Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Any way to keynote linked files?

Does anyone know how to use the keynote system on linked files? I realize the standard answer is to use a detail component. Then tag the detail component. Although this works, it is counter productive.

What I don't understand is why I can read the element in the linked file but the keynote system can't.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Workset or not?

Worksets? Why? I don't really know accept that I have recently found that they are really not necessary. In fact I have found that working with a complex system of worksets actually hinders your performance because you are constantly asking for permissions.

The first two commercial projects we did were set up with worksets for each level. One of my co-workers who as used revit for sometime, was convinced that worksets would help many people work on the same project. But it just seemed like we were always asking for permission.

The current project we are working on, a large hospital type facility, was only set up with 2 worksets. 1. shared levels and grids. 2. Workset 1. These are the defaults that revit sets up. We found that working with several people was not as cumbersome in this scenario. Since revit uses a borrowing system that is element based. whenever you select an element you are effectively borrowing it. when your done, you release it. This is automatic, and doesn't require any additional work. Unlike when you set up many worksets. Because now you have to make sure that the element you create is on the correct workset. What a pain!

After doing some homework, I came to this conclusion. In older versions of Revit they didn't have element borrowing. So if you wanted to use many people on one project you had to have a lot of worksets. Since element borrowing was introduced in Revit 8 I don't think it's really necessary.

In conclusion, when we work on a project that has all the elements on one workset it goes much smoother, and you aren't constantly asking for permission. As you may have to with many worksets.

So, if anyone knows another reason why you would want a lot of worksets, I would be curious to know why because my experiencing more than just one was much more frustrating.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Revit Detailing

I have completed the detailing video tutorial. Here is the link.

Detailing and Revit

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Revit and Detailing

Yes, detailing in revit is a breaze, once you use it a bit.

Just like when you used a pencil to draw everything (or not) you maybe weren't so keen on the "Fancy Pencil" called Autocad that was pushed on you in the 80's and 90's.

Now that we actually have a software (faults and all) that is more than just a fancy pencil a lot of Archtects and Designers are clinging to AutoCAD like it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Funny how perceptions change over time.

Revit is the new technology to follow. Whether we like it or not it is hear to stay. The main focus should be using Revit as a Drafting Coordination Tool in addition to just making drawings.

This Video Tutorial will focus on using Detail Lines and Detail Components to create Details.

Revit Detail Lines and Components

Monday, November 2, 2009

Free Revit Video Tutorials

I have been working In an Commercial Architectural Firm integrating Revit for a couple of years now and have learned a lot. Before I worked with Revit I spent about 6 years using Solidworks and 15 years using 3ds Max and Maya. I have extensive experience with many 3d programs but Revit is not really like any of the others. I t has a lot of powerful tools, however in the end there is no substitute for just modeling what you need to get the job done. That is to say that you need keep focus on producing drawings and not just complex 3d Families and Models.

I have been working on a roof plan for a new commercial project. Using massing, and face based roofs, I have been able to create an accurate representation of the roof system.

Commercial Roofs, Creating a Face based roof

I will be posting new training material all the time so check back frequently. The topics will be based on commercial Architecture and will be of a more advance nature.

Any comments are welcome.
Thanks,
Steve Swensen