Complex geometry samples?

[barrie.sharp]

I have used various 3D packages and found that complex shapes can be easy if you just grab bits and pull them around. I realise that using native geometry is better than using imported geometry but I find the family editor not so obvious. Complex shapes elude me and as I approximate anything, join lines/seems appear on the model. How would you model shapes like a curvy sink or car!

Does anyone at least have a complex shape/family that I can pick apart to digest the methods and mindset? There are few tutorials focused on creating the geometry itself. I have seen a pic of an elephant made in Revit so the sky is the limit, I'm just grounded right now!

[Alfredo Medina]

You know, the tools are there, the potential is there, is just that, in my opinion, that part of the program was released without being supported by help documentation. Recently, a new sub-forum was opened here in Augi, dedicated to conceptual design tools. That's how you can make an elephant, but be aware of the learning curve, since there is very little documentation available, at least from the official source, I mean.

[jeffh]

Here is where a series of tutorials can be found for the conceptual design tools.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=13709407&linkID=9243097

It is for 2010 so some of the newer functionality is not covered. It also does not cover how to make really complex shapes like the original post asked for. I just wanted to point out the "official" documentation that does exist.

[wmullett]

I don't think Revit is really good at modeling "soft" forms. It just doesn't have the tools for that.

[barrie.sharp]

You know, the tools are there, the potential is there, is just that, in my opinion, that part of the program was released without being supported by help documentation. Recently, a new sub-forum was opened here in Augi, dedicated to conceptual design tools. That's how you can make an elephant, but be aware of the learning curve, since there is very little documentation available, at least from the official source, I mean.

That was my point to a large degree. I have seen its potential but don't have an idea how to do it myself. The conceptual design tools are more flexible and I have had better luck with them but you can't make a mass into a plumbing fixture. It's the standard family editor that I need to leverage. Adaptive families can bridge that gap allowing the massing environment to be used to create standard categories but i don't know if that workflow has any pitfalls.

Jeffh, I have used those tutorials when 2010 first came about. They are basic to say the least but it isn't massing that I'm trying to create. I think that the official documentation is definately lacking.

Family editing focuses on parametrics and structure which is very important but since Revit has its on brand of model making, there should be more on making geometry, Maya shows you how to make a duck. Blog's often are a better resource. http://clubrevit.com/?p=216 is a good example of what needs to be covered but man cannot live on beer alone! As wmullet says, we may just conclude that Revit is only appropriate for certain tasks. If that is the case, I would like to see a discussion about where that line lies...When to or not to use Revit for modelling.

[jeffh]

Jeffh, I have used those tutorials when 2010 first came about. They are basic to say the least but it isn't massing that I'm trying to create. I think that the official documentation is definately lacking.

Glad to hear you at least used them. :-)

[barrie.sharp]

Glad to hear you at least used them. :-)
They were good but they need to go somewhere to advance the concepts :beer: