Category: Uncategorized

Family Creation, Performance and Standards post – with tips (BIMAdvent)

Luke Johnson

There is huge post on content (family) creation over at this link.  I have provided a few useful excerpts below:

A handy list of relevant Agencies / Organizations:

Nice tip on formulaic materials:
How do you parametrically change a material parameter in a family if the material itself depends on factors outside of each type designation? After all, it’s impossible to control materials through formulas. Our approach (when the number of ‘stacked’ geometry instances is few) is to model separate pieces of geometry, apply their unique material and then control their on/off visibility through parameters.

How to provide error messages to the family user:
One solution to this perplexing problem is to include 3D text displaying a message to the user when a non-existent configuration is selected.

via
WARNING! This may void your manufacturer’s warranty: The Pros Dissect Autodesk Revit Content – BIMAdvent

Show your support and appreciation for What Revit Wants

Luke Johnson

Over the years, I have spent countless hours keeping up with Revit news.  I have consistently shared news, tips, tricks, hacks, workarounds, and generally cool things with all of you out there in the Revit community.

I have provided you with free workflows and tools that have probably saved you time and money.  This information has been offered to all of you free of charge – over 700 posts of goodness!

I could not have done this without the unfailing support of my employer, Dimond Architects.

I haven’t asked much of you, but I ask now that you please show your support for this blog and for the company that makes it possible.  Please Like our company Facebook page by clicking on the Like button below.

(if you can’t see the badge, just click on this link and Like the page that way).

Also, please follow Dimond Architects on Twitter.

If you require any architectural assistance feel free to contact us – info@dimondarchitects.com.au

We also offer Revit training and consultancy services.  Again, feel free to contact us using the above email, or call us:
+61 07 5451 0988

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your comments and for following this blog.  If you haven’t subscribed yet, head over to this link and do so.  You can also follow me on Twitter.

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Python Tools for Visual Studio Download (and RevitPythonShell ?)

Luke Johnson

Another major addition to 1.1 includes the addition of two additional sample libraries available as separate downloads: PyKinect for working with the Kinect Beta SDK and Pyvot for working with Excel spreadsheets…

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Python Tools for Visual Studio – Download: 1.1 Beta 1

Here is a question for you:

How will the new Python Tools allow further interaction with Revit via revitpythonshell?
http://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2011/07/python-shell-in-revit-and-vasari.html
 

EDIT – added links to buildz post with 2012 installers etc.  Also embedded extra Youtube video.

http://buildz.blogspot.com/2011/09/python-scripting-in-vasari-21.html

Download some starter samples from here.  (via buildz)

Link to the Google Project:
revitpythonshell – An IronPython plugin for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 – Google Project Hosting

Link to a revitpythonshell install guide:
Installing IronPython with Vasari (The Proving Ground)

Rhino and Grasshopper – Engaging Generative BIM Workflows PDF download

Luke Johnson

Click here to download a technical paper on Engaging Generative BIM Workflows.

From the Conclusion:
The emergence and rapid development of generative tools to aid architectural design development including analysis and simulation is benefiting many inspiring projects and proposals. Emergence of many new projects and tools are imminent, and the common belief that this is just the beginning makes for exciting times in architecture design.
via Twitter and
Rhino News, etc.: Engaging Generative BIM Workflows

3D PDF Converter for Revit Pre-Release Program

Luke Johnson

Tetra 4D is releasing a Revit 3D PDF Converter plugin. This will be a paid release (it won’t be free), so I personally am not too excited about it.

If you are looking for a Free way to create 3D PDFs from Revit, check out:
Create 3D PDF files from Autodesk Revit for free

and
Create Adobe 3D PDF directly from Autodesk 3D DWF

Here is the info on the ‘pre-release’.  Tetra claim that participants will be entitled to purchase the plug-in at a discounted price – I think the truthfulness of that statement remains to be seen.  From the Tetra 4D website:

Tetra 4D is pleased to announce the upcoming PRE-RELEASE of 3D PDF Converter™ for Revit®. Running as an integrated plug-in to Revit, 3D PDF Converter for Revit will enable users to directly publish interactive, 3D PDF files directly from Revit 3D models, which can then be distributed to and viewed by anyone who has the free Adobe® Reader®. This pre-release will be made available to a limited number of participants willing to participate in evaluation of the software and feedback on the product to our product development team. All participants will be entitled to purchase the software at deeply discounted price! Terms will be made available to selected participants upon selection notification.

To be considered for participation, please click here: 3D PDF Converter™ for Revit® PRE-RELEASE Registration Form
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Announcing the 3D PDF Converter for Revit Pre-Release Program