Can you add ceilings in Revit Structure 2009

[andrew.lawrence]

I am just wondering if you can add ceilings in structure 2009. The help files say you can create a reflected ceiling plan by going to View menu, then selecting New then Ceiling Plan. But ceiling plan is greyed out on my machine. So I am not sure.

I wish they would make sure the help files were correct for Structure. This is the 2nd or 3rd thing I have found that does not work in the help files.

Thanks

[m20roxxers]

You can create reflected ceiling plans, but the only ways to add ceilings is by using inplace families.

To change a floor plan to a reflected ceiling plan you need to go into the type parameters of the view properties and change the view direction to "UP"

This will allow you to see a reflect ceiling plan. To create ceilings in Revit Structure you need to use Inplace families (The "Create" Command in the Modelling tab) this will allow you to create ceilings, otherwise I recommend using "Floor's" and call the object a ceiling and make sure it's not load bearing unless it's meant to be, not as accurate but it keeps you from havings lots of inplace families in your project.

[andrew.lawrence]

THanks very much. I got a view now looking up, and found that I have a couple of ceiling families already. So now my question is, how do I draw a ceiling onto my plan? I can't seem to find any way to actually draw out the ceiling. I need to add some ceiling light fixtures for a rendering I am working on, but they need a ceiling to attach to.

Thanks.

[balazs.trojak]

Since the tool is not available in RS under the Architectural tab, the only remaining option would be to drag the type into the graphics area to place it, but I seem to get the "Can't create this kind of element in this view in the current mode" message every time. Smells like an artificial limitation.

[andrew.lawrence]

That's the same error message i get. Oh well. was worth a try.

[Chad Smith]

Andrew, make sure you email Autodesk and explain to them the issues you are having, and why you need these tools.
We have similar shortcomings in Architecture too.

[nmangon]

please send the use cases to Wai.chu@autodesk.com
it would be important to explain why as a structural focused user, you need to draw ceiling plans
thanks

[Marcel Dubois]

Could you please include the specific errors that you found in the Help file for Revit Structure? This information is invaluable to our Tech Pubs team.
Thank you

[Peter Davies]

Hi, if you also have Revit arch or MEP, you can open your RVT file in either of these, create the ceiling, then open again in RS. We do a lot of industrial work which often has a small "architectural" content. I also use this method to add room names.

I guess if you haven't gor RA or MEP, the above work arounds sound pretty good to me

[m20roxxers]

If it is just for lighting, you can load the family into a family template that doesn't require hosts, and therefore you can add lights to your building, if this is the only purpose for the ceiling object.