RAC2009

[samuelsonlarry]

New Features Press release

2009 Revit Platform

The Revit platform for BIM features improvements to each of the purpose-built solutions for architects and engineers. It keeps information coordinated, up-to-date and accessible in an integrated digital environment, giving project teams a clear overall vision of their designs and streamlining the decision-making process. New updates to the Revit platform include:

-- Revit Architecture 2009 (BIM for architects and designers) allows customers to capture early design concepts with improved analysis and visualization capabilities via: o Increased sustainable design and energy analysis capabilities through easy exchange with partner applications o Improved visualization functionality with the new Mental Ray engine for rendering, improving speed, quality, and usability

-- Revit Structure 2009 (BIM for structural engineers, designers and
drafters) has been enhanced with greater modeling and documentation
capabilities and is compatible with the newly acquired Robobat
solutions. The AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite now includes AutoCAD
Structural Detailing, enabling:
o Steel and reinforced concrete detailing and shop drawings
o State-of-the-art formwork drawings -- Revit MEP 2009 (Revit for MEP engineering) provides customers with
detailed, specified modeling functionalities, including:
o Air handlers, commercial condensing units, packaged rooftop units,
and high-efficiency water source heat pumpsture press relaease

[Scott D Davis]

It should be noted that this information was obtained from an Autodesk press release today. You can find more info here;

http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=381%3C%2Ftd%3E

[wrartes]

if you want images for the new features and improvements you can visit this page.

http://bimboom.blogspot.com/

[Andre Carvalho]

Wow! That's great!

Looks like a lot of tips and workarounds I know will be useless in a few days...
Great job!

Regards,

Andre Carvalho

[DoTheBIM]

Yeah looks like Autodesk was busy over the last year. Took a bit of time go through all the slides on that blog. Mirror project is sorely overdue and it looks like it might finally be here. Can't wait to get to play with the new version.

[narlee]

The features shown on the bimboom site are IMPRESSIVE.

[mbalsom]

Im IMPRESSED ! Next question WHEN ? Bring it on!!

[SCShell]

Wow....this will keep us busy....
Very nice impression from the quick tour slide show.
Can't wait; however, it seems like I just got 2008 down...

Steve

[jobcaptain]

Here's a compilation of Revit Architecture 2009 New Features from a few PDFs and Revit 2009 PowerPoint presentations we downloaded.

Revit Architecture 2009 New Features (http://rand.com/imaginit/1/rss/viewitem.asp?feedid=BLOGS_ARCH_ALL&guid=377)

http://rand.com/imaginit/1/rss/viewitem.asp?feedid=BLOGS_ARCH_ALL&guid=377

[Revit3D.com]

Thanks for the links to my blog. Traffic's been way up today and I can't imagine why.

I had posted this on January 8th, but because I'm sure you're all dying to know the actual release date so here it is again.

Officially, no Autodesk reseller can discuss release dates.

The chart below was released April 6th, 2007. We found out just 6 days before it released. Use this as a guide for extrapolating whatever you want to for a future version, but it's just going to be a guess.

Shipped Product Name
April 12 AutoCAD® Revit® Architecture Suite 2008
April 12 AutoCAD® Revit® Structure Suite 2008
April 12 Revit® Architecture 2008
April 12 Revit® Structure 2008
April 11 AutoCAD® Revit® MEP Suite 2008

So, all we can do is extrapolate this year's ship dates from last year. That's still no guarantee, but it is something to look forward to.

If you'd like to, subscribe to my blog, and you'll know as soon as I do when Autodesk officially releases the new version and anything new about features, etc. Click here to subscribe (http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=706334&loc=en_US) to www.revit3d.com (http://www.revit3d.com) / bimboom.blogspot.com (http://bimboom.blogspot.com)

[Joef]

Here is another interesting Press Release regarding 3ds MAX and Revit:

http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=383%3C%2Ftd%3E

[rjcrowther]

Ahh bugga.

Now that accurender has been given the flick, I am going to have to find something else to whinge about.:)

[niki_funky]

Now when Accurender is history and MentalRay is here, I hope that other renders(VRay,Fryrender) will soon be reality.

best regards
niki

[still.james]

looks great, cant wait for it to be released!

have they improved the text editor?

[peakprecisiondesign]

I'm psyched that the mirror project is official! I can finally give 9.1 the boot. The dimension text features will be mighty handy as well. Can't wait to get up to speed!

[dpasa]

Well.... it looks like Adesk people made a good decision at last!!! More Revit power!
Let's see, we will soon have it....


Just one more thing I was complaining (and will probably continue) is this

IMPORT / EXPORT options !!!!!

They did nothing I think..... Just to make us use other software too....

But don't worry!!! We still have DGN compatibility !!!!

I can't understand why, really I can't..... Why they don't do something soooo easy!!!!!

[pfschuyler]

That is just so great. Now we can get some quality imagery coming out of Revit on a daily basis. MR is great. It has a bit of a learning curve, but the quality is outstanding and can hold its own against anything.

The FBX export is a huge item, too. I suspect this will allow us to finally transfer lights, cameras, and materials completely seamlessly to 3dsMax. No more silly DWG translations.

Wonderful.

Paul S.

[david.metcalf]

Wonderful,

I am looking to get the betas and road test them today. Perhaps after couple hours I should have a good feel then. I don't suppose the same "Ribbon" feature in MS products that is showing up in AutoCAD 2009 is being stuck to Revit products?

This is the most fun season with Autodesk products.

[dpasa]

So, what you want to say to a new customer is that he pays for Revit 2009 but to do some decent renderings with it he will have to pay for Max 2009 too?

[TroyGates]

http://www.tenlinks.com/news/PR/AUTODESK/revit/021308_aec_civil_2009_launch.htm

[kevinharvey]

nice to see the info about the new releases, revit will now have mental ray as the rendering package, accurender was nice but not as powerful as mental ray, will want to see if the vray pack is in the works, should them fulfill all requirements

cadman56

[Andre Baros]

With Mental Ray, Revit will be able to do some decent renderings. If you want or need more, FBX is huge. It opens up the door to Max, Maya, Cinema4D, Houdini, Blender, Lighwave, XSI, Unity3d, what did I miss. It gives you the same flexibility as 3ds but with much more modern capabilities. As far as entourage goes, you'll still have RPC's for trees, people, and cars, and all of the Sketchup models you can imagine for everything else. Since I know you're also a Maxwell user, there is a free app from Autodesk for converting FBX to 3DS which you can import directly into Maxwell Studio. No more excuses, as soon as 2009 comes out, I expect to see some renderings from you.

[dpasa]

if you want images for the new features and improvements you can visit this page.

http://bimboom.blogspot.com/


This is great!!!!! Much better than all the other announcements!


That shows a lot of work that has been done!

I guess I will have to reconsider!

[PaperStreet SoapCO]

I agree - definatley take a look at all of those good things in that flash video. I think i saw it quantified how many of each item were selected now. I'm thoroughly impressed just by the stuff listed there.

[Steve_Stafford]

We don't need several threads to discuss this topic...let's keep it in one please. I've merged two others into this one.

[PaperStreet SoapCO]

It might be just me, but I didn't notice any difference in the UI in that slide show nor any mention of it....

[Matt Brennan]

So with Mental Ray built in to RAC2009, will there be a need for 3DS Max? If you are only doing high end renderings, no animations (people and cars moving), you may not need Max. This all depends on the level realism you may want in your renderings.

Don’t get me wrong, I love using Max. I have been using it since Release 3. But I am wondering what is going to be included in RAC. Material editor, all rendering presets, environment maps, etc? Or is it going to be a watered down version like ADT’s Viz Render? I need to update my profile on myfeedback.com!!!

What are everyone’s thoughts on this?

[kevinharvey]

just an update to my earlier post

have been over to the chos group forum, vray for revit 2009 is in the works, but will not be ready for the release date, will keep an eye on it

cadman56

[arqt49]

Like other software companies, autodesk has the wrong calendar.
We're in the year 2008.
Does 2009 mean that Revit will be ahead of it's time?
One year ahead?
I think marketing people are overrated...

[Scott D Davis]

It might be just me, but I didn't notice any difference in the UI in that slide show nor any mention of it....

There are some subtle UI changes this release but nothing major.

[GuyR]

Since I know you're also a Maxwell user, there is a free app from Autodesk for converting FBX to 3DS which you can import directly into Maxwell Studio.

Possibly. The version of fbx in RAC2009 is only supported in MAX2009. With VIZ disappearing and .fbx becoming the standard ,we'll have to wait until they update the converter application.

3rd parties wanting to use .fbx sooner rather than later hopefully we'll see the .fbx SDK updated accordingly. With regard to maxwell, forget .3ds it's dead. What we need is .fbx support in Maxwell studio.

Cheers,

Guy

[Revit3D.com]

Like other software companies, autodesk has the wrong calendar.
We're in the year 2008.
Does 2009 mean that Revit will be ahead of it's time?
One year ahead?
I think marketing people are overrated...

Autodesk's fiscal year starts February 1st and ends in January of the following year. That's the reason for the year offset.

Yes it's annoying to explain to people, but you're right, you're seeing the future in the 2009 products. Would you prefer Revit 11, 12 and 13 instead?

Anyone every try to figure out where the name Voloview came from and why it wasn't called Design Review in the first place. You see, Design Review lets you review designs...

PS. Thank you AUGI members. My blog's traffic went up over 300% today because of this thread.

[thand]

I'm Ready.... Let's keep moving forward and take Revit to the next level. I know I'm still new to Revit, but still can apprieciate every new feature that goes into it each year.

[aretap]

So there are new room features - does anyone know have they made it possible to display room tags from a previous phase in a latter or better yet allowed rooms to exist in multiple phases?? Please oh please so YES!!!

[Steve_Stafford]

So there are new room features - does anyone know have they made it possible to display room tags from a previous phase in a latter or better yet allowed rooms to exist in multiple phases?? Please oh please so YES!!!No indication that they have and I doubt it.

[aretap]

I was affraid you would say that Steve!! Well hopefully in 2010 then right?!?!? Well at least they added "Tag all not tagged"

[aretap]

Final does anyone know question!! Does anyone know or hear of any text editor additions (i.e. - place a text note and have it be parametric in content but not in formating)!!:?:

[rjcrowther]

Like other software companies, autodesk has the wrong calendar.
We're in the year 2008.
Does 2009 mean that Revit will be ahead of it's time?
One year ahead?
I think marketing people are overrated...

I believe if they were to use the jewish calender they would really be ahead of their time (year 5000 and something was mentioned at some stage in my travels I thought???) Can someone confirm that??

Marketing people overated. Personally , I tend not to rate them at all:)

[rjcrowther]

Yes it's annoying to explain to people, but you're right, you're seeing the future in the 2009 products. Would you prefer Revit 11, 12 and 13 instead?



Well........yes.

[dpasa]

With Mental Ray, Revit will be able to do some decent renderings. If you want or need more, FBX is huge. It opens up the door to Max, Maya, Cinema4D, Houdini, Blender, Lighwave, XSI, Unity3d, what did I miss. It gives you the same flexibility as 3ds but with much more modern capabilities. As far as entourage goes, you'll still have RPC's for trees, people, and cars, and all of the Sketchup models you can imagine for everything else. Since I know you're also a Maxwell user, there is a free app from Autodesk for converting FBX to 3DS which you can import directly into Maxwell Studio. No more excuses, as soon as 2009 comes out, I expect to see some renderings from you.



This is great news!
RPCs are not very much appreciated from some of us.... Especially if we have to use both 3d content and RPC for the same scene....

FBX 2006.11.2 Converter for Windows (exe - 1775Kb) (From autodesk site search)

[patricks]

Well........yes.

It's like car models. The 2009 car models will be released this year in 2008. Most of them in the fall, but I've heard of a couple of 2009 model year vehicles already out.

[thand]

It's like car models. The 2009 car models will be released this year in 2008. Most of them in the fall, but I've heard of a couple of 2009 model year vehicles already out.

I compare it to EA Sports Madden Football.. They are already talking about Madden 09 which comes out this Summer. But your car comparison is perfect as well... Personally call it what you want, just keep making improvements to the software so we can all benefit....

[gwnelson]

What about magazines? The current issue is usually dated a few months ahead. The Reader's Digest in the little room with the ceiling fan might have a June date on it.

[Henry D]

Questions on new features (does anyone know?):

What advantages does the View Cube and Navigation Wheel have over spinning the model with the Shift Key and the mouse?

On dimensions, it's hard to tell, but is it now possible to automatically generate a dimension string with alternate metric dimensions below imperial dimensions? I hope this is the case because this feature is sorely needed.

[Matt H]

So no mention of new & upgraded SITE tools..... huh. I know that was a big deal awhile back...

I'm surprised they didn't add features to the Text editing. Like AutoCAD multi-line text. But maybe they did and just didn't say anything, we still have a month of information to come. :)

But I'm really glad they got a handle on the graphical override with Phasing. WOO WHOO!!

[PaperStreet SoapCO]

There are some subtle UI changes this release but nothing major.

It appears I misread some information somewhere - I thought the 3D UI was a reference to the entire UI. And here I got all excited...

Still though, the RA 2008 release and this upcoming release looks like two very solid releases in a row. I'm eager to see how Mental Ray is integrated into Revit - if the rendering dialog boxes are completely overhauled (I always thought it was kind of clumsy) or if we get a version Mental Ray that was sort of applied over what already exists in Revit. Kind of like how the version of accurender we got was a watered down version...

Anyone know when the beta starts?

[trombe]

Questions on new features (does anyone know?):

What advantages does the View Cube and Navigation Wheel have over spinning the model with the Shift Key and the mouse?

On dimensions, it's hard to tell, but is it now possible to automatically generate a dimension string with alternate metric dimensions below imperial dimensions? I hope this is the case because this feature is sorely needed.

Hi,
The cube and full navigation wheel are as found in Design Review.
I think this is a very good tool for internal navigation, although I agree the value of the cube might be less as visible as the wheel functions, with its pallettes. To be able to easily move forward and backwards, stop , pan and zoom, almost feel and see the step, by step motion of walking up or down steps (similar to that as found in ArchiCAD after release 10) is a notable step in easing the internal ( especially) navigation set we have now..in fact I think it is currently very poor for an application such as Revit.

I think also that the dims improvements (for example) are going to be great for me, however ( and without meaning to sound churlish or heavy) these things (such as the viewport / scale tweaks) really should have been available 3 years ago - we have been using several workarounds for text strings to block out or avoid measurements (and so on for a long time) , so its great to see its finally made it through the agenda program - big thanks for that .

My biggie wishlist item though, looks like Mental Ray (hopefully).
I agree though that the integration, sounds like it is a bit scary....reading on several mental ray sites, they often talk about the version differences between Max and Maya and comment about the integration approach as to the levels of success.
Then again, other articles relate the Viz version against the main version (of Max) for designers / architecture...begs the question....is Revit really likely to get anything other than an ADT style version, so as to protect Maya and Max markets ..........I'd think not.

And really, I don't know if I care.
My primary concern is to have a much better rendering capability than what is there now, and to (very definitely) try and be able to be on at least a level with Vectorworks 12 + and ArchiCAD outputs as they relate to our local market in NZ. Looking at some Mental Ray examples around, the broad indicators look very promising in terms of similar examples from VW and ArchiCAD - from a strictly non guru rendering person..

Also, I require / expect, that this notably improved rendering capability is bound into Revit or otherwise comes with the deal of software and subscription. I do not have the scale of works to pay for a separate / additional renderer but do absolutely require rendering output and (more and more often ) animations of some type.
So I am looking forward to seeing how and what Mental Ray is all about as an integrated solution for Revit - Yahoo, thanks factory (at last)

10c
trombe

[cyberjuls]

Thought nobody would speak about sites ;) Happy to see that someone raise discussion on that point.

I'm happy to get mental integrated, but saddly disapointed about site work. Anyway, pads seems to get some modifications integrated. Looks like you can add slope to it (even on curved contour?). Lokks like we won't be able to get solid sites tool before RAC2010 at least.

Otherwise, sounds good for everything else.

[SkiSouth]

Hi,
Mental Ray examples around, the broad indicators look very promising in terms of similar examples from VW and ArchiCAD - from a strictly non guru rendering person..

Also, I require / expect, that this notably improved rendering capability is bound into Revit or otherwise comes with the deal of software and subscription. I do not have the scale of works to pay for a separate / additional renderer but do absolutely require rendering output and (more and more often ) animations of some type.
So I am looking forward to seeing how and what Mental Ray is all about as an integrated solution for Revit - Yahoo, thanks factory (at last)

10c
trombe

Trombe - you will be pleased both in ease of use and quality. Replacing the rendering engine (completely) inside of Revit was a major software programming accomplishment on the part of the factory. They really deserve a lot of praise.

[dpasa]

Trombe - you will be pleased both in ease of use and quality. Replacing the rendering engine (completely) inside of Revit was a major software programming accomplishment on the part of the factory. They really deserve a lot of praise.


I think this alone, is a major step forward....

I didn't see any workflow corrections and improvements though.... And I think it would be great to see some changes there... For example, the 2-3 dialogs needed to edit family params, should be merged in to one..... Also, Customisable UI and the ability to save changes..... Save export options.......and other stuff like that.
I always thought this was quite easy to add.... Probably I'm wrong....
Anyway, this will be a great release.... Too bad that we have to wait another year for the next release.... (Site tools,modeling tools, multiprocessor support, etc.... are also on the top of wishlist).

[jpolding]

Wow. Thank you Autodesk team! Mirror/Rotate project is here! Looks to be a great release.

[narlee]

Trombe - you will be pleased both in ease of use and quality. Replacing the rendering engine (completely) inside of Revit was a major software programming accomplishment on the part of the factory. They really deserve a lot of praise.

Although, Accurender just released a Beta Mental Ray for Revit. I suppose it's possible they're using that. I'm guessing not, but it's possible.

[iru69]

Robert McNeel & Assoc. released an alpha version of Accurender nXt plug-in for Revit. It doesn't have anything to do with Mental Ray or Autodesk.

The Mental Ray in Revit 2009 is provided through Autodesk (I guess it's licensed from the developer mental images?).


Although, Accurender just released a Beta Mental Ray for Revit. I suppose it's possible they're using that. I'm guessing not, but it's possible.

[narlee]

Ok. Well, their recent alpha/beta (whatever) for AutoCAD has Mental Ray, so I figured their recent alpha for Revit (as it has the same lettering "nxt") did as well. That's fine/whatever - it sounds like RAC2009 rendering will be much improved.

[aretap]

So out of you lucky beta testers. Are they any cool features not mentioned in the release?? (or can you guys not talk of this yet??):?

[c-hawk]

Ok. Well, their recent alpha/beta (whatever) for AutoCAD has Mental Ray, so I figured their recent alpha for Revit (as it has the same lettering "nxt") did as well. That's fine/whatever - it sounds like RAC2009 rendering will be much improved.

where are you getting the info that mental ray is in the accurender nxt prodcut for acad?

[iru69]

You are mistaken. Accurender has absolutely nothing to do with Mental Ray other than they're both rendering engines.

Ok. Well, their recent alpha/beta (whatever) for AutoCAD has Mental Ray, so I figured their recent alpha for Revit (as it has the same lettering "nxt") did as well. That's fine/whatever - it sounds like RAC2009 rendering will be much improved.

[narlee]

I think I got an email from Robert McNeel Associates. I downloaded it & did a quickie check. I think if you go to their website, you can do the same thing. There's no confidentiality agreement or anything.

[aretap]

I recieved the email as well. However, I think there is just some confussion. It appears that Accurender is developing an up graded render for Revit. However, from what it looks like Mental ray is not the engine that is being used. Accurender is developing there own render engine.

So it looks like the new Accurender Alpha has nothing to do with Mental Ray!!

[mzabritski]

No mention of a wall rating system? sigh.....

[AP23]

So, we 're getting Metal Ray in RAC 2009. Does this mean we can display materials (bitmaps) in a shaded view?

[rjcrowther]

For me, apart from the fact they can't count (its 2008 last time I looked and not 2009), this would be classed as good release if the blog is correct.

Also for me, I expect this hind of enhancement every year. The reason is I buy my software from autodesk an industry leader and not a second rate company.

Although there has been some dissapointment that some aspects have not been fixed, there must surely be acknowledgement that a reasonable effort has been made over the last year if the blog is correct.

Perhaps if similar efforts had been made over the last however many years then the product would be more advanced. The fact is the software is where it is and hopefully we can see similar improvements in the ensuing years. Should that be the case then a lot of the annoyances must surely be rectified in good time.

I live in hope although I wait with interest to see the cost of my subsciption which is due in a month.


Rob

[jeffh]

So, we 're getting Metal Ray in RAC 2009. Does this mean we can display materials (bitmaps) in a shaded view?

Shaded views will not allow for the display of bitmaps.

[whittendesigns]

Text Overrides: Replace Dimension with Text, Add Text Above, Below, Prefix, or Suffix

Can I say it's about time?

[rmejia]

Text Overrides: Replace Dimension with Text, Add Text Above, Below, Prefix, or Suffix

Never thought that would happen, very nice!

I can't wait to see how mental ray was implemented. Hopefully the materials and other mental ray features will have the same options as in 3ds Max.

[dpasa]

Never thought that would happen, very nice!

I can't wait to see how mental ray was implemented. Hopefully the materials and other mental ray features will have the same options as in 3ds Max.


As already writen, one difference is that there will be no bitmaps in shaded views.... So, I have to see how we will adjust UVs.... Also, bump maps.... This will be interesting.... I don't expect it to be perfect but it certainly is a big step forward!

[vennix]

I like what is coming to us in the new Revit.
Better moddeling tools, Better rendering, Better integration with max.
I gues nex year we will see an interface overhaul which I applaud.
What I don't get however...
Reading the coverage of world press day. Autodesk is pushing inventor for freeform parametric architectural modelling and maya for conceptual architectural modeling.
So we get the one modelling and rendering package for modelling the wild stuff, maya.
We get the other for the really spectacular renderings, max.
We get inventor to get the really complex forms up to cd level...???
come on autodesk I am a one man firm I cannot justify to buy all these wonderful programs, however I would like to. I depend totally revit for getting the job done.
I would not like to see revit reduced to the main stream production programme.
What I would like though is to combine the precision of revit with the fluid modelling capabilities of eigther revit or maya. I can see where we are going but we are not there yet.

Geert

[patricks]

For me, apart from the fact they can't count (its 2008 last time I looked and not 2009), this would be classed as good release if the blog is correct.



Revit Architecture 2008 and AutoCAD Architecture 2008 were both released in 2007.

So every car manufacturer on the face of the planet can't count either?

I just hope this Replace Text feature doesn't end up getting abused like it did so often in AutoCAD, where people would just blindly override dimensions to whatever they like if the object didn't dimension out exactly like they wanted. That's what leads to error and inaccuracy. :?

[Scott D Davis]

Revit Architecture 2008 and AutoCAD Architecture 2008 were both released in 2007.

So every car manufacturer on the face of the planet can't count either?

I just hope this Replace Text feature doesn't end up getting abused like it did so often in AutoCAD, where people would just blindly override dimensions to whatever they like if the object didn't dimension out exactly like they wanted. That's what leads to error and inaccuracy. :?

You can't abuse it. It wont let you replace a dimensional number with another number. You can repalce a number with text, or with numbers and text, but you can't make 3'-0" read 30".

[AP23]

I like what is coming to us in the new Revit.
Better moddeling tools, Better rendering, Better integration with max.
I gues nex year we will see an interface overhaul which I applaud.
What I don't get however...
Reading the coverage of world press day. Autodesk is pushing inventor for freeform parametric architectural modelling and maya for conceptual architectural modeling.
So we get the one modelling and rendering package for modelling the wild stuff, maya.
We get the other for the really spectacular renderings, max.
We get inventor to get the really complex forms up to cd level...???
come on autodesk I am a one man firm I cannot justify to buy all these wonderful programs, however I would like to. I depend totally revit for getting the job done.
I would not like to see revit reduced to the main stream production programme.
What I would like though is to combine the precision of revit with the fluid modelling capabilities of eigther revit or maya. I can see where we are going but we are not there yet.

Geert


This concerns me too. But then again, Revit has always been a mainstream production tool. Apparently that's what sells in the US.

But to make matters worse, the form rationalization after free form finding in Maya should have been a chore for Revit's, but now Inventor is the recommended tool for that. What's left for Revit in this whole process?

http://cadinsider.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/02/autodesk-pushes.html#comments

http://www10.aeccafe.com/nbc/articles/view_weekly.php?articleid=491749&page_no=4

[Matt H]

You know what else i'm surprised they didn't improve upon... the stairs. I'm sure many of use would sure like to attach walls, ceilings, and many more things to stairs, especially walls.

[Scott D Davis]

You know what else i'm surprised they didn't improve upon... the stairs. I'm sure many of use would sure like to attach walls, ceilings, and many more things to stairs, especially walls.

But you can now use the swept-blend tool to make walls under stairs. If a straight run stair, just use a ref plane and attach walls to the ref plane....

with that said, I agree that attaching walls to stairs would be cool.

[Matt H]

But you can now use the swept-blend tool to make walls under stairs. If a straight run stair, just use a ref plane and attach walls to the ref plane....

with that said, I agree that attaching walls to stairs would be cool.


Yes, thats what i use now (refering to the reference planes). Swept-blend tool would make fast work of my curved stairs, but still.... "Attach to Stair" would be much moe betta.

[arqt49]

I agree with Matt in stairs :)
But most of all, my opinion is that Revit should follow NCS in most of the aspects.
Schedule rotation does allow for titleblocks complying with NCS in small sheets, for instance.
Another thing is that like keynote schedule and noteblocks, a view for page notes should be created. It's only a title and text parameter element. Instead of drawing the frames and inserting text.
Also, there should be space in keynote schedules for keynote modifiers, even if the modifier is just an instance parameter.
Besides all the building construction issues, complying with NCS should be a must for Revit developers.

[Kevin Janik]

You can't abuse it. It wont let you replace a dimensional number with another number. You can repalce a number with text, or with numbers and text, but you can't make 3'-0" read 30".

Scott,

If you can replace a number with text, are numbers not considered text and what you say can be done using the text option?

Kevin

[Scott D Davis]

Scott,

If you can replace a number with text, are numbers not considered text and what you say can be done using the text option?

Kevin

You *could* use an O instead of a 0, but they look different and it's pretty obvious. I'm sure that wont stop people from poor modeling standards. It comes down to that: the model should be accurate and there should be no reason to fake a number with other numbers (letters). If one has to try that hard to be inaccurate, then there's other issues at hand.

Without this tool, the user that will fake a 0 with a O is the same person that would have put text over the dimensions anyway.

[patricks]

You *could* use an O instead of a 0, but they look different and it's pretty obvious. I'm sure that wont stop people from poor modeling standards. It comes down to that: the model should be accurate and there should be no reason to fake a number with other numbers (letters). If one has to try that hard to be inaccurate, then there's other issues at hand.

Without this tool, the user that will fake a 0 with a O is the same person that would have put text over the dimensions anyway.

And I only put a dimension text element over an actual dimension in a drafting view where I have a view break. Since you can't break a drafting view, I have to do that.

So I guess I wouldn't be able to replace the dimension with different numbers in a drafting view where I have break lines?

[Scott D Davis]

And I only put a dimension text element over an actual dimension in a drafting view where I have a view break. Since you can't break a drafting view, I have to do that.

So I guess I wouldn't be able to replace the dimension with different numbers in a drafting view where I have break lines?

No, but you could replace it with numbers and text. So make the dim read 24" Max or 24" Min or Approx 24", any combo of text and numbers and it will work.

[David Conant]

You *could* use an O instead of a 0, but they look different and it's pretty obvious. I'm sure that wont stop people from poor modeling standards. It comes down to that: the model should be accurate and there should be no reason to fake a number with other numbers (letters). If one has to try that hard to be inaccurate, then there's other issues at hand.

Without this tool, the user that will fake a 0 with a O is the same person that would have put text over the dimensions anyway.

To paraphrase an old saying, we may be able to make Revit nearly foolproof, but it is nearly impossible to make it d**n fool proof. ;)

[scowsert]

So no cool Table or Mtext capabilities with Revit 2009? I guess I should do more renderings. I don't, I create paper drawings and man Revits annotation is pretty weak. At least give me wordpad. COMMON! It just really irritates me when I click on wrapped text and it decides to rewrap itself for no reason. I didn't change anything.

Having said that I'm still excited. Heck if we are just now getting the ability to override dimensions perhaps we will get some annotation functionality in 5 years.

Wish for factory, open up AutoCAD 2009 rip out mtext functionality, paste into Revit. It can't be more then a cut and paste right? hehe...

Thanks for the work anyhow Factory.

[Steve_Stafford]

...Wish for factory, open up AutoCAD 2009 rip out mtext functionality, paste into Revit. It can't be more then a cut and paste right? hehe...You know I keep reading these sort of comments and think maybe I'm missing something about mtext and go back and check it out again, nope still eeeuuw, no'tanks. I just don't get why people seem to like it so much. Sure it has more capability than Revit and I'm not saying Revit doesn't need text enhancement, just mtext isn't any sort of benchmark I'd appreciate.

[scowsert]

You know I keep reading these sort of comments and think maybe I'm missing something about mtext and go back and check it out again, nope still eeeuuw, no'tanks. I just don't get why people seem to like it so much. Sure it has more capability than Revit and I'm not saying Revit doesn't need text enhancement, just mtext isn't any sort of benchmark I'd appreciate.

I don't mean to sound like mtext is the most awesome thing out there. It just seems like the best thing that I'm aware of that Autodesk understands of course being Revit I'd like it to be better.

Feel free to call it wordpad. I'd just like to be able to indent, setup columns, autonumber. You know basic text editing. I'd love a step up from wordpad but I'm not even sure we have notepad here. The same goes for basic table functionality.

The leaders are pretty miserable to but thats another request. I would like more options.

[SCShell]

Hey there,
I agree about better text editing tools..."just the basics" would be great!

Still, really looking forward to 2009 and beyond!!!!! <Buzz mode off>

Steve

[cliff collins]

Oh yes, and how about a simple Print Window
(like every other software known to man!)

Visible portion of window just doesn't work well.......

But really looking forward to the new release!

Cheers.....

[LRaiz]

Oh yes, and how about a simple Print Window
(like every other software known to man!)

Let's see - Neither Word, nor Excel have Print Window. Acrobat reader has Print View which is identical in intent to Revit's Print Visible Portion but no Print Window.

Does man know any other software besides Autocad and its derivatives? :)

[c-hawk]

come on Leonid ... surely you know acad is the ultimate product that every software developer is sworn to mimic, no? ;-)

aside, what new ground breaking development are you doing these days?

[vennix]

Does man know any other software besides Autocad and its derivatives? :)

I'd settel for an excel like define print region or whatever it is called in english.In my excel it reeds:"afdrukbereik bepalen"

[cliff collins]

My sincere and respectful reply:

Have an average Revit user try printing out a view EXACTLY to the size /area required by
using the "visible portion of print window" or any other feature. Not very easy to do. Yes, you can size the Windows dialog box and use it as a "window". This is, quite frankly, a band-aid solution.

My point is simply this:
It would be MUCH more convenient, ACCURATE and EFFICIENT to use a print window.

FYI--I work in Revit all day long (and have since the 1st release.)
It is the best BIM product by far.
I'm just giving valuable input from the real world, end-user's perspective.
I am certain that lots of other Revit users would benefit greatly from a simple print window.

The questions is: WHY NOT have a simple feature such as this? Even the choice to use it or not?

Just because XYZ software doesn't have a print window is not valid reasoning. I rarely or never need to print out precise boundaries of detailed Floor Plans or Detail views in Word, Adobe, and the other programs you mention. However, I ALWAYS need to do this in Revit.

Also-I am not making ANY comparison whatsoever to AutoCad--I left that behind many years ago and am one of the most "pro-Revit" people you will meet.

Cut to the chase: A print window would IMPROVE the program's value for every day users. Just my 2 cents worth.

Cheers.....

[DaveP]

You know I keep reading these sort of comments and think maybe I'm missing something .......

I also love it when people say "This should be a simple fix" or "Just copy it from AutoCAD"

I wonder what the reaction would be if someone said " I really liked that staircase in your last project. Can't you just copy it into this one?" Never mind that the floor-to-floor heights are different, that one project used concrete and this one is stone, that the other one had glass railing, etc, etc,. Should be simple, right?

I've done a fair amount of programming & you can never just copy and paste.

[scowsert]

I also love it when people say "This should be a simple fix" or "Just copy it from AutoCAD"

I've done a fair amount of programming & you can never just copy and paste.

Being one that stated that above I'll respond to this. I wasn't being literal when stating cut and paste for Mtext. Sometimes on the internet its tough to get that across. I would love the functionality.

I'd imagine that most software developer's look at similar successful software around them and see what they are doing? Take there best parts and try to make them better or fit in with your product. While at the same time implement new features, bug fixes and requests.

Autodesk has done text editing once (in AutoCAD) they have the experts in that area in house. I would image they would send some of there knowledge across the country to help out the guys on the Revit team. So cut and paste code? No... Cut and paste knowledge Yes... to an extent.

It just seems like Autodesk isn't supporting the Revit team enough. I love Revit, don't get me wrong. Your biggest fans will be the biggest critics.

Simple fix isn't a fair comment. I'll give you that.

Oh and I will compare Revit to AutoCAD. Its much more similar to a CAD package then to word or excel or internet explorer or firefox or acrobat or... What should we compare Revit to?

[christo4robin]

Anyone know if Keynoting is improved in 2009? Specifically I want an instance parameter modifier to a keynote, and I want leader functionality to mimic that of text. Here's hoping!

[DaveP]

I know you were being facetious when you said it was a cut & paste & I apologize if I was picking on you. It wasn't really your specific post I was commenting on. You're just the lucky guy I responded to!

There've been several posts on AUGI lately that have used phrases like "this should be a simple fix" and then go on to describe a six-month programming effort. :roll: For example, the one on porting to OSX. Do people really think all you have to do is flip the "Mac" switch on your complier?

As a matter of fact, quite often, the simpler something looks to the end user, often the more complex the programming effort. Like (apologies again) doing a Cut and Paste. It may look simple to "just" add a new object type to the Cut and Paste menu, but it probably requires a huge amount of invisible effort to get the new object into a Clipboard-acceptable format.

[nsinha73]

Did I miss any improvements on custom line types?

[scowsert]

I know you were being facetious when you said it was a cut & paste & I apologize if I was picking on you.

For example, the one on porting to OSX. Do people really think all you have to do is flip the "Mac" switch on your complier?

No problem I think we understand each other. Now that Mac i s on intel isn't it just swap out the compiler? hehe... Just joking.

Back to the subject at hand. Bring us 2009! I'm ready!

[rjcrowther]

Revit Architecture 2008 and AutoCAD Architecture 2008 were both released in 2007.

So every car manufacturer on the face of the planet can't count either?

:?

2007/2008 .... maybe.

The jewish calendar has it as 5767 and 5768.

I am supprised the car industry and autodesk hasn't picked up on that.

Wouldn't 'Revit Architecture 5769' sound far more futuristic than a non-descript 'Revit Architecture 2009'.

Actually, politics could pick up on that as well. Whoever gets up in your upcoming election could then start refering to years in the hebrew calendar in their second year. That would mean they would have been in power for 3762 years - a record by anyone's imagination. Errr....how would they gloss over calendar change and get away with it.......perhaps they could use climate change as an example....

[scowsert]

2007/2008 .... maybe.
I am supprised the car industry and autodesk hasn't picked up on that.

Wouldn't 'Revit Architecture 5769' sound far more futuristic than a non-descript 'Revit Architecture 2009'.

Hey I'm running build number 20080101_2345. It's not that far off.

[hand471037]

Honestly, while we all agree that better text tools in Revit is a must, do we have to set the bar as low as MTEXT in AutoCAD? That's pretty sad honestly.

I'd much rather see something more akin to Adobe's InDesign style text tools, complete with complex text flow, kerning controls, and more.

[scowsert]

Honestly, while we all agree that better text tools in Revit is a must, do we have to set the bar as low as MTEXT in AutoCAD? That's pretty sad honestly.

I'm game for anything. Heck its all an upgrade of what we have right now. This is pretty wimpy stuff.

On another note, any word on if we can show core wall only?

[rmejia]

Improved text editing is high on the wishlist, #4 :

http://www.augi.com/revit/results.asp?cycle=REVARCH001

A lot of good stuff on the wish lists, at least we know #2 has been granted.

[dpasa]

This wishlist seems strange to me!
I can understand No1=site tools, No3= Depth Effect for elevations, but I think No5=Polygonal crop regions is the big surprise!!! I 'd never think this as a top ten wish!!!
How can this be most wanted than Sloping walls?
Things like import/export options, General change of UI, Working structural members, Really working "Join Geometry", better stairs and rails, etc... are not even in this wishlist !!!
This seems like a weird top ten wishlist to me!

[Scott D Davis]

This wishlist seems strange to me!
I can understand No1=site tools, No3= Depth Effect for elevations, but I think No5=Polygonal crop regions is the big surprise!!! I 'd never think this as a top ten wish!!!
How can this be most wanted than Sloping walls?
Things like import/export options, General change of UI, Working structural members, Really working "Join Geometry", better stairs and rails, etc... are not even in this wishlist !!!
This seems like a weird top ten wishlist to me!

Just goes to show what one person finds important may not be the same thing that others want. The Factory tries to sort this out with every release, and its very difficult to satisfy the needs of all of the users in one release.

[rmejia]

Really working "Join Geometry", better stairs and rails, etc... are not even in this wishlist !!!

They did not make it to that wish list, but they are on the second wish list.

http://www.augi.com/revit/ballot.asp

[Brian Myers]

I agree, Polygonal crop regions was a surprise, but frankly I get asked that (or something similar) from virtually every company I work with in adopting the software. It's a "mild" wish that lots of people want. :beer:

[dpasa]

Just goes to show what one person finds important may not be the same thing that others want. The Factory tries to sort this out with every release, and its very difficult to satisfy the needs of all of the users in one release.

I agree, and I think we can all understand that this is very difficult to achieve, on the other hand, site tools, geometry and modeling tools and many other features, are the same for the last 3 years.

[AP23]

This wishlist seems strange to me!
I can understand No1=site tools, No3= Depth Effect for elevations, but I think No5=Polygonal crop regions is the big surprise!!! I 'd never think this as a top ten wish!!!
How can this be most wanted than Sloping walls?
Things like import/export options, General change of UI, Working structural members, Really working "Join Geometry", better stairs and rails, etc... are not even in this wishlist !!!
This seems like a weird top ten wishlist to me!

It think it is because the wrong people are using Revit. These wishes usually come from former ACA users, that take great joy in producing CD's. This group is large enough to influence the outcome of a wishlist top 10. Don't get me wrong. Anyone is entitled to use Revit. But Revit should stay a parametric modeller with a BIM underground capable of producing digital prototypes.

[Jit]

It think it is because the wrong people are using Revit. These wishes usually come from former ACA users, that take great joy in producing CD's. This group is large enough to influence the outcome of a wishlist top 10. Don't get me wrong. Anyone is entitled to use Revit. But Revit should stay a parametric modeller with a BIM underground capable of producing digital prototypes.



a bit rich dont you think?

[AP23]

a bit rich dont you think?

Yeah, I know. I guess it is the Monday morning coffee that fries the brain a bit.

[rjcrowther]

It think it is because the wrong people are using Revit. These wishes usually come from former ACA users, that take great joy in producing CD's. This group is large enough to influence the outcome of a wishlist top 10. Don't get me wrong. Anyone is entitled to use Revit. But Revit should stay a parametric modeller with a BIM underground capable of producing digital prototypes.

I take great joy in producing CD's but would not class myself as a former ACA user.

Why can't it be a parametric modeller capable of digital prototypes and a CD package?

Perhaps I am one influencing the outcome of the wishlist top 10 as my customers would generally prefer a larger of more functional building (rectangular box and its derivatives) for the cost then pay for curves and sweeps and suffer the resulting loss of rentable space. (Might just be in this country but curves are darn expensive)

[AP23]

I take great joy in producing CD's but would not class myself as a former ACA user.

Why can't it be a parametric modeller capable of digital prototypes and a CD package?

Totally agree with you, but autodesk made it clear to us that they have to choose among features. In that case, I would prefer to have the most advanced parametric tools and in the meantime manually customize and ad elevation tags untill Autodesk gets the time to enhance this feature.


Perhaps I am one influencing the outcome of the wishlist top 10 as my customers would generally prefer a larger of more functional building (rectangular box and its derivatives) for the cost then pay for curves and sweeps and suffer the resulting loss of rentable space. (Might just be in this country but curves are darn expensive)

This is indeed the reality. I would then say, make Revit a little bit more generic so everyone can use it. This would mean that you (living in the US) wouldn't have to train newly grads as they have used in Revit to create their wacky school projects. And the firm in London can create a quad curved tower in Dubai from copper sheet panels that cost less than a dime per sqf.

[Andre Baros]

I think the point here is that at the moment, inexperienced Revit users may outnumber experienced Revit users. Because of this, lots of basic wishes come up which once you've been using the software for a while you don't even notice missing. It's not that these features aren't useful or don't help get new users up to speed, but thier refinements not innovations. Key to Revit's success is leaving room for innovation as well. I for one, hope that this is not the end of the road.

For example, in my office, most users would love to have the polygon window tool for interier elevations in rooms which are not perfectly square in section. I on the other hand would rather leave my elevations looking a little rough around the edges and get more modeling functionality and stronger interoperability with structural, MEP, and Paracloud.

[BATx2]

Can anyone reveal whether or not the truss creation module from Revit Structure has been enabled / copied into Revit Architecture?

BT

[aretap]

I would highly doubt it. The idea of adding structure specific tools into Revit Architecture would be contrary to everything Autodesk has done since acquiring Revit.;)

[hand471037]

Why can't it be a parametric modeller capable of digital prototypes and a CD package?

Huh. Guess we didn't know it wasn't able to do that, so we've been quietly doing just that for the last two years. We've also teamed up with a developer, and will soon be doing whole houses this way. Full CDs, and full fabrication-ready models for CNC production, and full structural analysis, all from one model, without needing anything but Revit so far (well, Max for the renderings).

And while I welcome the new lofting tools with open arms, and are happy to see them, the shape of our elevation tags have never made us a dime. I think I use the default ones instead of getting fussy over it. So I actually agree with Andrew (AP23) here, but I think that he's a little off the mark as to what is actually possible today with Revit. ;-)

[rjcrowther]

Totally agree with you, but autodesk made it clear to us that they have to choose among features. In that case, I would prefer to have the most advanced parametric tools and in the meantime manually customize and ad elevation tags untill Autodesk gets the time to enhance this feature.

A simple difference of opinion - mine is they both should receive equal attention

This is indeed the reality. I would then say, make Revit a little bit more generic so everyone can use it. This would mean that you (living in the US) wouldn't have to train newly grads as they have used in Revit to create their wacky school projects. And the firm in London can create a quad curved tower in Dubai from copper sheet panels that cost less than a dime per sqf.

Yes everyone should get to use it so more generic is good. The only disagreement here is I don't live in the US (although our last Prime Minister seemed hell bent on us becoming the 51st state, it hasn't happened yet)

I think the point here is that at the moment, inexperienced Revit users may outnumber experienced Revit users. Because of this, lots of basic wishes come up which once you've been using the software for a while you don't even notice missing. It's not that these features aren't useful or don't help get new users up to speed, but thier refinements not innovations. Key to Revit's success is leaving room for innovation as well. I for one, hope that this is not the end of the road.

I think some basic wishes getting up is also good. That means there is a constant implementation of new advancements (modelling and drawing) and some refinement of the already available tools.

Huh. Guess we didn't know it wasn't able to do that, so we've been quietly doing just that for the last two years.

You're not alone - it was supposed to be one of those questions that is redundant (something equavalent to - wouldn't it be nice if the sky was blue?.....probably a name for it, any part time philosophers around?)

the shape of our elevation tags have never made us a dime.(I am being a bit unfair here - very selective quoting).

I had a thought on those elevations tags a while back. I wonder if they are a branding mark and that is the reason why they haven't changed. When you pick up a Revit CD set you can tell its Revit by looking at the plans. Its the only reason that I can think of as to why those awful looking things are still hanging around. (Apologies to those who use this style of tag by choice)

[hand471037]

You're not alone - it was supposed to be one of those questions that is redundant (something equavalent to - wouldn't it be nice if the sky was blue?.....probably a name for it, any part time philosophers around?)

Yeah, I know. I was sort of poking fun at Andrew. I feel that his somewhat-overblown statements of how 'nobody could use Revit for 'real' architecture' get tiresome. Mind you I think he means CNC-generated blobs I guess, I've never really gotten a clear idea of what he's talking about so furiously when he says that us plebes aren't making architecture because we're just modeling flat walls in Revit instead of bulbous (static, stupid, non-parametric) forms in Rhino.

But anyways, my point is that folks are out there doing exactly what he's debating about being not able to do until Autodesk adds some feature or other. And honestly this has been going on for years now, hence why I poke fun at him over it.

[rjcrowther]

. And honestly this has been going on for years now, hence why I poke fun at him over it.

You can say that again... again... again... again... again... again... again...

[cphubb]

OK thats it I switching to Archicad.

No I guess not. I can put up with the elevation tool rather than 500 layers.

Drive on

BTW we have talked to some people having trouble with the elevation bug because of national CAD standard things. They can get the section and detail bug right but not the elevation. I point out Revit is a BIM tool not a drawing tool, but they are required to do so by their unenlightened clients so they must. I hope it gets in the next release

[scowsert]

The inablility to change the Elevation tag and Framing Elevation Tag symbols really is surprising. I'd like to say it should be easy to do, but resist. (oh wait I just did!)

[AP23]

Yeah, I know. I was sort of poking fun at Andrew. I feel that his somewhat-overblown statements of how 'nobody could use Revit for 'real' architecture' get tiresome. Mind you I think he means CNC-generated blobs I guess, I've never really gotten a clear idea of what he's talking about so furiously when he says that us plebes aren't making architecture because we're just modeling flat walls in Revit instead of bulbous (static, stupid, non-parametric) forms in Rhino.

Well Jeffrey, you can indeed model everything in Revit. Especially with the upcoming swept blend tool. But is it feasible business wise to model complex geometry in Revit? If you chose to do the "placeholder method" you can get into major performance issues, unless the imported geometry is kept to a minimum. If I’m not mistaken, this is the method you use (Blender to Revit). However, if you chose to create geometry within Revit, you would have to rationalize it to an extreme level. Which means you will have to create and ensemble each segment which can be extremely time consuming. It’s like digging a pool with a tablespoon.

I’ve made here a curtain wall with triangle shaped panels. These panels where create on the faces of 10 blended masses stacked on top off each other and manually rotated. Unfortunately, these masses can’t be joined, but that’s another story. Can you imagine how much work this would be on a 80 story tower, where the rules are not parallel and each panel has a different shape? How about, if each panels has a single or double curved surface?



But anyways, my point is that folks are out there doing exactly what he's debating about being not able to do until Autodesk adds some feature or other. And honestly this has been going on for years now, hence why I poke fun at him over it.


Not to put you on the spot here, but can you show me some images or links of these folks you’ve been talking about? There isn’t much documentation or case studies on this subject.

[hand471037]

Well Jeffrey, you can indeed model everything in Revit. Especially with the upcoming swept blend tool. But is it feasible business wise to model complex geometry in Revit? If you chose to do the "placeholder method" you can get into major performance issues, unless the imported geometry is kept to a minimum. If I’m not mistaken, this is the method you use (Blender to Revit).

Actually, you are mistaken there. Our workflow actually goes the other way. We use simple placeholders in Revit for more complex objects when it's called upon us to do so.

For example, we're in the middle of doing a small interior for a media company. We're making their conference table, and the main design of it is that a complex 3D waved ripple shape is supporting the glass top. It 'rides' on the crests of the waves if you will. That surface was modeled in Blender, certainly, but that model started in Revit, and other than the surface the rest of the elements live in Revit, and will be produced directly from it. There is no reason to pull the complex surface back into Revit, for all we care to show in Revit is the simpler representation of the whole table.

Now this workflow wouldn't work so hot with your complex skin, but that's not what we were talking about in the first place.


However, if you chose to create geometry within Revit, you would have to rationalize it to an extreme level. Which means you will have to create and ensemble each segment which can be extremely time consuming. It’s like digging a pool with a tablespoon.

I agree. My larger point here is that many people are using Revit along with other tools to accomplish their vairous goals the project brings on without endlessly crying about it.

And heck, have you looked into the automated framing tools that some people have made via the Revit API? Maybe you should learn some .NET and see if you could model these things procedurally within Revit to begin with. With masses and some coding you might be able to make something along the lines of Paracloud right in Revit.

But honestly why is it that when you can't do what you want to do with Revit you feel the need to insult others? Do you get on other forums and rail at Photoshop users about how until Photoshop understands multiple page layout it's useless, and no 'real' graphic designer could possible use it, only those lowly production people?


I’ve made here a curtain wall with triangle shaped panels. These panels where create on the faces of 10 blended masses stacked on top off each other and manually rotated. Unfortunately, these masses can’t be joined, but that’s another story. Can you imagine how much work this would be on a 80 story tower, where the rules are not parallel and each panel has a different shape? How about, if each panels has a single or double curved surface?

It would be a stupid project to do in Revit, it's true. For something with that complex of a skin I think I'd try to get Catia instead, which has tools to optimize that sort of thing. But then I'd still do the rest of the project in Revit, and just have the skin done with the other software. But unlike you, I wouldn't try to 'marry' everything into 'one model to rule them all'.

I think that on one level, you want to just be able to model everything in Revit efficiently. Which is a noble goal. However, it's never, ever going to be 100% true. And yelling at us isn't going to change that.


Not to put you on the spot here, but can you show me some images or links of these folks you’ve been talking about? There isn’t much documentation or case studies on this subject.

Have you seen our website? Just because we're not doing blobs doesn't mean the workflow isn't the same of BIM model to real-world item via CNC-fabrication and mass customization. We're working with a developer now on some custom homes where the whole skin will be waterjet-cut from corten steel, modeled and exported straight out from Revit. How is that not right along the lines of what you're talking about here?

And you know, now you're changing the rules here. And I'm not suprised honestly. You said:


"It think it is because the wrong people are using Revit. These wishes usually come from former ACA users, that take great joy in producing CD's. This group is large enough to influence the outcome of a wishlist top 10. Don't get me wrong. Anyone is entitled to use Revit. But Revit should stay a parametric modeller with a BIM underground capable of producing digital prototypes."

My point is that Revit IS a parametric modeler capable of producing digital prototypes, and it always has been. Sure, there might be forms and projects that aren't suited to it's use, such as the example you give here. But it doesn't change the fact that we're not the 'wrong people' and that you're simply wrong with this statement.

[Matt H]

In response to that Triangle-segment image posted above, very cool. But those shapes are getting ever so popular. I might be stepping out on a limb here, but can ArchiCAD do that type of shape??

There are many things that can be added to this software to make it better and more functional, i guess all it takes is time and enough complaining to get it. haha!!

[hand471037]

There are many things that can be added to this software to make it better and more functional, i guess all it takes is time and enough complaining to get it. haha!!

Complaining on AUGI doesn't do anything actually.

Lots of people here think it does, but it really doesn't.

Complaining directly to Autodesk, with constructive, concrete examples, does. :D

[armbarsalot]

i don't see anything about a 64 bit version?? Very disappointing, they were saying that was going to be in 2008 in one of the builds.

[hand471037]

i don't see anything about a 64 bit version?? Very disappointing, they were saying that was going to be in 2008 in one of the builds.

Really? Never heard that. Seems like the the 3D studio line has gone 64 bit first, and we'll have to wait for the rest. I'm actually OK with that right now, for then I don't have to go get Vista yet. ;-)

[Matt Brennan]

Really? Never heard that. Seems like the the 3D studio line has gone 64 bit first, and we'll have to wait for the rest. I'm actually OK with that right now, for then I don't have to go get Vista yet. ;-)

What about XP 64? We have a couple of machines in the office that are XP 64 and works awesome.

[hand471037]

What about XP 64? We have a couple of machines in the office that are XP 64 and works awesome.

Can you still buy that? I thought that they were ending it with Vista 64. I'd much rather avoid Vista for another few years.

[armbarsalot]

i run xp 64, the thing is with a large (huge) projects you run into memory limits with the 32bit revit, especially if you are trying to plot. You turn on all the worksets & are only left with memory to do a few plots. We solved this by breaking the model & using AutoSad exports linked in for the shell. A 64 bit machine running a 64 bit program would use all memory installed.

[snurresprett9]

So, there's still no stair or railing tool that actually works yet? Bummer! I need to make a 6 meter high spiral stair... but I guess I can't do that YET.

[Matt H]

well you can do spiral stair... it takes 2 i think to do it. :)

[Matt Brennan]

Can you still buy that? I thought that they were ending it with Vista 64. I'd much rather avoid Vista for another few years.

From what I am hearing, XPand XP64 will be around for a few more months. But in the summer, XP will be no longer in production therefore forcing you make the move if you plan to purchase any additional machines for additional users.

Google it and you will find a ton of info on it. But by the looks of things, it could get really ugly.

[snurresprett9]

well you can do spiral stair... it takes 2 i think to do it. :)

A stair, not two ;) Stairs and railings are always a hassle to do in Revit I think.

[cganiere]

Are they adding right click menus to copy and paste inside text blocks?

[mruehr]

A stair, not two ;) Stairs and railings are always a hassle to do in Revit I think.

Really???
Railings OK kind of difficult
But Stairs????
Have you ever done Stairs in ADT (before they copied the Revit way)or Archicad

[Matt H]

Nope.... I haven't.

[cphubb]

Having done stairs in all three, I think everyone has room for improvement. ArchiCad and Revit are about equal, and now ADT (ACA) is about equal.

[Matt H]

So... no more info on the new Revit yet?! Release date or anything?

[rmejia]

Revit 2009 Should come out in april !

Did you see this slideshow of new features?

http://bimboom.blogspot.com/2008/02/revit-2009-new-features.html

[Revit3D.com]

Revit 2009 Should come out in april !

Did you see this slideshow of new features?

http://bimboom.blogspot.com/2008/02/revit-2009-new-features.html


Thanks again for the link references. I've been flooded with AUGI visitors lately.

In regards to release dates, you'll be the second to know (after me of course)
Using 2008 releases as an example, last year I received a weekly email newsletter distributed on Friday evenings listing the releases for the following week.

I find out Friday night, and if you subscribe to my blog click here (http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=706334), you find out Saturday morning at 7am.

Autodesk keeps the release date info private for some reason. My belief is that they're having to ship millions of copies of subscription upgrades for all of their different products.

Every box has to be printed, dvd burned, get it's own serial number, fedex labeling created and then shipped internationally. They wouldn't want to give out the release dates until each product line is ready to go out the door.

I bet right now, your new Revit 2009 package is sitting in a warehouse with your name on it just dying to make it's way into your loving arms.

I promise to keep you posted with the latest information. In the meantime, you can visit www.revit2009.com (http://www.revit2009.com),

[Matt H]

Okay Mr. Revit3D... I subscribed... hahaha. I like your site by the way... LOTS of info.

[zanzibarbob7]

Gregory,

Great site. I used to go to AUGI first thing but now your site ismy first stop. All the news that's fit to print.

Thanks

[DaveP]

I was just poking around on the Imaginit site
http://www.rand.com/imaginit/1/technology/software/revit_mep.htm (http://www.rand.com/imaginit/1/technology/software/revit_mep.htm)
& came across this statement about Revit MEP.
Autodesk will not offer native 64-bit support for Revit MEP at launch.
Note those last two words.
No equivalent statement in the RAC 2009 Q & A paper, though.

[david.kingham]

From what I am hearing, XPand XP64 will be around for a few more months. But in the summer, XP will be no longer in production therefore forcing you make the move if you plan to purchase any additional machines for additional users.

Google it and you will find a ton of info on it. But by the looks of things, it could get really ugly.

Take a look here Matt, http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=242
I'm not worried about XP going away anytime soon

[scowsert]

Now did they rename the "Print" and the "Close" buttons in the print preview dialog box?

Those really drive me nuts. "Print" doesn't print, it just goes back and man... "Close" really does close doesn't it? Wow... they weren't kidding.

[Matt Brennan]

Take a look here Matt, http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=242
I'm not worried about XP going away anytime soon

Good to know. Thanks David!

[Alex Page]

Funny isnt it...I generally wait for the first 'bug fix', and then download the program. I have a lot of boxes of Revit from R.6 unopened!!! - Other than to get the 'getting started' tutorial out of one for new users.

Seems like quite a waste of effect from Autodesks point of view to ship all this junk

[hand471037]

Seems like quite a waste of effect from Autodesks point of view to ship all this junk

Would be nice if we could 'opt out' of getting a physical CD. And just download the thing like we do anyways.

Autodesk can be such a strange company, really smart and modern in some ways and yet in others still stuck in the 80's.

[Andrew Dobson]

Would be nice if we could 'opt out' of getting a physical CD. And just download the thing like we do anyways.

Autodesk can be such a strange company, really smart and modern in some ways and yet in others still stuck in the 80's.

How about being able to opt out of getting the CDs and get a small reduction in the cost of subscription? ;)

We still need the AutoCAD CDs though, as we cant download it like Revit.

[twiceroadsfool]

20 cents off the cost for a year.... :)

[kyle.bernhardt]

Funny isnt it...I generally wait for the first 'bug fix', and then download the program. I have a lot of boxes of Revit from R.6 unopened!!! - Other than to get the 'getting started' tutorial out of one for new users.

Seems like quite a waste of effect from Autodesks point of view to ship all this junk

We've heard this feedback from customers like you, and also are concerned with the potential waste that we are creating. We are exploring options for electronic fulfillment. Of course I can never make any guarantees about any such changes (I enjoy my job).

:beer:,
Kyle B

[rjcrowther]

electronic fulfillment.

:beer:,
Kyle B


What a great term.

Mate, you should give up that job you enjoy and move to marketing.....you seem to have a flair for the english language.

[LRaiz]

We've heard this feedback from customers like you, and also are concerned with the potential waste that we are creating. We are exploring options for electronic fulfillment. Of course I can never make any guarantees about any such changes (I enjoy my job).

:beer:,
Kyle B

You have not been with the Factory long enough to experience it, so you may be interested to know that in the past there was a process in place to address the issue. Prior to Revit 7.0 web release used to precede shipment of physical media. A few remaining bugs/problems not found by internal testing were quickly reported by users and fixed. Shipment of CD was done about 2-3 weeks after web posting and incorporated the fixes. Unfortunately the process did not fit into Autodesk tradition and bureaucracy desired to waste money by reverting to the traditional route rather then continuing to do what made sense.

[snurresprett9]

Really???
Railings OK kind of difficult
But Stairs????
Have you ever done Stairs in ADT (before they copied the Revit way)or Archicad

Yes, stairs! Stairs that have runs overlapping is impossible to do in Revit without massive workarounds. Ofcourse you can make it like two separate stair objects, but then you will have problems with the railings not following the stair and you cant use "join geomtry" on stairs like you might know.

I've never done stairs in ADT, and I dont see what that has to do with anything?!

[mruehr]

i guess it about the way you look at it
i thought stairs in ADT 2 where a revelation after using Softdesk
Revit in my opinion has the best Stair tool in the industrie
i just don't agree with your opinion ( there's still no stair or railing tool that actually works yet)
i agree they need to Improve
i just did not think your statement was fair