I have just gotta say that RAC 2008 Rocks.
After two months of Beta testing, and extensive use since its official commercial release, one gets so used to the tools that you quickly forget what it was like two years ago (never mind 7).
Besides the name that has changed, Revit Architecture 2008 contains many new features that are designed to enhance and extend usability, graphic control of elements, modeling capabilities, interoperability, and documentation quality.
Now look at the bigger picture. Improvements to this release, combined with the efforts from releases 9 & 9.1 with the focus on
Openness & Conceptual Design
- SketchUp Import
- Coordination Monitor
- IFC Export
Construction Documentation
- Detailing
- Keynoting
- Material Take Off
Design Insight & Analysis
- Rooms
- Sun Studies
- gbXML
- Increasing performance,
- Improvements to existing tools to enhance functionality.
- Addition of new Functionality.
- Advances in coordination management
- Strengthen interoperability.
Workflow & Usability
• Groups *****
• Visual Overrides *****
• Dependent Views *****
• User Defined Filters
• Masking Regions *****
• Linked Files *****
Enhanced Functionality
• Color Fill Plans *****
• Graphical Overrides *****
• Dimensions
• Schedulable Wall Sweeps *****
• Spot Dimensions *****
Interoperability
• DWG
• 3ds Max
• PDF
• DWF
• Google Earth
• Revit API
(***** = these are the bomb man!!!! Finally some tools that work seamlessly)
My main focus over the past 3 years of implementing strategies, workflow processes, and applications at architectural firms, has been to move companies into Full Production of projects using Revit.
The combination of all the new and recent tools, make full documentation in Revit far more reachable than ever before.
However this has all come at a small price. It is now taking the average user, longer to grasp the software. I suppose in some ways is not a bad thing, as it provides me with more sustainable income.
More Functionality = Bigger learning curve = Longer shelf life (for consultants).
Having looked at this software 7 Years ago, we then said (thumb sucked among ourselves), it would take around 10 years for the whole BIM concept to settle in and become the norm. Back then it sounded like a very long time to wait. Just 3 more years.
Well I think we are starting to get it! ……Right? You in the back, come on get with the program!
I am seeing more of the “it’s not a question whether it should be 2D or BIM, it’s a question of what we can get out of BIM and the database.”
So I think it is all poised for a very exiting couple of years to come.
You must understand my impatience though. It was 6 years ago that I awoke to this blinding light, put on my shades and marched towards it.
“The more you delve into BIM Implementation, the further you climb the evolution ladder. The higher you go, the more accurate DATA is required in the model.”
In a previous article I stated that 80% of the users out there are using only 20% of the functionality.
They still need to climb the ladder of evolution.
9. As-Built Model / FM
8. Direct / Monitor Work
7. Changes / Evaluations & Tracking
6. Multi-disciplinary coordination / Control
5. Cost Estimating / Accurate Data
4. 4D Planning Activities / Project Phasing
3. Energy Analysis / LEED Rating
2. Coordinated Documents / Productivity
1. Design development / 3d Models Visualization
IMO all these, combined, expand Revit Architecture 2008 to the optimal design and documentation application.
I can only be but thankful to Revit and BIM. Besides the fact that it has provided me and I am sure many others alike, with work for the past and I am certain, the future, BIM has given the much needed “kick up the butt” in the design and construction industry and truly lifted the game within the Built Industry, and is definitely making everyone who is anyone finally stand up to look at WTF is going on.
“Those who have persevered in their learning and use of Revit have come to love the application and find it an anathema to go back to traditional CAD. For them, the practice of architecture will never be the same again. " Douglas Palladino, AIA, a principal at RTKL's
"Parametric building modeling technology of Revit is a dream come true. "
So get into full Pruduction there are no more excuses!!!!!!
