Simpson Strong-Tie Content

Simpson has released 2D and 3D Revit content for their Strong-Tie Project line.

Mastering Revit Architecture 2010 (Paperback) Review

With each release of Revit, more and more publishers are starting to print Revit Architecture books. Finding the correct book that meets your needs can be difficult, especially if you are ordering online and don't have an opportunity to skim through. And to be perfectly honest, one book may not meet all your needs.

I teach Revit Architecture at the community college level and choosing either a textbook or supplemental text is pretty important. I don't want my students spending money on something they won't use when the class is over, so I have chosen not to use a textbook. Instead, I encourage my students to buy a supplemental text that will help them during the class and on the job.

For that reason and several other, I recommend the "Mastering Revit Architecture" series and the Mastering Revit Architecture 2010 title is now available. Having read and used previous version of the Mastering Revit Architecture series in the classroom and at work, I have come to expect very high standards from the latest title "Mastering Revit Architecture 2010". I am pleased to report I was not disappointed. In short, the book is well organized and the material is presented in a manner that it can be used as an easy-to-follow tutorial or as an in-depth and knowledgeable reference. Each of the 20 chapters takes you through the subject matter from the basics to the more advanced features.

Why is this book different? I think what sets this book apart is the authors. You have your Autodesk insiders who are working for the company and know how each individual tool is intended to work. But you also have a practicing Architect as part of the writing team, Eddy Krygiel.

Eddy has worked on large complex projects like the IRS Center in Kansas City to much smaller projects like the renovation of his home (send me model pic to post Eddy). So what does that mean. Well, we have all seen the Autodesk demos of Revit. Sometimes the workflow makes sense and well, sometimes it does not. Sometimes Autodesk intends a tool to be used in a particular manner but in the real production world it gets used differently. That's what Eddy brings to the table. He helps you understand and learn the tools the way an Architect will use them. Not the way a programmer thinks you will use them. And he knows this because he is actually working on projects from pursuit to commissioning. He's not a consultant who may touch a project briefly or a application developer.

If you want a book that is going to teach you about the buttons on the ribbon, then find the cheapest one. If you want a book that is going to teach you how to properly use the tool so that you are successful with BIM, then I think you would be very happy with "Mastering Revit Architecture 2010" series.

Revit Content downloads

If you are looking for Revit content and don't mind paying for it, I can across a new site from Turbo Squid called the Revit Market. Thanks to Revit Norge for pointing this out.

If you don't find what you need or like the prices, then you can always contact my buddy Daniel Hurtubise @ RevitIt for Revit Consulting and Content Creation.

Reseller Revit Tools

I think it is very interesting that we are now seeing resellers starting to develop tools for Revit. Does this mean that these particular resellers have a real knowledge of the product? I can't say, but all things being equal, I think I would move my contract to a reseller that offered an additional service like this from one that did not, IF the resellers were equal in all other ways. The first tool is from Avatech. I have not used it yet, but I will report my findings after testing.

The Standards Manager for the Autodesk Revit Platform

BIMreview^TM is the first and only plug-in for the Autodesk® Revit® platform that automatically validates the accuracy and consistency of building information models against project, firm, national or user-defined standards and provides automatic correction.

Eliminate time spent manually reviewing and auditing projects. Reduce time spent prepping and verifying that your project is ready for energy analysis and adheres to the specific standards that your project demands.

CHECK, CORRECT and MANAGE

• Check the accuracy, completeness and consistency of your Revit® BIM, as well as models received from others, against project, firm, national, or user-defined standards.
• Automatically correct with a single click.
• Get clear instructions on how to correct any errors that can’t be fixed automatically.
• Comes pre-loaded with GSA Spatial Program validation, National CAD Standard V4, and a collection of pre-established standards.
• Customize it-create naming conventions, parameter values, graphic standards, energy standards, and more.
• Get easy-to-understand reports presented in clear, concise language.
• Support best practices for BIM standards in use at your firm. Identify areas for improvement by running individual project reports as you work.
• BIMreview^TM Plus includes a batch version to check multiple Revit® models and folders.

BIMreview is available as a download-only product. Purchase it to run on individual or linked models, or buy BIMreview Plus to batch-process multiple files and folders.

BIMreview $995 BIMreview Plus $1295
Annual Maintenance $250

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Find out more

BIMreview - Product Brochure
BIMreview - FAQ

Revit Architecture 2009 Web Update 3

Web Update #3 Service Pack – November 2008

Important Note:
Web Update #3 is not a full install; rather it is using Service Pack technology similar to AutoCAD^® based products. Prior to installing the Web Update #3 Service pack, please verify that you have already installed a previous build of Revit Architecture 2009. The full install of Revit Architecture 2009 (32-bit) Web Update #1 is available below. The full install of Revit Architecture 2009 (64-bit) can be downloaded from the Subscription Center.

Before You Download

Please read before downloading and installing:
Service Pack Readme (pdf).

Get Started

Read all instructions above then click the appropriate link to download.

Revit Architecture 2009 Web Update #3 Service Pack (32-bit) (exe - 128 MB)

Revit Architecture 2009 Web Update #3 Service Pack (64-bit) (exe - 54 Mb)

Notes:

The service pack contains changes from all previous Web Updates.

The service pack can be applied to both the standalone and Suite versions of Revit Architecture 2009.

Looking for FREE Training

As a BIM Manager, I am always looking for a simple (Phil would say "elegent") solutions to day-to-day problems. Training is a huge problem and I have yet to find a elegent canned solution. But there are some good resources that can be leveraged. One of those resources is from AUGI. The AUGI Training Program offers some free classes and the new September classes have begun. They are:

ATP215 - Intermediate Revit Structure.The second of three, this course teaches the intermediate functionality of Revit Structure.

ATP226 - Revit Architecture 2009 to 3ds MAX Design 2009 - FastTrack.In this session you will learn how data moves from Revit into 3ds Max.

ATP231 - AutoCAD Electrical fourth level.This class will show you how to create additional panel layouts, start from a panel and insert components and nameplates. Assign panel footprints, insert DIN rails and terminal strips and foot print balloon insertion to document your panel layouts.

For more information, visit the AUGI Training Program. If you are not already an AUGI member, you will need to register and it is FREE.

Revit Architecture Resource Center

I just found a new Revit Architetcure Resource Center site from Autodesk. I have not had much time to explore it, but I thought I would put it out there for others to see.