? Marcello was open enough to let himself grow, even though he is already an amazing modeler It happened while he was driving into work (on his long commute) where he usually builds the pieces he is thinking about in his mind first...He knows to never stop growing & pushing himself... If that isn't using a good plan I don't know what is... PLAN FOR SUCCESS!!!

It's funny, we were talking about how that seems so obvious to us but (unfortunately) most people are too lazy (or whatever) for continuously learning & growth... it's just too much work for some... More work for 'us' I guess...

The breakthrough: Circles.

"Let things ride on the rails"...

FYI: I rebuilt this based on the concepts that Marcello spoke of, so if I can do it...I can do it... :-) No...You can also!!!

A circle immediately gives a center & width, etc. and a nice stable place for points to host onto, no need for EQ constraints!!!

The point in the center (1) is given an offset (2 & 3) that will dictate Length -no dimension needed!!!

If the main REF PLANES are "0" then this "offset" will be the distance away from there, naturally...

The points on the circle or 'rail' are told to be Angles & given Parameters of Twist Angle (name inconsequential) & the one that is opposite it given Twist Angle opposite (I used 1 & 2 so both sides of this could twist if desired)...

Getting this so far???

The 'Twist Angle opposite' parameters need a bit of a formula: See image left...

The "-180°" makes them planar to one-another... Thus no EQ constraint!!! More Control, More Stability; Less Work!!!

We get the Reference Line between the points by selecting the 2 points & clicking the Spline Between Points tool and Voilà a line.

Remember to go to it's properties to turn it into a REF Line...

Repeat this process for the other ends' circle & points (no need for the "offset" point, as this RAIL wants to stay in it's planar location...

Half Width was added to each rail, to dictate the width, as we want width to be twice the circle's radius.

Simple right...

well it's simple once you are open to it, but even many seasoned pro's never thought of this... but I bet "we"...uhhh...I mean "they" will take credit for finding it :-)

...there may be others but Marcello was surely the first person I know of personally who stumbled onto this... Always pushing, always growing!!! Not even ADSK people knew this outright.

OK where were we... Oh yeah the twisting object itself... Hint: To create the surface set the opposing angle parameters to less than 90° so Revit doesn't overthink the shape and blow it up. Once created it will flex past 90°, it just needs to be created below that...

Select the 2 REF Lines (that are built onto those points on the rails) & click "Create Form" and you have another Voilà moment...

Associate Material to a new Material parameter, so you can change it from the project & you should be good... If you flexed each step of the way and were successful that is!!! If not...Try again!!!

Well I think that's enough for now...Be Great!!!

A very special Thanks goes out to Robb, Scott, Bill, Vince & everyone at Océ for hosting this great event, we really dug the space & we'll be back!!!

Details in BIM: a Process Conceptualization

2011-10-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

OK, Here is the paper I promised on Detailing concepts.

It has changed a bit (quite a bit) from the preview but I hope it's worth your while to read.

I read it as both inspiring, as well as heavy handed in it's assertions that one needs to hold to schedules and processes: but hey that's me...I just like to have projects that run as smooth as possible... XD

If you don't see the PDF below (that takes a few seconds (10-15+/- to load), as embedded from Scribd.com (@Scribd) then use the links way down below @ the bottom of this post.
Details in BIM a Process Conceptualization

Full Screen, Direct Link to Details in BIM: a Process Conceptualization

Link for all of J's 'Scribd' Documents

Cheers,

Status Update & A Taste of Detail Conceptualization

2011-10-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

Writing a bunch, beta testing a whole lot & as usual work & family take a lot of time (this is a lame excuse for not posting lately).

I will have some awesome (to me at least) postings in the near future, so bare with me :-)... For now; here's a taste:

Detailing in Revit
There are several ways to detail in Revit and each can be used to reach differing solutions and each is suitable for different documentation, coordination & construction needs.

Detail Typologies
Details can be intellectualized as having two main Typologies, namely 2D & 3D.
•    There are three main types of Two-Dimensional (2D) details.
•    There are two main types of Three-Dimensional (3D) details.

Combining 2D & 3D details we can communicate Design intent, Coordinate projects & provide better, more efficient Construction Documents, telling the design story more effectively.

2D Detail Types & View Name Abbreviation Prefix(es)
DT    Drafting View Details
DS    Detail Sections
DH    Hybrid Details
3D Detail Types
3M    3D Model Views
3T    3D Details

Detail Methodology
The first steps in any successful endeavor are planning: and detailing a project is no exception.

The quantity & types of details used in a project are to be planned for throughout the project, usually beginning in the early to mid SD phase with more refinement when planning the transition to the DD phase.

Further planning & process refinement is done prior to, as well as throughout the CD phase as well.

Planning details is tracked and managed from a Schedule View, using custom parameter values input to ensure that what has been planned is being addressed, by whom & what the status is at any one time.

This planning can be done exporting schedules to other database software but that is not recommended, due to the fact that data outside of the BIM project file is disassociated and can lead to undesired inconsistencies & worse yet, errors and would require a lot of re-creation & re-coordination.

Use Cases
Detail methodologies can be broken out for several use cases, including: Typical 2D Details, Project Specific 2D Details, Modified-Typical 2D Details, 3D Views & 3D Details.

3D views & 3D Details will be used in conjunction with the more historically commonplace 2D details, to powerfully augment the AEC process.

The Design and Construction teams will find both their understanding, coordination & visualization of specific conditions within the BIM project greatly rationalized, with extraordinary value when combined 2D & 3D information is leveraged in the AEC, BIM Design, Production & Construction processes…

The completion of this paper & more... "soon"...

Disruptive Technology at it's Finest!!!?

2011-09-13T02:44:00.000-07:00

The clouds (costs) are falling!!!, The clouds (costs) are falling!!!

...And we couldn't be more pleased.

I am going to pull the trigger on this one for sure: @Bitcasa infinite cloud storage/sync/sharing is only $10 per month... Now we just need to wait for the impending Beta...

With the amount of data I have and the fact that I want universal access to it seems like this will be a big old HELL YEAH!!!

Hit the red links herein & the image for a review & more...

Got Collaborate? AUGI World Can Help

2011-08-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

In the August Issue of AugiWorld (Out Now!!!, from AUGI of course) our friend Troy Gates has contributed an article speaking to Revit Collaboration, lending a bit of historical foundation, for us to move into the unknown future from... As always hit the links & Images for the resources themselves, The image below will get you to where you can download your own copy... The embed above is the online readable version...

Take care, -J

Do You Want To Be An Architect?

2011-08-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

Sage advice that is spot on.
Too bad the damned video isn't shown in Architecture Schools (or earlier)!!!

AUGIWORLD Content Managers Unite!!! TOOT, TOOT

2011-08-01T01:41:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to download the Current AUGIWorld Issues (@AUGI) then hit the prior link... Hey; I know that (highlighted) guy...

Consider my own horn tooted XD...

The first issue that I CM'd the RAC will be out later this summer: August I believe. It will feature an article by the incomparable Troy Gates (@TroyGates)... So look out for that in the coming weeks...

Don't forget to read friend of this blog: Jon Landeros' (@JonLanderos) article co-written with John Evans, on Inventor too...

New Revit Family Template!!! Bovine Model Face Based

2011-07-26T01:48:00.002-07:00

In a previous post we got this comment;

Well Anonymous did you actually look??? It's the first one in the list...see below!!!

BTW: I thought the "I don't see the Bovine Template in my Family Editor" comment was hilarious!!!

Marcello from The Revit Complex sent me the image in response to that comment and oddly he thought I wouldn't post it... (silly Marcello, I guess you never saw the 'free cat' photo a friend said I wouldn't post!!! :-)

Just to add (more?) clarity to the propriety of modeling a cow, etc. in Revit...

NO ONE INTIMATED THAT YOU SHOULD MODEL A CAR or COW OR ANY OTHER LIVESTOCK IN REVIT... That said & as an ironic FYI The (Revit) Factory actually asked Marcello to model a cow, for them to test Revit's wall hosting functionality!!! Scoreboard Cow!!!

Now a hearty "get a life" to another "Anonymous"; the 'A-Hole-Anonymous' (who is not the anonymous mentioned above), but the anonymous who called me 'fatty' (LOL) & who completely missed the point, probably by NOT reading the posting they commented on...

Then Suddenly:
On to another comment: this one by someone with at least enough courage to post under their name; that said, their comment was: "Sure, you can excavate using spoon for a swimming pool too. But that would take years. No matter how open minded you are, creating consent like a car in Revit is not viable option economically at this moment."

...REALLY? First off it's 'content' but I get that was just a thoughtless typo in a less than thoughtful comment... Maybe consider (AND READ) what you write before spewing onto the world...

While that 'excavate with a spoon' comment may be clever, or funny; it is both wonderfully incorrect as well as an extremely myopic perspective that is simply a personal & limited outlook

...for several reasons:
1) They were paid for by clients!!! (Doh)
2) They were intended to show possibilities & how to use Revit at a very high level (which they do).
3) There are infinite possibilities for creation and who the fuck are you to say what is or isn't appropriate for someone to create? (No-one, that's who).

THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF PEOPLE IN THE WORLD AND THERE IS ROOM FOR ALL & ALL OF THEIR CREATIONS...HATERS NEED TO LIGHTEN UP!!!

EVEN CREATIVE ACTS THAT WE DON'T PERSONALLY LIKE OR BELIEVE IN MUST BE PROTECTED: KIND OF LIKE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, REMEMBER?

WE DON'T NEED TO AGREE WITH EVERYTHING OTHERS CREATE BUT WE MUST BE OPEN TO THEIR FREEDOM TO CREATE, OR AT LEAST OPEN TO THE EXISTENCE OF THE CREATION & VALIDITY THEREOF, AS THERE ARE PROBABLY GREAT LESSONS TO LEARN (AND DIFFERENT LESSONS FOR EVERYONE).

Yes there is freedom of speech, so all of the comments good/bad are welcomed, just know that:

WITH FREEDOM OF SPEECH COMES FREEDOM OF CONSEQUENCE(S).

Creativity is speech, just like all speech, including comments on blogs, because:
The stones we throw may just be aimed at ourselves.

AS LONG AS ONE PERSON THINKS SOMETHING IS WORTHY OF CREATING THAT IS ENOUGH REASON FOR IT'S EXISTENCE.

JUDGEMENT IS GREAT FOR KILLING IDEAS.

CREATING IS BEYOND JUDGEMENT.

Marcello said something wonderful at a recent LARUG: "I am about 'could', while others are about 'should'"... Whether he knows it or not that is what separates Artists from Idiots... Artists are concerned with doing & idiots are concerned with stifling & killing creativity.

That's the reason I don't answer "WHY" questions in classes, only "HOW" questions... Why's are left for after class, when time is not important.

Oh yeah: since the truck & the Telehandler WERE PAID FOR BY A CLIENT then I again suggest that taking a wider view of the world & it's potentials will prove a strategy to suffice much better... Remember that We, as individuals may not know it all...

Until you walk a mile in my shoes...right???!!!

Revit Keyboard Shortcuts: Just For You ...And You Know Who You Are

2011-07-22T01:15:00.000-07:00

I am posting these so I can easily get to them, but if you'd like to use these feel free to download & share at will... Hit the images as usual...

To use the actual XML file (in case you didn't know):
Big R>Options>User Interface Tab>Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize...Import...

An Excel file of the shortcuts to organize & print & learn & share...

"...Do you know what (who) you are? You are what (who) you is, you is what you am, the cow don't make ham..."

If you are that "Anonymous" that hated on the Revit Cow you should know: You Have a broken heart....

Simply Complex, The Revit Complex (Freudians Unite)

2011-07-14T01:47:00.000-07:00

The Revit Complex; by Marcello Sgambelluri is one of the newest and in my opinion most long awaited Blogs to get onto the BIM Blog train... Now we just need him to become a Twit(terer)... Come on Marcello: No @... for you???

...Long anticipated yet if his posts keep up the quality of work (which it will) that I know him to produce professionally, then we are in store for fun times and great avenues to learn and expand our own craft; whether Structural, Architectural, or MEPural (Yes, MEPural is now a real word, so get over it!!!). Good things come to those of us who wait and The Revit Complex immediately adds (and will continue to add) to our growing Revit, BIM & modeling toolbox... If you can follow the complexity that is :-)

Marcello is a dedicated Reviteur and has produced some of the more complex geometric projects for John A Martin Associates; At times working with and pushing The (Revit) Factory to either add new functionality or come up with strategies to work around some limitations that we still :-( find in Revit (see his article in the old AECEdge about: multiple-directionally-curved-beams: and the masses that they need to be modeled as).

That said the Revit Cow & the Elephant (images link to the posts) are ALL examples of Native Revit, no additives or fillers or other byproducts!!! 250 hours or so each but the question: "Can complex geometry be modeled in Revit?" can now and once again be laid to rest perhaps FOREVER!!!

Phew... Thanks Marcello!!!

I am so F'ing tired of answering that question, so it's great that now we can point them to your Blog as another place to dispell some of the BS people (read as: AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, etc. users) say about what Revit can or can't do... but that will be another post...

Back to it... My bottom line: I am very happy to welcome Marcello to the Revit-O-BIM-O-Blog-O-Sphere and will keep a close eye on all that is Simply Complex! and suggest that you hit his site and follow & join him and his digital presence!!!

BTW: a little secret about those tires above...Shhhh... They are Curtain Panels!!!

Yikes!!!

The oft-improperly and quite over used cliché about thinking "out of the box" is actually both applicable here and also a double entendre!!! It applies as is, for doing anything of value like complex modeling; and also works as in: We need to look "out(side) of the box" for tools and methods and thoughts to do anything complex &/or worthwhile!!! Here's to a long life of learning & sharing with & from Marcello...and join in The Revit Complex... I have it bad!!!

RTC USA Me Part 2: A+Revit Families

2011-06-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

This time the presentation is first & the handout after... Only one may be needed, as they are mainly the same... you decide though... Cheers

Session 10 Part B a+Revit Families Jay Zallan Presentation

Session 10 Part B a+Revit Families Jay Zallan Handout

RTC USA Me Part 1: Ah, Whats The Program Doc? Revit for Planning

2011-06-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

As promised first is the Handout, followed by the Powerpoint presentation... They may take a few seconds to load, depending on your connection... Enjoy!!!

Session 4 Ah Whats the Program Doc Revit for Planning Jay Zallan Handout

Session 4 Ah Whats the Program Doc Revit for Planning Jay Zallan Presentation

RTC USA & J... Ah, What's The Program Doc?

2011-06-10T01:11:00.000-07:00

The following (quoted text) is an excerpt from one of the upcoming RTC USA classes I am presenting... More to follow... Follow the RTC, that is!!!

These images illustrate but 2 of the many kinds of Planning & Programmatic projects possible. Using Revit as the main production tool; we created a scenario where immediate program validation & design verification was possible and sometimes actually FUN!!!

"...Before anything we must formulate a road-map to ensure predictable results, inclusive of most of our needs.

The common road-map for any project is: Assess / Devise / Generate / Validate.

Assess The type of project will dictate what approach is used and there are many possible approaches. Herein we will look at several project types: TI and Office, Urban Planning and Client specific projects; in your approach define the scope of the project, based on client program, practice needs, etc. Generate a topology to capture thoughts and ideas, as these will most likely fluctuate so having good process documentation is paramount to train & communicate to colleagues and others.

Devise (Plan) your needs, keeping the end result in mind; “Will this become an office standard, will it need 3D review or simply 2D and Informational” and on and on. Sketch out what the components and results want to look like –a sort of cartoon set of components and sheet design, etc. At the end of this document is included a simple but useful 2 page “Family Planning” document that I use to sketch out & help formulate and plan families, designs and so forth; this way when I get to the actual creation phase I have a good understanding of the items necessary and have a kind of blueprint for blueprints, as it were.

Generate or Create: Need I say more? Well, I will… This is the time to begin to create the families, key schedules, schedules, parameters (shared & or project), design options and any other components that were deemed necessary in the assessment and planning phases. The suggested workflow is to create prototypes for each individual object, outside of any ‘official’ template first, so validation can be accomplished without creating havoc in final template files.

Best Practice: PROTOTYPE FIRST; whenever creating any family, etc.

Validate. The QA & QC phase. Flex all families in both the family editor as well as in a proxy project, again before bringing them into any prospective project or template. Test all other components & schedules, etc. we only want completely functional and tested objects into Revit®..."

Hope to see you (t)here!!!

Images courtesy: Gensler

Kiss Revit's ASHRAE: Autodesk Labs Does it Again!!!

2011-05-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

I don't think I need to say much more than that!!!

AEC & MEP folks take note... Hit the image for the Autodesk Labs' Plugin of the Month for April.

Thank you Mr. Labs.
Sincerely,
Mr. Buttle

EXTREME(ly) BIM & Other Useful USC Offerings

2011-05-31T00:35:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again and Karen Kensek & the entire USC BIM team are at it once (or should I say 3 times) more... See the following & as always hit the images for links to the site(s)... And I will see you at the BIMposium!!!

This summer, the USC School of Architecture is offering THREE EVENTS that you might be interested in: the (almost free) annual BIM symposium EXTREME BIM 2011, the Façade Tectonics conference, and a series of Executive Education seminars including one on BIM.

Please take the time to email if you are seriously interested in the current and future state of the profession.
Thank you for your time!

1) 5th Annual BIM Symposium: Extreme BIM (almost free) - the most exciting event of the year!

Friday, July 8th. Register on the website. Please reserve your spot soon; BIM Analytics filled up last year.

http://arch-pubs.usc.edu/extreme-bim/

EXTREME BIM: Friday, July 8th, 8:15 am - 4:15 pm (very, very small fee of $25

Keep checking back on the website as additional information will be updated there including the final schedule including the times of the individual talks. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THE SYMPOSIUM ON THE WEBSITE.

http://arch-pubs.usc.edu/extreme-bim/

The speakers for EXTREME BIM 2011 were instructed to give presentations that advance the idea of building information modeling, show things that most of the audience may not be aware of, and demonstrate that BIM is cool and cutting edge! We have put together a slate of speakers that includes representatives from architecture, engineering, construction, education, and owners. Explore a side of BIM that you have not seen before!

Moderator: Karen Kensek, USC, School of Architecture

List of Speakers:

Mario Guttman, AIA, LEED AP | Design Applications Research Leader, Perkins + Will Application Programming for Computational Design "A Case Study on Driving Revit from Ecotect"

Ian Keough, Associate, Buro Happold Consulting Engineers PC "Out of the Box : BIM Tools for Visualization and Documentation"

Nathan Miller, NBBJ, Associate

"Dataspaces and Uncertainty"

Joseph Burns, SE, PE, FAIA, Managing Principal, Thornton Tomasetti "Stretching BIM: Design to Construction"

Chandler Ahrens, Morphosis

"Progressive Feedback"

Michael Kilkelly AIA, Associate - Gehry Partners "Translations from Model to Building"

Bradley Hardin, RA, LEED AP, Vice President of Strategic Pursuits, Balfour Beatty Construction "BIM and Extreme Execution: Why Digital Field Work is Everything"

TEAM Gensler

Adam Gumowski, Designer

Brian Fraumeni, Designer

Kristen George, Designer

Lorenzo Marasso, Designer

Yasushi Ishida, Designer

"Mind the Gap"

Brian K. Stewart, Partner and Nicole Davis Tinkham, Associate, Collins Collins Muir + Stewart LLP "A Legal Perspective on BIM"

Robert Cull, Executive Project Director, Cedars-Sinai Health System, Facilities Planning, Design and Construction "Document Management/Control in the BIM Process"

TEAM CCC (some might be virtual)

Lee Belarmino, Vice President of Information Technology and Bond Executive, San Joaquin Delta College Kimon Onuma, FAIA , President ONUMA Inc. / Founder of BIMStorms John Roach, Director, Systems Analysis & Research, Foundation for California Community Colleges "BIG BIM BANG: How the California Community College System Connected 71 Million Square feet of BIM, GIS, and Facility Management Data in the Cloud"

** If you are an AIA member and wish to sign up for CEUs, please remember to bring your AIA number with you. It will be somewhere around 5 CEUs.

2) Façade Tectonics Two Day Conference (for those interested specifically in the building envelope) - Contact Doug Noble, dnoble@usc.edu

FACADE TECTONICS: All day Friday and Saturday, July 29-30, 2011.

$95 Registration, $45 for students. Ten (10) AIA CEU units (HSW).

The Graduate Building Science program at USC holds facade conferences two times each year. The summer 2011 program builds on the highly successful and widely acclaimed Fall 2010 conference. 29 speakers. Examples topics at this conference include: Double Skin Facades, Parametrics and Facades, Facades and Seismic Motion, Structural Glass facades, Building Façade Retrofit, Dynamic Skins, Computational Methods for Façade Design, Daylighting and Glare, Analytical Computing Tools, and lots more.

3) Executive Education (more BIM and façade seminars) - http://execed.uscarchitecture.com/

2011 USC Architecture Summer Executive Education Program (not free) http://execed.uscarchitecture.com/program/bim-101/

http://execed.uscarchitecture.com/

Extreme BIM (Friday, July 8th) includes many shorter presentations in a lecture hall format. If you prefer small, seminar classes that focus more deeply on just a few topics, consider taking one of the School of Architecture, Executive Education Seminars. The courses are designed to be intimate in size with only 15-20 students in each class. This is the opportunity to interactively discuss the role of BIM in the profession with other architects.

This year, we will be hosting a one day BIM seminar on Thursday, July 7th from 9 am to 5 pm. The two day seminar has been cancelled, but the topics have been folded into the one day seminar for a rich BIM experience. For those of you also attending Extreme BIM, Gensler has provided a different set of speakers and lecture material.

Featured firms are HNTB and Gensler with Gautum Shenoy and Chris Bushong leading the panel of speakers. There will also be discussions about emerging technologies and the AIA TAP BIM award winners by Marty Doscher (SYNTHESIS Technology Integration) and Jim Balding (The Ant Group).

Extreme BIM is free if you enroll in the Exec Ed seminar.

Make your BIM experience a double header with both Exec Ed and Extreme BIM!

Karen Kensek

USC, School of Architecture

Wanna Say You Made Your First Revit Plugin? The Factory Can Help

2011-05-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wanted to say "I made my first Revit Plugin"; primarily to enable yourself the ability to make more... then you'll want to hit the image @ left!!!

Thanks to the (Revit) Factory & ADN Revit Team!!!

Revit Can't Do That... Wait; it Can!!!

2011-05-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

If anyone says Revit Can't do something let them be on notice that they are almost assuredly wrong!!!

The image links to more... and YES that's a native Revit Cow Family!!!

See this link for more: The Revit Complex

Revit Addins Offered up to LARUG (and you). Thanks C RUG!!!

2011-05-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

Hit the Image for the whole scoop!!!

May 2011 Los Angeles Revit Users Group Meeting & a potential for a Revit Cow

2011-05-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

LARUG Meeting Wednesday May 18th 6pm @ JAMA Los Angeles. Revit Cow???

Yes!!! you are invited!!!
Hit the images if you'd like more info... The always great Marcello Sgambelluri will be one of the presenters!!!

AU Gonna Teach Again (at AU) This Year??? Hope So!!!

2011-05-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Hopefully I have a few classes chosen again and am included in having the privilege to be teaching at AU again this year. Years past have seen a lot of great stuff, even from me!!! This year is expected to be better... as long as I have a few classes of mine included that is... :-)

Anyhow if you have been procrastinating then you have only 1 day left to submit class proposals, so hit the AU Image above and get on with it... You only have until Friday, May 6 2011 to get them submitted.

Good luck to all who are submitting!!!

Oh; One more thing; The Seminar (right) that I am proposing is planned to be co-presented by the talented Troy Gates (and perhaps others), so if you have influence with ADSK then vote for this class, it will be an extreme look deep into coordination techniques...

Cheers All,

Architecture & New Technology: The Ant Group to the rescue

2011-05-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

Local to Southern California; In town or want to fly out here on Mondays? If so and you are new to, or haven't gotten on the Revit & BIM train(ing) Train yet but want to: then the Ant Group may be a great place to start.

Beginning tonight Jim Balding is "Beta'ing" MONDAY NIGHT REVIT [MNR] (yeah, notice for tonight is short but these will keep happening, so never fear, go get on their email list!!! -by clicking the image above, left...).

Go get some New Revit Kicks!!! Though the cool shoe image below links to Rev'It Motorcycles page (perhaps the coolest name for Motorcycle stuff ...to Revit aficionados at least); the Ant Group's meetings are not about Motorcycles, they ARE about the BIM kind of Revit!!! And learning the fundamentals is always...well...fundamental.

Here's a synopsis

"We are calling it beta as we are not sure where it will go. The theory is that there is a need for affordable informal Revit training/guidance on an on-going basis. Keeping it informal allows us to go where we want, explore what we want to explore and get detailed where we want to get detailed. Keeping it affordable allows for more participation. This will not take the place of formal intensive training, perhaps supplement it.

WHO – We are inviting anyone that has an interest in learning more about Revit. We will start out very basic, but will allow the group to guide the direction. We will, however, keep it to the basics as this keeps the content more relative for the majority of users and there is more than enough there to keep us very busy. If there is a need for advanced topics, we can evaluate that as well.

WHAT – Revit Basics

WHERE – The ANT Group, 18025 Sky Park Circle, Ste K, Irvine CA

WHEN – Monday nights 6:30 – 8:00, starting 25 April 2011

Starting with: “What’s New in Revit 2012 – UI Changes, Visualization Enhancements, 3D Tagging” with the following week being “What’s New in Revit 2012 – Revit Server, Linking Improvements and Massing Enhancements”. After that we will get to the real basics like “Everything you Want to Know about Walls”, “Family Creation”, “Stairs and Railings”, “Floors and Roofs”, “Schedules”, “Working with Consultants”, “Massing”, “Materials and Rendering”, “Best Practices”, “Working with Worksets”, “Creating and Maintaining Templates”, “Keynotes, Notes and Text”, “Company Standards”, on and on and on and on…

WHY – There seems to be a need for affordable fundamental training/guidance for Revit.

HOW – Not sure how this will all shake out, but I plan on picking a topic and lecturing for an 60-75 minutes and have a question and answer session after. We will publish topics a week ahead of time and keep it flexible and go where the group wants to go. This will be a lecture only to begin with, if there is a need to go to a BYOL (bring your own laptop) lab we will consider that later.

HOW MUCH – Our intention is to keep the price on this as low as possible. The target price is $20 per session payable by cash or check (payable to The ANT Group, Inc.). If there is a big demand, we can look into accepting PayPal and credit cards, but may have to charge more for that.

As mentioned above, this is “beta” and will evolve as needed.

Thoughts or questions are encouraged."

Where'd the BIM Go???

2011-04-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

Back to BIM being either Building Information Management or Building Information Model...

:-( Too much spam generated.

I like the two "L's" in Modeling... I think that was an original mistake from the initiators of the image (I believe Autodesk but I cannot be positive who created the original)... I know the image left is not completely in English but...

BIM for Spell Check perhaps?

Keys to Key on, When Keynoting in Revit (Okey?)

2011-04-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

WOW, that is a silly title... Oh well...

So there have been several postings I wrote, regarding Keynotes in Revit and you can find them HERE with a .PDF HERE, just in case.

In conversations with Steve Faust from Revolution Design He mentioned to me the following:

[We] "added a new system to it to which manufacturers will subscribe in order to bring links to their website, BIM models, etc. to the designers and hopefully help the designers get content and product info (it's still free to designers). You can find out more about it by going to keynotemanager.revolutiondesign.biz and browsing through the pages. It's not officially released yet, but it's there." (BTW: if you are reading this now (and you always are, no matter when 'now' is, right?) well in any case it's officially out...NOW!!!)

Steve went on to say: "There are 2 big new features in this release along with a handful of little things. The two big ones are the manufacturer [ones] and comment/markup capability - that one's been asked for by several people. If you look on the features page there is an overview of the functionality." YAAY!!!

I did know of and have used the Keynote Manager (KM), now from Revolution Design. FYI: In my previous posts I focused on editing these keynote .txt files directly, mainly to show people unfamiliar with these files how they work... Well now I'm over it and have new guidance (unless you already use the KM; in which case I have new... news!!!).

News for Existing users of the KM

Hit the image at left to get the new version; it's a great tool and "enhanced for your protection"... well, actually for your use, not protection...

Intro for Future/New users of the KM

File Tools

With this KM tool; some of what you can do is create new & or start from or even append existing Keynote KN files.

Did I mention easily?

Keynote Tools

Obviously you can create Top Level, Sequential & Sub-Note level KN's, to your heart's content.

My only suggestion to the Revolution Design team is (perhaps for next releases) to either rename or simply reorder these choices into their more logical order of use: and add "T" for the shortcut to Top level... such as:

Top Level (T)

Sequential (S)

Sub-Note (U)

Did you catch the "Convert All:" and "Convert Single:" choices in the image left?

Awesome!!!

Comment Tools

These are not for the Keynote Text values; these are a resource to markup and red-line the KN customization files: actually they highlight the KN with a comment attached as Orange (until marked complete) but I digress... Comments are all managed via an .xml file and if you're a sufficient geek (or simply like to become good at their job) I suggest you read the entire "Help" system they provide. It's not too long and has great insight into their tool and if you don't want to be one you will read it ...all!!!

Settings

The first time you hit "Settings" you may be prompted with choosing the appropriate Revit Dictionary file... I suggest using one for a language you speak :-)

Beyond that; set these up as you wish (obviously)... There are more settings but the image isn't necessary herein... Suffice to say there is an AutoSave!!!

Help

Get Help, Get Improvements, Get Contact(ed)... As usual F1 is Help... we already went over the fact that you will read all of the Help(ful) information, but the other choices here are useful too...

About

Giving Credit Where Credit's Due... Also read the Terms and Conditions.

One final thought on perhaps why I like the KN tool: The first band I was in called ourselves Revolution, so it seems I am still a REV Head (Hahaha Revit makes me one also...) funny how we think coincidence exists, when it's all just naturally occurring synergy.

Update April 7th 2011
Steve let me know of potential connectivity issues related to some people having blocked ports (eeew I hope that doesn't hurt) so if you see the image at left then look to the probable solution below...(FYI: these issues are extremely rare, but a bit of preventative paranoia always helps keep issues at bay...), now onto the fix:

Since the release of Keynote Manager 10.0 I have had a couple people contact me saying the Manufacturer Link function was not connecting to the database correctly (if this happens, Keynote Manager will display the dialog below). In case this has happened to anyone else I wanted to send out a quick update explaining what it is and what to do about it.

If you see this dialog, it simply means that Keynote Manager could not connect to the database online that stores the names and data for subscribed manufacturers. The first and simplest thing to check is to make sure you are connected to the internet; if you are not it will not be able to connect.

If you are connected to the internet and still getting the error your firewall or other security may be blocking Keynote Manager from connecting. The database that Keynote Manager needs to connect to is a MySql database which uses port 3306 and connects to the server biz88.inmotionhosting.com, please consult your IT department or firewall documentation to make sure this connection is not blocked.

The Future Is Finally the Present!!! Make Families (NOT the Revit ones either) Faster & More Efficiently!!! Genetically Engineer Your Next Child!!!

2011-04-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Need Genetic Engineering to keep from having that in-bread look to your family??? Check out this new application coming out (...) from ADSK!!! Click the image for their download link and get procreating!!!

I cannot vouch for any tool being in this final production suite, but since I was on the beta team I know that there was even a Lesbian & Gay plugin, allowing those communities to implement a streamlined workflow and process management systems for child procurement as well as Gay/Straight child rearing, etc...

You have to see the Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie plugin coming soon too!!!

My kids say "This is the best application since Angry Birds and we hate that our parents didn't use it on us!!!"

New Autodesk Suites Deliver Digital Prototyping for Unbeatable Design Innovation and Quality

Autodesk Procreation Design Suite is a new, comprehensive, and cost-effective design solution for creating compelling children. Containing Autodesk’s leading design, visualization, and simulation software for consumers, the new suite provides flexibility to innovate and more easily respond to changing family requirements from early concepts to detailed engineering and simulation. Autodesk Procreation Design Suite also provides significant cost savings and is easier to deploy, maintain, and manage than stand-alone products.*
Autodesk offers three editions of the Procreation Design Suite:

Procreation Design Suite Standard -- Foundational design tools for conceptual design, intuitive 3D body and skeletal modeling, drafting, and presentations, featuring Autodesk Love Maker with Inventor Fusion, Autodesk Showcase, Autodesk SketchBook Designer, Autodesk Vault, and Autodesk Mudbox software.
Procreation Design Suite Premium -- Optimized Digital Prototyping and visualization tools for maximum performance that features Standard edition tools along with Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk 3ds Max Design software.
Procreation Design Suite Ultimate -- Advanced surfacing, simulation, and tooling for unbeatable design quality, featuring the same tools as the Premium edition along with Autodesk Inventor Professional, Autodesk Alias Design software, and more (see below).

"Combining our Autodesk Inventor Professional products with the software powering Hollywood-quality imagery, movies and interactive presentations enables us to create visually impressive and dynamic engineering solutions for prospective parents," said Irene Cassini, manager of Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. "With the new Autodesk Procreation Design Suite, we can create, validate, and communicate our digital designs with even greater confidence and shortened gestation time."
Procreation Design Suite Ultimate includes applications and an offering not available in the other packages.

Autodesk Love Maker 2012 Plus - The world class Love Maker application paired with a "Gene Quality Selection Interface." Using this patented interface, users can select the desired characters and load them into the HPC-C (High Performance Conception Controller). The HPC-C prevents Conception when the genetic characters are missing and ensures conception when the genetic characters are present.
Autodesk Parent Maker 2012 - World class tool aiding highly compatible couples brought together using Love Maker Plus to make the changes required for becoming parents. Parent Maker removes all desires for sleep and adult conversation, and installs unbelievable amounts of affection for a small 6-10 lbs. person that can't even see straight. Parent Maker also enhances "Mothers Intuition" and "Fathers Responsibility" by 10x, altering once selfish single people into adoring parents.
Autodesk Gray Hair Restoration 2012 - When parents feel the gray hair setting in, the Gray Hair Restoration tool provides instant babysitter service and brightly colored movements to supervise and entertain "the little ones." This is often a good time to start up Love Maker again.
Act Now and receive a copy of Becoming your Father/Mother Warning System 2012. This is a small implant into the ear that sounds an alarm when phrase like "I will give you something to cry about." or "Do what I say not what I do" are said.

Happy 4/1/2011!!!

What's the best computer to buy for Revit 2012?

2011-03-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Another year, another release, another same question... Same as it ever was... WTF computer to buy for Revit? Especially since most all of us will have 3DMax & even Inventor added to the mix... As always the images and links are...well, links!!!

Got 2x24" (1920x1200) monitors yet?

You should!!! Not having these gives you about a 5-30%+ waste of budget, time & money. These monitors pay for themselves in about 3 months no matter what you do on a computer!!! Yes, even Admin folks can do more work with 2x24's!!!

Nothing has changed as far as my conceptual recommendation for a Revit Workstation... but ADSK now ups the ante (as usual!!!)

More features=More System required. It just makes sense.

My Recommendation:

Simply look at this page, for the "Performance Recommendations" from Autodesk and use that as a bare minimum, then go beyond those specs up to your budget ceiling... Be careful to find the "Performance Recommendations" drop-down, as the 32bit & 64 bit drop-downs are going to give very unsatisfactory computer experiences if you ask me... and you are, after all!!! Please do look hard at your budgets, since the following may not seem evident...

Studies (& benchmarks that I have done, as well as many others) show that for each & every 1% a machine can enhance productivity (assuming just a $100 per hour billable rate); that 1% = $2,000 per year!!! No shit!!!

If the machine you get is 10% faster than another, that will (read as WILL) translate into a super-conservative earnings bump of $6,000... this assumes that the person is only at the computer 50% of the time and even then not always working on task.

They really do pay for themselves; these $3,000 to $6,000+ Workstations!!! Yes, there will be a delta where the price and productivity flip flop but that's usually somewhere North of $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the work you do.

I like to stay around the $3,500 range personally -not including monitors- yet professionally I look at the budgets and all that fun stuff but do still recommend Workstations that range about the same with power user Workstations above those.

It just 'seems' to hurt when cutting the checks, but when taking a longer view of business good Workstations do pay for themselves quite quickly!!!

Don't forget to make sure to get a "Recommended" Video Card & driver setup (link below too)... I suggest a test machine first, since I have been told about anecdotal evidence (by another BIM Manager) that they have found some cards, even though ADSK says are recommended still throw them the "Direct 3D" warning with some of the new visual styles; I have not personally run into that (yet???) but it's always safer to be safe!!!

(ADSK) Performance Recommendations

Microsoft® Windows® 7 64-bit Enterprise, Ultimate, Professional, or Home Premium
Quad Core Intel® Xeon® Processor (2.50 GHz, 2X6M L2, 1333) or equivalent AMD processor (Can you say Multiple Quads? or Better yet: 6 Cores... No joking.)
8 GB RAM (or more) (12 Minimum!!!)
1,280 x 1,024 monitor with true color (This must be a Joke by ADSK: those were horrible for AEC 10 years ago!!!)
1 GB (or more) DirectX® 9-capable graphics card with Shader Model 3. Find out more about recommended graphics hardware. (1GB will work for now but I bet not so well next year!!!)

Happy Revitouring!!!

Revit 2012 What's New and More: + Some Art in LA

2011-03-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

March LARUG (Los Angeles Revit Users Group: a brief...brief: Hit the image Left for a pretty thorough recap as well as Revit What's New assets & Links.

More From LA

Go see Art!!!

I took my kids to see two Ace Galleries in LA this weekend and we saw some evocative Art with a broad range of context & emotion: in the Beverly Hills' Ace we saw a Robert Irwin column, along with some other painters and sculptors' works...very cool... Too bad there wasn't a major RI installation or some paintings there too, but it's nice to see these columns wherever they appear.

Then we went down Wilshire to the LA Ace to catch The Date Farmers exhibit... quite exhaustive and rich.

My kids went more for these and cited the works' emotion and power.

I have to agree with them, but I do like the challenge of both styles; the Super Cool and the Sub Pop (as I see them).

There's something great going on when everyone is affected by a work and these hit on so many levels that we all were blown away at every turn!

Shit; I'm gonna get painting more!!!

...FYI: if you use Internet Explorer this blog may look odd, so use another browser... IE still sucks!!!

The new Autodesk & Revit BIM Building Design Suites are (almost) Here!!!

2011-03-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

The new Autodesk 2012 Building Design Suites have been announced: I'm sure your twitter is blowing up @BIM & @Revit, so cutting to the chase; here's the direct link to find out from the source (hit the image).

YAAY, ADSK is finally beginning to 'get it' ...now I just hope the installs aren't a one-by-one nightmare!!!

Can you say "cross-grade"???

Wanna see what's new? (in addition to the 3Dconnexion Space pilot functionality in Revit 2012, which I will document in the next week)? Check out DLight's blog HERE!!!

More Dimensions to Revit

2011-03-15T01:54:00.000-07:00

A question posed to the LARUG's LinkedIn group: Does revit have symbols for center line or angle like the other software has?

Answer:
F' Yeah!!!
OK: select a dimension > hit Edit Type and look at the properties!!!

You should be able to figure it out from there... If not; look at the image below for the 3 "Centerline" fields and go at it (in Revit)!!!

More on Dimensional goodness, from an old post on Dimensions: Here!!! also...

A final tip: Unless you have memorized all parameters for all possible objects, ALWAYS CHECK THE PARAMETERS!!!

If you have a question and then look at all the parameters, both the Instance and Type, you just may find what you are looking for... or better yet, find something you weren't looking for yet that will help you immeasurably later on!!!

You Need Tools for Your Revit Tool, Don't You?

2011-03-09T01:46:00.000-08:00

Your Tool is important to you.

Therefore we need a place to find them and this post will effort toward listing them (at least as many available at the moment it's published). In no apparent order, here is a list of the many Revit Tools one can find... As always click the images for links to the sites.

Please understand that you must evaluate these tools on your own since this posting is in no way a recommendation to use or purchase anything. I have no vested interest in any of these tools. Some are better than others and there's a shitload of info on these in & on the web... Now about those Tools...

If I find more I'll append or re-post...

Obviously you need Revit!!!

Autodesk Subscription is where you'll find some of the best addons, additions, service packs, patches, new builds, etc. If you are on subscription you'll probably know this... if not HAHAHAHA... Among the fantastic benefits are: RoomBook extension, bridge/road/terrain tools, framing tools, grids generator, compare models, convert parameters to shared, element positioning, freeze drawings, text generator, etc...!!!

Autodesk Labs is the place for all (ADSK) things potential!!! Google Earth connectors, DB connectors, BIM Family toolkit (interface w/ Inventor), Chinese daylight analysis, Bluestreak, Newport, Project Vasari!!! (Revit conceptual modeling without Revit...and free)!!!, STL exporter, and...Who knows what the future holds???

Mertens3D has a great tool for creating hatch patterns on-the-fly, directly enough within Revit... YAAY, it makes the .pat files for us!!!

Eaglepoint has SiteTools & LandCadd addon applications for Revit, as well as other apps for other platforms...

These folks have some great addons such as an MWF... Metal/Wood Framer, a Manufacturing CMS: or Component Management Software. (Hey, didn't ADSK have a free wood framer???) Perhaps you need more control???

EMC2 has a great tool to edit/manage Keynote files, without the explicit use of Notepad!!!

This makes Keynotes: How to Use & Abuse the System: A How To for Good, Not Evil much easier!!!

The image left gets you directly to the whitepaper referenced in the "Keynotes" posting/link above, just in case...

Toolbox4Revit has a few tools for 2008-2010 versions so perhaps they aren't so useful for many Reviteurs any longer... Never know what the future will hold though...

Revit Express Tools are some pay to play tools including: Excel Link (hey there is a theme here), BID&M and many more (some are very expensive IMO, but I know these guys and they're great in any case)...

Revit Family Tools is free and these include: Delete Backup Files, Type Catalog Tools, Compare Shared Parameters, Merge Shared Parameters, Family File Version Detector. -Pretty cool!!!

Imaginit's tools are pretty well proven and some are NEW for 2011... Element Renumber, MEP Parameter Tool, Parameter Copy, Room Renumber, Grid Select, Change Case, Door Mark Update, Revit Content Browser, Space Update, Earth Connector for Revit, Room Phase Copy.
There are Free Imaginit tools available & they are: Room Renumber, Change Case, Space Update and Grid Select... Free is good!!!

RevitTools Ribbon (pay to play) includes streamlining & productivity tools such as: Import/Export to Excel, Count Elements, Create Shared Parameters, Renumber Elements and many more. There is also a RevitTools Toolbar for 2009 in case you're in the stone(d) age... Also included: "Schedule & Tag real door swing properties, Schedule & Tag real 'From' & 'To' Room info from doors" (Hey, isn't that already in Revit? YES!!! maybe theirs is somehow better???)

Free means free!!! This includes Zach Kron, Buildz's Extensions tools. As they say: "The amazing Revit extension "calculates the distance between curtain panel by pattern instances and some other placed family, then writes this number to an instance parameter in each panel. But once we hook this parameter up to some geometry and formulas... oh the fun we can have!"" API Yi Yi.

These are pay to play and some of the tools, or similar ones are already inside of Revit, or available for free so look around before purchasing all of them... Tools for BIM Management, Architecture, Structure, MEP & Sustainability, including tools for: Detailing, Dynamic Legends, Sheet Manager, Smart Floors, U-Value, Smart Browser, Rafter+, Truss+, Opening Cut, Sort & Mark, Estimating, R-Heating, Building Energy Performance.

FM/GIS/BIM data workflow Mgmt. from CDV Systems.

At left is a link to a previous (2009) post with more (mainly older) tools to look at... Never know what you may find... Cheers!!!

Copy Monitor Setup for Revit: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility... Use it or Lose it

2011-03-06T21:12:00.000-08:00

Note: This posting is based on efficiencies and practice: if your teams are skilled and experienced and know WTF they are doing this posting may not fully apply, as I don't even get into the Coordination Review or Reconcile Hosting herein. That's for another day... This post is intended for beginner to intermediate Revit teams...

First off: Here is a Search List of some useful Revit Copy Monitor assets, I'm sure you can find more as the years go on. I want to give some colleagues using Revit Structure a tip on splitting columns automatically at time of link/copy/monitor, so I will... but not until I give some other requisites for anyone Copying & Monitoring...

Copy/Monotor Levels: Click Here
Why Use it??? See what ADSK says themselves Right Here.

Then consider if it's such a good tool for you. I think there is potential and merit in the "concept" of Copy/Monitor, but in actual practice it, along with user-error and/or lack of communication/coordination can cause huge problems. If a team has people that don't fully appreciate the power of what they are doing...(read as either Revit Newbies or even experienced Reviteurs who just don't get it... and by 'it' I mean life, communication, coordination. impact, value, respect, professionalism, etc.).

Why do I steer many teams away from Copy/Monitor? Well, let's look at some unfortunately typical types of situations.

Let's say the Architecture team (RAC) gives their model to MEP (RME) & Structural (RST) consultant teams to use and coordinate with/from & to.

Then let's say the Structural consultant DOES use Copy/Monitor, for all possible items and the MEP consultant DOES NOT... Who do you think will 'win'?

Here are a few examples of issues that they can each expect to run into (read as will for sure run into for several items, some big, unless there is so much coordination and communication for every object deleted that everyone wants to pull out their hair)... I could be wrong but have never seen Copy/Monitor work cleanly without pretty major portions of work disappearing & needing to be re-done... Can anyone say loss of money?

Scenario 1: Deletion of a Level in the Architectural model
Architect team deletes a Level and creates a new one 2 feet above the previous one. (Yes I know the old level should (probably) simply been moved but shit happens sometimes).

The results of Scenario 1 -You tell me which makes more sense.
RME
The RME team simply needs to look at most any Elevation or Section; see the difference and manually move their Level to (hint) align with the RAC model's level. MEP is Done and onto work. (Clean!!!)...

RST
RST who is Copy/Monitoring has to do a Coordination Review...
Hopefully the person getting this warning (that I'd argue cannot be ignored) knows what they are doing in Revit enough to actually react to this with proper diligence.

Then they need to make a choice which may solve the issue or else it will be standing for later, per the following dialogue...

Either choice illustrated in the image left requires communication with the Architect (AKA: lost time, lost money. ...That MEP scenario is immediately looking better).

But wait, that's not all!!! Let's say RST deletes the object by using this dialogue; Well if they had objects associated to the deleted level they could expect to lose Views (Oh Shit: entire views, annotations and all!!!), Object Associations and Objects themselves... YUK... Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money (lost).

See where this can go? I say we wait for teams to be real Revit experts before implementing Copy/Monitor. If your team has set protocols and buy-in then great!!!; if not :-(

Scenario 2: Deletion of a Wall from the Architectural model -It happens sometimes...
At times it's appropriate to move a wall rather than delete it, but sometimes it's appropriate to delete it and create a new one. So in this scenario I postulate not only the Copy/Monitor issue but I will add to that my dislike of unnecessarily Hosted Components... In this scenario the MEP team still does not use Copy/Monitor but they also have made many of their components to be NON HOSTED (yaay for them), such as outlets, lights, etc. (no, not even face hosted!!!)

The results of Scenario 2
RME
The MEP team sees the wall from RAC was deleted and manually moves their wall & other components into the new location and any constrained objects follow. Done.
Note: Objects that were constrained to the RAC wall like dimensions, etc. will go away, so be watchful.

RST
The Structural team must do the coordination review and deal with any/all hosted families wanting to be deleted or worse: rejected (yuk) this is why an object that is not hosted works better in my opinion. Better to move an object than it is to have it be deleted without ones' knowledge. Yes I know we can export the report of objects that get deleted this way but again, in practice I find this auto-deletion is worse in most cases than simply having to do a visual audit/repair.

Whatever method you adopt for Copy/Monitor; whether it be through Revit or manual methods I can't stress enough the need for communication & coordination with the extended teams.

The further along in projects you are and the more items that are constrained to others' objects may, in some cases require a moratorium be placed on deleting objects. That's right: NO DELETING without round-trip BIM management first.

You now get the idea that Copy/Monitor needs planning & coordination and can introduce issues if not regulated properly so on to the Copy Monitor Options (and that tip finally!!!)...

Collaborate Tab>Coordinate Panel>Copy/Monitor
The small down-arrow (as always in software, especially all of them) is important!!!
In Copy/Monitor's case, it's mandatory: This is where one chooses what link to coordinate to/from.

The two choices; Use Current Project or Select Link are illustrated in the image at left; relatively straight forward.

Copy/Monitor Options
Options are straight forward as a concept but they do require setup.

These make Copy/Monitor very powerful when used correctly but you need to honestly evaluate if the statement "when used correctly" will be used, followed and communicated to ALL parties involved in the project & process. As I have said With great power comes great responsibility and the power using Copy/Monitor is extreme... one can make it good or bad.

Copy/Monitor Options: Levels
Type choices are quite obvious.

The Additional Copy Parameters can be useful too. If the Structural Levels want an offset due to finishes, etc. this can be used ...but again: only if directed to, coordinated and communicated. I think this is one of the least desired options but hey, that's just me...

Prefix or suffix can be helpful, if used.

Copy/Monitor Options: Grids
Again Grid options are straight forward enough. I don't recommend prefix or suffix though... the grid is the grid.

Copy/Monitor Options: Columns
FINALLY!!! Here is the tip for Structural folks that I spoke of at the beginning of this (epic length) post.

See the check box next to: "Split Columns by Levels"? Well, if the Architecture team modeled the columns as one object, spanning all levels then I'd say RST users should check this box. Unless you want a 200' long single column, hindering analysis, etc.

Little box, big results... this is great: if you use Copy/Monitor, that is...

Copy/Monitor Options: Walls
Do the work!!! If you are going to use Copy/Monitor and not set these (and all the other options) up then you can be sure of major inefficiencies (repeat the Mo (lost) money chant)...

Copy/Monitor Options: Floors
Huge for Structural teams!!! Don't forget the openings and inserts...

Copy/Monitor: The Copy Tools
Multiple Obviously allows more than one object to be Copy/Monitored at a time. Useful in many situations, unnecessary in others, let your ego be your guide. NO, NO, NO, I just wanted to see if you are still reading this: actually let your judgement be your guide!!!
Finish (Not the button with the green check above it: that's for when you are complete with the entire Copy/Monitor process. The small "Finish" button that is next to the Multiple box is used to finish the Copy procedure for the selected objects. Cancel Obviously cancels the process at hand. Filter. WOW this is powerful and necessary in many cases... don't use it if you want to re-double your efforts later and lose money, efficiency...

Now you should have a decent insight to Copy/Monitor Setups... use at your own risk!!!

Revit, BIM Can't Save AEC from Bad Leadership & Workmanship

2011-03-02T01:18:00.000-08:00

Why is one of the largest economies (California) screwed? Hitting the image (left) will get you to an LATIMES article outlining just one small (read as huge) part...

Why didn't they listen to Larry and others???

Some quotes from the article: "..."I wouldn't let them build an outhouse for me," she said....

...show that inspectors, architects and project managers began finding serious construction defects early on and grew increasingly frustrated as deadlines came and went and the complex ultimately opened with many of the problems uncorrected. ...Yet the top two officials overseeing the construction program did not share their urgency.

They publicly praised the contractor's work and repeatedly approved payments to [read the article for names] over the objections of Valley College officials and construction supervisors, who wanted the money held back until problems were corrected. The district had the right to withhold nearly $5 million but released almost $4 million, forfeiting a key source of leverage..."

Typical unfortunately of some officials: they see a crappy job done, their advisors say it's crappy and then the officials say it's all great!!! Can one intimate Payola???

Part Two of this story can be found in the image/link at right... I feel for you Don.

Keep up the good governing (read as SNAFU).

Big sad face goes out to the LACCD leadership and everyone else who was warned of the problems and didn't react with our (taxpayer) interests or the students, teachers, administrators, etc. in mind; now we must all live with these results daily.

Thanks for taking some good work by many and turning it into institutional waste.

This is why AEC can be so screwed as an industry. Shotty work and cover-ups. Not even BIM can save us from these kind of people who hold no seeming value in quality work or responsibility to anything more than perhaps their personal station in life... you know; the 'let's hope the shit hits the fan after we are gone' syndrome.

OMFGLOL-VL: A Discourse on Emerging Tectonic Visualization and the Effects of Materiality on Praxis. Or an essay on the ridiculous way architects talk

2011-02-23T01:35:00.000-08:00

I was bumping about last night and while reading Doctor, Lawyer, Architect, Fail on the Architects 2Zebras site I hit the link for Witold Rybczynski's Slate article titled: A Discourse on Emerging Tectonic Visualization and the Effects of Materiality on Praxis Or an essay on the ridiculous way architects talk.

I won't even add my 2 cents, as the article I find spot on, so I find no need (it's perfect as is) I'll simply quote a part of it:

"The Urban Dictionary defines Archispeak as: "Large, made-up words that architects and designers use to make themselves sound smarter than you (you being the client or the confused observer of design). [hit the image above]

It does nothing to inform or enlighten the consumer of architecture and mostly serves to numb them into obedience or self doubt." That sounds about right.

F'ing hilarious because there is even a book on Archispeak!!! Plus the book is illustrated, so the irony continues!!!

I do live in a glass house here, so next time I drop methodologically, etc. I will give myself a little self conscious, inner chuckle...

Hello Nairobi

2011-02-22T23:46:00.000-08:00

I often wonder how many Revit users per capita (Architecturally speaking) there are in the Countries & Cities represented in the readership of this (and other) Revit & BIM Blogs.

Nairobi is no different: I wonder if one (or more) of these firms is a fan...

Welcome nonetheless, whomsoever you are!!! We are glad you're around.

As always; have fun clicking the images...

Performative BIM (Revitcentrically that is)

2011-02-21T01:10:00.000-08:00

Dr. Andrew J Marsh's take on Performative BIM. A good intro, if you still need one...

SkinPut for Revit Coming Soon (or Ever???)

2011-02-18T11:41:00.000-08:00

When will released technology catch up with potential technology? Ever??? I guess our kids can look forward to these???

Have you used any SkinPut interfaces? I have ('nt).

Cool to see but actually cool only when we can use it for real!!! Read The Abstract Here.

Mobil BIM: Droids, iPods, iPads, Tablets: W(here)TF are the Apps???!!!

2011-02-16T00:56:00.000-08:00

W(here)TF are the BIM Apps???
I ask that question since it seems obvious to me that some people in AEC & Software Development are still, seemingly in denial regarding BIM and our industries' future and present needs.

We (some people in AEC; not you of course) want our projects to be green, yet we leave the lights on... We want efficient processes, yet we fight BIM... don't even tell "those" people about IPD... their heads will explode and they will surely hide in their turtle shells and continue to hold AEC from an inevitable future (and for the rest of us "the present").

My point? BIM Apps are next to nonexistent. Go search Itunes for DJ apps. There's a ton... and most of the people who use them aren't DJ's, nor are there as many DJ's as there are AEC professionals who would flourish more if a host of apps designed for them (us) was available.

We REALLY have been lacking on the mobility front, except perhaps for dead (or dying I think) old Autocad, for which there is AutoCAD WS yet no BIM WS. I don't count drafting apps as BIM, since
A) They are not BIM
B) I view drafting as a dying art.

Now don't get me wrong: Let's look at painting portraits on canvas (you know: Art); it was said to be at death's door when the camera was invented and that wasn't exactly the case but look around your home: do you have original paintings of your family that you commissioned? Hell, how much original (not mass produced, or printed, etc.) Art do you have at all? Not wealthy=Not much (or any) original Art.

Not like it was in the 19th century!!! Painting may not be totally dead but it's mostly a luxury item now, not the only game in town and photography is arguably it's master for portraiture. -and I am an Artist that does still paint!!!

So while there may always need to be "widget" draftspeople we need only a few of them and only the most talented... What we need (read as NEED) is an assortment of tools built like my next major project: J'ZbimApp (name changed to protect the innocent).

It doesn't take a genius to understand that ADSK is working on their own but they'd better move fast since the competition already has the beginnings of an app that may be doing at least mobile model interaction.

Yes Sketchbook is a fantastic app but it's just a sketchbook afterall, though a fantastic one. We want (read as NEED) BIM Apps!!!

So until we have J'ZbimApp we can at least see our BIM models on our mobile devices right now! goBIM from Ian Keough of Buro Happold is an app That looks promising, though (IMO) it's a pain, since selecting model objects is required in order to export them (there are usually too many elements to be efficient even with moderately sized models, but a start I guess): a large model is yet really functional in my experience... although this app has it's possibilities it has so far fought me (and disallowed me) from loading my own models into it (it could be me though!!!???). I will hit the support pages and see if I can't get resolution but until then my iPad keeps just saying it is "writing" or "Unable to load file" :-(

BTW: Ian is speaking about "Tools" (the good kind!!!) February 17th in Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Design Technology Forum (no TLA for them!!!) So if you are in town do check this out!!!

Watching "Them" Watching Me

2011-02-14T01:18:00.000-08:00

Hmmm. Looks like a good sign for Fear & Loathing...!!!
Checking the readership of this Blog, as I am want to do, I noticed a few things recently:

1) San Rafael, California arrived from standard.cotweet.com on "Fear and Loathing In a CAD vs. BIM World: Autodesk Labs Project Nucleus: Now it's on!!!".

CoTweet???

2) CoTweet looks like a good reverse(?)-snooping tool to use for, among other things tracking your company's mentions, etc. from 'out there'. As they, themselves say:

"CoTweet is a comprehensive Web-based social media engagement, management and reporting solution that helps companies of all sizes engage, track and analyze conversations about their brands across the most popular and influential social communities today, Twitter and Facebook."

I say: Welcome (back) Autodesk!!! Assuming that "San Rafael" mentioned above IS indeed Autodesk... and I think that's a safe bet. (An unknowing thanks to Aurgasm for the sounds... it's all theirs!!!)

Autodesk Labs Project Nucleus: Now it's on!!!

2011-02-14T01:17:00.000-08:00

I just downloaded the Nucleus Technology preview from The Labs and can't wait to try it... Before I do, here is a taste for you, from ADSK Themselves... Hope this fills you up (for now) Updates to follow??? You can bet on it... Don't forget to click the image to get yours!!! And YES!!! it installs into Revit 2011... Mmmmmm Good.

A bit from The Labs' description: "Project Nucleus integrates the Nucleus simulation engine from Autodesk^® Maya^® into Autodesk^® Revit^® and Project Vasari. It allows designers to experiment with "form-finding" in the conceptual design phase by simulating forces directly in Revit and Project Vasari. (An upcoming technology preview of Project Vasari will include the Project Nucleus functionality.)

Project Nucleus can simulate a wide range of physical phenomena in real time, like wind, gravity, constraints, and collisions. These forces can help architects generate free-form shapes, many of which would be impossible to model by hand."

Time for a change of direction: The Z Direction!!!

2011-02-11T02:11:00.000-08:00

Holograms... "to all my friends"

OK, I recently met with some dynamic BIM folks at Suffolk Construction and we discussed all things BIM including their work toward efficient coordination and communication practices... Great stuff. Part of our conversation led to technology and what tools are available (and what aren't) so a future post on mobile solutions is underway...look for that next week...

While we were talking I mentioned using holograms and they were pretty excited at the prospect for their use (unfortunately at the meeting I forgot the name of the holograph creators: Sorry Michael) ...Anyhow, I wanted to share a bit of info on Holograms, so here-goes...

See This previous posting for more on Holograms, LIDAR & Point Clouds (The post is 2 years old so you know there have been major advances (ok well moderate advances) in point cloud technology in AEC, though they are still a bit overly data rich without translation, they do have a prominent place in our lives).

Holographs for AEC: These folks are "The One"!!!
Zebra Imaging Home
Zebra Imaging Gallery

Check out the videos at the bottom of this posting + look at their entire gallery of videos & Images.

The first video below has unruly sound due to the convention atmosphere but you can get a good idea of what these things are; even though seeing them live is much more impressive.

The second video will show some possibilities of multiple images from distinct viewing angles. WOW... the sky's the limit!!! though more than a few image changes might get distracting... then again might not.

The first time I saw one of these AEC holograms it was on the floor and when I stepped over it I nearly fell over since my brain interpreted the hologram to really be sticking up, so it thought I would kick something and (my mind) made me lunge forward, almost falling.

Very big impact...and a good insight to where we experience our world: in the brain, not the eyes.

VERRRRYYYYY GROOOOVVVVVYYY

Revit Space Pilot Pro: Hello Ireland!!!

2011-02-04T04:20:00.000-08:00

I suggest that it's time for you to look again at getting yourself some 3DConnexion products and it's time for me to cite an old post (Find it here) to get the conversation started...
Yes, I am going to review these devices and the applications they will support, vice-versa but...
The reasons for this teaser? There are 2:
1) I noticed that someone from Ireland was bumping around the web and Googled "Revit Space Pilot Pro" and found this blog!!! (Hello and welcome; I hope you find good info...)

2) Self, Pre-Redacted

(Revit ®) Families 101: An Excerpt

2011-01-31T02:55:00.000-08:00

The following is an excerpt from a paper I am writing (and will post in it's entirety when completed)... The subject is Creating Revit Content and the first step in creating Revit Content is to NOT create Revit Content, rather see if you can't find it!!! Now I know that some firms have a "No Download" policy but others do not and the reality of our digital age is such that (IMO) closing down any possibly valuable assets just because there may be others that are liabilities is antithetical to the progress and efficiency of BIM. Just like we don't believe everything we read or see or hear, etc. we should be wary of found data but not fear it...yet(?).

Search
Many necessary Revit families already exist but unfortunately for many this existing content is oft overlooked or ignored. More and more content is available from a diversity of places (read as “The Web”), therefore if you first use the “I bet it already exists, since others have probably needed ‘it’ before” mantra you might just find that you do not need to build quite so much content after all. Though you may need to modify them and you surely need to test them before introducing to the project environment.

Dealing with found content
Assuming you find what appears to be appropriate content for your needs, “out there” it is advised to never (read as NEVER) bring content from outside sources directly into a live project environment. Test-drive it first.

The Test-Drive
Open a new, blank file and place the content in there; then test it by looking at it in all views it will show up in, change parameters (one by one), etc. Do this testing as fully as possible; to verify that both the aesthetics and functionality are correctly suited for your project or firm’s needs.

Once validated (purged out as well) then it should be safe for project use.

A few validation tests
• Do objects below get covered properly?
• Does it show up correctly in all views?
• Do all parameters flex correctly?
• Is it actually Revit Geometry or not?
• If it’s a Tag, does it pull the correct parameter?
• Is it too big (in MB)?
• Etc.

Well that should get your appetites whetted... See you soon...

Worksharing Need to Know(s) Please Save To Central (No Matter What It's Called Now)

2011-01-11T00:22:00.000-08:00

Another helpful hint to build into your team processes... Sync to Central ...Now!!!

What's going on in Revit Worksharing, what's important? Firstly; the differences between a 'stand alone' project file and a Worksharing file need to be understood at least at a basic level. There are profound differences that many still miss: A) It is not recommended (read as "just don't do it) to set the "Backups" of a Worksharing project file to be less than the default of 20 and if you are like some people out there (Read as "some people out there") set it to 50.

No that does not create 50 complete files (like a standalone file would... Worksharing files create very scary EPERM, DAT, & WPERM files that should not be tampered with (read in a Nigel from Spinal Tap voice as: DON'T TOUCH THEM... DON'T EVEN LOOK AT THEM). Those files may be the best way to blow a project up.

That said what is happening in WS files, beyond all that (and more) is communication & the availability of Worksets (WS). AKA containers for discretely distinguished sets of objects. How many worksets to have all depends on project criteria but a few rules I follow are:
1) 1 WS for each linked file
2) beyond that it all depends... THIS LINK may be old but still in play; plus, MORE HERE on Central file protocols; after that Search away...

Want the Revit User Guides? Get your flavor at the following links: Oh and... READ THESE!!!
RAC
RST
RME

Now on to the initial reason for this post: I wanted to post the Image at the top of this post, so when I teach Revit 101 I don't have to redraw this map each time... That image basically maps what is going on in WS files: at least 'basically'.

It's not only important if you are a newcomer to Revit Worksharing it is equally important if you don't "play nice" with others... Revit Worksharing is (digital) communication and requires (Human) communication. That said the following is a normal guideline for keeping the file and team working together...nicely.

Note that the frequency of steps 2 & 3 will want to be discussed and devised perhaps for each project independently, as project & team size, location, etc. will all be defining criteria in setting the proper frequency and recurrence of STC's.

Communicate as Revit does...Round-Trip!!!
1) Communication of Central & User Files is constant and requires good network connections, etc. This is why you want to keep your files & network working nicely... well that and losing work is horrible, yet preventable.

Worksharing means Sharing the work, not hoarding it!!!
2) STC/REL Also known as: Save To Central & Relinquish. Generally relinquish everything. BTW: STC/REL EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE YOUR CHAIR!!! No matter the reason (for getting up).

What's New? Better get it!!!
3) RL (in my shortcuts, AKA Reload Latest) This is typically done by everyone on the team right after the final person completes step #2. Why? So everyone is working on the most current model.

Also, if you open a user model file and don't recreate it then step #3 is necessary to do immediately after opening...just in case someone did something after your last STC/Save.

Funny anecdote (???): I once joked to a large, dispersed team that that they should get a bell to signal when to STS/REL/RL... Well they did and it surprisingly lasted a few weeks before the annoyance became unbearable!!!

P.S. Did you find the somewhat hidden, virtual easter eggs in this post???

Happy New Year!!!

10 Revit files and where they are

2010-12-21T00:21:00.000-08:00

THIS LINK will bring you to a post of 10 Revit files you may need to know of as well as know where they are.

Thanks Revit Clinic!!!

In case you were wondering about why I used the image at left?

Well, it's a painting I did, titled "The Mystery of..." and seeing how these Revit files may be mysterious... You can guess the rest...

Happy Winter here in the Northern Hemisphere and Great Summer to those in the Southern...

Revit Reunion: It's not a get together!!!

2010-12-17T01:28:00.000-08:00

Hit the images for more...
So I was checking the map of locations (image above) that shows where people are hitting the blog from and found a dot in the middle of the Indian Ocean!!!

Well, it's not the Antarctic but Really Cool anyhow!!!

At first I thought one of you was Revit-ing from a ship but I zoomed in via Geo-Traffic and found that someone (you) were on the beautiful Island of Reunion!!!

Either a great Rev-vacation or a super place to work, I bet!!!

Anyhow I simply like to share some of the locations that we find Reviteurs at and perhaps we can have a Revit Reunion on Reunion!!!

Have a great Weekend all!!! Especially All of you!!!

More Families (and more) Polantis Has 'it'

2010-12-16T21:22:00.000-08:00

Want some more nice MFG content in Revit, 3DMAX, OBJ and so many more formats? Go to Polantis and see what they have. You do have to sign up for a free user account to download but that's painless enough... The image above & below link to but one MFG each but there are many more...

I found the few I have tested are very acceptable RFA's and with a bit of modification the materials, etc. can be parameterized for project level manipulation... If you don't care that they may not make the piece with your materials, etc. that is... 'Depends on your needs, huh? If you simply need design objects then modify at will... If you need the actual MFG object to spec, I'd probably suggest AGAINST such modifications though...

Did I mention the files are free?
They are.

Did I mention the files look good?
They look good so far.

Not every object comes in every format, but having a lot is better than having a little... The download zip files can also include product data/cut sheets in PDF format, etc. So get to tying them into your specs now.

Hit the image below for their Catalog.

Pushing BIM Beyond (The Model as I see it)

2010-12-16T01:31:00.000-08:00

Great article but I recommend the comments' section perhaps more.... there are some very good points to consider. Food for thought for BIMmers of all levels... (hit the image to go there)

Although even this blog cites a difference between BIM & CAD, in it's title CAD simply stands for Computer Aided Design, it's too bad that most of us in the AEC industries hear 2D CAD as drafting. (I even had to come clean on that HERE a while back) Oh well, we have bigger fish to fry...

AUGI Update

2010-12-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

Looks like there is an update regarding AUGI reversing their debacle over the legacy postings.

Like many of us thought the data will be back... But I bet all the buzz that everyone who buzzed, buzzed was a substantial influence in their acting so quickly, as well as providing (all of the sudden) some communication as to their plans... I guess the idea of their getting spilled may have made the current BoD think more or think differently about the AUGI Membership than they previously have.

Click the image below for Steve Stafford's Update... Thanks Steve and all for your parts in solving this sooner, rather than (too much) later!!!

What does AUGI stand for?

2010-12-13T01:10:00.000-08:00

New photo of the current Augi Board? If you haven't seen them in a while, all of the legacy postings on AUGI (no, I will NOT put a link to them) are gone.

My guess is the legacy data will be back in pretty short order... Or not...

There can be a lot of definitions of "AUGI" yet any of the ones that come to mind right now somehow have The F word in them.

What a shortsighted happenstance it was to change their website and not keep access to the years of legacy data that so many people use(d).

What AUGI did was akin to the porn industry taking internet porn away, in order to have a new porn site...without all the porn.

Yeah; that'll work.

Great job to the AUGI board of directors. Shows how ego's can destroy so quickly what so many others built over time!!!

The heart of the matter as I see it is, that if the legacy data stays gone then fuck AUGI; they would become no more than an irrelevancy from the "olden days": If the data does come back then let's all forgive, yet never forget and perhaps keep reminding them of their folly from time to time :-).

Anyhow,
In Steve Staffords fantastic blog & post HERE you can read his eluding to what happened and what may happen to all that gold. You can read some insights and more. I find that the best can be found in the "comments" section where Phil Read adds his own, with a bit more moderate, usercentric points and less politically correct apolo-gism... he also cites a petition to sign to spill the board and force new elections, so Get your vote on here.

We all may have thoughts on this, and perspective surely colors these thoughts but if you were to ask the person who used the AUGI legacy data as a resource, I am pretty sure they'd say that it shows a tremendous lack of imagination and as to the loss that AUGI may cause themselves; they'll deserve it.

Hey, I am not even sending my dues in this month... Oh wait, it's free... Hmmm... I think I have viewpoints on both sides of this!!!

Who cares what they do with that old stuff; most, if not all, should be on our blogs by now anyway, right? Let's decentralize our wealth of knowledge and really use the clouds and let AUGI go the way of the Dodo. Single point of access? That is the Ipad anyhow... I don't care where the data "lives".

Back to it...Toward the end of the Revit OpEd comments SS & PR have a tete a tete of sorts and I read their comments as commendable and polite contrariness; coming from two people trying to change each others' minds and while that is natural and human and all; I do not think they ever will succeed... nor should they!

We love them just the way they are, no matter their view or stakes in this...

AU 2010 Results Now & Later

2010-12-07T01:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I am still shooting for 10 status but am glad to be a 9 :-) Great session and a great AU!!!

Thanks to all who came by and participated with us; The session went well it seems and outside of having no "Easy Button" for the guys with the 3,000 & 16,000+ sheet projects (there is just no easy within difficult projects, I do though suggest a team of BIM managers on these types of projects)... the ideas shared will surely be a help.

Everyone seemed to get something beneficial, so I am pleased with the results. I am also glad for everyone's input; that is what really makes these great; thanks!!! Coordinating is not just a visual audit of what's there, it's also planning for what wants/needs to be included, as well as planning what NOT to include in a BIM model (I say "BIM model" since a BIM is much more than simply a 3D model). Cartoon sheets, coordination views, settings captures & documentation and more were discussed and there was a lot of the obligatory business connections made.

As to those couple of people who thought that it was too little information and wanted a handout, etc. I must admit that I thought that such an un-conference, discussion based session made it impracticable to attempt a meaningful handout since most of the items discussed were going to be audience based. If this was a class I'd agree with that fully but these are advertised as discussion based...

That said I will make sure to have something of worth to hand out in the future, so everyone's concerns or expectations may be met (read as 'probably not in any case since we can't make everyone happy'); and honestly we all want our expectations to be satisfied, right? Even if it's not "from" a 10.

Bo, Thanks for the beauty for me to reference!!! You truly are 10... HEY WAIT!!! Is that what Bo Derek looks like now, or is that really Axl Rose???

Ahh that's better...

Vasari is now live on The Labs!!! (for Revit Designers & Wannabe's Alike)

2010-11-16T01:10:00.000-08:00

Full Revit it's not but that's the whole point!!!

Designers who haven't yet gotten on the BIM train can get a start with Vasari and get to a place where SketchUp is no longer used (or used as much), since as a BIM tool SKP is; well... a tool.

Download Project Vasari for yourself from the photo at left!!! If you'd like a technology review look at D Light's blog posting Here.

If you'd like to see a teaser go to this post from a few days ago (well a few days ago from the time of this post)!!!

Need some Video Tutorials (in addition to the ones in the tech preview? Click Me!!!

Enjoy, now get to Designing!!!

A U Ready? Getting it together for Vegas Baby

2010-11-15T00:57:00.000-08:00

You (Autodesk) Tube
AU Official Site
AU Classes
AU Event Schedule
Speaker Resource Center
Exhibitor Resource Center
AU Beat Casts
AU Blog
AU Twit (ter)
AU Facebook
AU Tech Talk
AU Virtual
AU Extension
Mandalay Bay
Excalibur
AU Japan
AU a Communist (China)
Odd Vegas Info

AIA NTAP Nationwide BIM

2010-11-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

The AIA NTAP is having a New Technologies|Alliances|Practices conference November 12th 2010; Interactively in 10 US Cities simultaneously; so download the Hybrid Schedule Here or register at the AIA Site Here by clicking the image; hope to see you there!!!

What If Indeed!!! Project Vasari and Revit Conceptualizations+

2010-11-09T01:01:00.000-08:00

In the following video teaser ADSK asks us a few retorical questions and I will open with a rhetorical answer: Hell Yeah!!! We'd use it and push it to the limits (and can hardly wait)!!! Thanks for the heads-up @davidfano

Gimmee, Gimmee, Gimmee!!! I do appreciate The Labs

1st Pricing™ Window & Door Toolkit for Revit®

2010-11-04T01:22:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in finding out more on how or if you can track projected pricing of real world components, beyond estimates, then click the image (left).

Got Plugin? Although their site only notes a download for Revit 2010, in most of the documentation, if you click the image (left) you will be brought to a page to download their plugin for EITHER 2010 or 2011 (at the time of this posting).

As they say in an old press release: "...With the click of a button, the 1st Pricing technology accesses an internet portal and pulls comparison pricing of multiple brands to fill out a detailed bill of materials with all related content on demand...." There is a new press release for 2011 Right Here!!!

Did I mention these are free???!!! Well, they are so don't be upset if: "...Today, the Company is focused on building materials for residential construction but plans to add commercial building products. In the near future, 1st Pricing expects to provide pricing on virtually every building product used in residential construction while bridging the gap for subcontractors by including labor quotes...."

Something is better than nothing perhaps...

Feeding To Revit? RSS Feeds for Fingertip Information

2010-10-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

At a recent (last night if you are reading this on the day of the posting) LARUG Meeting Cody Nowak presented a little tutorial on how to hook up Revit with your favorite RSS feeds. I trust you will use this for purely business purposes ;-)

If you'd like to keep in touch with said LARUG just check out and friend us up or follow us using these Twitter and Facebook pages and don't forget the LinkedIn page... Friends Rule!!! Communication Rules too...

BTW: If you can't download the PDF from Scribd use This Link.

C Nowak's Revit RSS How To

Download at will...

Are Revit Elevation Views Leaving You Flat? Another How-To-Solve-It with Filters

2010-10-14T01:33:00.000-07:00

I want something like this:

HTF can we easily get Elevations (Sections, etc.???) to have distinctions in their graphic representations as they fall further into the distance from our picture plane? You know, get items to appear as if they are fading away or appearing lighter, the greater the distance away they are... without using cruel workarounds like the less than optimal ‘Linework’ tool (read ‘Linework tool’ as the “waste(r) of time and I will probably be forced to rework these over and over as the project progresses” tool) or the shunned Drafting Lines themselves (Please say you don’t use lines). SO how do we??? Hmmmm…

OK, you are about to get the answer to those questions and get one main Best Practice and another one or two solutions that are a less recommended due to their major documentation limitations. Therefore soon you’ll be able to say goodbye to the “flat, dead, fugly, OOTB elevation problem”. YAAY!!!

Although I have heard a lot of comments and complaints through the years about how dead, flat & frankly fugly looking Elevations and Sections can look in Revit, I think it reflects more on us, rather than solely on Revit (but both have been at fault, if you ask me).

I do not want something like this:

Oh, the reason I say it’s an ‘us’ thing is that there are solutions… If you haven’t found solutions or heard of any (yet) let this be a new beginning; but if you do know of some and one has been to use filters and you have not shared it with the Revit community at-large then I say shame on you!!! Where’s the love??? If you have shared it I could not find it on the weboblogotwitosphere so perhaps marketing needs work?

That diatribe now over, we can continue :) It’s time to buck up partner, there is a really powerful cure (Hint: #2 is the cure I am speaking about).

The two methods we will discuss herein include:
1) The Old School Glass Obstructer Method (See Image 1 below)
Not as recommended as the next method is for a CD set elevations, but useful for presentations and ancillary 3D views/3D elevations, etc.

And finally that Best Practice:
2) The Filter Method (See Image 2 below) Yes. There it is finally, your recommended Best Practice!!!

(Image 1)

The "Glass Obstructer” Method: Not bad, but perhaps not best either

(Image 2)

Filter Method: Best practice (at time of this post at least. :))

These two workflows (if you so choose to use) can also be visually pleasing when used in consort with one another… even though the glass-obstructers need a bit of management via Worksets; just test the output before committing to print the whole set or committing to pronouncing the Glass Method to be your firm’s best practice!!! Look out for the Annotation limitations listed further on, in the step-by-steps for creating The Old School Glass Obstructer Method also; that’s a huge problem with this possible solution.

(Image 3)
Hybrid Filter-3D Elevation/Glass Obstructer Method –Again, great if you don’t want to annotate the views!!! (Why? See Image 4)

(Image 4)

Text is the only Annotation available in flat oriented 3D views :-(

If you employ The Old School Glass Obstructer Method (step-by-step below) and think that you want to annotate the 3D “Elevation” views you have a harsh reality coming… You can only use Text. Period.

No Dimensions, no Tags, no Keynotes, no etc…

Why? Because Dimensions, Spot Elevations & Spot Coordinates are only available in 3D views set to a non-flat direction, such as isometric, that’s why. If we look at this logically the flat 3D views only appear flat, thus these tools would probably hit unknown parts of the project, not what we want.

The Old School Glass Obstructer Method Step-by-Step:
1) Create 1” thick walls with a new material that I like to call Glass Obstructer; In the examples herein the material is setup thus (See Image 5)

(Image 5)
Glass Obstructer Material Settings

2) Place these walls where they need to be (obviously)

a. Ensure that these obstructers are substantially wider & taller that the rest of the project (See Image 6)

(Image 6)

Glass Obstructers in Place (Yeah I know!!! Weird, huh?)

b. Place the obstructers in their own Workset (WS) that is created Off by Default (See Image 7)

(Image 7)

Glass Obstructers Workset settings

3) Create a set of 3D Views; one for each desired “Elevation” (similar to Image 3 above)
a. Set these 3D Elevation Views to be aligned with a corresponding, real Elevation View or use the view-cube and set to flat orientations.
b. Turn on the WS in all appropriate 3D “Elevation’” views to get that faded look.
4) – Shadows anyone???

Now That The Not-So-Recommended Way Has Been Explained Let’s Get To The Real Good Stuff!!!

The Filter Method: A (sort of) Step-by-Step:
1) Create a filter planning matrix (See Image 8)

a. This is a Word document, where filters will be planned, so they are made efficiently, predictably and clean Excel works well too.

(Image 8)
Filter Planning Matrix

2) Create Elevations (of course)
3) View Ribbon > Graphics Panel > Filters Tool (See Image 9)

(Image 9) The Filter Tool

4) Create Filters (See Image 10)

(Image 10) Filter creation

a. Use the info from your Filter Planning Matrix
BTW: This matrix can be scaled to be useful for any filter plus variants can be used to plan & manage every possible setting in Revit; especially useful since one should NEVER save their old template files into a newer version…Unless you want to lose functionality!!! Really!!!
b. Assign the filters to the appropriate objects; in this case I used only Walls
c. Setup the filter rules

OK get ready: In this scenario I am using an ADSK OOTB template so I simply used the Instance Parameter “Comment” for the assignment portion of this solution… On a real project I suggest that you setup custom/instance/Project Parameters corresponding to each elevation view, for the Objects to be overridden (walls in this case): perhaps they look similar to Image 11 & 12's List of Potential Instance Parameters for Walls to be overridden using the Filter Method:

Elevation Override East
Elevation Override North
Elevation Override South
Elevation Override West

(Image 11)
Parameter Setup Example

(Image 12)
Wall Properties/Parameter value Example

With these setups assign each wall’s instance parameters with the number that corresponds to the (to be) overridden line weight setting (1 for 1, etc.)

Are you with me so far? It is simpler than it appears after a while… Plus very powerful and should open your imagination up to use filters rather than the horrendous Override in View!!!

5) Open one of your elevation views
a. Type VV (Visibility Graphics… Yeah VG works too but I don’t like moving my finger that half inch :))
b. Select into the Filters Tab and Add all of the necessary filters (See Image 13) –That’s right: neither shift, nor Ctrl work here; to select these all just click them individually… *#@! Software Developers can’t seem to make their dialogues work consistently yet… Yikes!!!(Image 13)

Adding the filters to a view’s Visibility Graphics

c. Next, while still in the elevation’s Visibility Graphics Chose the corresponding override Weight for each filter (Projection Lines definitely, Cut Lines ??? Hmmm is that where we’d mess with our sections??? You bet!!!). (See Image 14)

(Image 14)
Choosing the overrides per filter

d. Click OK and you’re almost there…

I have to take a pause here and admire the strength of filters. Don’t worry, we’re almost Finished!!! (Let's take a look at the (now filter-overridden) View again)

AHHHHH... That’s a whole lot better!!!

Finally: Oh wow, there's more? Well, yes... we want to push these filters/overrides more methodically than by manually repeating the V/G, filter addition & overriding, don’t we? YES; you had better have said yes!!!

6) Go over to the Project Browser
a. Right-Click the view you just overrode the line weights for
b. Select “Create View Template From View”
c. Name the View Template with a useful name (follow conventions)
d. Un-check all check boxes except “V/G Overrides Filters” (See Image 16)

(Image 16)
Sweet 16: View Template

7) Apply this View Template to all necessary elevations and if you have set all the walls with the appropriate integer value for those parameters you created you will have similar results as these!!!

Good luck and let us know what great uses you use filters for that may be out of the ordinary.

The New (New) Revit Graphics Card List is Here!!!

2010-10-12T11:57:00.001-07:00

Without further ado: Get the current (as of the date of this post) Revit Approved Graphics Card list Here when choosing a new workstation (and I don't mean a small business or home rated computer!!!)... remember if you get anything that's not on the list or that's not followed by a green Check/+
then you're on your own.

Fear and Loathing In a CAD vs. BIM World

Get Your BIM Specs On: LA CSI Nite Thursday, February 23rd 2012, 3-9pm

Dear AEC, Get #BIM or a new career. Sincerely, Present Reality

Revit Project Browser, View & Sheet Organization & Conventions (According to Me)

Restructuring for BIM Success: BIM with Intelligence from DesignIntelligence

LA CSI Nite: All BIM & Specs, No Crime Scenes

See BIM, Feel BIM, Touch BIM, Heal BIM... Game=Changed (Soon)

Fear and Loathing In a CAD vs. BIM World and a Fluffy Kitten Walk Into a Bar... A 2012 Recap

BIM In Love

Bradley Components For All (If You Need Them...)

Are You A CAD Gerbil or BIM Kitten

1 Sure Way To Get What You Want ;-)

Live Renders NOT in the clouds

Oh Revit Forums You Do Love Me Don't You

Board Of Directors? Vote New Directors Onto The AUGI Board

A BIM Model and a Fluffy Kitty Walk Into A Bar

Make S Ride on "The Rails": Tastes great, More Fulfilling

AUGI World November Issue

RTC USA 2012 Southern Hospitality here we come!!!

Perception, Breakthrough, Success & Help

Details in BIM: a Process Conceptualization

Status Update & A Taste of Detail Conceptualization

Disruptive Technology at it's Finest!!!?

Got Collaborate? AUGI World Can Help

Do You Want To Be An Architect?

AUGIWORLD Content Managers Unite!!! TOOT, TOOT

New Revit Family Template!!! Bovine Model Face Based

Revit Keyboard Shortcuts: Just For You ...And You Know Who You Are

Simply Complex, The Revit Complex (Freudians Unite)

More Content: A Cross Post

RTC USA Me Part 2: A+Revit Families

RTC USA Me Part 1: Ah, Whats The Program Doc? Revit for Planning

RTC USA & J... Ah, What's The Program Doc?

Kiss Revit's ASHRAE: Autodesk Labs Does it Again!!!

EXTREME(ly) BIM & Other Useful USC Offerings

Wanna Say You Made Your First Revit Plugin? The Factory Can Help

Revit Can't Do That... Wait; it Can!!!

Revit Addins Offered up to LARUG (and you). Thanks C RUG!!!

May 2011 Los Angeles Revit Users Group Meeting & a potential for a Revit Cow

AU Gonna Teach Again (at AU) This Year??? Hope So!!!

Architecture & New Technology: The Ant Group to the rescue

Where'd the BIM Go???

Keys to Key on, When Keynoting in Revit (Okey?)

The Future Is Finally the Present!!! Make Families (NOT the Revit ones either) Faster & More Efficiently!!! Genetically Engineer Your Next Child!!!

New Autodesk Suites Deliver Digital Prototyping for Unbeatable Design Innovation and Quality

What's the best computer to buy for Revit 2012?

(ADSK) Performance Recommendations

Revit 2012 What's New and More: + Some Art in LA

The new Autodesk & Revit BIM Building Design Suites are (almost) Here!!!

More Dimensions to Revit

You Need Tools for Your Revit Tool, Don't You?

Copy Monitor Setup for Revit: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility... Use it or Lose it

Revit, BIM Can't Save AEC from Bad Leadership & Workmanship

OMFGLOL-VL: A Discourse on Emerging Tectonic Visualization and the Effects of Materiality on Praxis. Or an essay on the ridiculous way architects talk

Hello Nairobi

Performative BIM (Revitcentrically that is)

SkinPut for Revit Coming Soon (or Ever???)

Mobil BIM: Droids, iPods, iPads, Tablets: W(here)TF are the Apps???!!!

Watching "Them" Watching Me

Autodesk Labs Project Nucleus: Now it's on!!!

Time for a change of direction: The Z Direction!!!

Revit Space Pilot Pro: Hello Ireland!!!

(Revit ®) Families 101: An Excerpt

Worksharing Need to Know(s) Please Save To Central (No Matter What It's Called Now)

10 Revit files and where they are

Revit Reunion: It's not a get together!!!

More Families (and more) Polantis Has 'it'

Pushing BIM Beyond (The Model as I see it)

AUGI Update

What does AUGI stand for?

AU 2010 Results Now & Later

Vasari is now live on The Labs!!! (for Revit Designers & Wannabe's Alike)

A U Ready? Getting it together for Vegas Baby

AIA NTAP Nationwide BIM

What If Indeed!!! Project Vasari and Revit Conceptualizations+

1st Pricing™ Window & Door Toolkit for Revit®

Feeding To Revit? RSS Feeds for Fingertip Information

Are Revit Elevation Views Leaving You Flat? Another How-To-Solve-It with Filters

The New (New) Revit Graphics Card List is Here!!!