BIM
Autodesk® Design Review software
Mar 31st
Accelerate architecture, engineering, or construction design workflows with Autodesk® Design Review software. The free*, integrated 3D model viewer provides team members who don’t use CAD software easy access to rich designs. It also reinforces the use of complete design data for building information modeling (BIM).
Accelerate Project Review Cycles
Significantly reduce time from building review and approval cycles and reduce printing and shipping costs by using Autodesk Design Review to mark up and review designs created with Revit® and AutoCAD® software products.
Effectively Show Designs in Client Presentations
Fully visualize drawings and walk through building models to create presentations that enable clients to experience a project before it is built.
Document Construction Change Orders
Use the markup and status-tracking tools in Autodesk Design Review to track the changes required throughout the construction process.
Publish, Share, and View
Conduct virtual walk-throughs of architectural models using the navigation wheel.
The Autodesk Seize the Opportunity Virtual Event
Mar 29th
Increase your speed and power without sacrificing flexibility. Deliver building, transportation, and environmental engineering projects faster and more economically. Design, visualize, and simulate ideas on screen – with no need for a physical prototype. It’s all possible with Autodesk® 2011 software.
Learn more at the Autodesk Seize the Opportunity Virtual Event. Attendance is free.
- See the Difference: Lynn Allen’s AutoCAD 2011 Tips & Techniques
- Go Beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping with Autodesk Inventor 2011
- Getting to Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- On the Road to Success: Autodesk Solutions for Roads and Highways
- Take Control with AutoCAD LT 2011 Software
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
What’s new in Revt Architecture 2011?
Mar 25th
So what’s in RAC 2011 you may ask? RAC 2011 introduces some new concepts, an improved interface (needed too after the grief that Autodesk got about the Ribbon for 2010) as well as some genuine user feature requests. Whilst this blog just covers the main features it does not cover everything, but I do plan to cover specific functionality in future articles.
Project Chicago – LEEDs
Mar 19th
IPD + BIM
Mar 17th
IPD is the Infrastructure and B.I.M. is the vehicle.
Infrastructure is the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function.
A vehicle (Latin: vehiculum) is a mechanical means of conveyance, a carriage or transport.
Trelligence Affinity for Revit Pre-Design | Programming | Schematic Phases
Feb 8th
How can I automate the collecting/managing of a design project’s conceptual/programming data while connecting it with my Revit project?
Which is easier and less costly to obtain?
- Asking a client to “sign off” on a design that’s been “lightly modeled” according to their design scope or waiting until its been fully modeled in Revit?
Trelligence President, Larry Ciscon PhD, demonstrated Trelligence’s value for capturing, visualizing, analyzing and bi-directionally syncing a design project’s programming data (scope) with Revit models.
Business value points from my Madison Revit User Group notes:
- Trelligence is designed to “inform the designer, without forcing the design programming onto the designer”.
- Start your project in Trelligence Affinity or in Revit – Changes syncs using Revit’s API
- Import spreadsheet data sources & connect/sync to Revit project properties
- Template driven for specific project-type & prototype programming; schools, hospital, medical clinics, restaurants, etc.
- Templates store your standard client questionnaires, pre-defined room layouts, space types, equipment requirements, room areas & volumes
- Provides visual color coding (text, 2D or 3D) to compare programming to design: spreadsheet views, bubble diagrams, graphing, mass modeling, single-line or color filled walls between spaces
Quantifies spaces-volumes between multiple buildings, floors, wings, departments, alternates, design options and phases - Sets relationships, dependencies & priorities between spaces-rooms | informs designer when these conflict with original programming.
- Revit-BIM Interoperability: Importing, connecting & syncing 2D/3D plans between Revit & Trelligence
- Export to IFC and gbXML formats
Trelligence has been available for Revit 2008, 2009 and now 2010.
Trelligence Affinity provides significant value for the best phase of a Revit project; before its fully modeled.
Additional Revit Conceptual / Pre-Design Phase Tools
- WinEstimator Revit-BIM Workshop | Marquette University-College of Engineering
- January-February 2010 Free University Seminars | WinEst Revit-BIM Construction-Estimating Technologies
Original article from the Revit-BIM Playbook
Revit Architecture 2010 Wall Framing Extension
Jan 29th
A 20-minute overview of the Revit Wall Framing Extension, available in the Revit Subscription Advantage Pack.
Hooray! Wood wall framing in Revit Architecture! (and Revit Structure, and Revit MEP)
Revit Architecture 2010 Wall Framing Extension from Jason Pratt on Vimeo.
InterSpec Releases e-SPECS® Version 5.0
Jan 27th
January 25, 2009 – InterSpec Inc., the industry leading provider of BIM integrated construction specification software and services, today announced the release of version 5.0 of e-SPECS® with new functionality, more BIM integration and additional Building Product Manufacturer (BPM) Content. This year also marks the 6th Year Anniversary of the first commercially available releases for the e-SPECS for Revit and e-SPECS for AutoCAD applications.
New e-SPECS version 5.0 functionality includes:
e-SPECS for Revit Integration
- Over 100 new e-SPECS bindings to MasterSpec enables more “out-of-the-box” integration reducing initial implementation time
- New e-SPECS Model Validation Report supports linked models, filtering and direct assembly code assignment
- New Executive Summary and Table of Contents Reports within Revit provide early outline reporting and additional validation
- Omni-Class is now supported through e-SPECS BIM parametric bindings
- Uniformat assemblies with bindings are now bold for visual confirmation
- Custom family parametric values are now associated with their assembly enabling more detailed binding integration
e-SPECS Building Product Manufacturer BIM Model Integration
- e-SPECS Revit bindings associated with parameter field values enable tight BPM Revit family and system integration and coordination
- BPMs can ensure their product specs are included in the spec manual when their BIM families are used in the model
- Out-of-the-box e-SPECS binding integration includes BPM Program Members in the construction specification manuals
e-SPECS Designer
- Style Manager integration for creating, managing and using style guides within e-SPECS Designer
- Automatic checklist tagging of custom master sections supports SectionFormat 2008
- Paragraph formatting can be used on any style
- Tables may be added and managed in edit mode
e-SPECS Updates and Enhancements
- New Section History Report lists Imported, Inserted via Checklist, or Inserted via BIM Model Integration
- e-SPECS Editor includes bracket insertion and use with double-click editing
- Project Notes Reports have been added and Project Notes may be open while editing sections
- Existing Projects may be converted to Base Document Template Projects
- Direct links from e-SPECS to MasterSpec On-Line Supporting Documents
“We pride ourselves in listening to our customer and partner requests for new functionality to help further reduce time and cost associated in producing quality construction documents,” stated Gilles Letourneau, InterSpec CTO. “e-SPECS was first released in 2004 supporting the Microsoft SQL Server platform, leading CAD/BIM applications and MasterSpec guide specifications. In response to an e-SPECS customer survey, we focused our development in the area customers requested the most which included more BIM integration and validation, reporting and editor enhancements. It is truly gratifying to hear the testimonials and success stories from our customers and partners and we encourage as much feedback as possible to continue to improve the customer value that e-SPECS is enabling.”
Additional functionality is listed in the e-SPECS v5.0 Release Notes. All new customers and those customers under subscription or maintenance will receive e-SPECS version 5.0 and the new e-SPECS BPM libraries.
About InterSpec
InterSpec provides construction document management solutions and services built on its patented e-SPECS specification management technology. e-SPECS software automates the specification process by extracting the product and material requirements directly from the project’s BIM models and drawings. e-SPECS integrates directly with all Autodesk Revit-based BIM products as well as with Autodesk’s AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD Systems products and supports all libraries of MasterSpec and custom office masters. For architects and engineers who spend many hours on every project preparing construction specifications, e-SPECS software saves time and money while ensuring that the construction drawings are coordinated with the specifications. For more information visit www.e-SPECS.com or contact sales at +1-207-772-6135 or email to .
e-SPECS is a registered trademark of InterSpec. MasterSpec is a registered trademark of the American Institute of Architects. Autodesk and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
BIM app for the i-phone
Jan 27th
Of course this instantly put me into “what if” mode. What if we were able to walk through models on site using our hand helds? What if a facility manager could pull out his blackberry and it locates him in a 3D building using GPS and he can scan an object with it and it will tell him everything he needs to know about it? Ah, the mind runs wild…
BIM on the cloud
Jan 25th
After my post about being able to edit AutoCAD drawings on the interweb tubes, some people inquired about when that would be available for Revit. Apparently, they missed my previous posts about Project Twitter which includes a web based version of Revit. We’re so close to full cloud computing.
Welcome to Project Twitch! This project is testing remote delivery of our applications over the Internet. The goal of project Twitch is to enable you to test and try the latest versions of AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, and Maya without having to install or download the applications. These applications run remotely on our servers and are delivered to you over the Internet. You will use them in the same way that you would if they were on installed on your system.
To ensure the best experience for those participating, the technology preview is currently limited to Canada and the continental United States. Proximity to the data center is a key ingredient of the experience and typically has an effect on Internet bandwidth. We hope to expand to other areas in the future.
FEATURES NOT SUPPORTED TODAY
As a technology preview, there are currently several limitations with the service.
- No ability to upload, download, or save files. To make it easier to try out the application, we have loaded a number of sample files that will allow you to interact with complex drawings.
- No ability to load or keep any customizations that you create .
- Access is limited to users that have hardware and network connections capable of supporting the service
Vela Systems (field BIM)
Jan 19th
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been around for over a decade, but it took AEC software giant Autodesk to coin it and make it a household name. Autodesk acquired Revit Architecture about 6 years ago and in that short time has revolutionized the way our industry works. Autodesk has recently teamed up with a company called Vela Systems (field BIM), which will do to the field what Revit did to the office; revolutionize it!
If you have some time, below is a video on field BIM. If you have any questions please feel free to drop me an e-mail.
Autodesk Google Earth Plug In
Jan 19th
Autodesk Google Earth Plug In – New Autodesk Revit Subscription Benefit – Revit 2008 Globe Link….you saw it here first.
Revit® Architecture and AutoCAD® Architecture software customers who are on subscription can gain exclusive access to product modules, add-ons, and enhancements now posted to the Subscription Center. These modules include Revit® 2008 Globe Link and Drawing Compare for AutoCAD Architecture 2008 software. Customers can locate them by choosing the “Building Solutions: Product Modules & Add-ons” link in the “Product Information and Downloads” section of the Subscription Center homepage.
- Revit 2008 Globe Link: This feature allows users to publish 3D building information models directly from Revit Architecture 2008 software into Google Earth™ mapping service. It provides the ability to acquire site information from Google Earth and import it into the Revit Architecture 2008 product for building and site layout purposes. Users can streamline preliminary project planning processes by sharing conceptual designs with clients in real time. Revit 2008 Globe Link is optimized for Google Earth version 4.
- Drawing Compare for AutoCAD Architecture 2008 software: The Drawing Compare feature enhances collaboration by using color-coded displays to show items on a drawing that have been changed, added, or deleted by other members of the design team. Changes to items such as styles, fire ratings, or other non-graphical properties are also tracked. Combined with redlining features, such as revision clouds, the Drawing Compare features help make communication across the design team clearer than ever.
Action: Start benefiting from the features of Revit Globe Link or Drawing Compare. To download:
- Go to http://www.autodesk.com/subscription.
- On the RIGHT side of the screen, select “Login to Subscription Center.”
- Type in your User ID and Password and select “Sign In.”
- Select “Click Here” under the text box titled “Building Solutions: Product Modules & Add-ons.”
- Under the “Architectural Solutions” category, select the link, “Click here to download Revit 2008 Globe Link,” or “Drawing Compare Subscription Module.”
- Select “Download Now.”
PointKnown
Jan 18th
PointKnown provides best in class productivity tools for the A/E/C (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) Industry and real estate community. Our flagship product PKNail utilizes point-to-point laser technology (PPLT) for the real time data capture and creation of BIM models in the field.
The product was born out of the need to capture existing building information quickly and accurately, reduce the amount of steps in modeling and drastically reduce rework and translation time by measuring and building directly inside a BIM or CAD enabled workstation.
Our patent pending as built software and work flow process allows users to be immediately productive creating as built and existing condition building surveys.
The Ultimate Display for Construction Plans
Jan 15th
Apple 3D Head-Tracking – The Ultimate Display for Construction Plans
The latest talk of the town in the Apple blogosphere is 3D head-tracking. Apple recently filed a patent for technology that allows users to change perspective of an object by moving their head or body. So instead of dragging your mouse to rotate a graph or chart, you simply look behind it; a more intuitive approach (at least in the eyes of Apple engineers). Here’s a quick video of how this could be used to view 3D construction plans:
The latest talk of the town in the Apple blogosphere is 3D head-tracking. Apple recently filed a patent for technology that allows users to change perspective of an object by moving their head or body. So instead of dragging your mouse to rotate a graph or chart, you simply look behind it; a more intuitive approach (at least in the eyes of Apple engineers). Here’s a quick video of how this could be used to view 3D construction plans:
With all the attention augmented reality is getting, we’re not surprised to see big players like Apple experimenting with this genre of technology. Novelty aside, there seems to be endless applications. We think the technology would be great for the construction industry. Combined with construction software, contractors could use it to visualize complex construction projects, like the example above which uses 3D building models from Synchro software.
Rumor has it the technology could also be used with more traditional 2D images like electronic building plans (i.e. digital blueprints). Using the iSight camera to detect head movement, users could potentially scroll up and down or left and right by moving their head.
We’d like to see this work with takeoff and estimating software, a system that allows contractors to measure areas and lengths to determine quantities of construction materials (e.g. how many 2×4s are needed to build a wall). This is currently accomplished by tracing an electronic plan with a mouse or digital pen. Could the same activity be performed with a head nod?
It’s probably a few years before any of this technology trickles down to the construction industry. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts on other ways – and other industries – that this could be used with.
Modeling (BIM) periodicals!
Jan 15th
In you’re looking for something to do in your spare time this weekend? How about reading some Building Information Modeling (BIM) periodicals!
AutoCAD® 20-20 CAD
Jan 15th
20-20 CAD is an AutoCAD® based product design tool developed specifically for woodworking professionals. Design cabinets, range hoods, entertainment centers, office furniture, store fixtures, or other “special request” items for customers and output to 20-20 Design catalogs or to machine ready code.
AutoCAD 20-20
20-20 Technologies Inc.’s Highlights
- Point of Sales & Manufacturing Solutions for both Residential & Commercial Industries
- Integrated package of applications that automates the design and specification/quotation process
- Autodesk Authorized Developer for more than 20 years
- AutoCAD based applications
- The most extensive manufacturer specific and generic catalog data available
- Enhanced Customer Experience
- Simplified process
- Improved accuracy and productivity
- Increase market penetration
Autodesk Selects FM:Systems to Partner on Building Information Modeling and Facility Management
Jan 14th
FM:Systems Named Autodesk Preferred Industry Partner for Facilities Management and Will Provide an Extended Support Program for Autodesk FMDesktop Software Products
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Autodesk, Inc., a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets, and FM:Systems, a leading provider of integrated workplace management systems (IWMS) and computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software, have joined together to ensure continued customer support for Autodesk FMDesktop software users. In keeping with Autodesk’s commitment to provide customers the best solutions, Autodesk will transition Autodesk FMDesktop customer support to FM:Systems. Under the terms of the agreement FM:Systems will provide Autodesk FMDesktop customers with extended support as well as an option to migrate to the firm’s FM:Interact Workplace Management Suite. In addition, FM:Systems has joined the Autodesk Preferred Industry Partner Program, a program that recognizes select third-party software developers for their innovative, industry-focused solutions.
“FM:Systems’ focus on customer success has always impressed the facilities team at The MathWorks”
“As a long-time member of the Autodesk Developer Network, FM:Systems was the natural choice to help us extend the value of BIM into the facilities management arena, and to provide our customers with continued support,” said Jim Lynch, vice president of Autodesk BIM Product Line Group. “Contractors and building owners are telling us that they want to take advantage of the valuable data in BIM for facilities management. We are excited to partner with FM:Systems to deliver this value.”
Building upon a shared goal to bring the benefits of BIM to the operations phases of a building’s lifecycle, the two companies will now work together to integrate BIM data from Autodesk software products, such as Autodesk Revit Architecture, with FM:Systems’ facilities software to support enhanced building operation and maintenance.
The FM:Interact Workplace Management Suite offers an integrated set of powerful web-based workplace management products designed to assist facilities and real estate professionals improve planning, manage performance and streamline processes. FM:Interact provides the space management, occupancy management and facility maintenance offered by Autodesk FMDesktop, and offers additional capabilities such as real estate portfolio management, lease administration, project management, move management and strategic planning.
“We are committed to supporting Autodesk FMDesktop customers,” said Michael Schley, IFMA Fellow and CEO, FM:Systems. “With a 93 percent customer satisfaction track record for our support desk team, and products that make the most of design and construction data, we’re confident Autodesk FMDesktop users will find FM:Systems a great resource for their immediate and long-term needs.”
“FM:Systems’ focus on customer success has always impressed the facilities team at The MathWorks,” said Bob Donahue, facilities planning manager of The MathWorks. “The initial roll out of our system was surprisingly fast, technical support has been excellent, and we appreciate having a voice in the ongoing direction of the products.”
FM:Systems as an Autodesk Preferred Industry Partner
Under the program, FM:Systems will work with Autodesk to create applications that complement Autodesk 3D products, such as the Autodesk Building Information Modeling (BIM) portfolio of products, and help customers simulate their ideas early in the design process as well as reduce time and cost in manufacturing or construction. Autodesk works closely with Preferred Industry Partners on a range of marketing and sales activities, and program participants may also receive other benefits, including early access to alpha and beta versions of Autodesk software, priority service support and feature requests, and access to additional co-marketing resources.
Existing Autodesk FMDesktop customers will be contacted by FM:Systems sales representatives during the next 30 days to discuss their extended support and/or migration options. A special website at www.fmsystems.com/fmdesktop has been established to provide Autodesk FMDesktop users with information and FM:Systems contact referrals. Existing customers may also call 1-800-648-8030 for immediate assistance.
About FM:Systems
By connecting people, place and process, FM:Systems helps facilities and real-estate professionals improve customer service, reduce costs and increase productivity enterprise-wide. FM:Systems Web-based software improves management of space, occupancy, moves, maintenance, leases and property. Customer results include: real-estate costs reduced by 15 percent, move spend reduced by 83 percent, enterprise productivity savings of $1.5 million and an internal customer satisfaction rate of 97 percent.
Many of the world’s leading organizations rely on FM:Systems products, including CA, Devon Energy, Freddie Mac, GMAC Financial Services, Herman Miller, Indiana University, Lockheed Martin, NASD, Northwestern University, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Progress Energy, Target stores and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
FM:Systems is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and conducts business in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information about FM:Systems, please visit www.fmsystems.com or call 1-800-648-8030.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software to help customers experience their ideas digitally before they are built. Fortune 100 companies — as well as the last 14 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects — use Autodesk software tools to design, visualize and simulate their ideas to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation for competitive advantage. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk, FMDesktop and Revit are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
© 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Dynamic Architecture
Jan 12th
Dr. David Fisher’s revolutionary Dynamic Tower is the world’s first building in motion that challenges traditional concepts of architecture and heralds a new era of architecture, becoming the symbol of a new philosophy that will change the look of our cities and our concept of living.
Offering infinite design possibilities, each floor of the Dynamic Tower rotates independently at different speeds, in different directions, resulting in a unique and ever-evolving shape, and introducing a fourth dimension to architecture: Time.
The Dynamic Tower is the first 100% self-powered Green building with the ability to generate electricity for itself through the use of horizontal wind turbines and solar panels.
The first skyscraper to be built entirely from pre-fabricated parts custom-made in a factory, the assembly process of the Dynamic Tower will vastly reduce construction time, offer substantial cost savings, provide an environmental construction site and increase safety for workers on site .
Dr. Fisher states, “Modern life is dynamic, so the space we are living in should be dynamic as well, adjustable to our needs that change continuously, to our concept of design and to our moods. Dynamic buildings will follow the rhythms of nature, changing their direction and shape, minute by minute, from sunrise to sunset, season to season, adjusting themselves to the environment. From now on, buildings will be alive , creating a fourth dimension of Time, to become part of New Architecture, and transforming the shape of the skylines of the world.”
Introducing movement to our the interior and exterior spaces of our daily lives, powered by 100% Green energy and built with efficient pre-fabricated construction methods, the Dynamic Tower will change architecture as we know it, and will launch a new era of Dynamic Living.
Google SketchUp Pro: Case Study
Jan 11th
Google SketchUp Pro Case Study with Mortenson Construction. SketchUp Pro is software for creating and presenting professional 3D models. Learn more at http://sketchup.google.com/pro
