Release 9 family Improvements.

The greatest improvement to Revit 9 families is the introduction of line based families. Awesome!!!

There are two new family templates added namely, Detail Component Line Based and Generic Model Line Based.

This now means by simply clicking from a point to a point, will set up the family along the length of the line between the new points.

This also works for the chain option, however the miter or joins don’t clean up.

The implications of these new families are massive. From a simple workstation or kitchen counter top layout to complicated sun screens with array formulas. WOW!!! I will post this example among others on family of the week shortly.

Generic Model Line Based family with Array formula.









In the project select Component and click from a point to a point.





Bruce Gow - AKA - Beegee gives a quick tutorial on his blog Revitalize on how to setup a line based casework family. Be sure to check it out!

The "Lurking Beast" in Revit.

As stated before, Revit is by far the easiest architectural software I have yet crossed paths with. However, there is a beast lurking in this software one needs to be aware of!
The simplicity of creating simple small projects speaks for it self. Where do I go from there?
Large projects in a medium to large office brings on a whole new dynamic, along with a hidden user interface and capabilities, you don’t actually know exists or how to use.

If you are currently considering implementing BIM in your medium to large office and attempting to do it without the assistance of a Revit consultant, have you asked yourself the following questions?

Do you have?
The willingness to accept change?
A proven implementation plan as a guide?
The time to spend on the process?
Methods or a best practice guide set up for any given project?
Any planning or strategies needed for the project?
An understanding of over modeling, and the time constraint that should be adhered to?
A grasp of what a Revit team should consist of?
Any collaboration software techniques to assist in large file transfer and the tracking thereof?
Knowledge on the hardware requirements and limitations for Revit.

Do you know how to,
Complete a Revit project including all the construction documentation, schedules, legends and database analysis?
Setup the correct Revit Team and who the team should comprise of?
Manage and assign the correct tasks to the allocated team members?
Manage and work extensively with central files?
Effectively manage, store and interrogate the central and users, workset backups, log files and journal files?
Confidently use the Family Editor?
Manage the Family library and all its content?
Subcategorize your family components effectively.
Make the ODBC database work for you and your consultants.
How to use phasing and design options correctly.
Manage the time constraints of modeling families.
The list goes on....

You have to ask yourself “How much do I really know about Autodesk Revit.”
See the – The necessity of BIM implementation Strategy.

The necessity of a BIM implementation strategy

My contract as a Revit/Architectural consultant to A3 Architects has come to an abrupt end.
Over the past 12 months I have been assisting A3 Architects – Inc in achieving their full BIM status.
The task of changing over to BIM was completed so successfully that they literally have no further need for my full time services.

After spending three years in the Autodesk reseller channel and then applying the knowledge I had of Revit, into the actual work place has been an invaluable learning experience, “Priceless”. With a number of large successfully completed Revit projects, using only Revit for all documentation, I can honestly state that in the 15 years of being in the built industry, everything else I have used, researched and tested, fails in comparison.

With all that is happening around us in terms of other firms now trying to catch up with the BIM movement, I only have this to say.
Without the correct implementation strategy your cause is lost. If you are serious about making the switch in a cost effective and timely manner, it is essential that you seek the help of a qualified Revit Consultant to assist.

Due to the ever increasing need to achieve BIM status and the complete use and advantages thereof, as well as truly see the ROI in the software a new breed of consultants has recently evolved.

The necessity of BIM implementation strategy-cont.

Continued...
A number of articles define these necessary strategies.

Ensure Success in Your Transition to BIM - Author Rick Rundell-AIA
“Implementation Strategy for BIMA formal implementation strategy is an essential component of any successful BIM deployment and must go well beyond a simple training and rollout schedule. It should address head-on the work-flow and organizational changes inherent to BIM.”

Implementation in Practice (PDF)– Author Lachmi Khemlani, Ph.D View as HTML
"Implementing Revit effectively requires profound changes in the way architects work at almost every level within design. Most firms in the research study have found that Revit implementation not only requires learning a new application, but also requires learning how to reinvent the work flow, how to staff and assign responsibilities, and what to model and what not to.”

Beware the beast that is lurking!!!