Simpson Strong-Tie Content

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

Cool video on 3D video mapping projection

Projection on Buildings from NuFormer Digital Media on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas

Virtual Autodesk University 2009

Autodesk University (AU) Virtual is a web-based event that comes to you from AU in Las Vegas, December 1–4, 2009. By bringing some of the best of AU directly to your desktop, AU Virtual gives you a fast, convenient way to obtain practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional contacts.

Autodesk University Virtual - Classes and Sessions
AU Virtual features four days of streaming classes, Keynotes, and useful content to help you grow your company and career. In addition to the sessions below, the event delivers a wide variety of insider interviews and roundtable discussions about the latest innovations. Dive in December 1–4, 2009 for the complete experience or log in selectively for what interests you most.

Preview and reserve sessions below. (You must be registered and logged in.) More sessions are added each week leading up to the event, so be sure to check back. Premier Pass attendees may reserve all session types. Free Pass attendees may reserve Keynotes, Product Clinics, and Design Slam competitions. All attendees: Sign in during the event to access additional content including 100+ informative (and fun!) videos about what's new and exciting.

View AU Virtual classes and sessions.

If you would like to register for the event use the following link: Register for AU Virtual

Subscription Packs for Revit (and other 2010 apps)

Autodesk has released some new tools for 2010 based products subscription customers. You can download these from the subscription site only.

From the Autodesk Revit ARCHITECTURE 2010 SUBSCRIPTION PAGE:

The Autodesk® Subscription Advantage Pack for Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2010 extends the capabilities of Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2010 software. Productivity-enhancing functionality and features better support modeling, coordination, and documentation, while improved tools help you work more efficiently within the software.

AUGI E-Learing (FREE)

If you are looking to upgrade your design application skills but your firm has all but discontinued training and you lack the funds to purchase training yourself, checkout AUGI's FREE E-Learning. The videos are provided by CADLearning and each month a new set of videos is provided.

From the AUGI E-Learing website:

AUGI e-Learning Program

AUGI is pleased to offer AUGI e-Learning, a program that offers AUGI members a selection of video tutorials focusing on various Autodesk products.

AUGI, in conjunction with 4DTechnologies/CADLearning, is making video lessons available every month to AUGI members at no charge. Below are titles of the lessons currently available through the AUGI e-Learning program. These video lessons teach individual product concepts and features. Every month, new lessons in each course series will be available. Completion of the full course will take 12 to 18 months at the one-section-per-month rate.

AUGI members wanting to expedite the learning process may purchase an entire course outright. AUGI has negotiated a 20 percent discount for our members who wish to purchase courses.

September 8th User Group Meeting

Just a reminder to please RSVP for this user group meeting.

Thanks
KCRUG_Seiler Sept09 Invitation

Too much Tech in your life, Google can help you

Google Opt Out Feature Lets Users Protect Privacy By Moving To Remote Village

Some Buildings Not Living Up to Green Label

Interesting article.


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/science/earth/31leed.html

Autodesk Navisworks Survey

If you are a Navisworks user, please participate in the Navisworks User Survey v1.1

Revit to Inventor and Back again

Interesting YouTube video from Autodesk Technical Evangelist Rob Cohee on taking a Revit Architecture model to Inventor and back again to Revit.

Win a FREE pass to Autodesk Univeristy 2009

From au.autodesk.com

The Autodesk University 2009 YouTube Contest

Contest Overview

The Autodesk University 2009 YouTube Contest is your chance to win one of (3) Three AU 2009 Las Vegas 3-Day, All-Inclusive Passes (Includes conference, classes and hands-on labs, hotel, meals, and social events).

HOW TO ENTER:

Create and upload a Video Response to the YouTube Video Reasons to Attend Autodesk University. In your video, tell us why you want to attend AU 2009 Las Vegas.

WINNER SELECTION:

On October 12th, 2009 the (5) Five top viewed Video Responses will be posted to AU's Facebook Fan Page. AU Facebook Fans will then vote for their favorite videos by utilizing the "Like" action.

On October 16th, 2009 the individuals with the (3) Three highest number of "Likes" will be declared the winners. Each winning contestant will receive an AU 2009 Las Vegas 3-Day, All-Inclusive Pass.

The more creative and entertaining your entry, the more likely you are to win! Please read the Official Rules section below for additional details and eligibility requriements. To vote for your favorite video submissions be sure to become a Fan of AU on Facebook. Follow AU on Twitter for real time updates and contest announcements.

Official Rules

1. ELIGIBILITY: No purchase necessary. In accordance and compliance with these Official Contest Rules ("Rules"), this contest (“Contest”) is open to individuals who are legal residents of the United States and Canada, including Hawaii and Alaska, 18 years of age or older at the time of entry, but excluding Florida, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and the Province of Quebec; and who register for and submit entries between August 26, 2009 and October 12, 2009. Employees of Autodesk, Inc. (“Sponsor”), Autodesk Canada Co., their partners, their suppliers and respective advertising and promotional agencies, members of their household, and their immediate family members are not eligible for this Contest. Sponsor reserves the right to verify eligibility qualifications of winner. U.S. and California law govern this contest.

2. ENTRY: The AU 2009 Las Vegas YouTube Contest begins at 10:30AM Pacific (U.S.) on August 26, 2009 and ends at 12:00AM Pacific Time (U.S.) on October 16, 2009. To enter the Contest, record and upload a video response to the AU YouTube Channel Video, “Reasons to Attend Autodesk University” . All entries must be submitted via YouTube using the “Video Response” feature on the above noted web page. Submitting a video as noted above constitutes acknowledgement that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions of the Contest as described in these Rules. LIMIT ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. MULTIPLE ENTRIES MAY DISQUALIFY ALL YOUR ENTRIES. ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED, AND THE COMPLETED ENTRY VIDEO SHALL BE THE PROPERTY OF SPONSOR. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for lost, late, stolen, damaged, misdirected, illegible, incomplete, or mutilated entries or other errors, regardless of cause. Entries are deemed made upon their acceptance by authorized Sponsor personnel. The Sponsor reserves the right to reject any video entries that are deemed to be unsuitable or that violate YouTube’s posted community guidelines: http://www.youtube.com/t/community_guidelines . All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned to entrant. An eligible entrant must enter via the method described above. By entering, entrants acknowledge compliance with the Rules, including all eligibility requirements. Sponsor and its affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, advertising, and promotion agencies are not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate transcription of entry information, human error, or technical malfunctions, related to or resulting from any materials in this drawing or any other error or malfunction. Any liability of the above persons for any special, incidental, or consequential damages howsoever caused whether in statute, contract, or in tort arising out of this Contest is expressly disclaimed by you and excluded. Entrant further agrees that any and all claims, disputes or actions arising out of or connected with this contest shall be resolved individually, without resort to class action, exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction sitting in Marin County, California. Entry materials that have been tampered with or altered are void.

3. WINNER’S SELECTION: The winning Prizes entries will be selected as follows:

Winners Announced October 16, 2009: The (5) Five top viewed video submissions as of 12PM Pacific Time on October 12, 2009 will be posted to the AU Facebook Fan Page. http://www.autodesk.com/au_facebook AU Facebook Fans will vote for their favorite video using the “Like” function. The individuals who have submitted the three videos receiving the highest number of “Likes” by 12AM Pacific Time on October 16, 2009 will be declared the winners.

The Prize winners will be selected on the dates noted above and the prizes will be awarded. Winners need not be present to win. The winners will be notified via YouTube message and Facebook Fan Page Wall Post within two (2) days of selection. Sponsor will oversee all submitted entries and shall make final decisions as to eligibility of entries. It is Autodesk policy to assist government employees in meeting their obligations under their Standards of Ethical Conduct and that any gift received or won in violation of those rules should be returned at Autodesk’s expense or destroyed.

4. PRIZES: The Prizes for the Contest consists of the following: One (1) AU 2009 Las Vegas 3-Day, All-Inclusive Pass (Includes conference, classes and hands-on labs, hotel, meals, and social events. Check in Monday, November 30, 2009. Check out Friday, December 4, 2009). Sponsors will award one prize to 3 individual winners. Unless otherwise noted herein, no substitution or transfer of prize or cash equivalent is permitted. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any Prize with another prize of equal or greater value if advertised Prize is not available. Return of any prize notification as undeliverable may result in the disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Winner agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Autodesk, Inc., its affiliates, subsidiaries, agents, and advertising agencies from and against any/all loss/injury/damages now and in the future as a result of acceptance, use/misuse of any prize and/or participation in this Contest.

5. GENERAL CONDITIONS: All entrants agree to abide by the terms of these Rules and by the decisions and selections of the Sponsor, which are final on all matters pertaining to the Contest. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Entrants further grant to Sponsor the right to use and publish their proper name and state of residence online and in print, or any other media, in connection with the Contest. Acceptance of a Prize constitutes permission for Sponsor, its advertising and promotional agencies to use winner's name and likeness for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation unless prohibited by law.

6. CONDUCT: Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the game; to be acting in violation of the Rules; or to be acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any other person. Entries may be disqualified, at the sole discretion of Autodesk, Inc., in the event that any attempt is made to subvert the letter and/or spirit of the Rules of this Contest. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH CONTESTANT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

7. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: Decisions and selections made by Sponsor are final and binding with respect to this contest. Taxes, custom duties, fees and other expenses in connection with the prize are the sole responsibility of the winner. If, in the Sponsor's opinion, there is any suspected or actual evidence of electronic or other tampering with this promotion, or technical difficulties compromise the integrity of the sweepstakes, the Sponsor reserves the right to void any suspect entries and/or to modify or terminate this contest in whole or in part at any time without notice. CONTEST INFORMATION/PRIVACY: BY ENTERING THIS CONTEST ENTRANTS CONSENT AND GIVE SPONSOR THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCE, DISTRIBUTE, LICENSE, SELL, MARKET, AND OTHERWISE USE ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING INFORMATION ON ENTRANTS OBTAINED THROUGH THE REGISTRATION, FOR MARKETING PURPOSES OR ANY OTHER PURPOSES NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW. Entrants who opt to join the Sponsor's electronic mailing list agree to be contacted by email by Sponsor.

8. WINNER'S LIST: The name of the prize winners may be obtained after October 16, 2009 by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: John Kraft, Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA 94903. All requests must be received by October 30, 2009.

9. SPONSOR: Autodesk, Inc. is the Sponsor of this Contest and is located at 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California 94903.

September User Group Meeting

For the next meeting (September 8th) of the Kansas City Revit User Group, Brian Myers from Seiler Instruments will be presenting:

Yes, you can do that in Revit

Topics include:
• Interesting families created in Revit and how they were created.
• Various modeling techniques to create designs you didn’t know were possible.
• Less talked about features in 2010.
• Optimizing the Revit project for best performance!
• Tips and Tricks

Here are some pics from the last meeting.

Friend's Trip to Alaska

Some of you might know Daniel Hurtubise. In addition to being a very talented BIM Manager / Consultant, he is also an awesome photographer. He recently traveled to Alaska to spend some time with the bears. Why, well he is Canadian. The link below will take you to some of the photos.

http://mcpactions.com/blog/2009/08/22/brownbears/

9-8 User Group Meeting Notice

KCRUG_Seiler Sept09 Invitation

Autodesk's show reel from Siggraph.

new Connection Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010

Autodesk has released a new Connection Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010 for subscription customers.

“Features and Benefits" (from the product information)

Enhanced interoperability with CAD packages – Bring solid models from many of your favorite CAD packages into 3ds Max Design 2010 for visual enhancement or conceptual design and export them back as solids when you’re done. A new high-fidelity SAT data translator helps make it easier to move solids-based data between 3ds Max Design and Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional, or certain third-party CAD products without translating to polygons.

Extensive connectivity with Google™ SketchUp™ modeling software – A powerful new SKP file translator enables you to bring SketchUp scenes into 3ds Max Design with minimal effort and get straight to work rendering or enhancing the visuals. Also, 3ds Max Design can now read numerous free models from the 3D Warehouse section of the Google website.

Streamlined compositing with OpenEXR - Create professional-quality cinematic narratives. A rewritten OpenEXR translator makes it easier to work with compositing applications, enabling you to blend computer graphics (CG) animation with live action footage.

Intelligent workflows – Help save time and avoid costly geometry clean-up work with new, more effective workflows for dealing with complex scenes.”

KC firm to design 'sport city' in Iraq - Kansas City Star

Congratulations to 360.

KC firm to design 'sport city' in Iraq - Kansas City Star

Shared via AddThis

Mid West CAD Technology Expo - 9/22

Mid-West CAD hosts a technology expo at Unity Villiage in Kansas City, MO. This year's event takes place on September 22.

www.mwcad.com/cadmidwest.pdf or, you can sign up via Autodesk here.

Texas adopts BIM capability for State Design and Construction Projects

Contact: Mike Blackwell, TFC Marketing and Communications Specialist (512) 463-4237/(512) 791-9189 Michael.blackwell@tfc.state.tx.us

Austin - The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), the agency within the State of Texas that oversees the state’s real estate development as owners and operators of state facilities, today announces its adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for state design and construction projects. For over a year, the Facilities Design and Construction (FDC) division within TFC has diligently worked to standardize the use of BIM for its future projects. FDC is responsible for overseeing the design and construction of state facilities throughout Texas. Currently, FDC manages 125 projects valued over $500 million, in addition to maintaining the Facilities Master Plan. In an effort to promote workflow efficiency, streamline productivity and increase the return on investment for the State of Texas, FDC has adopted and encourages the use of BIM’s digital design technology.

This digital design technology, in the form of coordinated, data-rich BIM models, gives TFC and its architectural and engineering design professionals the ability to explore early design concepts in 3D, visually analyze and simulate projects before construction begins, help identify and reduce costly design conflicts, and work in a more collaborative way to produce a better, faster, and more cost-effective state building. After construction, the BIM model becomes an evolving, digital representation of the actual building that can be used throughout a building’s life to facilitate the sharing of coordinated, consistent data among TFC’s design and construction partners; as well as TFC divisions tasked to maintain energy efficiency and maintenance services.

“Modernization has always been a central theme of my administration at the Texas Facilities Commission, and the BIM implementation is another part of that effort,” said TFC Executive Director Edward L. Johnson. “Modernization of our business practices, modernization of our real estate strategy, modernizing building design and construction . . . a part of everything we do is making use of the most innovative, state-of-the-art developments in both the public and private sector. Three years ago we embarked on making the Texas Facilities Commission the most sophisticated and professional real estate management and building design and construction organization that exists in the public sector. Becoming a leader in Building Information Modeling is an important step in that direction.”

The BIM model and process is a powerful tool for an owner of any size; but due to the number and scale of the TFC’s building and renovation ventures and the varied nature of construction types, ranging from office buildings and hospitals/labs to deferred maintenance projects, the integrated process allows for better informed decision making for all involved. The BIM process helps architects, engineers, constructors, sub-contractors and vendors collaborate with an intelligent model, allowing them to visualize and simulate using precise data before any building material is purchased, brought to the site or erected. Further, by making BIM the standard for all new buildings, TFC can begin to gauge energy usage, as well as forecast energy consumption based on model simulations; model multiple high-performance building scenarios based on minimal design time, simulate or identify security issues related to building type, and connect the model to existing databases or control systems for bi-directional, real-time data exchange.

“The BIM process allows the TFC and our private sector partners to collaborate from the start, share important data accurately and make better informed decisions earlier in the design process,” said Chris Tisdel, TFC’s Director of Building Information Modeling. “The added visibility and workflow efficiency reduces unexpected delays, unforeseen costs and overall construction time, which is of great value for our large operations across the State of Texas.”

As a part of the adoption of BIM, TFC recognizes that the private sector will be looking to it for guidance and a clear definition of what BIM means to the state. To that end, the FDC has developed a clear set of standards and guidelines that all private sector partners will have access to prior to any involvement in a state project. Along with the guidelines, FDC has created an interoperable BIM template that all private sector partners will have made available to them for any State project. The combination of the guidelines and template will enable any private sector partner just getting into BIM to save time and effort and provides them with a framework to build their own workflow and standards around. TFC is committed to educating and working with those who design and build projects for the State, in a collaborative manner with the clear goal of making the BIM approach a positive one for all involved. (See video describing TFC’s adoption of BIM)

The State of Texas leads the way in BIM adoption and implementation, providing support, education and best practice standards to other state and local agencies that are also in varying stages of BIM adoption. The pool of owner-entities adopting BIM within Texas is growing at a quickening pace as the state leads the way in encouraging a better way to design and build. Industry and trade association leaders acknowledge that Texas has taken an innovative leadership role in adopting BIM. By doing so, Texas closes the gap between it and the General Services Administration, the first major governmental agency to adopt BIM for new construction and leads all other States in the way it leverages BIM to support construction, energy, maintenance, and facilities operations within Texas.

Finally, BIM provides a coordinated, informed understanding of the design and building process for owners, designers and constructors. As new construction grows at the state level, project expectations that include increasing complexity, a high level of transparency for decision makers, and accountability to taxpayers requires a new, but tested equally innovative approach to the traditional understanding of concept, design, scheduling, cost and implementation. TFC has adopted that innovative approach in BIM and by doing so is leading the way on a national stage into the future of digital design and construction.

Transferring Site Data Between Revit Architecture ad Civil 3D

Autodesk offers something called "Skill Builders" that are available to all users, regardless of your subscription status. One of the local Kansas City Autodesk resellers sent me an email about a new skill builder series on "Transferring Site Data Between Revit Architecture and AutoCAD Civil 3D"

Below is from the Autodesk web site.

This skill builder is a series of videos that show how to share and manipulate site data in Revit Architecture and AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Creating a Toposurface in Revit Architecture
Learn how to import a DWG file into a Revit Architecture project, establish a survey point for coordination with AutoCAD Civil3D, and create a toposurface for site layout.

Exporting a Revit Architecture Project for Use in AutoCAD Civil 3D
Learn how to prepare a 3D view of a Revit building site and export it to an ADSK file for import to Civil 3D.

Importing Revit Architecture Data into AutoCAD Civil 3D
Learn how to import an ADSK file from Revit Architecture into an AutoCAD Civil 3D drawing.

Exporting an AutoCAD Civil 3D Surface to Revit Architecture
Learn how to extract contours as 3D polylines from a proposed ground surface and write the polylines to a drawing file that can be used to update the Revit Architecture model.

Updating the Revit Architecture Toposurface with an AutoCAD Civil 3D Site Design
Learn how to update the linked drawing file in Revit Architecture and recreate the toposurface. Then, see how to use the Globe Link Extension (available for subscription customers) to upload the Revit model to Google Earth and further explore the design.

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.

Saw this new extension for Max on the subscription web site. Has anyone used this with Revit and seen a workflow improvement?

Release Date: 2009-08-10

The Connection Extension for Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2010 software makes it easier and more cost-effective to turn design data into more accurate, realistic visualizations. New levels of interoperability, based on intelligent data workflows, between 3ds Max Design and CAD software from both Autodesk and certain third parties makes it easier for architects, designers and visualization specialists to leverage existing design data and minimize rework.

Features and Benefits

1. Enhanced interoperability with CAD packages – Bring solid models from many of your favorite CAD packages into 3ds Max Design 2010 for visual enhancement or conceptual design and export them back as solids when you’re done. A new high-fidelity SAT data translator helps make it easier to move solids-based data between 3ds Max Design and Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Autodesk® Inventor® Professional, or certain third-party CAD products without translating to polygons.
2. Extensive connectivity with Google™ SketchUp™ modeling software – A powerful new SKP file translator enables you to bring SketchUp scenes into 3ds Max Design with minimal effort and get straight to work rendering or enhancing the visuals. Also, 3ds Max Design can now read numerous free models from the 3D Warehouse section of the Google website.
3. Streamlined compositing with OpenEXR - Create professional-quality cinematic narratives. A rewritten OpenEXR translator makes it easier to work with compositing applications, enabling you to blend computer graphics (CG) animation with live action footage.
4. Intelligent workflows – Help save time and avoid costly geometry clean-up work with new, more effective workflows for dealing with complex scenes.

Revit 2010 & ADT and AutoCAD Architecture problems

Richard Binning in his "Beside the cursor..." blog details a problem with ADT and AutoCAD Architecture after installing Revit Architecture 2010 on workstations with existing ADT and AutoCAD Architecture installs.

...After installing Revit Architecture Suite 2010, I was suprised to find out that my install of Architectural Desktop 2007 would no longer allow me to drag and drop palettes from the content browser to the application...

Worksharing over the WAN

In this economy, I am not sure if I am a BIM Manager or a Procurement Officer will all the cold sales calls I have been receiving from software and hardware vendors. But occassionally I get contacted from someone that has a product worth investigating.

I don't think I am in an unusual situation where I am supporting multiple projects that are working over the WAN. The biggest drawback to working over the WAN is the file latency issues when Saving to Central. Riverbed's have been the primary tool to combat the latency issue but another company Globalscape.com claims to have a product that makes working over the WAN better.

I have not used the product and we are just starting the process to look into this solution, so I thought I would share it with everyone. If you have used the product and have done your internal duedilagence and benchmarking and would like to share, please do so.

Link to a marketing video

State of Wisconsin to require BIM

I recently completed work on a BIM Execution Plan with the assistance of some very talented people. While discussing this document with a colleague, they brought to my attention that the State of Wisconsin is now going to require that all projects with a total budget of $5 million or more and all new construction projects that exceed $2.5 million have to have their designs done in BIM (Building Information Modeling). Being familiar with the GSA and ACOE requirements, I thought I would look at what the State of Wisconsin was requiring.

In short, the State has new standards or guidelines that require A/E that meet the above financial requirements and are Design-Bid-Build utilize BIM / 3D software from start to finish. The State has already completed several pilot projects

Below I have linked in the State of Wisconsin's announcement and the standards for their BIM requirement. The State of Wisconsin has also setup a discussion forum to get feedback on the standards.
BIM Implementation Announcement

BIM Guidelines and Standards

BIM adoption rate exceeds 80% among nation’s largest AEC firms

Here is a link in Building Design & Construction on the BIM adoption rate exceeds 80% amoung nation's largest AEC firms.

Revit MEP 2010 to Estimating and CAM

Caught this video on YouTube from Technical Sales International on their external tool for Revit MEP 2010 that allows you to export Revit MEP objects to fabrication using CAM-Duct, CAM-Duct, and CAD-Mech.

Autodesk University 2009

Registration for Autodesk University 2009 has opened.

Navisworks Manage Tutorial Series

My friends over at 4D Technologies (CADLearning.com) have released a Navisworks Manage Tutorial Series of videos. I have not had a chance to look at the video yet, but I have been very pleased with the other videos that CADLearning.com has produced.

If you end up purchasing any videos, please mention KCRevit.com.

Chapter 1: Getting Started
User Interface
Workspaces
File Units
Managing Files
Object Enablers
Opening and Appending Files
Publishing Files
Realism Controls
Navigation
Head-up Display
Navigation Wheels
Navisworks Performance
Automatic Save and Recover Files
Cameras

Chapter 2: Review - Publisher
Selection Tree and Selecting Objects
Highlighting Options
Object Properties
Find Objects
Hide Objects
Selection Sets
Overriding Materials
Measuring Objects
Moving Objects
Viewpoints
Editing Viewpoints
Import/Export Viewpoints
Animations
Animation Slideshows
Make Comments
Smart Tags
Sectioning
Hyperlinks
Hyperlinks Options
Comparing Models
Collaboration Toolbar
Switchback

Chapter 2: Review - Publisher
Rendering and Lighting Modes
Collision Detection
Adjust Display of Primitives
Database Support
Add Redlining

Chapter 3: Simulate - Timeliner
Timeline Interface
Create Tasks Manually
Create Tasks Automatically
Synchronize Tasks from External Scheduling Software
Simulation Playback
Configuring the Simulation
Export Simulation

Chapter 4: Simulate - Animator
Animator Interface
Creating Object Animations
Cameras and Viewpoints
Manipulate Objects in an Animation Set
Manipulation by Linear Movement
Manipulation by Rotation Movement
Manipulation by Scaling
Manipulation by Changing Color & Transparency
Section Plane Sets
Animation Scene Playback

Chapter 5: Simulate - Scripter
Scripter Interface
Managing Scripts
Events
On Start Event
On Timer Event
On Key Press Event
On Collision Event
On Hotspot Event
On Variable Event
On Animation Event
Actions
Play Animation Action
Stop Animation Action
Show Viewpoint Action
Pause Script Action
Send Message Action
Set Variable Action
Store Property Action
Load Model Action

Chapter 6: Simulate - Presenter
Presenter Interface
Add Materials
Add Lighting Effects
Add Background Effects
Add Rendering Effects
Export Rendered Images
Export Animation Video
Edit Materials

Chapter 6: Simulate - Presenter
Advanced Material Editing
Ground Planes
Individual Light Effects
Image-Based Lighting
Environment Backgrounds and Reflections
Custom Environments
Light Scattering
RPC Content

Chapter 7: Manage - Clash Detective
Clash Detective Interface
Select Items to Clash
Clash Settings
Clash Rules
Clash Results
Clash Comments
Clash Reports
Clash Audit Checks
Batch Clash Tests
Export/Import Clash Results
Custom Clash Tests
Laser Scan Data Clashing
Holding and Releasing Objects
Switchback with Clash
Preparing a Time-Based Clash
Clash Timeliner Report

2009 UI in 2010

If you wish that you could use the 2009 UI in 2010, here is the solution for you:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=13126336&linkID=9243099

Revit Support for the Mac

Autodesk Expands Support for Mac Users

Autodesk is expanding assistance for Macintosh® users by adding support for Boot Camp for select products in addition to offering native Mac OS products.

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The good news to Mac users is that you can now get official support if you are running certain Autodesk products like Revit via Bootcamp on a Mac.

RAC 2010 WU1

Have you installed wed update 1 yet?



I haven't had time to install it on any of my test boxes. However, a collegue, friend and mentor (I think reluctantly) has installed the updated and made some interesting comments.

• Fixed the Course / Medium / Fine detail icons in the view control bar by putting back the old ones.


• The ribbon is still there and refreshes slower.


• If you made any changes to your QAT bar, they’re gone – the QAT gets reset to add a Sync To Central button.


• Some of the commands that are layered save the last command run, but some don’t.

He summed things up by indicating that there is actually less clarity now than before.

I would be interested in hearing what others think about the changes in WU1.

Changing the File Association of Revit files

From The Revit Clinic

If you have multiple versions of Revit on your system and you open files by double-clicking on them in Windows Explorer, you may find that Revit doesn't launch the version you want it to. If you have trouble with this, please try the following:

This example will set .RVT files to open with Revit Structure 2010.

Go to the Control Panel > Folder Options.
In the Folder Options dialog, click the File Types tab.
Scroll down to the RVT file type. In the bottom pane, click the Advanced button (if you've already made changes, click Restore, then the Advanced button will appear).
In the Edit File Type dialog, click New.
Under Action, type Open with Revit Structure 2010.
In the Application used to perform action field, type "C:\Program Files\Autodesk Revit Structure 2010\Program\Revit.exe" "%1".
Click OK to exit the dialogs.

Revit Architecture 2010

Web update 1 has been released.

Building Skills with Skill Builders

This post is from The Revit Clinic

A friend of mine responsible for coming up with Revit Architecture tutorials asked me to announce some new tutorials that are available for everyone to download.

The User Assistance team for Revit Architecture has recently released the first of the Skill Builders for Revit Architecture 2010. The first skill builder is a tutorial covering the Conceptual Design Environment (new massing) in Revit 2010. The tutorial is a series of 6 short animations covering topics of making forms and applying parameters to them and creating panels which can be applied to your conceptual forms. The Conceptual Design Skill Builder can be downloaded from the flowing location, or accessed from inside of Revit Architecture via the InfoCenter.

Skill Builders: Conceptual Design

The Skill Builders give the User Assistance team the opportunity to deliver updated content on a regular basis. The traditional tutorials shipped with Revit give users a great foundation to start using Revit as soon as possible while the Skill Builders will expand on that base of knowledge and explore more specific topics in depth.

The User Assistance team is always looking for user feedback so let us know what you think of our first Skill Builder and what topics you might like to see covered in future Skill Builders. So please comment with your feedback and thoughts about other tutorials you would like to see.

Library Viewer for Revit - Thumbnail Explorer

I thought I would pass along a very inexpensive utility that allows users to quickly locate content in your Revit library. One of my favorite tools like I like is the Thumbnail Explorer from Raiz Labs.

Thumbnail Explorer is an easy to use tool for anyone who deals with graphics, and CAD files. The software indexes your library of Revit files and allows you to quickly and visually find any file across multiple folders without browsing or using Windows search. As you type a part of the file name Thumbnail Explorer will show a list of thumbnails and will enable you to work with corresponding files without resorting to Windows Explorer. You can then drag and drop from Thumbnail Explorer into Revit.

We have a fairly extensive library and unfortunately we have some duplicate families in there. While I have two other tools to manage our library, Thumbnail Explorer can also be used to do some very rudimentary management of our your library. For example, if you search for Windows, Thumbnail Explorer will list all families with the name Window in it. You can then delete the duplicates.

A free trial of the software is available and per user copies are just $10. The program was developed by Leonid Raiz one of the founders of Revit and is available for download at:http://www.raizlabs.com/software/thumbnailexplorer/

IE 8 and Revit Architecture 2009 problem

I just ran across a problem on workstations with Internet Explorer 8 and Revit Architecture 2009. After an update to WSE 3 SP3 (Web Service Enhancements) was applied during the installation of another application and impacts Internet Explorer 8, Revit Architecture would crash when you try to start a new project with a template or open an existing project. This would result in a fatal error.

Autodesk support could not narrow down which Interner Explorer 8 component was causing the problem, but uninstall IE 8 and going back to IE 7 allowed RAC 2009 to function. None of the workstations with the error have RAC 2010 installed, so I am not aware if this impacts RAC 2010.

Discover 2010 Autodesk Event- Mission Kansas

Discover 2010 Autodesk Event- Mission Kansas

Where:	Sylvester Powell Community Center 6200 Martway Mission, KS 66202
When:	June 9th, 2009
Please Note: Revised Scheduled Session Times below
Time(s):	Morning Session - Civil 3D 2010 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Afternoon Session - Revit Architecture 2010 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

RESERVE A SPACE AT OUR AUTODESK® 2010 SOFTWARE EVENT.

Whether you’re an architect, designer or civil engineer, Autodesk® 2010 software gives you the power to create, document, and communicate groundbreaking ideas — before they’re real.

Seiler Instrument is pleased to introduce you to AutoCAD® 2010 at our upcoming event, where you can see for yourself how Civil 3D® and Revit® Architecture delivers groundbreaking new capabilities to help you tackle the most challenging design problems with ease.

The morning session will cover Civil 3D 2010 highlights and new features such as, production drafting, usability, and survey tools and much more!

The afternoon session will cover Revit Architecture 2010 highlights and new features such as easy-to-use tools for free-form modeling and parametric design along with much more!

Note: Seiler will also include a special training segment for each product that focuses on one aspect of the application's specific tools.

• Free coffee soda and snacks provided for each session (lunch is not provided)
• Please register today- Registered attendees will be entered to win a random drawing for a $25.00 QT Gift Card held each session.
• Please call with any questions 888-263-8918 or email solutions@seilerinst.com.

April 2009 User Group Meeting

I want to thank everyone that attended the user group meeting on the 2010 product line, including Scott Davis of Autodesk and Stephanie Murrell and her colleagues at Seiler Instrument.

Keep an eye on this site as we are working on two upcoming events. The first will be an overview of EcoTect 2010 and Green Building Studio 2010, followed by a presentation on Revit Structure 2010.

Thanks again and at our next meeting Beau Turner of Avatec will be giving away a copy of Avatec's BIM Review software.

Parking for friday's User Group Meeting

If you are going to be attending the User Group meeting, we recommend that you park in the parking lot on the corner of 12th and Pennsylvania Ave. (See image below) Parking in that lot will be free if you are attending the User Group meeting. The entrance to our building is located on Kirk Dr.

Introduction to the Revit 2010 Platform Seminar

**** UPDATE ****

WOO WHOO!! Are you as excited upcoming 2010 Platform Seminar with Scott Davis as Mira is? If so, we look forward to seeing you and please RSVP with Stephanie Murrell at cad@seilerinst.com so we can get an accurate count for lunch.

If you you are interested in attending this event, please RSVP with Stephanie at:

RSVP asap please to:
Contact: Stephanie Murrell
Phone: 816-518-1220 or
Call Toll free: 888-263-8918
Email: cad@seilerinst.com

If you have questions or comments, please contact Mirabela Ticu at 816-527-2438

You can also register as a member of the user group on our KCRevit Google Groups page.

---------------

Hey, you interested in learning about the changes to the Revit 2010 Platform? Want to know about all the new Features? What to complain about a new Feature? Want to see Phil Read wear a tie? Then you will want to attend the next meeting of the Kansas City Revit User Group. Scott Davis of Autodesk will be presenting an Introduction to the Revit 2010 Platform on April 17th from 11:30 to 1:30pm at HNTB (715 Kirk Dr, Kansas City, MO 64105).

Topics to be covered are new features for the Revit 2010 product line. Including Architecture, MEP and Structure. Inside these disciplines he will focus on the major development themes which were; User Interface, Modeling & Analysis, Performance & Operability and Conceptual Design.

We want to thank Stephanie at Seiler Instrument for sponsoring this event and providing lunch to all attendees. If your not familiar with Seiler Instruments, they are an Authorized Autodesk Reseller serving the Midwest. Stephanie will be in attendance so please make sure that you stop by and introduce yourself.

Keep watching the site and we will have more details to come.

For those that have not seen Phil in a tie, here is a pic.

























Chances are though, you won't see Phil wearing a tie though. With the upcoming release of the Revit 2010 products, he is wearing his Revit Implementation suit. See below.

A Sneak Preview of BIM -- Building Information Modeling

Johnson County Community College is celebrating 40 years of service. As part of this event, they are offering a day of free college classes. One of the classes is a A Sneak Preview of BIM -- Building Information Modeling. This class will include a brief description and demonstration about building information modeling (BIM). A 3-D parametric building model will be demonstrated using Revit-Architectural software.

Below is more detailed information on the Free College day and registration. If the class is full, I suggest contact Tom Hughs (thughes at jccc dot edu) at the college to see if they can open up another class.

Thank you, Johnson County, for 40 wonderful years! To show our appreciation, take a class – it’s on us!

As part of Johnson County Community College’s 40th anniversary celebration, JCCC’s faculty and staff have volunteered to offer the public an afternoon of free classes as a way to say thank you to the community. You’ll find more than 200 40-minute classes – arts, business, computers, language and more! – that you can take for free on Saturday afternoon, April 18.

Free College Day Classes

All classes will be held on the JCCC campus (view map). The central courtyard will be the base for refreshments, directions and information (but if it’s cold or raining, that base will move into the Commons – COM). Please stop by to check in, pick up a schedule and see what else JCCC has to offer throughout the year.

Classes are offered at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. and last for 40 minutes. Although the classes are free, registration is required. Go to Free College Day registration and choose the topics you're interested in. You can also register by calling 913-469-2323.

If you sign up for a class and then find you can’t come, please cancel your registration so someone else can enjoy the session. If the class you want is full, you can put your name on a waiting list.

Frick'n Autodesk

Hey, did you happen to purchase a license of EcoTect from the EcoTect website after Autodesk purchased them?

Well, if you did, good luck upgrading that standalone license to a network license or putting it on subscription. Autodesk isn't sure how they are going to handle that issue.

If we ever get an answer on how they are going to address this, I'll let you know.

Revit 2010 Platform - User Interface

The Revit 2010 releases have a brand new User Interface. If you are going to be attending the next KC Revit User Group meeting (see below) you are bound to hear many questions about why this was done. Phil Read has done a really good job explaining some of the issues with the new UI that will probably impact seasoned users more than the new adopters.

Here is the link to the YouTube video.

BIM Week by Mid West CAD

Mid West CAD is going to be providing 20 session on BIM related subjects from March 30 thru April 4. This will include national speakers, user presentations, hands-on training and test drives. For more information click here.

Revit Architecture Training @ JCCC

Because of the demand for Revit training, Johnson County Community College is planning a summer Revit Architecture class. If you are interested, I would suggest contacting Tom Hughes thughes at jccc dot edu for more details.

BIM that Works blog

A friend of mine has created a new blog that I believe is worth reading. It's call BIMworx.

Cotent Creation Contest - Turbo Squid

Contest Details

The Revit Family Contest will run until March 31, 2009.

Prizes will be awarded in three categories:
Individual/Freelancer - Professionals submitting their personal creations
Corporate - Submissions on behalf of a company or other entity
Student - High school, university, or community college students
1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded in each category:
1st prize: $2500
2nd prize: $1000
3rd prize: $500

All nine winners will get promotion on TurboSquid and a TurboSquid T-shirt.

You may submit as many entries as you like, but you must fill out a separate Revit Contest Entry Form for each entry. Entries can be interior, exterior, MEP, or any other kind of Revit design. TurboSquid reserves the right to use images entered in promotions of the contest. TurboSquid also reserves the right to eliminate one or more categories if insufficient entries have been received.

Entries will be judged on three criteria:
Quality of design (aesthetics, structural)
Number of published Revit families used in scene
Quality of published Revit families used in scene (correct flexing and parameterization)
Although you should strive to represent your entry as well as possible in the images you submit, the project does not have to be rendered. Entries will be judged on the quality of scene as viewed in hidden line drawings.

Student Learning Resouces

If you are a student or faculty member of an education institution with a valid school domain email account. CADLearning offers Academic pricing. For $99.95, students and faculty get a one year subscription to the Student Campus of CADLearning with includes all the current and future tutorials as they release them. If you are a student or faculty member with an extra $100, this is something you should look into.

Revit Extensions for Revit MEP 2009

Release Date: 2009-01-27

Revit® Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of Revit® MEP 2009 software in key areas, including modeling, coordination, and documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are: Freeze Drawings, Compare Models, Text Generator, and Elements Positioning.

The file installs the Revit Extensions for Revit MEP 2009. It also includes the Extensions Engine, a platform that hosts each Extension within Revit MEP 2009.

Please note that the multi-language executable file contains content in English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese. Revit Extensions for Revit MEP 2009 are compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Revit MEP 2009 software.

These new extensions are available to subscription customers.

Read this First
Q4 Features Summary - English (pdf - 19Kb)

Download
Multiple Languages (exe - 43266Kb)

Revit Extensions for Revit Structure 2009

Release Date: 2009-01-26

Revit® Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of the Revit® Structure 2009 software in key areas, including structural analysis, modeling, concrete reinforcement, interoperability, and construction documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are:

Structural Analysis:
Analysis Integration Enabler, Analysis Integration Enabler for Autodesk Concrete Building Structures 2009, Static Analysis of Beams, Static Analysis of Frames, Static Analysis of Slabs, Static Analysis of Trusses

Import/Export:
CIS/2 Export, CIS/2 Import

Reinforcement:
Automatic Reinforcement Generation, Reinforcement of Beams, Reinforcement of Columns, Reinforcement of Continuous Footings, Reinforcement Design, Reinforcement Drawings Enabler, Reinforcement of Parapets, Reinforcement of Piles, Reinforcement of Pile Caps, Reinforcement of Retaining Walls, Reinforcement of Slab Corners, Reinforcement of Slab Openings, Reinforcement of Spread Footings, Reinforcement of Walls, Reinforcement of Wall Corners

Modeling:
Excel-based Model Generation, Grids Generator, Bridge Modeling (NEW)

Miscellaneous:
Text Generator, Elements Positioning, Freeze Drawings, Compare Models

The file installs the Revit Extensions for Revit Structure 2009. It also includes the Extensions Engine, a platform that hosts each extension within Revit Structure 2009.

Please note that the multi-language executable file contains content in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, and Simplified Chinese. Revit Extensions for Revit Structure 2009 are compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Revit Structure 2009 software (with the exception of Analysis Integration Enabler for Autodesk Concrete Building Structures 2009 and Reinforcement Drawings Enabler).

For more information, please visit www.extensions4revit.com.

Read this First
Q4 Features Summary - English (pdf - 20Kb)

Download
Multiple Languages (exe - 152252Kb)

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.

Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009

Release Date: 2009-01-27

Revit® Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of Revit® Architecture 2009 software in key areas, including modeling, coordination, and documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are: Grid Generator, Freeze Drawings, Compare Models, Text Generator, Elements Positioning, and Microsoft Excel®-based Model Generation.

The file installs the Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009. It also includes the Extensions Engine, a platform that hosts each Extension within Revit Architecture 2009.

Please note that the multi-language executable file contains content in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Russian, and Simplified Chinese. Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009 are compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Revit Architecture 2009 software.

These new extensions are available to subscription customers.

Read this First
Q4 Features Summary - English (pdf - 19Kb)

Download
Multiple Languages (exe - 48875Kb)

Bridge Toolkit for Revit Structure 2009

Release Date: 2009-01-21

The Bridge Toolkit for Revit® Structure 2009 software provides information, tools, content, and datasets that will better enable structural engineers and drafters to address infrastructure build-out as it relates to bridges. Specific components include:

Box Girder Methodology and Datasets
Precast Girder Methodology and Datasets
Bridge Components .rfa Content
Bridge Modeling Using Revit Structure 2009 Software (Tips and Tricks)
Better design and model your bridge using this toolkit along with Revit Structure 2009, a powerful and parametric structural software solution from Autodesk, Inc.

The Bridge Toolkit for Revit Structure 2009 is available for subscription customers.

Download
English (zip - 132205Kb)

Space Naming Utility for Revit MEP 2009

Release Date: 2009-01-21

The Space Naming Utility for Revit® MEP 2009 software is an intuitive tool that automatically assigns the names and numbers from architectural rooms to Revit MEP spaces. By downloading the Space Naming Utility for Revit MEP 2009 software, you can eliminate the need to manually assign names to the spaces, helping save time and simplifying your workflow.
Content is currently available in English only.

The Space naming Utility for Revit MEP 2009 is available to subscription customers.

Download (32-bit)
English (msi - 835Kb)

Download (64-bit)
English (msi - 835Kb)

AIA BIM COntract Documents

it has been on my list to go into detail regarding the AIA's new BIM contract doc E202 -2008, but James from SOM wrote an excellent blog post in All Things BIM.

Introduction to the Onuma Planning System (OPS)

Friday, January 30, 2009
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM PST
________________________________________________________________
• OPS is the engine that drives the award winning BIMStorms™
• Learn how you can use OPS to immediately generate value using BIM
• Learn how everyone can BIM big and BIM easy
• Witness real-time collaboration at a stunning pace
• Learn why BIMStorm™ and OPS were named one of the Top Ten AEC Technology Trends of 2008 by AECWeekly
• Learn how others in the industry are using OPS
• Announcements of 2009 BIMStorms™
________________________________________________________________
The shifting economy will require the ability to do more with less. Now is the time to expand the value you can offer clients with BIM.
BIMStorms™ demonstrate Integrated Project Delivery at a stunning pace. BIMStorm™ LAX garnered a 2008 AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) award. Learn new processes that impact the bottom line and redefine the value you give your organization.
________________________________________________________________
Register for the webinar:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/477052212

Off Topic - New Apple Laptop with Unique Input Device

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard

I hope you get a good laugh from this. The Onion does some funny stuff.