Revit Architecture Training @ JCCC

Johnson County Community College will be offering another Revit Architecture class starting 02/14/09 and going until 05/09/09. This is a Saturday class from 9am to 12:30pm. This is a 2 credit hour class.

The bad news is that the class will be using Revit Architecture 2008. I know, I know. Please don't get me started. I already tried to get them to upgrade, but I couldn't get any traction.

If you are interested in the class, you can get a little more information at JCCC.

I have been asked if JCCC will be teaching Structure or MEP but I do not believe this will happen. Contact JCCC though for more specific information.

Revit Flavor Comparisons - from MasterGraphics

From MasterGraphics

I’ve been asked many times about the differences are between Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and Revit MEP? Are they the same with different tool sets? Is Structure the same as Arch with expanded tool set? Is MEP Arch with an expanded tool set? Can I get all 3 in one?

Well, you can’t get all 3 in one (man, I sure hope Autodesk can do something about this!!). As for the other questions about the differences between the 3 apps, there are a few things that are different. One of those is being the families that come with each product. I hope to soon look at the main differences and will post and update when I do.

Another is the External Tools that are available to each product. For example, Arch and MEP will not allow you to tie your model to a Structural Analysis program like Structure can. MEP, will allow you to tie into Trane Trace, but Arch and Structural cannot. Just take a look at the Extensions provided by Autodesk…there is a separate set for each program.

The next and maybe the most asked is the actual tools that are in each program. Well, there are many commands that are available in all 3, some in 2, some in just one. I’ve put together a document that lists out the command tools between the 3 products. I did not list every single command tool, just the ones that are not available in all 3 via the pull-down menus. You can download the document HERE.

Large Project Management - Central File

I have been meaning to post this for awhile, just not enough hours in the day.

I have been asked numerous questions about Large Project Management, so I thought I would put together several posts on that topic. I am sure that my boss Phil Read of HNTB Architecture and and my friend Daniel Hurtubise of RevitIt (update your blog you crazy Canadian) will also have some comments on this very subject as well.

One important topic that I think gets overlooked from time to time is Saving to Central, so here are my comments on the matter.

Save to Central:
• Some will say that there is no clear rule for the best practice on how frequently users should save to central. Because a Save to Central can utilize substantial amounts of time to process and utilizing a great deal of network bandwidth, you are probably not going to Save to Central too often. That being said, you don't want to go too often without saving, because the local file(s) will be way out of sync with the Central file.
• We generally recommend that users perform local saves often. We recommend that users perform a local Save every 15 minutes and then 15 minutes later perform a Save to Central every 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the project. (I used to think this was too often, but has Daniel pointed out to me, the more often you STC, the less data that is being transmitted back and forth).

Another Autodesk Acquisition

October 23, 2008

Dear Autodesk/Softimage Customer,

We are pleased to announce that Autodesk and Avid Technology have signed a definitive agreement for Autodesk to acquire substantially all of the assets of Softimage, a Canadian subsidiary of Avid Technology. We are excited by this opportunity to join forces, combining two strong teams into a world-class center for computer graphics software research and development.

Both Softimage and Autodesk Media & Entertainment are headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Softimage has been developing state-of-the-art 3D technology for more than 20 years. Its products are recognized as best-ofbreed in the entertainment industry. With nine million users, Autodesk is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the media and entertainment, manufacturing, building and construction markets.

Softimage's technology complements Autodesk's entertainment products. Many film, television and game pipelines include products from both companies. Adding Softimage products and technology to Autodesk's entertainment product line will allow us to offer you more complete and efficient workflows.

Upon completion of the acquisition, you will still be able to choose your favorite 3D modeling, animation and rendering solution – whether it is SOFTIMAGE® |XSI®, Autodesk® 3ds Max® or Autodesk Maya® software. We intend to continue driving innovation in all three products. Following close, we will also focus on improving interoperability through the Autodesk® FBX® software 3D data exchange solution to help improve your production efficiency when working with multiple Autodesk applications.

We are also excited by the proposed addition of Softimage talent and technology to Autodesk Media & Entertainment, as it will accelerate the work of our newly formed Games Technology Group, which includes technologies such as Autodesk® HumanIK® and Autodesk® Kynapse® software. The group's purpose is to deliver the next-generation of real-time, interactive 3D authoring tools for games, film and television.

Autodesk will acquire and plans to continue developing the following Softimage products:

SOFTIMAGE|XSI, including XSI Essentials, XSI Advanced, XSI Academic, XSI Mod Tool and the XSI software development kit (SDK). XSI offers a complete 3D modeling, animation, rendering and development environment.
SOFTIMAGE®|Face Robot® software, which enables the creation of life-like human facial animation quickly and easily.
SOFTIMAGE®|Cat™, an advanced character animation system that is a plug-in for Autodesk 3ds Max software. It is intended that SOFTIMAGE|Cat will be integrated into the 3ds Max product line.
SOFTIMAGE®|Crosswalk, an interoperability solution, is intended to be integrated with Autodesk's interoperability technology.
The acquisition is expected to close in the next month. Until that time, Autodesk and Softimage will continue operating independently. Please continue using your existing contacts for sales, services and support. We will keep you updated on this acquisition, both directly and online at www.autodesk.com/softimage.
We look forward to welcoming you to the combined family and thank you for your business.

Sincerely,


Marc Petit
Senior Vice President,
Autodesk Media & Entertainment Marc Stevens
General Manager
Softimage
Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Thank you for your continued interest in Autodesk products. Autodesk respects your time and privacy. If you would prefer not to receive future e-mails about our products or events, or have received this e-mail in error, please click on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page.

Autodesk, Inc., 111 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, California, 94903

Revit Structure Plug-In

SI Tools for Revit® Structure is a Revit Structure add-in that provides advanced selection capabilities for structural members. Use the toolbar buttons to quickly select all beams, columns, or walls on a single level or in the entire model, regardless of type or material. Or use the Advanced Selection options to select a custom combination of beams, columns and walls.

Want to identify all 8X10 members, both beams and columns? Or select all concrete members, regardless of size? Or do you need to quickly find all members designated “not for analysis”? It is easy with SI Tools for Revit Structure.

I have not had the time to install or use this tool, but would be interested to here some comments from those who have.

BIM Survey

Kansas City Revit User Group Members,

Mark W. Kiker, Chief Information Officer - Assoc. AIA of HMC is looking for your input.

Mark is conducting a survey for a class that I am putting together on the BIM Manager position to be presented at Autodesk University 2008.

Here is the class outline…

BIM Manager - The Newest Position - BIM Manager, BIM Leader, BIM Coach, BIM Coordinator. Just some of the titles being handed out to those forward thinking BIM leaders. There is a new position that is developing as BIM progresses. It is one dedicated to overseeing BIM projects. Is it different that CAD Manager? Is it the same? What duties should a BIM Manager be doing? What are the same? Is this a short term evolution or is the CAD Manager being replaced? Discover what it takes to be a BIM Manager.

Please take 5 minutes to complete the two surveys below. If you are not the “hands on” person managing BIM at your firm, please forward this on to them for participation. I will be sharing the results of the survey with all of the participants that supply their email address at the end of the surveys.

=> BIM Position Survey
=> BIM Software and Project Survey

Thanks,

Mark W. Kiker
Chief Information Officer - Assoc. AIA
HMC

Bentley Tools working with Revit

A few weeks ago Phil Read, Todd Williams and myself traveled to Exton, PA to the Bentley Headquarters to get an overview of some of the technology that they are developing and how that might fit into HNTB Architecture's workflow. Now for the record, HNTB Architecture is primarily an Autodesk shop and we are transitioning from using AutoCAD/ADT to Revit. We have Architecture and Structure in house.

I should mention this as well. I don't really care for ADT/AutoCAD Architecture that Revit is available. I think ADT is a powerful tool, but it has a very steep learning curve and there are way too many options to complete a task manage some kind of setting. As I mentioned, it is a great tool and HNTB is incredible fortunate to have Todd Williams on staff to manage that beast. But ADT is a beast that has to be managed.

Admittedly I have not used MicroStation in a very long time. But when I see a demo or someone using it, I see essentially ADT with a different interface. So, just like ADT, I really don't care for MicroStation.

That being said, I was very impressed with Bentley's Generative Components. I could try to describe Generative Compoenents but I think the following from Bentley's web site sums it up rather well: "Generative Components is an associative and parametric modeling system used by architects and engineers to automate the design processes and accelerate design iterations." Really cool product and definately something to look at regardless of what you think of Bentley or MicroStation you should take a look at Generative Components.

You might also be surprised to know that Bentley has a product called "ProjectWise Navigator" which is meant to be similar to NavisWorks.

Bentley is also working to enhance their structural analysis aplication links to Revit Structure and I look forward to seeing a demo of how their FM package work with Revit as well.

It was an interesting and informative trip to Exton. And surprisingly, they just let Phil walk around.

Revit 2009 Platform Update

Autodesk has released the new Web Updates, Service Packs, or Builds (wish they would stick with a name) for the Revit 2009 platform.

What is new for this release is that you are now able to install just the "update" to an existing installation.

Here are the links of note.

Revit Architecture 2009 downloads
Revit Structure 2009 downloads
Revit MEP 2009 dowloads

There is of course a very LONG list of fixes / improvements that you can find from the links above.

For subscription customers, you can now download the 64-bit version of Revit. I used the beta of Revit Architecture 64-bit on a couple different Dell workstations with either 4GB or 16GB of RAM running XP 64-bit and saw noticeable stability and performance improvements.

You can download the 64-bit versions of Revit from the Autodesk Subscription site. On the left side of the screen you will see "Product Downloads". Click on that link and you will then be able to download the 64-bit versions from the list. Keep in mind that you need to be running a 64-bit operating system in order to use these versions of Revit.

Competition for Revit Architecture?

Revit is a great tool and a major improvement over 2D or 3D CAD Systems, but sometimes don't you just wish there was something better. Enter Lego Digital Designer. We can argue all day long whether it is BIM or not, but in the end, who care. It has some features that may make an interesting addition to your toolset.



Lego Digital Designer is aimed at users who just want to play around a little before actual construction. All kiddy aside, I was pretty amoazed with this graphics-intensive program that works. You can zoom in and out, rotate your point-of-view 360 degrees, connect bricks to each other, rotate them, and move any hinges that they might have to explore just how your various pieces fit together. It also feature a build in cost modeling tool, blast simulation and the inability to create situations where building compoents will clash.


















(above) Accurate Cost Detailed Cost Estimates


















(above) Blast Simulation

Revit Jobs

Revit Technician
Responsibility:
Job duties include developing and preparing plans and detail drawings per Architectural Graphic Standards for projects using construction materials such as steel, concrete, masonry and wood. Create drawings from sketches, field notes, self knowledge or direct instruction. Modifying drawings from engineers redlines.

Requirement:
The successful candidate must have a minimum of 2 years experience in structural drafting and an Associate’s Degree in Drafting, or 4 years experience in structural drafting. Candidate must be proficient in Revit Structure, Autocad 2008 or 2009 and Microsoft Office.


CAD Technician/Field Technician
Responsibility:
The candidate will perform approximately 50% CAD Tech operations and 50% Field Technician services. The design responsibilities will pertain to building and parking lot structures. Field service responsibility will include surveys and measurements.

Requirement:
The candidate must have a minimum of three years experience in structural CAD drafting, a team-oriented attitude and strong communication skills. Knowledge of Revit Structure is a plus. Candidate must have a good general knowledge of structural engineering terminology and a sharp attention to detail.

Any individuals that are interested can send their resume to Josh McDaniel at jmcdaniel@pegstaff.com or I can be reached at 913.451.6922.

Autodesk University

Last Chance to Save US$500

You cannot put a price on the expert knowledge and business contacts you'll gain at AU 2008—but you can put a price on claiming your Early Bird discount: US$500. So visit the AU conference website—and save US$500 when you register by October 10.

Get the Experience You Need
AU 2008 features more than 600 in-depth technical, business, and industry sessions—including special Keynotes, a forward-thinking Design Leadership program, PowerTrack immersion courses, and a Sustainability track that goes beyond the “green” hype.

Here are just a few of the sessions that will interest architects, designers, and visualization specialists:

Autodesk® 3ds Max® Animation Concepts for Architectural Animation
Daylight and Lighting Analysis with Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2009
From 3D to 4D: Using Autodesk® 3ds Max® and NavisWorks® to Take America’s Largest Infrastructure Project into the Fourth Dimension
Parametric Design Modeling with Autodesk® 3ds Max®
Creative Animation Techniques Used to Reveal Models in Advanced Visualization Projects
In addition to the comprehensive design visualization course lineup, this year’s event brings a twist: four informative classes revealing how design innovation informs the creation of your favorite films and games from makers like Pixar and Blue Sky. These classes will provide a fun and refreshing approach to design innovation.

The M&E keynote is doing something completely new! In addition to our compelling design visualization content, we are introducing entertainment material that will inspire experts, like you, to think differently about design and innovation. Our keynote is wrapped around the theme of 3December®. The 3December event will provide a unique opportunity to get an insider’s glimpse of future technology, listen to industry visionaries, network, share knowledge, and honor the passion of 3D design and visualization.

Plus: Hear about the latest solutions from more than 100 Autodesk partners in the AU 2008 Exhibit Hall, participate in the AU Unplugged “unconference” and the AU Design Slam competition (powered by Cut&Paste), take advantage of numerous professional networking events, and much more.

Check Out Our Podcasts
Autodesk experts have a lot to say—and they are saying it in AU Beat podcasts.

Register By October 10 and Save US$500
Save US$500 per attendee with your Early Bird discount—offer ends October 10. Register now.

Sincerely,


The Autodesk University Team
Autodesk, Inc.
111 McInnis Parkway
San Rafael, CA 94903
autodeskuniversity@autodeskevents.com
1-888-371-1722 (toll-free in the United States)
1-415-446-7717 (outside the United States)