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
Construction Documentation
Design Insight & Analysis
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!!!!!!
OK admittedly I went into a cold sweat!!
Aaagggggh what have they (the Factory) done with Visibility Graphics. I can’t switch the Surface Pattern Off (for Walls, Floors, and Roofs). It’s not there any more!!!!....................... Oh OK there it is (blush). Nice Subtle change.
So Projection and Cut have got an upgrade, with a more descriptive layout to easily override Line Styles and Patterns. To switch the Surface pattern off, select the override and toggle the visible switch in the dialogue box. Remember this is also per view or view specific.
That new Transparent addition is also banging man!! One simple click and I can now see inside without having to make all these transparent materials.
RAC 2008
Pre 2008 releases
So, Revit hits the 200 000 mark! Jeez, like 100% sales in one year. Pretty awesome, lots of work out there for some of you! (I still only have a 100 odd people reading here on a daily basis, what’s wrong with the rest?)
I wouldn't mind a slice of that pie!
”Tall dark and handsome "Reviteer" seeks lonely medium to large firm who would succumb to a bit of hand holding.
I will provide endless (new, never seen before) entertainment (material)
Willing to immigrate!!!!!!!” Throw in this stately lookin' crib and I will be there in a flash. Garden service not negotiable
Our economy is booming here. Revit sales are up. However, the commitment to Revit and running a Revit only solution is slow. (Is this a world wide trend?)
Yes, Revit sales are up, I think because it’s part of that bundle or series thing. So most people here are still using ACAD, but at least their intentions are good. (I think?)
I have just come from a little Revit gathering (I went for the free goodie bag) and left in total shock, horror and sheer disbelief. Lisa Brady came all the way out from the States to do a launch on the new RAC2008 and its features and benefits. She had to alter her demo for the majority of people there, which still hadn’t seen how it all works. My god people, where the hell have you been?
Sure Revit hits the 200 000 mark? Great headlines for your investors! It’s good to hear that the spreading is at full steam ahead! You just gotta wonder though
How many were educational?
Although it’s a good place to build the foundations, it is not a true reflection of the real commercial use or the real price paid. I would put my money on at least a 60/40 split.
How many of those were part of the Series solution?
One of our biggest firms here bought 100 seats (2 years ago) of the Revit Series (almost same price as buying just ACAD). Only two Revit’s have been opened and installed, the rest still sit in their boxes?????? All the ACAD’s however are being used.
They are not the only ones that have done this. One such firm of 45 seats did this 3 years ago, still pay subscriptions but have no faith in the software running large projects. Look when I say large projects I MEAN HUGE, (they do like whole cities man) but still! I have just about given up trying to convince them, I said just about.
80% of the biggest firms here, have all done the same.
The 80/20 principal and I base these sums purely on the some of the stats here.
Only 20% of the Revit’s sold here are actually being used, commercially. I would go further to say that, only half of the 20% are actually using the software to 70% of its full potential, and a small handful has actually grasped the entire concept.
A miniscule percentage of firms are completely Revit, in other words, all staff within the practice uses Revit only, for full 100% documentation (on all new work- of course). And I am not talking about the one man shows, only medium to large firms apply to this . I reckon between 1-2%.
So out of 200 000, between 2000 – 4000 are actually being used properly. Sounds a bit generous????
Here in, is where my frustration lies. It’s that others are taking so long to catch on, (not in purchasing but in grasping the concept) much longer than it used too. I am finding that students are taking much longer than it did three or four versions ago. The software is huge!!!!!!. I think I said this in an earlier article, “if you haven’t started yet, it might be too late”.
I feel that the true Revit Evangelist (pre Autodesk buy out, pre 4.5, before 2002) are really the only ones who know this tool inside out.
Competent Revit Users have become increasingly difficult to find. When you do, don’t expect any loyalty, ‘cause they move around quicker than that hilarious little squirrel in DreamWorks animation “Over the hedge”. (I wet myself when he chased that laser light, man)
If you go train “Junior” up, you inevitably waste your initial investment, because they too, move on.
The importance of the Z Coordinate. 3D Modelers, are the ones that really do get it. Those who played around with modeling in ACAD 3D, or bounced around in MAX, VIZ or even Maya, and some even in Bryce, those are the “
In the Fundamental Training sessions I used to do, one of the questions for the questionnaire was “have you modeled in ACAD 3D” Guess what……. less than 20% had. Those 20% are milking this market for everything its worth. Good on them
Then along came the family. If you haven’t grasped families you won’t grasp this software and its huge capabilities!!!! There is so much content available now, that I believe the need for learning the family editor has become far less demanding on a user. However, for you to fully understand Revit, the project parameters and most importantly, the database abilities, you will need to fully understand families, and the family editor. If you are looking to employ a so called competent Revit user, the first question should be “have you the ability to build complex families and show examples.”
Turmoil has hit the industry.
Should we BIM? Can we BIM? What is BIM? Is BIM really worth it?
Do “Bimmers” really have an advantage? Well Joe Blogs bought into it, We better?
Has anyone seen ROI on their BIM solution yet? See my previous article
Implementation Strategy.
Do you understand what it takes to switch over to BIM? Are you aware that you’re going to need a BIM consultant to assist you? Have you made provision for the BIM implementation funding? Does your consultant have a clear decisive BIM implementation strategy, backed up workflow documentation, success stories, and referrals? Do you know that your world is going to be turned upside down? Have you any idea of the amount of change you are going to have too endure. Most importantly, do you realize this change is a 3-5 year plan.
This isn’t going to happen overnight!!!!
Stop thinking that you will just be able to pick up the manual and in 48 hours…”BANG! and away they go” Do you have any concept of what it’s taken for the likes of Steve Stafford, Chris Zoog, Jim Balding, Scott Davies, Phil Read, Wes Macaulay, Bruce Gow, James Vandezande, , (myself included). 6 years of dedication (Some cases longer than others…Look I am not putting the original factory dudes into this cause that’s a whole different league.)
So don’t freak out when I tell you it’s a 3-5 year plan. Yes, it will take you a month or so to vaguely understand the fundamentals. A year before full documentation is starting to be produced. A year and more to understand and produce the Value Added components: Rendering; Phasing (entire construction processes) Adding timelines; ODBC – adding Costs; Building Life cycle Management – adding FM, Sustainable Design.
To completely transform and alter your teams, staff roles and workflow processes is a process in its own, and yep you are looking at 3-5 years buddy. Then there’s the Add On software. Do you know there are already over 100 Add-on’s to Revit. So on top of learning the software you also have to include the time to understand the Add-ons
So start preparing for it, stop expecting this to be easy and get good HELP!!!!!!!!
How to organize your BIM and CAD content in one seamless solution.
Have you seen the latest BIM Content Manager from Digital Building Solutions (seems they have formed alliances with BIM World.)
Check it out it really is worth it.
They have got more to come. I have been part of a beta testing program and you should see some of the new goodies. A lot of research and hard work has been thrown into their new products which will make the Reviteers lives a lot easier. Stick around and keep checking back for new updates.
Hold on! and hang on and if you do this for long enough, I assure you it will all be worth it.
Yes Revit and BIM is worth it, as long as you approach the concept with a comprehensive strategy and the correct attitude.
Good Luck!!!!
It wasn’t a month ago that I put a report together for the top management, based on the progress of Revit Users I have been implementing at a medium to large practice here in SA. It has been 6 months since I had started and I sat back with my broad shoulders almost expanding through the width of the door, patted myself on the back and thought “job well done”.
Then…..with some extra workload in the firm I took on a project for them. At stages I could see a questioning expressions creeping in from management. I had no idea what I had got myself into, or what was about to unravel from it all.
Where did it all go wrong! I look back at it now and it’s all quite simple.
The implementation goal was to convert an office of autocad users to using Revit. That’s how simple the planning was. It seemed quite complicated at the time. We drew up all sorts of schedules related to planning, converting, stages, fundamentals, families etc. and based this all on time lines, in other words what we though was a comprehensive implementation plan.
We then set the plan in motion. We screened the users, reviewed the projects, set up comprehensive templates, built the standards and the families to go with that, set about creating teams and created extensive training schedules to coincide with the team workflow and project workflow.
All this had to fall in line with the amount of projects in hand, as well as the expected documentation process or workflow we had to adhere to which had been fine tuned and perfected over the years of working in ACAD.
Well we achieved all that with sticking to the projects time lines!
So you ask what’s the problem then?
Well, while doing the project I was assigned, I found that I was exceeding all expectations of the project time constraints set by the project manager and project architect. As one does with efficient Revit use I was constantly waiting on the rest of the project consultants (all still using CAD) for information, and to catch up…….then finally get it back and whack out the next batch of changes plus CD’s to go with it. (Yawn all in a few hours work! Jeez this program rocks!!)
The poo hit the fan about here! When asked for some window, door and sanitary schedules, click and two or so hours later…. printed. see example
It took one dude here, 5 days to do just a door schedule, and he is not the only one in the office.
I have now been called in to review and access the individual’s actual Revit knowledge, (where did I put that Revit test I had from…..?) because, top management is now interested to see, is it that the individual himself is just slow, is it Revit(which we know it isn’t), is it the combination, is it , is it, is it.
The BIG question has now been raised on the productivity of the team using Revit.
So I find myself in quite the position (sticky mess). I now have to do a report based on the individual’s abilities then we throw this all into the pot and ask the obvious questions.
Is it, the implementation plan that is flawed…. maybe.
Is it the individual. (in that case, how do we get rid of the baggage?)
Is it, just human to do what is expected.
Is it, that which the processes and workflow standards of years, are so set and are difficult to change.
I can tell you what my findings will probably be.
The fact of the matter is, people took a week using CAD to do a comprehensive door schedule for example, why should he/she do it now in a day or even a few hours at that.
Yes, I can do things much quicker using Revit but it still takes so long to build, so why should I document it quicker. And if your construction labor force is anything like ours, mistakes creep in, and we need to be hands on, throughout the duration of the project, constantly updating and amending the project, so as to achieve the “as builts” set for submission, by the time of completion. By this, one assumes that the productivity of the software is questionable.
People often complain of having worked on a project for 18 months now, and are simple frustrated and bored. I know I would much rather do 6 different projects a year than one.
In the vision of things, can we get to the point in the near future whereby we complete all CD’s before site hand over? That way we will be able to quickly move onto the next and the next.
I feel, this can only be achieved by changing the mind set of the user and ultimately using BIM efficiently.
So, onwards to my next 12 month task. Review the implementation plan and include "How to work efficiently using Revit?"
11. We now need to set up a remainder width parameter to associate the fixed window width too.
13. Add the following formula to the Remainder parameter... Width - Double Hung Width. Parameters are case sensitve.
3. Add a Label. Click mouse pointer at the intersection of ref Planes.
4. In the Select Parameter Dialogue box click Add.
5. In the Parameter Properties Dia Name Feild : Line Text Value.
7. In the Select Parameter Dialogue box type a value of f ( at the bottom.)
12. Using the symbol tool place the symbol near the 1st end point of the line(on the left hand side.
14. Sellect the symbol and cross associate the "line text Value" parameter through to the new family. ( hit the little inconspicious square box at the end of the paramters field, this will take you to the add parameter dialogue box. Ie follow steps 4-7 again)
15. select the symbol, now use array tool with the set the amount to 4 and tick last option and array the symol from the left to the right side.
17. One could add an array parameter here or better yet, add an array formula that divides the line length by centers set up for the text.
