tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13795066121854836832024-02-06T23:12:17.335-06:00StarrchitectureBIM is changing us into something...differentAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-75411385150891174962012-09-19T19:10:00.001-05:002012-09-20T08:43:45.991-05:00Newforma and VEO - Where do we go from hereIt all started on Monday with some vague reference to some interoperability and licensing of <a href="http://www.m-six.com/" target="_blank">VEO</a> for Newforma (even a shout out to <a href="http://autodesk-revit.blogspot.com/2012/08/newforma-m-six-match-made-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">Dave</a>). People clapped and smiled, but no one really knew what to make of it, myself included. Newforma User Conference 2012 is over now and I have a more clear view. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://newforma-blog.blogspot.com/2012/08/veo-newforma-project-center-bim-pim_6.html" target="_blank">Newforma and VEO</a> have created something pretty great and after spending one hour with the new tools (not hands-on, but 1 on 1 with the managers) I think that the other BIM shoe is about to drop. One click publishing from Revit gets the model in Newforma with ease, links included. From there view creation, manipulation, and most importantly, "spinning the model", are all at your fingertips. Selection of the model by the parameters of your choice allow you to generate action items, RFIs, and a myriad of other familiar Newforma tools. Snap shots are stored as links to the 3d views complete with the item in question highlighted. You can even take existing issues in Newforma and tie them back to the VEO model. <br />
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All in all, what we have is a 3d model as up to date as you want it to be available to anyone on the team with Newforma. (rumor: perhaps to infoexchange participants as well) complete with actual project information tied to it. <br />
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I was told beforehand that we are still months away from market and that these aren't promises of new features, etc, etc. Even still, this is definitely something to pay attention to. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIyLUxgC4N517XgT65LxqzuUn-X7pJrEnXrH_yKd84Km2bs6aLkpycQhnN5PwlbwmIkgde7ivB07S-0a4CEEbkKgZ0V-oZmyfBrzHSFDL_ewQEzqfq___BmYJpA-c5-xpfoPZtVWHCa1k/s640/blogger-image--2107165191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIyLUxgC4N517XgT65LxqzuUn-X7pJrEnXrH_yKd84Km2bs6aLkpycQhnN5PwlbwmIkgde7ivB07S-0a4CEEbkKgZ0V-oZmyfBrzHSFDL_ewQEzqfq___BmYJpA-c5-xpfoPZtVWHCa1k/s640/blogger-image--2107165191.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#nugget2012</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-74630556907720250662012-07-20T09:17:00.000-05:002012-07-20T09:17:46.297-05:00Navisworks 2013: Finally a Better MeetingIf you haven't used Navisworks 2013 yet, I recommend you do so today. I've finally had an opportunity to use it this week and I have to say that 3 "minor" changes have made all the difference in the world. The shot below should tell all you Navisworkers and Clash Detectives out there all you need to know.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BTMIzOYUQQmSbRDYelYozqiYzq7qfQcsqMonnof6tVDdDaL_3Sb0E7tm4X-FGi8VFB8KRgSHzxXwjmHmeFk7Oyxec6Zgo4N4fwQnN144_OJgzPvf-Mo6zYXpueVXP0afzKrnNq3-3_L4/s1600/Navis2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BTMIzOYUQQmSbRDYelYozqiYzq7qfQcsqMonnof6tVDdDaL_3Sb0E7tm4X-FGi8VFB8KRgSHzxXwjmHmeFk7Oyxec6Zgo4N4fwQnN144_OJgzPvf-Mo6zYXpueVXP0afzKrnNq3-3_L4/s400/Navis2013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hint: Columns 3 and 4</td></tr>
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See it? Actual references for the clash location based on the structural grids lines, with offsets! Even more useful than that, however, is the Level the clash is on has been identified. Want to tackle problems a floor at a time? Sort by Level. No more isolated collisions tests by level, no more breaking the model up by floors to get separate data, no more search sets finding levels. These two changes alone are enough to make most of us out there very happy, but wait, there's more!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNW3saflwSFhXo0RCwesUj_Z7RQ0U2mGCWcqH8LnKGS_6-XNi4wA7WrwO_Z_5LQX72GcEIyHWB1sXOhjmB_JEl0CGv3qmPw1CXnCnIDAcAfrH9H4jiPaqQy8tZYbJKGNG8FRFGrLEAzzD/s1600/Navis2013-grids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNW3saflwSFhXo0RCwesUj_Z7RQ0U2mGCWcqH8LnKGS_6-XNi4wA7WrwO_Z_5LQX72GcEIyHWB1sXOhjmB_JEl0CGv3qmPw1CXnCnIDAcAfrH9H4jiPaqQy8tZYbJKGNG8FRFGrLEAzzD/s400/Navis2013-grids.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmmmm, greeeeen.</td></tr>
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Column Grid Lines. Let that sink in. And no, they are not some wonky line-based family from Revit. Navisworks 2013 finds the grid lines in any of the Revit exports you have (in this case, I am using the structural model). They can be viewed by level, or automatically show you the level above, below, or both, relative to your current location in the model.<br />
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I speak from experience here. Being a user since version 2009, I can tell you these changes are most welcome and make communication that much easier with all parties involved. The setup time for a meeting has been drastically reduced which means I can spend more time actually identifying problem areas and less time on workarounds.<br />
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Thank you, Navisworks 2013, for making it easier to run a meeting.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-9885505566525065552012-07-10T11:09:00.000-05:002012-07-10T11:13:38.311-05:00Open Revit Standards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">As has been stated so far (<a href="http://www.seandburke.com/blog/2012/07/06/revit-standards-open-for-business/" target="_blank">Burke</a>, <a href="http://autodesk-revit.blogspot.com/2011/07/open-revit-standard.html?m=1" target="_blank">Light</a>, <a href="http://whatrevitwants.blogspot.com/2011/07/free-and-open-revit-standard-could-it.html" target="_blank">Johnson</a>)</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> the need for standards is so very real, but so nearly unattainable. While there are decent efforts in the works and most companies doing it on their own, they tend to bog down very quickly and get lost in the weeds.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0O7o1oDTJQv7xTYZH1mripB9S-6ZadvPe4ugv-DfhQxua_KTai4d87KJp5htGuIa8Ya2myJ2o7IsxZeuwLvcxH7qhiLPAyrgc9l-rIFOn80QIsnb8-TKmTSwIvfliOVUGKVGfv4Ao7cP/s1600/Standards.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0O7o1oDTJQv7xTYZH1mripB9S-6ZadvPe4ugv-DfhQxua_KTai4d87KJp5htGuIa8Ya2myJ2o7IsxZeuwLvcxH7qhiLPAyrgc9l-rIFOn80QIsnb8-TKmTSwIvfliOVUGKVGfv4Ao7cP/s320/Standards.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/davidfano" target="_blank">David Fano</a> at CASE and others have come up with a rather unique, new world, approach to standardization in the industry. The <a href="http://openrevitstandards.com/" target="_blank">Open Revit Standards</a> projects is starting in earnest. Follow the conversation <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23OpenRevStds" target="_blank">here</a> for more information.<br />
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I'm sure this will get very interesting.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-88467431453616498222012-07-03T16:23:00.002-05:002012-07-03T16:31:19.157-05:00What architects do...What do we do? Are we master builders, draftsmen, scheme designers, conveyors of intent, or construction documentors? The biggest problem with BIM is that it pulls back the curtain on the biggest problem with <span style="background-color: white;">architecture. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What do we do?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The expectation from the perspective of owners is that we develop lego-style documents on how to put our building together. That part is our fault. That we even <i>called</i> them "construction documents" was the first mistake. We all know that contractors and their subs do not rely on our drawings to assemble the building. They reference it for things like material patterns and interior wall layouts (among other things), but it's really a C.Y.A. doc to show how much of the building we have thought through so we can explain to the judges later that indeed we did show how to 'waterproof the window'.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Enter BIM</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSC6eAdp6eNb4a8K-V77taeacYCgsu-QmB3YcGdzi_beVgkJqSW_g6ZSKRGxUl-qiXtQdgY_-w-sUHoxI8M_Fq1bI7X_myk655RSQxiA-g3Y8ahOt0Nev2VL3PuoqDl2tzy__ksWGTaxO/s1600/HI.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSC6eAdp6eNb4a8K-V77taeacYCgsu-QmB3YcGdzi_beVgkJqSW_g6ZSKRGxUl-qiXtQdgY_-w-sUHoxI8M_Fq1bI7X_myk655RSQxiA-g3Y8ahOt0Nev2VL3PuoqDl2tzy__ksWGTaxO/s320/HI.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, eveybody!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>"That data is there, right? All of it? Everywhere?"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>"Well, no"</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>"But I see it there on your paper"</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>"Well, yes, but <software/process nuance> and so we just draft it there"</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>"Oh, what do I pay you for again?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">This is playing out across the industry everyday. We have BIMEPs to describe what it is we include in our modeling effort (or more realistically, what we <i>don't</i>), but it still begs the question "Why don't we take more risk?" </span><span style="background-color: white;">Contractors and owners are teaming up to push expectations through the roof and a lot of those land at our feet in the name of "life cycle". Without first understanding what they </span><i>do</i><span style="background-color: white;"> pay us for, it's impossible to explain what they </span><i>don't</i><span style="background-color: white;"> pay us for. We should be asking for more money and more time to help </span><span style="background-color: white;">achieve</span><span style="background-color: white;"> the goals for the project set up by the owner. Not because we "do Revit" but because that kind of info is most definitely "not in scope".</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">IPD (or something similar) can't come soon enough, because right now, we all sound like a bunch of nay-sayers rather than team players.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-62516363722021142272012-05-14T16:44:00.000-05:002012-05-14T16:44:37.203-05:00Creating ExpertsBack in 2003, Revit would change the way architects thought about process. The excitement I felt all those years ago would spread like a virus and all who came in contact with its greatness would be swept up in the coming apocalypse. There was just so many ground breaking, sea changing capabilities in this software; literally doing in 2 minutes what used to take 2 weeks. How could this <i>not</i> catch on?<br />
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A decade later and the question I have is this:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">How do you make someone an expert?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAeAGVwWPujrp023MraEDoOmCIFeQsR4lz3ij5rna-4GbmxbzShaBsUsyINd3PrKtmvTgM70OP40ST2UV3cU-k0W2RkfZxUmZY_VNVaEpImo9sLkWzomcXB3TdfywrTy3gn4vw4FEpXYj/s1600/BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAeAGVwWPujrp023MraEDoOmCIFeQsR4lz3ij5rna-4GbmxbzShaBsUsyINd3PrKtmvTgM70OP40ST2UV3cU-k0W2RkfZxUmZY_VNVaEpImo9sLkWzomcXB3TdfywrTy3gn4vw4FEpXYj/s320/BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: Shared Parameters</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Or put a little differently. What <i>makes </i>someone an expert? </div>
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Why doesn't everyone understand how Phases work? Or what Schedule Keys are? Or even that there are such a thing as <a href="http://starrchitecture.blogspot.com/2012/05/revit-2013.html" target="_blank">View Templates</a>? I think the answer is basically experience, but is there something else? Training is great, mentoring is required, evangelizing is in my job description, but I can't <i>make </i>the horse drink (a Texas proverb, apologies). Maybe it's something <a href="http://starrchitecture.blogspot.com/2011/12/architect-geek.html" target="_blank">else entirely</a>. Gamma radiation exposure, anyone?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jKx7q_5fM-mwKfC34tO8InyCTxv-oCUAqesO2YsQG5VB3X-CRF35ABHDWofcBmNMkXA5zEDDkq9eiZjYFdUHNmvOHX14K4ifHWkcPbBIj619dUTsSdQb5cSbrfaWdGZTIzPm3M1ZWNmH/s1600/hulk-the-avengers-movie-image__span.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jKx7q_5fM-mwKfC34tO8InyCTxv-oCUAqesO2YsQG5VB3X-CRF35ABHDWofcBmNMkXA5zEDDkq9eiZjYFdUHNmvOHX14K4ifHWkcPbBIj619dUTsSdQb5cSbrfaWdGZTIzPm3M1ZWNmH/s320/hulk-the-avengers-movie-image__span.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HULK SMASH BEST PRACTICES!!</td></tr>
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How are you fostering individual growth in your company? Are your experts treated differently by management? Incentives? Accountability? Or are we relegated to the 'CAD Manager/Expert' business model? Sitting in the darkened cave in the back of the office, wishing everyone would just 'get it'.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-67859354862887466012012-05-08T14:02:00.001-05:002012-05-09T19:28:59.044-05:00Revit 2013 - Sweet View TemplatesLast year, I had a conversation extolling the virtues of view templates and their basic underutilization. Revit 2013, as most of you, has finally taken the greatness of the view template and made it easy to implement and maintain. For the first time, we can predispose a particular view type to a certain view template upon its creation and even have it linked dynamically to said template for future modification.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtTWQQFEUtemGnIDwEhkZJUqwUkaWzBh_5tohf0lWq-dOBpGwTnmMKEj3KmCssIve_r0wb1ZUPzTAez8ztB3IffvnMwaAXKsoNmWTJl9Fxn9sgdoLiqNIupccBqTcgo6laBX1yf5Xlc-B/s1600/VTFTW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtTWQQFEUtemGnIDwEhkZJUqwUkaWzBh_5tohf0lWq-dOBpGwTnmMKEj3KmCssIve_r0wb1ZUPzTAez8ztB3IffvnMwaAXKsoNmWTJl9Fxn9sgdoLiqNIupccBqTcgo6laBX1yf5Xlc-B/s400/VTFTW.JPG" width="347" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Template-y goodness, now with more <span style="font-size: x-small;">dependent</span>s</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
Although it seems to be quite a small step, in reality, this is a giant leap in the right direction. Graphics and drawings are still very important to many project leads and having global control over every view in the project with such ease could finally put to bed the idea that document control is confusing in Revit. No more re-applying templates by view or hoping no one changed the Default View Template on your views (you see, Revit now categorizes your views automatically by View Type).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU_84wGmchY6MfO20KbBnFqfWPM6vW9bwtNSq6pOh4RCcpfugjOOGspo6C_Spc9Os8Gn0yhReYlhCfTO1enBdOl7THJc2sHi9v9WLq8Q1mG1xGkKuLFy1gvQGPWaVr0aoznUtMTauTMhv/s1600/VTFTWindeed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU_84wGmchY6MfO20KbBnFqfWPM6vW9bwtNSq6pOh4RCcpfugjOOGspo6C_Spc9Os8Gn0yhReYlhCfTO1enBdOl7THJc2sHi9v9WLq8Q1mG1xGkKuLFy1gvQGPWaVr0aoznUtMTauTMhv/s1600/VTFTWindeed.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soon, it will track you via GPS - coming 2015</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
Now there is no reason we shouldn't know what's going on in our views and what controls are in place. This makes me very happy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-36915080665150494012012-03-02T11:08:00.000-06:002012-03-02T11:26:57.897-06:00Revit Architecture Family Categories - For Shame!In Revit Architecture 2012, I've noticed something recently in collaborating with MEP engineers about the families we use and the function behind why we use them. Specifically, I am speaking about ceiling diffusers. There are other families that are just as guilty of what I am about to share, but I will focus on them for this article.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS68tiTPIOp3-1_StxiJ-SBATHSJ5ybmU_5jdQOcqtOe174K_rkWicE_FHMiKL4wOhAcbdVDjUdgyMxSZxmlWb5lGI5oDquGFtn3DVnkGEw0KWNNHU1FKiEf0yM5Xy2ojzAk8f66yzV2G/s1600/dysfunctional.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS68tiTPIOp3-1_StxiJ-SBATHSJ5ybmU_5jdQOcqtOe174K_rkWicE_FHMiKL4wOhAcbdVDjUdgyMxSZxmlWb5lGI5oDquGFtn3DVnkGEw0KWNNHU1FKiEf0yM5Xy2ojzAk8f66yzV2G/s320/dysfunctional.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We put the FUN in Dysfunctional</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We, as architects, have been happily grabbing the default families from the content provided by Autodesk without a doubt that they would function as intended. The problem is that the diffusers in the Revit Architecture content belong to the category Mechanical Equipment while the exact same family in Revit MEP belongs to the category Air Terminal. One particular call from one of my engineers got me thinking about the duplication effort it would take to coordinate something as simple as ceiling diffusers. Let me 'splain.<br />
<br />
Architects want to put the diffusers precisely where they look the 'best' in his/her ceiling. The engineer wants the diffuser to be part of a complete system for his analysis and specification purposes, location is less of a concern. In a perfect world, the architect would place the diffuser and the engineer would copy/monitor it and swap it out for a more 'complete' version of it that meets his needs in his model.<br />
<br />
Try doing that with families from 2 different categories.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-55341146156712369222012-02-16T14:31:00.001-06:002012-02-16T14:32:30.213-06:00Clarity for Revit ServerIt's been a while, but I have a really good excuse! I've traveled the world, told tales, explored, and ate well. From the shores of western Ireland, to the South of France and Monaco and onward to the beaches of Dubai, I have now returned. What a trip, indeed, but that is for another post perhaps.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma1fTyjVsCiiv2T0NXg2E-RxaVvC-3C-dF8cFvF8eUBtJrfTOmQ_MfoTLMXuBzUT6u3OjIRVMncgma3SCoWjv1eUvbBAt3t261lDE6_jKZDfEomqVnuoqaO6gOsHrWraTTq06tVl8lq8p/s1600/Photo+Feb+08,+6+12+40+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjma1fTyjVsCiiv2T0NXg2E-RxaVvC-3C-dF8cFvF8eUBtJrfTOmQ_MfoTLMXuBzUT6u3OjIRVMncgma3SCoWjv1eUvbBAt3t261lDE6_jKZDfEomqVnuoqaO6gOsHrWraTTq06tVl8lq8p/s320/Photo+Feb+08,+6+12+40+AM.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, this is what aquariums look like in Monaco.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Upon my return, I find my new love, Clarity, has finally been made public. <a href="http://imaginit.com/software-solutions/building-architecture/IMAGINiT-Clarity-for-Autodesk-Revit-Server" target="_blank">LINK</a></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Built upon the Autodesk® Revit® Server platform, IMAGINiT Clarity enables better collaboration between Revit users (both inside and outside an organization). By using IMAGINiT Clarity you can control your Revit Server setup, automate repetitive tasks, and provide valuable data to non-Revit users – all with simple setup, easy administration and secure connectivity.</span></span></blockquote>
We've been toying around with this tool for the past couple months and I have to say, it is the bomb. Almost everything that needs fixing in Revit Server, Clarity addresses. Permissions, task automation, web access, VPN are all there. Head on over to their <a href="http://blogs.rand.com/imaginitnews/2012/02/imaginit-technologies-has-released-imaginit-clarityfor-autodesk-revit-server.html" target="_blank">press release</a> and check'em out. Tell Beau I said hi!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-3489948832438636042012-01-27T07:59:00.000-06:002012-01-27T08:10:56.236-06:00My Non-BIM HobbyWe all do something else, hopefully, outside of work that makes us happy. Maybe it's kickball or something. The point is, technology, architecture, BIM, et al, are great, but we need to step away now and then.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwzzXBoM4LzvjhYTP1Bay9NlylYNiR-VRiQc3EYRPfnjSYIHbFUQ-0OXdMogdhCZP2-NETcVGEQ5q7FH2CcHFFtaVMdgfc6zXdt4XWkoXCRJg-3ZF4YPZbp8rvBb83s22bDeDCveprwwh/s1600/kickball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwzzXBoM4LzvjhYTP1Bay9NlylYNiR-VRiQc3EYRPfnjSYIHbFUQ-0OXdMogdhCZP2-NETcVGEQ5q7FH2CcHFFtaVMdgfc6zXdt4XWkoXCRJg-3ZF4YPZbp8rvBb83s22bDeDCveprwwh/s320/kickball.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, who doesn't love kickball?!</td></tr>
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Some background; I've played music most of my life. Starting with the saxophone in 6th grade, my love for playing music has only grown. I picked up the guitar for the first time in 1995 and haven't put it down. More recently, however, I've been exploring new musical avenues. Last April, I decided I was going to learn the banjo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8G67BIik_ynHotXEEF7vnQkqDXGCZRh_AFtGujyIq-FR7yKH4j2g1agh3WsXT4JwM9BSPztRO8XQ6_yPiLF-MLmaDMy8AjTTBq6ZTEATFuQ5krEiJ4Q08saKq7sWxTdiFsCHWBMXANH9/s1600/farside_banjo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8G67BIik_ynHotXEEF7vnQkqDXGCZRh_AFtGujyIq-FR7yKH4j2g1agh3WsXT4JwM9BSPztRO8XQ6_yPiLF-MLmaDMy8AjTTBq6ZTEATFuQ5krEiJ4Q08saKq7sWxTdiFsCHWBMXANH9/s320/farside_banjo2.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
Every Thursday night since then, I've been playing in a 'jam' group with guys from around DFW. I believe the best way to learn is to play with other people as often as you can. Last night a few of us got together to play an 'open mic night' where one of the guys work and the rest is history.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AY6GCnRcV2k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
We'll probably be famous soon...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-69292076879313055482012-01-10T10:49:00.002-06:002012-01-10T10:49:15.301-06:00Apply Dependent ViewsYou spend so much time getting your dependent views set just like you like them. You get the cropping regions all set, with just the right amount of overlap, and then you remember this is a 30 foot tower.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFD1vm0qj77cOa4ddlHyEikDtEtOgPW6VHBSbxcNbFd7vQYf3r8hTfAqtKgQDp1Vf1rkOSBKmBvRpzCMUcz1raqd4MyEGjBY7FUHYZZHniG0vcVGIb8gmpSPzfDAD2yZu3hsWlvs_-BYq/s1600/drama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFD1vm0qj77cOa4ddlHyEikDtEtOgPW6VHBSbxcNbFd7vQYf3r8hTfAqtKgQDp1Vf1rkOSBKmBvRpzCMUcz1raqd4MyEGjBY7FUHYZZHniG0vcVGIb8gmpSPzfDAD2yZu3hsWlvs_-BYq/s320/drama.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> queue dramatic music</span></td></tr>
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Well don't fret, little buddy. You can take all that hard work and apply it to every other floor in seconds! Just right-click on the parent view of the set you just finished and choose "Apply Dependent Views", choose the views you want to apply that set to, and you're all set. This is yet another great example of "do it once, do it right". You will have to take some time and rename the new dependent views, but the hard work is done. Apply your view template for that type of view, and get back to work!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGiWtTAYT1FjY1hoOX5PU0wkRCgrX1sRydoed8Y3E2hyphenhyphenOcm_-R9M2Ii2MdA3R3FR2HsscypxkQ-Q8rs-uRwOEpsnR67XVfLf6Cj9p1JDIDN42MECtPSuyZ5JJFRN1uWFXdc5kwPWbX_ff/s1600/ADV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGiWtTAYT1FjY1hoOX5PU0wkRCgrX1sRydoed8Y3E2hyphenhyphenOcm_-R9M2Ii2MdA3R3FR2HsscypxkQ-Q8rs-uRwOEpsnR67XVfLf6Cj9p1JDIDN42MECtPSuyZ5JJFRN1uWFXdc5kwPWbX_ff/s400/ADV.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">The views you apply your set to must be the same scale as the original.</span>
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I tell my employees all the time that if you find yourself doing something menial repetitively, there is another way to do it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-772085462960670492012-01-03T15:19:00.001-06:002012-01-03T15:19:42.088-06:00Back to RealityWhat a great break! 12 days of Christmas, quite literally, and it absolutely <i>flew </i>by. Great time with the fam, but unfortunately, it's back to real life. While I was away, I played, I thought, I slept (a lot), and I contemplated where we go next as an industry. Many changes are coming our way to be sure, and if <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Kurzweil" target="_blank">Ray Kurzweil</a> is to be believed, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity" target="_blank">Singularity </a>is truly near.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQr6QvVo3U7MgdBrs0DCoCmjmOynaxgN0GGlTDpt7747R8uzOSXFVXa31vAGY7F1HKjbEAbFi2oncN2_xEklYr3mEfb88x2dxjWWhumFicPTVgTcHhbYb91gedYoLHiqWtzFQpuYo5-AW/s1600/3dmatrixcorridorsscr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQr6QvVo3U7MgdBrs0DCoCmjmOynaxgN0GGlTDpt7747R8uzOSXFVXa31vAGY7F1HKjbEAbFi2oncN2_xEklYr3mEfb88x2dxjWWhumFicPTVgTcHhbYb91gedYoLHiqWtzFQpuYo5-AW/s320/3dmatrixcorridorsscr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your next project</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Technology is changing so rapidly now that I feel like it's a full time job just playing catch-up. With tools like Revit Server coming into maturity, enterprise cloud solutions for email, documents, and storage, and teams growing ever more complex and dispersed, our life is about to change big time.<br />
<br />
<div>
I though about the challenges we face this year and created a very short list. Some of these aren't <i>new</i> technologies, but on the spectrum of 'Impossible' to 'Required', these just moved into the 'Practical' realm.</div>
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Security</b>: Central files based in the cloud (or at least, outside access given to consultants).</li>
<li><b>Preparedness</b>: Owners finally realizing BIM's potential and turning the screws on those who aren't ready.</li>
<li><b>Communication</b>: Central files that aren't central files at all, but a data-hub of sorts.</li>
<li><b>Process</b>: Simulation (energy, logistics, personnel throughput) for high-performance design will become commonplace.</li>
<li><b>Cost</b>: Subscription-based cloud tools and services (think rendering).</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsAmL78eK_R7BUkq_Kp88rs8WwY11zI-pZb6QWAKYFqx8Wh1t6dzaZGEb81W2e3rYvSpmnCzESQJLf_690oY-1mGEAByDPRWW2rXKOg9IqACAeobGsYFfaLmSGt4s4ARxR6CunNrl8-mG/s1600/2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsAmL78eK_R7BUkq_Kp88rs8WwY11zI-pZb6QWAKYFqx8Wh1t6dzaZGEb81W2e3rYvSpmnCzESQJLf_690oY-1mGEAByDPRWW2rXKOg9IqACAeobGsYFfaLmSGt4s4ARxR6CunNrl8-mG/s320/2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If we make it that far.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div>
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<div>
This list is by no means complete, but just a series of thoughts I had whilst sipping Egg Nog at my 11am breakfast. Here's to a great 2012!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-55450737452960704142011-12-21T10:59:00.000-06:002011-12-21T10:59:11.227-06:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm off for the rest of 2011. Here's to a great 2012! Everyone stay safe and enjoy the break!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqo7__wZTkf0M4CQZwvkPfDbmSc2NRQ3ZcLN3glDzfe-Tqb-cx6SysfsZXcc7Wknk8vnFx4gCT0emp-wzaQnrcpEY66N2IOI9ShxmCFQuuQUSS3fytkBResbRVnAwcrz6RG-kEpbR0pCX/s1600/calvin_hobbes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqo7__wZTkf0M4CQZwvkPfDbmSc2NRQ3ZcLN3glDzfe-Tqb-cx6SysfsZXcc7Wknk8vnFx4gCT0emp-wzaQnrcpEY66N2IOI9ShxmCFQuuQUSS3fytkBResbRVnAwcrz6RG-kEpbR0pCX/s320/calvin_hobbes.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-91264934304540950772011-12-15T19:58:00.001-06:002011-12-16T14:14:15.389-06:00The Architect GeekThese last few years have taught me many things about the profession I have dreamed about since the 3rd grade. I have seen more massive changes (or at least, potentially massive) in the last 3 years than all of my previous 11 combined. One thing has stuck out the most in my mind, and that is, what are we turning into? The subtitle of my blog here is "BIM is changing us into something different". I really mean that. I wonder what the future holds for the hold-outs. Can those of us early adopters push hard enough without marginalizing the cause? I recently asked a question of my team to see what they thought. I have since asked the same question to those in my office who would listen.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Is the future architect a geek?"</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGUEbjw1Jb7C8Wet09Y9ikW99AYD33mj3j5xHqILalcXTRCdptm6HOxiIMLCwNudFrEndGBvbI2VYEJ8xJt20ljh3xVGJ8gUOPwIJ_k4H9OZQeHjUkAfP3RdAF2Y7DWIBTZbJfdVMb2JW/s1600/Geek1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGUEbjw1Jb7C8Wet09Y9ikW99AYD33mj3j5xHqILalcXTRCdptm6HOxiIMLCwNudFrEndGBvbI2VYEJ8xJt20ljh3xVGJ8gUOPwIJ_k4H9OZQeHjUkAfP3RdAF2Y7DWIBTZbJfdVMb2JW/s320/Geek1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not pictured: Horn-rimmed glasses, vests, or fedoras.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not surprisingly, I didn't get an answer. It's not so easy to say yet. Will the technology one day become so easy that anyone can and will understand it? AutoCAD has been around for more than 20 years, yet companies still need support. It pains me to hear someone talk about technology like it is a burden. I realize that I may be in the minority here, but the problems posed currently by our industry are most easily solved with technology. Do you want to house your own energy modeling database internally? Can you adequately describe the <i>best</i> solution for your building skin without tangible metrics? Metrics give us something to prop ourselves up against when everyone wants to throw us under the bus. Using scripting languages to better optimize our design, sending a model into the cloud to render or for analysis to free up resources so we can continue to work, or simply bending a particular tool to our will <i>is</i> our future, isn't it?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I ask again, does understanding those concepts make me a geek? Is the merging of IT and AE such a bad thing? Are we the future for the industry, or are we the back of house sweaty programmer types that keeps everyone's shared parameter files and Revit warnings in order? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMiRLeZTCNCkvj_IpFnSYy5ot23aTtFPZMJqY0YmQwN7SsF-7OsXOZ8r6bsqM0MKsYZv242ugmjAds_-U5IM7HloJJa-hDbnKwF6f8KmET_a3cytu6IF7ZnT8tqY6etRxt6mfefNFLO5R/s1600/nerd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMiRLeZTCNCkvj_IpFnSYy5ot23aTtFPZMJqY0YmQwN7SsF-7OsXOZ8r6bsqM0MKsYZv242ugmjAds_-U5IM7HloJJa-hDbnKwF6f8KmET_a3cytu6IF7ZnT8tqY6etRxt6mfefNFLO5R/s320/nerd1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please make sure you check your worksets! Gah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Enjoy your weekend.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-38941471777758315802011-12-14T23:13:00.000-06:002011-12-15T09:59:48.675-06:00Vasari LoveI love <a href="http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/vasari/">Project Vasari</a>. I love that it's free (for now). I love all what it stands for. I love what it means for designers who love technology. I am excited for the future (<a href="http://iankeough.com/wordpress/">scripting </a>anyone?) and the power that comes with it. My hope is that tools like Vasari become so ingrained in our design process, that we cannot image life before it.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ96A9vk8AWxRjZeTry5hCk-eOV1_R816gt-njyE32NpLA5OimquhSNLtV1bdP6hlAO3Y9APjhUXcuQGOk2kfzilmaBw5Dcfc3sPzbNo1z7ftSsAfnT9lDsCLmxXaBZ2PL2sRTt65iom5d/s1600/mi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ96A9vk8AWxRjZeTry5hCk-eOV1_R816gt-njyE32NpLA5OimquhSNLtV1bdP6hlAO3Y9APjhUXcuQGOk2kfzilmaBw5Dcfc3sPzbNo1z7ftSsAfnT9lDsCLmxXaBZ2PL2sRTt65iom5d/s320/mi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also, I love Monkey Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was toying around with Google Earth the other day and remembered something useful. You can actually download all of those wonderful models directly into Sketchup for your very own use; for free, no less! You can head right over to Google's <a href="http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/">3D Warehouse</a> from within Sketchup and choose your building(s) to download. Armed now with some simplistic model, the sky is the limit in terms of what I can do next.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjUUhAP-24-4_Hwpkvxa8UEuR7h-rHw5BQUOohQQwfnUUEzk1SurtbYZrSS5Cn1PtdEow45M_fzJpxYzWjoGsv9l5cRl73zBFNQPhzxXSJNOacmlURAJaCPW1AaCjLAN66taaNG1lgkM3/s1600/Vasari.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjUUhAP-24-4_Hwpkvxa8UEuR7h-rHw5BQUOohQQwfnUUEzk1SurtbYZrSS5Cn1PtdEow45M_fzJpxYzWjoGsv9l5cRl73zBFNQPhzxXSJNOacmlURAJaCPW1AaCjLAN66taaNG1lgkM3/s320/Vasari.JPG" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pro Tip: If you want faces analyzed, they have to be native Vasari; the other buildings are imports only</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For starters, all of that great context our high performing buildings so desperately need are right there, perfectly scaled and located, ready for anything. The perfect integration of Vasari's Location and Google Maps & Earth make for some fantastic sun / shadow studies. Wind analysis through the spaces are also useful for figuring out where <i>not</i> to put the picnic tables.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDz4n61-zGE/TmeWBVJqBwI/AAAAAAAACuY/src6eFqS2yY/image%25255B7%25255D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDz4n61-zGE/TmeWBVJqBwI/AAAAAAAACuY/src6eFqS2yY/image%25255B7%25255D.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or, to analyze one's capabilities to make a Kessel Run (Thanks, <a href="http://autodesk-revit.blogspot.com/2011/09/what-piece-of-junk.html">David</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Ultimately, this post is just to bring to your attention some really cool, yet simple things to do with Vasari. Enjoy and remain motivated.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-74789924712860164772011-12-11T20:00:00.001-06:002011-12-12T16:19:07.532-06:00Family CounselingWhen I open Revit files, I am usually part humored and part frustrated at the amount of 'rogue' data I find. Room Tag 2 - small 2, EQ-1234 - clay, etc. These families are frustrating usually because the intelligence exists in the the family to create new types on the fly or exist already in type catalogs, but not in the user. That's not to say they are not intelligent at all, it's really a reflection on need and comfort with the tool. In the AutoCAD days, a quick explode, edit, wblock was all you needed to accomplish the task at hand sometimes, and the 'requirement' of Revit is a bit different. Take for instance: doors.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI2w21zMSlOYp42dUBNg6nCkIJEsa56Cv1TpsCnEtz_TJTwdhGUCCM3eGDrv3q2kgb0I_PfndpW8xzE3FJgqHth3RdvJuEXkI5vdfWnuZ4PVP2RMDsowdvMIVwtAnEXNWhDoxl2u2cnG7/s1600/cb_monster_door_111023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI2w21zMSlOYp42dUBNg6nCkIJEsa56Cv1TpsCnEtz_TJTwdhGUCCM3eGDrv3q2kgb0I_PfndpW8xzE3FJgqHth3RdvJuEXkI5vdfWnuZ4PVP2RMDsowdvMIVwtAnEXNWhDoxl2u2cnG7/s320/cb_monster_door_111023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Project Architect. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Doors always seem to start simply enough; "We only have 10 types on any given project, those should be our standard" really means, "I can only think of 10 right now, but I'm sure we'll need 37 by the time we're done". This dilemma exists in most families, so replace 'door' with whatever rfa you can think of, and we're on the same page.</div>
</div>
<br />
The problem occurs when that 11th door needs to be inserted, and the basic info known at that time is probably limited to its width and maybe some instance info like hardware (hardware is not a type parameter here). So what is a user to do other than <i>revert </i>and grab the 3'-0" door, edit, save as, rename, reload? That's not to say that you have to know everything about the door before you can place it. Our doors are built in such a way that all you need is to know one thing about it, then swap out for new types (from a catalog) as you discover more about it. Not everyone uses them that way; that's why I am writing this.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzBeG5nUdVXL7aN9yLy5Pyzx4E5KabgCv4cC-ea54Oy1k3rgF9J0mCV6eY5uhD0a4nowqT7JYROXPcxJ8ux1sgENuZte07ApH2g0M3z_O6MCs_k96OlViBVDeaKImbhuaV9kZQMK0R2EL/s1600/mydoor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzBeG5nUdVXL7aN9yLy5Pyzx4E5KabgCv4cC-ea54Oy1k3rgF9J0mCV6eY5uhD0a4nowqT7JYROXPcxJ8ux1sgENuZte07ApH2g0M3z_O6MCs_k96OlViBVDeaKImbhuaV9kZQMK0R2EL/s320/mydoor.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My door. Seriously, it does everything!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Before, all that extra data is covered in a tag sitting on a block (maybe that block even had attributes) filled out by a PA whose main job it was to manage and coordinate the drawings. Now it's embedded into the family itself and that nice door schedule that's running in the background looks all wrong, and it's Revit's fault.<br />
<br />
The big picture is how BIM is changing us as architects into something different. DWOB (Drafting WithOut Brains) was a phrase that I heard a lot going way back into the AutcCAD days, but was more easily managed by our team leads who simply 'fixed' it in CDs. Now that management of the information starts at the beginning (honestly, where it should have been already) and our youngest architects are affecting our workflows in ways most aren't comfortable with.<br />
<br />
My take is that, rather than <i>preventing</i> them, we should be <i>enabling </i>them. Communication and education (mentoring) is key.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-80550112780002694692011-12-09T18:33:00.001-06:002011-12-09T18:36:55.134-06:00Week one, downThree articles down (2 really) and I still have a few ideas left! Thanks to all for showing any interest at all in this site. Before the weekend officially kicks off, I'd like to leave you with this question.<br />
<br />
How can you know if your company is truly committed to change?<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa-DIIyU79Zm9kii9Hm8sK8ORvorcy09Kd-_c3bIbtgFK85w5Cj9Fc_-lKGinmxcdjdXAOYMXQEL22hofxFyweeIc1v9E6sl6Ir76lr6P9qWZNo4UgLumytLXPVos7q38gRZelc6a4joW/s640/blogger-image--2059741798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa-DIIyU79Zm9kii9Hm8sK8ORvorcy09Kd-_c3bIbtgFK85w5Cj9Fc_-lKGinmxcdjdXAOYMXQEL22hofxFyweeIc1v9E6sl6Ir76lr6P9qWZNo4UgLumytLXPVos7q38gRZelc6a4joW/s640/blogger-image--2059741798.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-36140948279091881492011-12-08T09:18:00.000-06:002011-12-08T21:35:42.678-06:00Split the file, are you crazy?!I was in an interesting AU Unconference discussion regarding 'Mega-Projects' in Revit. The question started as you would think:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>What makes a project MEGA?</b></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://files.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/135916_S/Mega-Man-1-sprite.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://files.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/135916_S/Mega-Man-1-sprite.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know what makes a <i>man</i> mega, though. Hint, arm canon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
The answer is not so simple. Is it square footage, file size, campus size, density, or something else? I honed in on the file size debate because this is something I have railed against for some time, that is, file size is not the best indicator for how models should be broken up. In fact, the fear of big files drives many to inflict upon themselves wounds that aren't easily rectified. Let me explain.<br />
<br />
Years ago, in my Revit noobness, I was taught the concept of 'Lazy Parsing' (thanks Phil). It sounded like a bunch of database mumbo <i>and</i> jumbo, and paid it no heed. That was easy then. Revit pilot projects tended to be small, easy, and predictable so we could focus on the tool itself rather than a unique challenge of the project. As my Revit prowess grew, the concept of splitting and linking to maintain smaller files cropped up. Lazy parsing, I remembered...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6AAym3_3sk-7q7qTfx6D04h4P02HkMCwP0dEVWrfILjQQNScg_g" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6AAym3_3sk-7q7qTfx6D04h4P02HkMCwP0dEVWrfILjQQNScg_g" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: Mr. Parsing</td></tr></tbody></table>The truth is that no matter how many times you break up a big file into multiple small files, the actual size of the Database (notice the big D) never changes, or worse, gets bigger! By that I mean, the <i>total</i> size of your project doesn't make it any easier on your hardware. One 400mb file or four 100mb files just means you have more files to keep track of. The Database hasn't changed, and ultimately, let's say for the sake of printing, all 400mb will be loaded into you computer's memory, and you are right where you started <i>now</i> with all the baggage that comes with trying to maintain multiple Revit files; a net loss in my opinion. Ever tried to tag a linked room or link an elevation view into your 'composite' file? Sure, these problems can be accounted for and solutions found, but that takes <a href="http://starrchitecture.blogspot.com/2011/12/plan-to-fail.html" target="_blank">planning </a>and care up front when file sizes <b>aren't a concern</b>. Gotcha!<br />
<br />
Back to lazy parsing. The concept is simple. Revit loads what it needs to show you what you want. A 400mb file with four 100mb worksets is better than four 100mb files any day. The problem with that concept is it requires the team to take care to place things on the right workset (novel, I know) so they can be loaded/unloaded at will. Problem solved, right?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxeOeK-oKAa4wratrclV51hl-emSo_K82OnKjVL9c-0fZdWIZgh1aXrl0k4zANunGC9EXAeFau_AR-zhidMkDwsD821t51xr_htVCT0KMF4jLEFPBlGcLW8qNI32pAgkOonXG7hxaXiA/s400/wrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxeOeK-oKAa4wratrclV51hl-emSo_K82OnKjVL9c-0fZdWIZgh1aXrl0k4zANunGC9EXAeFau_AR-zhidMkDwsD821t51xr_htVCT0KMF4jLEFPBlGcLW8qNI32pAgkOonXG7hxaXiA/s200/wrong.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That sounds harsh; let's just say incorrect from now on.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<br />
Only through careful model management can true large file zen be attained. This coming from a guy whose last several projects were in stable single files, all north of the 500mb mark (just architecture, mind you). Sure it's work and your team has to change <i>how </i>they work in the file (specify worksets, anyone?), but for the greater good of the process, it can be done. I'm not for keeping all the data in one place just to say we did, however. Break files up based on the needs of the project, like separate buildings, DIs, discipline, or team location.<br />
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Just promise to not break your file up by floors.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-32057254624200695742011-12-07T08:58:00.000-06:002011-12-07T08:58:02.732-06:00Plan to FailBIM Execution Planning. Sometimes it feels a lot like BIM <i>Execution</i>, that is, "Death by BIM". It doesn't have to be that way, but what the BIMEP requires, more than anything, is this:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Internal, Contemplative Self-reflection (aka, what do we do and why?)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTWt8VNKJibemw439fuTbif0CJVZhgvqjZZX0fZAOxANlOV3KMtow" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTWt8VNKJibemw439fuTbif0CJVZhgvqjZZX0fZAOxANlOV3KMtow" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What <i>are </i>life safety plans?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Architecture is a nebulous of thoughts, ideas, sketches, graphics, and personality. Trying to convey <i>exactly</i> what we do in a single, albeit large, document is difficult. When the execution of BIM pulls back the veil on what happens behind the scenes, our first reaction is that of defense. We seize up and explain the difficulties of implementing <i>this</i> plan based on our our standard of care, contractual obligations, historical egotism, or flat out misunderstanding of what owners really want and how to bend our process to their will.</div><br />
None of this changes the all out necessity of up front planning, however. All parties involved will benefit from some planning. The AIA has taken a good shot at standardizing Level of Detail (LOD) with their <a href="http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/training/bim/AIAS078742" target="_blank">E202</a> document and Penn State (and others) have great <a href="http://bim.psu.edu/" target="_blank">guides</a> on getting your plan, um, planned.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmOsAtA9LmTl4JnWJeBdrqVqKOnSnzUZtrMBvmhTpqK1Lqh6C5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmOsAtA9LmTl4JnWJeBdrqVqKOnSnzUZtrMBvmhTpqK1Lqh6C5" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right <i>here</i> is where we'll put the shared parameters.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Right now, owners are center stage (let's be honest with ourselves, they kind of always have been) and those owners have expectations out the wazzu. We can only effectively manage those expectations if we are armed with a solid understanding of our own 'standard of care' (as well as the requisite philosophy for that standard, ie Why <i>don't</i> we model floor slab openings smaller than <i>X?</i>). Architects that have adopted Revit to any capacity are seeing internal gains, no doubt and a full 'BIM capable' AE team is a force to be reckoned with, but, truth be told, the adoption of Revit isn't adoption of BIM. You are probably using Revit to deliver the same old paper goods with a bit more efficiency, perhaps, but that's not BIM.<br />
<br />
BIM Execution Planning <i>will</i> change your process and push your comfort envelope. Fail to plan, plan to fail.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1379506612185483683.post-36218294891765442232011-12-06T10:01:00.000-06:002011-12-06T11:03:13.296-06:00AU 2011 RecapI've just returned from fabulous Las Vegas armed with the knowledge of my 6th AU and this year's goes down in my book as one of the best. Some great classes I want to cover here include Seven Technology Trends, Revit Graphics that POP, Mega Projects in Revit, BIM for Owners, FM BIM, and many more.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/storage/post-images/AB4564---Revit-for-Presentations-Jason-Grant-Project.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1323128871706" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/storage/post-images/AB4564---Revit-for-Presentations-Jason-Grant-Project.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1323128871706" width="580" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100% Revit Goodness</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
To kick things off right, I'd like to thank <a href="http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">Jason Grant</a> and<a href="http://autodesk-revit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> David Light</a> for getting my truly inspired with their phenomenal lecture on leveraging the most out of Revit with regard to presentation graphics Check out Jason's post <a href="http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/jason-grant-blog/2011/12/6/revit-presentation-graphics-that-pop.html">here </a>to really appreciate what he's done.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11336475750016317096noreply@blogger.com0