Revit 2010 is finally here!

From Autodesk’s website:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=8479974

Check out the full feature list and the new brochure for Revit 2010:
http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/revit_architecture_2010_brochure.pdf

Revit 2010 FAQ:
http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/revit_architecture_2010_faq.pdf

Download the Revit Architecture 2010 Feature Summary

Here’s a quick rundown on features -

New Features:
• Native 64-bit Support
• Revit Building Maker
• Streamlined User Interface
• New Conceptual Design Tools

Enhanced Features:
• Design Visualization
• Enhanced Interoperability
• Autodesk 2D and 3D DWF Integration
• Interference Check
• Material Takeoff
• Detailing
• Design Options
• Parametric Components
• Schedules
• Bidirectional Associativity

Detailed Features

Autodesk® Revit® Architecture software helps you gain a competitive advantage with tools that help keep all your design information better coordinated and more accurate.

View Larger New Conceptual Design Tools Autodesk Revit Architecture software offers new easy-to-use conceptual design tools that support your creative flow. Sketch freely, create free-form models easily, and manipulate forms interactively. You can define forms and geometry as real building components for a smooth transition to design development and documentation. As you design, Autodesk Revit Architecture automatically builds a parametric framework around your forms, offering greater levels of control, accuracy, and flexibility. Take your design from concept model all the way to construction documents all in one environment.

View Larger Streamlined User Interface Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 software features a sleek, new user interface that offers better desktop organization, a larger drawing window, and quick access to the tools and commands you need. You’ll be able to find your favorite tools faster, locate lesser-used tools more efficiently, and discover new features more easily.

View Larger Bidirectional Associativity A change anywhere is a change everywhere. In Autodesk Revit Architecture software, all model information is stored in one place. As a result, any information that gets changed is effectively changed throughout the model.

View Larger Schedules Schedules are just another view of the Autodesk Revit Architecture model. A change to a schedule view is automatically reflected in every other view. Functionality includes associative split-schedule sections and selectable design elements via schedule views, formulas, and filtering.

View Larger Parametric Components Parametric Components, also known as families, are the basis for all building components designed in Autodesk Revit Architecture. They offer an open, graphical system for design thinking and form making as well as an opportunity to express design intent at increasingly detailed levels. Use Parametric Components for the most elaborate assemblies, such as cabinetry and equipment, as well as for the most elementary building parts, such as walls and columns. Best of all, no programming language or coding is required.

View Larger Design Options Develop and study multiple simultaneous design alternatives to make key design decisions. Present multiple schemes to your clients easily. Substitute each option into the model for visualization, quantification, and other data analysis to better inform decision making.

View Larger Detailing Take advantage of the extensive detail library and detailing tools that are part of Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010. Presorted to align with the CSI format, detail libraries can be tailored to accommodate your office standards. Create, manage, and share your own detail library.

View Larger Material Takeoff Calculate detailed material quantities with this new tool. Appropriate for sustainable design and checking material quantities in cost estimates, Material Takeoff facilitates the tracking of material quantities. The parametric change engine helps ensure that your material takeoffs are accurate.

View Larger Revit Building Maker The Revit Building Maker feature provides a seamless way to turn conceptual forms into functional designs. Select faces to generate walls, roofs, floors, and curtain systems. Use tools to extract important information about your building such as surface area or volume per floor. Conceptual forms may be created natively in Autodesk Revit Architecture or imported from applications such as AutoCAD®, form-Z, Rhino, Google SketchUp, or other ACIS- or NURBS-based applications into Autodesk Revit Architecture software as mass objects.

View Larger Interference Check Use interference checking to scan your model for collisions between elements.

View Larger Design Visualization Capture design ideas in a photorealistic state. With easy user interaction, high-quality output, and faster render times, the mental ray® rendering engine enables superior design presentation. For more granular control over the rendered scene, use the Autodesk® FBX® file format to import your designs into Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design software. You’ll get unmatched flexibility and control over how you visualize and present your work. Learn more about design visualization.

View Larger Native 64-bit Support New native 64-bit support enhances Autodesk Revit Architecture’s ability to handle large projects and improves performance and stability for memory-intensive tasks such as rendering, printing, model upgrading, and file importing and exporting.

View Larger Enhanced Interoperability Interoperability enhancements enable you to work more efficiently with members of your extended project team. Now you can export your building model or site, complete with critical metadata, to AutoCAD® Civil 3D® software. And you can import accurate models from Autodesk® Inventor® 3D mechanical design software.

View Larger

Autodesk 2D and 3D DWF Integration
Autodesk Revit Architecture software supports complete round-tripping of markups with Autodesk® Design Review software. Because Autodesk Design Review software’s markup capabilities combine with Autodesk Revit Architecture navigation and revision management capabilities, tracking changes is easy. There’s no need to re-enter information. Autodesk Revit Architecture supports publishing a model to 2D or 3D DWF™ format. This capability provides high-impact, dynamic communication of design information in a lightweight format. It’s great for including nontechnical participants in the project review process.

Revit 2010 details become public

Well I think the time we’ve all been waiting for is finally here… Revit has grown up. With a new UI, robust and easy-to-use conceptual modeling tools, 3ds-max and SketchUp users who’ve been reluctant to change to Revit for schematic design, have no more reason not to. I for one am really excited about the UI change. This has been circling the rumor mill for years and it’s finally here. While some don’t like the ribbon UI, it’s something that after working with for a couple weeks, you’ll notice it’s simpler & easier to use. I think we’ll see some huge productivity gains (hopefully along with stability) with the new Revit Architecture 2010.

In terms of the release date of Revit 2010, I can say with confidence you can expect it in early April based on the last couple years of release dates:

Autodesk Revit Architecture 2009: April 15
Autodesk Revit Architecture 2008: April 5th
Autodesk Revit Building 9: April 12

Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 Box Shot

To view the product launch webcast:  Click here

In the presentation section pull-down select Presentation PT 1.
Advance the slider to the 9 minute mark in the presentation for details specific to Revit Architecture 2010.

NEW User Interface Screenshot:

Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 offers a streamlined new user interface that optimizes workflow and increases discoverability of new tools.

NEW Conceptual Design Tools Screenshot:

New conceptual design features help you to prepare models for fabrication and construction with builtin tools for dividing, patterning and panelizing complex forms.

NEW Revolve Tool Screenshot:

New conceptual design features allow you to sketch freely, create 3D models quickly, and take your design from concept to construction documentation all in one environment.

2010 Autodesk Revit Platform

The Autodesk Revit platform based products for BIM feature an aligned user interface, giving the entire range of products a consistent look and feel. The updated Autodesk Revit platform also allows a greater level of interoperability for green building analysis, providing support for the green building extensible markup language (gbXML) format. Updates to the products based on the Autodesk Revit platform include:

• Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 software (BIM for architects and designers) enables customers to more accurately capture early design concepts with improved conceptual design functionality via:
  • An intuitive conceptual design workspace to create complex geometry more easily.
  • A new user interface (UI) that works the way designers think, providing a smoother and more continuous design workflow.
  • Improved interoperability with programs such as AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010 software, Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010 software and Autodesk Inventor 2010 software.
• Autodesk Revit Structure 2010 software (BIM for structural engineers, designers, and drafters) integrates a multi-material physical and an independently editable analytical model, to help provide for more efficient, more accurate documentation, analysis and design. Users will experience:
  • Enhanced conceptual design, modeling and analysis to handle more complex architectural forms.
  • Improved user interface with a new customizable ribbon toolbar.
  • Improved performance and interoperability, including native 64 bit support.
• Autodesk Revit MEP 2010 software (BIM for mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers) provides customers with optimum tools for system design and building performance analysis helping engineers to make better informed decisions. The 2010 release provides new functionality including:
  • Native heating and cooling loads analysis enabling MEP engineers to determine the energy demands of the building.
  • Enhanced gbXML export with the ability to examine an analytical model of the project before exporting to a gbXML file.
  • Improved performance of the application enabling users to see significant performance enhancements while handling and working on large project files.

View the full press release on the 2010 product lineup here:
http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=526%3C%2Ftd%3E

Common Construction Industry Definitions

From Arcom MasterSPEC MasterFormat ‘04

SECTION 01 42 00 – REFERENCES
PART 1 – GENERAL
1.1 DEFINITIONS

A.     “Approved“:  When used to convey Architect’s action on Contractor’s submittals, applications, and requests, “approved” is limited to Architect’s duties and responsibilities as stated in the Conditions of the Contract.
B.     “Directed“:  A command or instruction by Architect.  Other terms including “requested,” “authorized,” “selected,” “approved,” “required,” and “permitted” have the same meaning as “directed.”
C.     “Indicated“:  Requirements expressed by graphic representations or in written form on Drawings, in Specifications, and in other Contract Documents.  Other terms including “shown,” “noted,” “scheduled,” and “specified” have the same meaning as “indicated.”
D.     “Regulations“:  Laws, ordinances, statutes, and lawful orders issued by authorities having jurisdiction, and rules, conventions, and agreements within the construction industry that control performance of the Work.
E.     “Furnish“:  Supply and deliver to Project site, ready for unloading, unpacking, assembly, installation, and similar operations.
F.     “Install“:  Operations at Project site including unloading, temporarily storing, unpacking, assembling, erecting, placing, anchoring, applying, working to dimension, finishing, curing, protecting, cleaning, and similar operations.
G.     “Provide“:  Furnish and install, complete and ready for the intended use.
H.     “Installer“:  Contractor or another entity engaged by Contractor as an employee, Subcontractor, or Sub-subcontractor, to perform a particular construction operation, including installation, erection, application, and similar operations.  Installers shall be experienced in the operation they are engaged to perform.
1.  Using a term such as “carpentry” does not imply that certain construction activities must be performed by accredited or unionized individuals of a corresponding generic name, such as “carpenter.”  It also does not imply that requirements specified apply exclusively to tradespeople of the corresponding generic name.
I.     “Project Site“:  Space available for performing construction activities.  The extent of Project site is shown on Drawings and may or may not be identical with the description of the land on which Project is to be built.
J.     “As Required“:  As required by regulatory bodies, by referenced standards, by existing conditions, by generally accepted construction practice or by the Contract Documents.  In the event of ambiguity or conflicts, the most stringent requirements shall apply.
K.     “By Others” refers to work that is not a part of the Contract.
L.     “N.I.C.:  “Not in Contract” means the work or the item indicated is not a part of the Contract and will be provided by the Owner.

Autodesk 2009 software to be released soon? (Revit 2009)

So today I got a postcard in the mail for “The Autodesk Experience Tour” coming to select cities across the US & Canada over the next month. The dates range from April 22nd to June 26nd. Now the question becomes, why have a “launch” tour of the 2009 software if it has not yet been released?

My prediction: We’ll see the 2009 software rolled out before the end of April… possibly on or before the 22nd.

Now I have no other information other than pure speculation based upon this postcard. But it makes sense to me that you’d want to launch the software, then tour and showcase it. At least that’s what Microsoft does.

Anyhow, even if it’s not released until June, you should still sign up and register for the city closest to you to check out the new 2009 software suite (3ds Max Design 2009, Revit Architecture 2009, AutoCAD Architecture 2009, etc)… also a good networking event:

Experience your designs before they’re real: walk through buildings, open doors, and simulate real-world scenarios within an integrated 3D building information model with Revit® Architecture 2009 and design visualization with 3ds Max Design 2009. Also find out more about AutoCAD® Architecture, the version of AutoCAD® software created just for architects.

At this information-packed event, you’ll learn how to:

* Create more accurate, reliable designs
* Communicate more effectively between consultants and clients
* Improve coordination and collaboration to better manage complex designs
* Generate photorealistic renders of your designs

Learn more at:
The Autodesk Experience Tour

All you wanted to know about Revit Architecture 2009

IMAGINiT has released a PDF that documents all the latest and greatest RAC 2009 features (some don’t appear to be enhanced or new, but let’s hope they’re fixed… *ahem* site tools).

Here’s the list:

New Features:

• Design Visualization – built-in mental ray® rendering engine, and additional interoperability with 3ds Max Design 2009 with the FBX file format.
• Swept Blend – ability to take create a blend & sweep in one form allowing for more complex geometries.
• Autodesk 3D UI – ViewCube & SteeringWheels allow for easier (more intuitive) navigation through 3D mode.
• Advanced Rendering with 3ds Max Design 2009 – FBX format allows for accurate import of Revit materials, cameras, and lights from Revit 2009 to Max Design 2009
• Batch Printing Utility – (Autodesk Subscription Only)
• Worksharing Monitor – (Autodesk Subscription Only)

Enhanced Features:

• Interface to Energy Analysis – enhanced export via gbXML to Green Building Studio, Inc., and IES Ltd.
• Design Review – enhanced markup capabilities with Design Review 2009
• Dimension Improvements – more flexibility built-in to dimensions allowing for more than just length property (hurray! enter dimension overrides and additional supplemental text!).
• Room Tag Improvements – additional flexibility, tighter integration of room objects & tags, rotation of tags
• Revision Schedules – new attributes gives you more flexibility over sizing and format

Get the PDF of Revit Architecture 2009 Overview here:
http://www.rand.com/imaginit/1/technology/software/revit_architecture.htm

Frequently Asked Questions about Revit Architecture 2009:
http://www.rand.com/imaginit/1/pdfs/technology/software/revitarch09_customer_qa_final.pdf

New York’s Freedom Tower implements RFID technology

I love both architecture and technology, so days were I can post about both at the same time, well it makes my day. The use of wireless tags to monitor the setting of the concrete, that’s just sweet. While it’s limited to 6-years due to battery life, it should be sufficient to monitor a majority of the setting… but 20 feet thick concrete structure that takes 14,000psi… wow!

The concrete base of the 541 metre Freedom Tower, being built on the site of New York’s former World Trade Centre, will be embedded with RFID tags to make sure it’s setting properly and can sustain the pressure of 14,000 psi the tower will exert.

Monitoring the temperature of setting concrete is nothing new, but doing so wirelessly is a developing technique that was first trialled in 2003. The technology being used for the Freedom Tower comes from Wake Inc, which leads the relatively new field.

The wireless solution is more expensive, but the complexity of laying cables and keeping track of them largely offsets that expense.

The tags themselves are battery powered, which gives a much greater range (up to 300 feet according to the manufacturers) than the more familiar induction-powered tags, but limits the life to about six years. Where tags are powered by induction, the tag reader needs to be within a few inches, something hard to achieve when the parts of the structure are 20 feet thick.

The Freedom Tower is due to open in 2011, so the tags should still be functioning come opening day, which might give comfort to the first people to ascend.

[ The Register ]

Autodesk to acquire Green Building Studio

News came last month of Autodesk in the process of acquiring Green Building Studio, an energy modeling application used in conjunction with Revit to perform energy analysis modeling.  Hopefully the acquisition will better implement GBS’s energy modeling tools into Revit making energy modeling more mainstream.  Ideally as architects we should be thinking more and more about energy modeling as part of our design process, as it will become more and more important in the years to come.  Let’s just hope they continue developing the application as while it’s a great tool now, it still has a ways to go.  But my hat goes off to Autodesk for investing in a strong sustainable design application in efforts to get it into the mainstream.

Synergies Benefit Carbon Neutral Design
After nearly 10 years of market changing innovation, Green Building Studio is delighted to announce we have signed an agreement for Autodesk, Inc. to acquire our assets. In other words, our Green Building Studio (GBS) web service will soon join the Autodesk product family. Please be assured that our talented team will continue to sell software and train and support architects as they use our web service to design carbon neutral buildings today and in the future.

“Autodesk is committed to providing technology that makes sustainable design easier and more efficient,” said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Autodesk AEC Solutions. “We look forward to adding the Green Building Studio technologies to the Autodesk portfolio and helping our customers more easily leverage the coordinated, reliable data created in the Revit® platform for building information modeling (BIM) to help predict performance and design buildings with reduced environmental impact.”

After closing this deal, Autodesk also plans to continue support for the Green Building Studio web service, carbon neutral building design training, and to strengthen the web service’s integration with its BIM software. The gbXML schema will remain an open industry standard, and the GBS web service will continue to be available to any other BIM software.

“We have partnered with Autodesk for many years, and commend their ongoing support for sustainability,” said John Kennedy, President & CTO, Green Building Studio. “We are eager to contribute our industry expertise in green buildings to drive mainstream adoption of sustainability and accelerate the AEC industry’s transition to carbon neutral buildings.”

We expect to finalize the acquisition in the next few months. In the meanwhile, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

[ Green Building Studio: Press Release ]

new information on Revit Architecture 2009

Revit® Architecture 2009 features were officially announced last week at Autodesk World Press Day 2008.

This is a short list of Revit® Architecture 2009 Feature Improvements and Enhancements:

Design Visualization: Better experience your architectural projects, even before they are built, with Revit Architecture 2009. A proven, powerful tool with roots in the entertainment world, the mental ray® rendering engine is now available for your architectural projects. The advanced capabilities of mental ray in Revit Architecture 2009 enable accurate visualizations through the Autodesk® FBX® file format and easy interoperability with Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2009 Design software.

Swept Blend: Extending the range of what is achievable during conceptual design and family creation, swept blend functionality offers more opportunity to express complex forms.

Autodesk 3D UI: The Autodesk 3D UI includes ViewCube™ and SteeringWheels™ technology, two intuitive, interactive scene navigation tools that offer a familiar experience across multiple Autodesk 3D design products. The 3D UI enables you to navigate 3D scenes easily and effectively, regardless of your level of experience. Your extended team can apply the same software skills across different products and disciplines.

Dimension Improvements: Dimension improvements offer new flexible options for expressing dimension text by conveying more than just length values in the dimension string. New dimension text enables you to add a variety of supplemental text to a dimension string without damaging the integrity of the building information model by overriding dimension values.

Revision Schedules: Enhancements give added flexibility and control to the display of revision schedules. New attributes enable you to reverse the direction of schedules and to control whether they build dynamically or remain a fixed size. In addition, a new Issued By property has been added and schedules can be rotated on title blocks to achieve the various needs of individual firms.

Advanced Rendering with 3ds Max Design 2009: Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2009 design software introduces new lighting simulation and analysis technology, advanced rendering capabilities, and workflows that integrate with popular Autodesk® products such as Revit Architecture 2009. Through Autodesk FBX, an open-standard, platform independent 3D file format, Autodesk 3ds Max Design significantly enhances interoperability with Revit® 2009–based products through the accurate import of lights, materials, and cameras.

nondescript error codes from Revit

thanks programmers… no error code, no option for recovery, just close and lose all unsaved work… brilliant!

a little architecture humor for the day…

“Please be careful when you put revision clouds on your drawings, some of the contractors do not understand.”