Revit Plugins and Add-ons Review 2008

It seems that in this last year there have been many plugins, add-ons, extensions etc created for Revit. From my perspective plugins are usually best as a stop-gap solution. By this I mean that they do something that Revit out-of-the-box can't do (or do well) at this point in time. CAD/BIM Mangers have an enormous task of installing the latest versions and patches of the core software. Now add on top of that the individual plugins that each user may want. This is compounded by each new release and update. Revit's initial philosophy was to do everything well out-of-the-box. That being said, even Autodesk can't keep up with the developing demands of this hugely popular software. For this good reason the API has enabled people to create some excellent solutions. Autodesk has taken note and even bought up some of the better programs to integrate with the core software.

So, let's review some available plugins for Revit Architecture. This list is by no means comprehensive. Please let me know of any good ones that I have missed as I will keep updating this.

IES VE-Ware

"VE-Ware is our FREE building energy usage and carbon dioxide emission assessment software that can make a real difference to the green credentials of a building, as well as benchmark it against the US Architecture 2030 Challenge."

http://www.iesve.com/content/default.asp?page=s130

ease of installation: easy
ease of use: Knowing how to set up the model before running the calcs is essential.
results: Pretty basic. Not detailed enough but still useful.
price: Free

IES VE-Toolkit

"Our VE-Toolkits are ideal for use at the very early stages of the design process as they give quick sustainability feedback at the click of a few buttons."

http://www.iesve.com/content/default.asp?page=s158

ease of installation: easy
ease of use: Knowing how to set up the model before running the calcs is essential.
results: Very detailed and graphic results. Great value in my opinion.
price: approx. $1500 (ballpark)

Especs for Revit

"e-SPECS for Revit extends the Autodesk® Revit-based products document coordination and quality solutions to the construction specifications. "

http://www.e-specs.com/especs-revit.html

ease of installation: Not very easy.
ease of use: Easy to use once the difficult setup process is done.
results: For the money the results can be awesome, as long as there is some setup and attention to standards. This has great potential but needs to be more accessible.
price: approx $1700(ballpark)

Avatech Tools:
http://www.avatech.com/solutions/building-design/product-details.aspx?product=44

Avatech Room Renumber
ease of installation: easy
ease of use: easy
results: This is a nice utility that I would consider a necessary stop-gap.
price: free

Avatech Door Mark Update
ease of installation: easy
ease of use: easy
results: This is what happens when someone actually reads the Wish Lists.
price: free

Autodesk Extensions
available on the Autodesk Subscription Website
ease of installation: easy
price: included with subscription

Autodesk Extensions: Compare Models
ease of use: easy
results: I think this has some good uses but I'm not sure what yet. Useful for diagnostics.

Autodesk Extensions: Element Positioning
ease of use: easy, but not sure what it's for.
results: Seems like this might be a diagnostic tool as well. This one is kind of a mixed bag. There is a tool for tagging but I'm not sure what the rest of the tools do yet. I'll keep you posted.

Autodesk Extensions: Freeze Drawings
ease of use: easy
results: This is very useful for creating static details.

Autodesk Extensions: Text Generator
ease of use: easy
results: A good stop-gap until more tools are added to the Text tool.

Autodesk Extensions: Excel Based model Generation
ease of use: haven't used it yet
results:

Autodesk Extensions: Grids Generator
ease of use: medium
results: creates some 3D lines so you can see where your grids are in 3D. I think it would be nice to toggle ref-planes in 3D.

Autodesk Subscription: Worksharing Monitor
ease of installation: easy, once you find it on the subscription site maze.
ease of use: easy
results: a little buggy at times but useful.
price: included with subscription

Autodesk Subscription: Import/Export Google Earth
ease of installation: easy, once you find it on the subscription site maze.
ease of use: easy
results: A 'cool' tool but also somewhat useful.
price: included with subscription

Autodesk Subscription: Batch Print
ease of installation:easy, once you find it on the subscription site maze.
ease of use: Haven't used it yet.
results:Haven't used it yet.
price:included with subscription

Autodesk Labs: STL Exporter
ease of installation: Haven't used it yet.
ease of use:
results:
price:

BIM Content Manager
http://www.bimcontentmanager.com/
ease of installation: fairly easy
ease of use: kind of complex
results: Autodesk intends to buy the parent company so hopefully a refined version of this lands inside of Revit (not an add-on through subscription).
price: $150 for now...

StrucSoft Metal Wood Framer
http://www.strucsoftsolutions.com/products.asp
"First wall panelizer running on Autodesk Revit Platform for wood and Light Guage metal construction."
Although I haven't used this yet it's very presence is encouraging.

Ideate Explorer for Revit
http://www.ideatexplorer.com/index.php
I haven't used this yet but it looks like a very useful tool.
price: $95

Autodesk Navisworks
Exports a Revit model to Navisworks.
You need to buy Navisworks to get this plugin.

Many macro samples are also available in the SDK (Software Development Kit)
ease of installation: medium-hard, you need to edit the revit.ini
ease of use: medium
results: although they are samples there are some useful tools ie. change case, find-replace etc.
price: free

Affinity for Revit
http://www.trelligence.com/affinity_revit.php
Trelligence Affinity™, Affinity for ArchiCAD™, and Affinity for Revit™ is software focused on enhancing the early architectural design process with a unique programming, space planning and schematic design solution. Targeted at the worldwide architectural, engineering, construction and owner/developer (AECO) market, the Trelligence Affinity patent-pending software integrates with ArchiCAD from Graphisoft, Revit Architecture from Autodesk, and other design tools to extend the benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) - faster planning, less rework and better team collaboration - to the early design phases of complex building projects.
ease of installation: ?
ease of use: ?
results:?
price: ?

Elevation Depth Line Quality

Here's a typical question:

We have been working with some elevation views on a couple of our projects in Revit and it seems that in terms of line weights the depth of the buildings do not read well. Is there a setting to control how Revit handles the line weights of different parts of the building particularly those that are further back in the distance? The building I am working on happens to have several parts to the building that are in the mid ground background plane so any help would be much appreciated.

This is a good question which has potential to be a good built in automatic utility. For now, though, here's how to address this.

Right-click on object or objects....
Override Graphics in View...
By Element...



Then adjust projection lines as required.


This will do in most scenarios.
There are times when you may have to break down and use the 'linework' tool. You don't want to use this tool too often though since it could be time consuming to keep updated.

Rendering with Best Setting

From practice, I have noticed that for the visual difference between the 'Best' and 'High' is not usually worth the time difference. I have also noticed that 'Best' will sometimes even crash the machine.

Let me know if you have seen the same.

Relative vs Absolute Links

The difference between these two settings (found under File-Manage Links) is the following:

Relative: If you move the Revit file you will need to move the dwg link into the same folder. If you don't do this the link will be broken, although it may still display the file in a static state.

Absolute: You can move the Revit file without moving the linked dwg. The only issue with this is if you were to move it to a location that can't access the path, the link will be broken.

Date: Wednesday October 29, 2008

Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Location: Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide St W, Toronto ON, M5V 1P6.

Click here for map.

For those taking the TTC, it is conveniently located near both Osgoode and St. Andrew stations on the Yonge-University-Spadina line.

ORUG is proud to announce its 2-year anniversary. To celebrate, we're holding our first annual EXPO! Members are encouraged to bring and showcase their projects to the group. Participants will be entered to win prizes. Any ORUG member can bring and show their projects but we would like to request that expositions to the Expo have the following minimum criteria to be eligible for the draw:

Revit Model

One exterior rendering that will be submitted to Jay Polding prior to Wednesday October 29. This rendering will act as registration for the prize draw

One interior rendering

One floorplan

One elevation

One section

Brief explanation to the group about the project and the Revit Model

Laptop with the files mentioned above

We are looking for 3 eligible entrants to do "pecha kucha" presentations about their projects. Pecha Kucha presentations require each presenter to use a slideshow of 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds. This results in a total presentation time of 6 minutes 40 seconds.If you are interested in entering and participating, please email jpolding@cadmicro.com.

Exhibition - ORUG EXPO 2008

Jay will provide a brief introduction of the exhibitions in slideshow format.
Our 3 “Pecha Kucha” entrants will then present.

Exhibitors will then set up at individual tables and be able to discuss projects with other members.

Finally, we will be conducting a draw from registered participants. The draw will include two seats of 3dsMAX Design 2009 (Not For Resale version).

Autodesk University 2008Are you attending Autodesk University this year?

Please let us know if you have registered by emailing alau@cadmicro.com

If you would like to become an ORUG member or attend this meeting as a guest, please contact Jay Polding at jpolding@cadmicro.com. There is no charge to attend.

New Service Pack Technology

This is good news to a lot of people.

"For the first time in the Revit product line history, we have implemented Service Pack technology similar to the AutoCAD based products. This will greatly reduce the effort needed to update the Revit products to the newest build by allowing our users to update their existing installations without having to reinstall Revit. Because of this change, we recommend that you read the Service Pack Readme before installing. "

Web Update 2 is available at this location:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=11017599

Revit 64 is Out!

Just to let every one know, if you don't already. Revit 64bit is now available for download for Architecture, Structure and MEP. You need to log in to the Autodesk Subscription site to get this. Here's a press release from Autodesk...

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc.,(NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced that versions of its Revit software applications for Building Information Modeling (BIM) specifically designed for personal computers using Windows 64-bit operating systems are now available. This marks the company's first venture into 64-bit BIM applications and applies to Revit Architecture 2009, Revit Structure 2009 and Revit MEP 2009. The 64-bit versions are now available to existing Revit platform software subscribers. Customer beta testers reported that the newsoftware applications offer significantly improved performance and stabilityfor memory intensive tasks such as rendering, printing, model upgrading andfile importing and exporting. Some examples of their experience include:

"In every single test I threw at the Revit Structure for the 64-bit system it beat the 32-bit system," said Ken Murphy, BIM manager, Thornton Tomasetti. "On average, we observed approximately a 20 percent performance gain on operations such as saving files and exporting models to other formats for outside consultants. And when it comes to rendering images of large project models, such as an American football stadium with thousands of members, we saw up to a 50 percent performance improvement over the 32-bit platform."

"With 64-bit Revit Architecture we can completely load a very large project into a session and work on it at one time; and that is something that represents a significant efficiency improvement over the 32-bit environment,"said Lonnie Cumpton, Revit task force manager for the Friedmutter Group. "For example, we have a large project that consists of 2.9 gigabytes of Revit data contained in 22 individual files. With 64-bit Revit Architecture we can link all the pieces together into one big model and cut an entire building section to gain an understanding from a section elevation standpoint of the entireproject at one time. Using 32-bit Revit Architecture we'd have to cut individual pieces of sections in each model and then piece them back together. It took us a day to do that. Now we can do it in less than an hour."

"We've been beta testing the 64-bit Revit Structure software and the increases in efficiency and productivity are impressive," said Jamie Richardson, Associate & CAD manager, Ericksen Roed & Associates. "Cutting sections and switching between views is much faster. Moving within the viewsand rotating the model in a 3D view is also noticeably faster and smoother.With what we have seen in our beta testing, and what we're hearing from userstesting the beta on their current projects, we see no reason not to go to the64-bit version of Revit Structure."

The English language versions of new 64-bit Revit software applications areavailable now to existing Revit Architecture 2009, Revit Structure 2009 andRevit MEP 2009 subscribers via the online Subscription Center. The 64-bit software will release in other languages at a later date.

"We're very excited to hear our beta testers report stunning performance gains with the native 64-bit versions of the Revit software applications,"said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Autodesk AEC Solutions. "Breaking the four gigabytes RAM barrier is an important milestone, which helps ourcustomers experience the power of BIM in even their largest projects."

Caution: Import DWG Lines Move

I read this on Steve Stafford's blog and wanted to spread the word. I have sent this to Autodesk as a support issue. I would recommend for you to do the same!

"Revit alters the lines in a imported cad file if they are very nearly horizontal or vertical. It has done this for quite some time. It isn't clear if it isn't a problem very often or if it isn't noticed very often. I'm reminded of this issue by a recent post at AUGI naturally.In this instance a member wrote that a property line (in a cad import) whose bearing is 89 degrees 57 minutes and 56 seconds is altered by Revit to simply 90 degrees even. The cad file isn't "changed" but what we see of it in Revit is."

Complete article...http://revitoped.blogspot.com/2008/09/dwg-import-lines-nearly.html

Model Lines to Detail Lines and back

Thanks to Yogesh Ishwar for this tip...

If you have Model lines and want to change them to Detail Lines do the following:
Cut Model Lines
Start Filled Region Command
Paste Aligned-Same Place
Cut Lines again
Close Filled Region Command without saving
Paste Aligned-Same Place. These lines will now be Detail Lines

If you want to go the other way just replace Filled Region command with the Floor command.

Tagging and Scheduling Nested Families

Challenge: You want a door and a window to be inserted as one, but you want to tag and schedule them individually.

This can be done the following way.

Open window family.

Make sure the shared button is checked. Under Settings, Family Category and Parameters.

Open the door family.

Insert the window as a component.

Make sure the shared button is checked. Under Settings, Family Category and Parameters.

When you insert the nested family you will be able to tag and schedule each object.

Metric and Imperial Units in Tags and Schedules

Metric and Imperial Units in Tags:

Open the Tag family.

Add the Area label.

Edit the unit format.

Metric and Imperial Units in Schedules:

Add a calculated value

Type: Area

Formula: Area

Go to the Formatting tab and adjust the units format for the new parameter.

Using IES Files in revit Architecture 2009

Thanks to Yogesh Ishwar for this one.

To specify an IES file for a light source
Obtain the desired IES file.

You can obtain an IES file directly from the manufacturer, or use an IES file provided by Revit Architecture. The Revit IES files reside in the following location, by default:
C:\Program Files\\Data\Electrical Components\IES

Specify Photometric Web light distribution, as follows:
Open the lighting fixture family in the Family Editor.
In the drawing area, select the light source.
On the Options Bar, click Light Source Definition.
For Emit from Shape, select the desired shape.
For Light distribution, select (Photometric Web).
Click OK.
Save changes to the lighting fixture family.

Specify the IES file to use, as follows:
If you want the IES file to define light distribution for the entire lighting fixture family, keep the lighting fixture family open in the Family Editor. Click Family Types. For Name, select the family type to modify.
If you want the IES file to define light distribution for selected instances of the lighting fixture family, open a project that uses it, and select a lighting fixture in the project. Right click, and click Element Properties. Click Edit/New. Click Duplicate, specify a name for the new family type, and click OK.

In the list of type parameters, scroll down to Photometric.
For Photometric Web File, click in the Value column.
Click (Browse).
Note: The Browse button displays after you click in the field.
Navigate to the desired IES file, select it, and click Open.
Click OK.

Save changes to the project or the lighting fixture family.
In the drawing area, the shape of the light source reflects the specified IES file. To see the light source in a project view, you must make light sources visible.

Surplus Rooms and Areas

You may have noticed that you can place a Room or Area object outside of an enclosed area. These objects will be visible in their respective schedules. If you want to delete them, go to their schedule and you will find a delete button available when you click on the name of the Room or Area.

Always Name Views - use F2

You should always name new views. To that end...
When renaming a view just click on the view name in the Project Browser and then press the F2 key on the keyboard.

Revit Architecture 2009 Extensions

You can now download Revit Architecture 2009 Extensions from the Autodesk Subscription Center. Some impressions:
Freeze Drawings: create a 2D drafting view of a plan, elevation or section view.
Text Generator: A few more bells and whistles for text. A temporary solution I hope.
Grids Generator: This is a step in the right direction for creating and editing levels and grids.

One thing of note, you can choose to display your grids in 3D. This will draw unconstrained model lines on top of the grids.While I like the idea of these extensions, and in some cases they are badly needed, I find them disappointing. They seem incomplete as compared to the Revit Structure extensions.

Curtain Wall Louvres

The easiest way to make louvres on/in curtain panels is to do the following:

Make a mullion profile of the shape and offset desired. Load into project.
Make a (louvre) curtain wall type which includes above mentioned mullion profile and desired spacing.
Using the TAB key Insert louvre curtain wall type in place of panel at desired locations.

Credit to Daniel Friesen from the AUGI forum.

I would like to add one more thing to this...
If you would like to have a single panel of glass behind the louvres you may need to do this:
Make a curtain wall with the conventional mullions and glass panels.
Make a curtain wall that only contains a modified mullion that acts as a louvre. Its panel will be the empty panel type.
Draw this curtain wall in front of panels that need louvres. You may lock/constrain it to the backing curtain wall.

IES Plugin and Phases

You can now set the phase to export to the IES plugin analysis. Here's how:

Settings-Project Information-Energy Data-Project Phase

Show Light Cone

Nice post from Mike Hardy-Brown's blog...

http://reviteer.blogspot.com/2008/07/revit-arch-2009-lights.html

Neat little trick with lights.
Instead of rendering to see where your light source definition will render lit portions, go to your visibility graphics (VG), show the lights on in shaded or hidden line views. Switch on Light Source. Also nice to have an override here. I used a blue overhead line. Sectional Elevation representation of light source definition.

Export as Polylines

When exporting to AutoCAD you can export Room and Area boundaries as polylines.

1. File-Export CAD Formats

2. Options

3. Click Export Rooms and Areas as polylines

3D Details

To make a 3D Detail of an existing section or elevation:

1. Make a 3D view and name it
2. Turn on Section Box in the View Properties
3. View(drop down menu)-Orient-To Other View...-Pick your view
4. Orbit 3D view to desired location

Autodesk News...

Don't ask me what the big picture is with all of these aquisitions, but I thought you might want to know...

Autodesk Enhances Sustainable Design Capabilities with Acquisitions of Ecotect and Green Building Studio Analysis Tools

Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Assets of Square One Research and Green Building Studio

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., June 26, 2008 — As part of its on-going commitment to support the practice of sustainable design and green building in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced two acquisitions to improve building performance analysis in the building information modeling (BIM) process. Autodesk announced that it has completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets related to the Ecotect software tools for conceptual building performance analysis from both Square One Research Ltd. and Dr. Andrew Marsh. Autodesk also announced that it has completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Green Building Studio, Inc., a provider of web-based whole building energy, water and carbon-emission analysis software. Terms of the acquisitions were not disclosed.

“Buildings are a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so to combat climate change it is critical for the building industry to rapidly adopt sustainable design practices that will lead to buildings which are appreciably more efficient and eventually carbon neutral,” said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Autodesk AEC solutions. “The addition of these tools to our technology portfolio will help make it easier for architects, engineers and designers to understand the impact of their design decisions on building performance earlier in the design process so they can optimize for reduced environmental impact.”

The acquisitions of Ecotect and the Green Building Studio assets will support Autodesk’s vision to deliver software that enables architects and engineers to design more sustainable projects. With improved building performance analysis capabilities, Autodesk will be uniquely positioned to offer a comprehensive suite of software solutions for sustainable design and analysis, enabling a BIM process that can facilitate cost-effective design and delivery of high-performing, resource-efficient buildings and infrastructure.

Square One Research, Ltd. and Dr. Andrew Marsh, creator of the Ecotect environmental design and analysis tools, are based in Isle of Man. The Ecotect tools can measure how fundamental criteria, such as solar, thermal, shading, lighting, and airflow, will affect building performance in the conceptual and detailed phases of design. Their capability to forecast building performance over time better equips architects and engineers to deliver more energy efficient and sustainable building designs.

“Square One Research and Autodesk share a commitment to using technology to make the design and construction of sustainable, high-performance buildings easier and more efficient,” said Dr. Andrew J. Marsh, Co-Founder and Head of Research & Development, Square One Research. “We are pleased to join Autodesk and look forward to helping develop and deliver simple and effective building performance analysis to architects and engineers around the world.”

The Autodesk Green Building Studio analysis tools, now available at http://www.autodesk.com/greenbuildingstudio, provide improved design insight through whole building energy, water and carbon-emission analysis, helping architects and designers to maximize building economic and environmental performance. The tools are compatible with Autodesk design software as well as software from other industry providers through the Green Building XML (gbXML) schema and can now be directly accessed from within the Revit platform for BIM with a new plug-in now available for download. Green Building Studio Inc. launched the Green Building Studio web service in 2004.

To read more about how Autodesk and its customers are addressing sustainable design, please visit www.autodesk.com/green.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the impact of the acquisition on Autodesk’s, product offerings and the performance of its business. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: difficulties encountered in integrating merged businesses; whether certain market segments grow as anticipated; the competitive environment in the software industry and competitive responses to the acquisition; and whether the companies can successfully develop new products or modify existing products and the degree to which these gain market acceptance.

Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial results of Autodesk are included in the company's reports on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2008, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Revit Resource

http://offers.autodesk.com/8/87216/

This is what you will find...

“Voices of Architecture Podcast Library” where you’ll find a series of podcast interviews including:

Bob Berkebile, BNIM – Bob discuss the topic of Architecture and Public Identity and why it is a hot topic in the industry. Bob also describes one of the most interesting projects his firm is currently working on today, what he sees as a key trend in global architecture and the importance of BIM knowledge as a key factor when evaluating employee prospects.

Mark Dietrick, Burt Hill – Mark comments about the biggest new trends in the architecture industry, and what Burt Hill looks for in terms of BIM knowledge when searching for new employees.

John Moebes, Director of Construction for Crate & Barrel - Mark discusses how the Revit platform helps his company improve the design and build process, what Revit platform solutions they use, how Crate & Barrel has adopted integrated project management, and what he sees as the biggest new trend in architecture today.

Render Hotfix

Please see this article if you are having crashing issues when rendering...

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=11294295&linkID=9240618

ps, this applies to the AutoCAD renderer.

The Revit Wave Has Hit!

I haven't been posting as much as I would like. It's not for lack of content but a huge wave of Revit implementations, training, support etc. Here's something....

IES Plugin for 2009
Some (including me) could not find the latest page for the IES plugin download for Revit Arch 2009.http://www.iesve.com/content/default.asp?page=s97_2Just download install and restart and you will see the IES toolbar right there.

Revit 2009 Thank You

I would like to thank the development team for producing an excellent new release. The rendering is an instant improvement and even easier to use. There are many other smaller fixes and enhancements which have been on my list for a while. I even have heard rumors of a 64bit version coming out this year which is sorely needed. Revit structure has too many enhancements to mention along with the amazing extensions from Robobat. Revit MEP continues to add and refine. Looks like it's going to be another fun year with Revit.

Revit 2009 Shipping Date

An update on shipping dates for the entire Revit 2009 line of products:

April 15, 2008

Great Revit Learning SIte

This site is great for finding help on almost anything! Many common questions are answered.

FYI, some of the info is a little outdated. Still good though.

Use files to create an instant toposurface

If you can obtain a csv (Points File) from the surveyor which contains coordinate points, this can be used to create a Revit topography surface.

If you can obtain a dwg with contours (polylines at proper Z elevations) you can import that and use the Import Instance function to create a toposurface. Keep in mind that the contours usually come in at the geodetic height unless otherwise edited. You may want to bring it closer to a zero Z elevation in AutoCAD before importing it for easy use.

If you choose to use a dwg with polyline contours as the topography base do the following things...

Open the dwg in AutoCAD and isolate the layer with the contours

Erase any non-essential info

purge, audit and save the dwg

In Revit:

Start the Toposurface Tool

Import/Link CAD Formats-Choose the contour dwg

Click Use Imported from the sidebar menu

Select Import Instance

Finish Sketch

Floor Pattern Legend

The Revit Legend tool will not show floors in plan as of R2008. In the meantime, here's a way...

1. make callout of floor in plan view
2. tag by material
3. crop as needed
4. drag and drop on sheet
repeat as needed

This will be a dynamic 'legend' which will not require much updating. It could be applied to many other things as well; walls, families etc.

March 26 ORUG Meeting

Date: Wednesday March 26, 2008
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Location: Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide St W, Toronto ON, M5V 1P6.

Click here for map. For those taking the TTC, it is conveniently located near both Osgoode and St. Andrew stations on the Yonge-University-Spadina line.

Content: The BIM Model: New Concerns and Opportunities

Liability Conversation
This portion will be an interactive, moderated discussion with Charles to discuss industry concerns about legal liabilities and the BIM model.

Charles Simco - Shibley Righton LLP Charles has been recognised as an expert in the practice of Construction law and professional liability. He has been invited to speak about a variety of topics relating to his expertise at various legal and construction organizations.

Printing a Tactile 3D Model
Allan and his Technical Expert will discuss big picture reasons for using 3D printing as well as technical procedures. He may also offer free services as a giveaway.

Allan M. Agard - Entire Imaging Solutions Inc.Using 3D CAD files, Entire has been providing professionals with the highest quality digital 3D colour replication models for the past 36 years. Customization is provided to meet the specific needs of every client. Models are produced in days.

If you would like to become an ORUG member or attend this meeting as a guest, please contact Jay Polding at jpolding@cadmicro.com.

Revit Architecture 2009 Features

I like it! Check it out...

http://bimboom.blogspot.com/

ORUG March Meeting and Other News

Our next ORUG meeting will be March 26, 2008
When: Wednesday, March 26 2008 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.
Location: Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide St W, Toronto ON.

Theme: The BIM Model: New Concerns and Opportunities
The BIM Model- Liability Conversation
The BIM Model- “3D Printing” a Tactile Model
Invitations will be emailed in early March.
More details to follow…

Autodesk to Acquire Green Building Studio
After nearly 10 years of market changing innovation, Green Building Studio is delighted to announce we have signed an agreement for Autodesk, Inc. to acquire our assets. In other words, our Green Building Studio (GBS) web service will soon join the Autodesk product family. Please be assured that our talented team will continue to sell software and train and support architects as they use our web service to design carbon neutral buildings today and in the future.Read more…http://www.greenbuildingstudio.com

Extensions for Revit®
Revit® Extensions are a series of easy to use applications that extend the capabilities of Revit in various key areas, including structural analysis and reinforced concrete drafting.On January 15 2008, Autodesk completed the acquisition of Robobat who develops these Extensions. All Extensions for Revit Structure formerly developed by Robobat, both fee and free, are now available through the Autodesk Subscription Program.Visit the Autodesk’s Subscription page under Services and Support to find out more about this service and becoming a member. Revit Structure Subscription customers can login to the Subscription Center and download the Revit Extensions at no additional cost.
A great example… Revit 2008 Worksharing Monitor
The Worksharing Monitor facilitates the use of Revit software in a worksharing environment, in which multiple people work on one project. For workshared projects, the Worksharing Monitor answers questions like the following: Who is currently working on this project? Is my local copy of the project up to date? When will my Save to Central operation finish? Has my request to borrow elements been granted? Are any issues interfering with my work on a Revit project? More info…http://www.extensions4revit.com/n/e4r

Autodesk VIZ to become Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2009
With the increasing demands for trained staff and richer toolsets, we noticed a significant movement of Autodesk® VIZ software customers to Autodesk® 3ds Max® software. We also learned that approximately 90% of VIZ customers would prefer to use 3ds Max. In surveying our customers, we learned they want:-New features and capabilities to ease the creation of stunning imagery and cinema-quality visualizations-The ability of 3ds Max to handle even the most complex projects-Access to a much larger community of peers and talent pool-Easy transfer of knowledge and data from VIZ to 3ds MaxTo satisfy these desires, we intend to introduce Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2009 software, a new and uncompromised version of 3ds Max tailored to the needs of architects, designers, engineers, and visualization specialists.More info… http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=383%3C%2Ftd%3E

Doors From/To Room Schedule

Although you can't tag the door using this feature you can show the room doors are going from and to in the schedule. You will need to create Room Objects. Choose 'Select Available Fields From:' and then you can choose From Room and To Room. Add 'Room Name' to the Scheduled Fields area.




The result...

Organising the Project Browser

Here's a great tip for organising the Project Browser.

Ever have this problem? You develop your scheme within Revit and before you know it you have a list of Views and Sheets as long as your arm...click link for more
http://www.revitzone.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=190&Itemid=33

New Revit Builds and Plugin

New Builds for all Revit Products:

These are fixing a leap year programming glitch among other small things…

Revit Architecture: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=9408083

Revit Structure: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=9281007

Revit MEP: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=9262907

FREE IES Toolkit Plugin for Revit Architecture:

http://www.iesve.com/content/default.asp?page=s110