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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Automate the Preparation of Specifications Using e-SPECS

e-SPECS® automates the preparation of the project specifications from AutoCAD® and Revit® based applications, linking your favorite design program with your specification master documents. e-SPECS is integrated with all versions of MASTERSPEC®, the industry standard for construction specification documents as well as the integration of your firm's Office Master.

e-SPECS integrates the construction documents instantly updating your project specifications as you develop your drawings. Insert a wall, door, window, or any other building object into your AutoCAD drawing or Revit BIM model and instantly update your project manual with the appropriate specifications.

Enter your standard text, keynotes, blocks, hatches, or any other AutoCAD drawing elements or Revit Families, and your specifications stay in-sync, in real time. Any changes you make to the designs will automatically be incorporated into the specification manual. At any time, you can review the "history" of your specification section to see why it was included in the project.

You can also review the Integration Reconciliation reports to get a complete overview of all the drawing elements that resulted in project specification sections. Now with e-SPECS you can even view your specifications directly in Revit and Mark-up those sections collaborating with your Specifier.

More information on e-SPECS is available here.

Link Specifications to Revit Models with BSD LinkMan-E

Welcome to a new world where your specifications automatically integrate with a BIM created in Autodesk Revit. Building Systems Design, Inc., proudly introduces BSD LinkMan™-E.



What is BSD LinkMan-E?

BSD LinkMan-E is a linking software product that allows the user to easily create, monitor and modify relationships between various representations of a building design project - as drawn using Autodesk Revit, as specified using BSD SpecLink-E, and, in future, as estimated using BSD CostLink/AE. This linking software is referred to as LinkMan-E or LME.

The LME user interface is a set of "Dashboards," together comprising a monitoring station that permits a project manager to view the status of project development in the linked applications, check for consistency, and identify discrepancies for corrective action. LME also allows the user to "turn on" missing products in SpecLink-E, based on data from Revit. In short, LME is a tool for coordinating the Revit building model (the BIM) with its specifications and (in future) its cost estimate.

More information here.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Selection Master by Revolution Design

Robust Filter Capabilities with Selection Master from Revolution Designs.
















Selection Master supports six types of filters:


  • Parameter
  • Level - Level filters recognize level parameter, work plane, reference level, and schedule level so all offset beams, etc. are included.
  • Family
  • Category
  • Phase Created
  • Phase Demolished


The Selection Master full interface can be used to create filters based on any of these properties or combine as many filters as desired to refine the set. Find all first floor walls created in phase 2 or simply find every element related to the second floor level.


Thursday, August 25, 2011

Eagle Point's Siteworks for Revit

Siteworks™ for Revit® enables architects, designers and planners to shape the terrain for their building sites using grading tools to model pads, parking lots, streets, sidewalks and retaining walls – all within the Revit environment. Siteworks is intended to help these professionals convey preliminary design intent about the building site within the Revit model to help facilitate their collaboration with civil engineers. And because Siteworks runs inside of Revit and uses native families, components and toposurfaces, designs become part of the overall Building Information Model and help with visualizing your conceptual building plans.

Key Benefits

Siteworks for Revit provides architecture firms tremendous time savings in the preliminary design phase by:
  • Providing an early-stage design tool for architects to communicate conceptual design ideas about the building site to civil engineers, who will complete the detailed site design with professional civil engineering tools like AutoCAD® Civil 3D®.
  • Incorporating grading features directly into the Building Information Model to visualize the building site and quickly iterate conceptual designs.
  • Allowing architects, landscape architects and planners to convey design intent and help facilitate collaboration with all project stakeholders including owners and civil engineering firms.


More information here.

Integrate Your Urban Planning, Landscaping and Architecture Practices with Eagle Point's LANDCADD for Revit

LANDCADD™ for Revit® is designed to offer Architects, Landscape Architects or Designers functionality within Autodesk Revit Architecture to quickly and easily lay out site components, as well as produce a landscape design fully integrated into the project. By accessing a wide-range of searchable plants, you are able to customize planting families and then use the LANDCADD tools to locate trees, shrubs, flowers or ground covers into the model. You are also able to layout other landscaping features, such as paths or patios and, not only obtain areas, but also a takeoff of the materials.

Key Benefits

  • Save time with integrated tools that allow you to quickly locate your site components.
  • Model different alternatives for parking stalls, bollards, lights, planting material, etc., by quickly and easily making updates as the design is reviewed.
  • Obtain detailed volume reports for elements such as pavement, sidewalks, and patios with the touch of a button.
  • Design interior or exterior planting plans and green roofs by accessing an extensive library of planting families.
  • Eliminate the need to transfer drawing components back and forth from Revit to AutoCAD back to Revit since all of your landscape design is part of the Revit model.
  • Improve your team collaboration by integrating the landscape design group with your architecture group workflow.

More information here.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Private BIM Clouds with BIM9

The Building Design and Construction industries continue to embrace Building Information Modeling (BIM). With that embrace there is a rapidly growing need for new workshare, remote access and mobility techniques surrounding your BIM data. BIM9 was created to help the industry solve these specific needs.

Do you take the data to the user or the user to the data?

This is a fundamental question in the world of BIM today. The answer lives in the cloud. The challenge is how do you get your design tools into the cloud in a way that works for you. BIM technology tends to have specific needs when it comes to performance. Building owners have security needs that do not play well into traditional cloud technology. Here at BIM9 we have taken industry expertise, combined it with Information Technology (IT) expertise and built the Private BIM Cloud solution to solves these issues.

More information here.

BIM Cloud Computing with Advance2000

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is a metaphor for the Internet, and describes the way information technology (IT) is accessed. It is another way of saying that your applications are hosted at a separate IT facility - such  as a data center - remotely accessible via a secure Internet connection.

What can the Advance2000 Cloud 2.0 do for architectural and engineering firms?

Cloud 2.0 from Advance2000 provides a high performance solution for your graphical work stations. The increased speed, as compared to traditional cloud computing, allows the you to increase productivity and better utilize valuable resources. The collaborative nature of the cloud, with this next- generation computing model, improves cooperation between designers, architects, contractors, and quality control personnel. our experience providing private cloud service to the AeC market has led us to evolve and grow the Advance2000 Cloud 2.0 to better serve your needs.

What sets the Advance2000 Cloud 2.0 apart?

our service levels, support and 99% customer satisfaction rating. We provide 24/7/365 support, guaranteed system up-time, two-factor bio-metrically secured facilities, and data retention which adheres to compliancy required by business. We provide all the benefits of Cloud Computing without forfeiting critical business functions.


Monday, August 22, 2011

Newforma Add-in for Autodesk Revit

The Newforma® Add-in for Autodesk® Revit® allows you to get more out of an investment in BIM by bringing project information management (PIM) capabilities into the Autodesk Revit suite of building information modeling (BIM) applications.

The Newforma Add-in for Revit streamlines the following project information management processes:

Room and spatial data management

Connect room and space planning spreadsheets with live Revit models to enable programming and Revit modeling staff to work asynchronously on a coordinated project room and space program.

Punch list integration

Connect space and system elements in the model with the Spatial Index activity center in Newforma Project Center to provide a consistent, unambiguous framework for the location of punch list and site observation items throughout the facility.


ADN Plugin of the Month Aug 2011: Wall Opening Area for Revit

The Wall Opening Area for Revit plugin calculates the sum of openings on each wall and stores the values in two shared parameters for each wall.

Download the plugin here.

Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012

Revit Extensions for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012 are available to Autodesk subscription customers as a single download and installation.

Modeling Category



Excel Based Model Generation

Generates a Revit model based on data defined in an MS Excel sheet, including levels, columns, beams and walls.

Frame Generator

Defines 3D models of multi-bay frames.

Grids Generator

Generates levels or grid lines in a 3D model.

Wood Framing Walls

Generates timber framing for walls selected in a structure model.

Revit Content: All-in-one Revit Families

Why you'll love All-in-One Revit Families

All-in-One Families are advanced parametric Revit® Families and therefore they are more adjustable then any other Families available. These Families are not just advanced parametric, but optimized to be small in file size and big in functionality. They are developed by a Team of Architects and Revit® Professionals to give you the possibility to setup countless objects with just one single Family rather then to use various Families.

Available All-in-one Revit Families include:


  • All-in-one Escalator - Travelator Family
  • All-in-one Elevator Family
  • All-in-one Door Family
  • All-in-one Window Family
  • All-in-one Sash Window
  • All-in-one Bi-fold / Sliding Door Family
  • All-in-one Garage Door Family
  • All-in-one Seating
  • All-in-one Table
  • All-in-one Kitchen
  • All-in-one Cupboard
  • All-in-one Mac Computer
  • All-in-one Lighting
  • All-in-one Retail Furniture System

More information here.

From PKH Lineworks: ReVVed


ReVVed is a collection of Revit extensions that have been designed with the draftsperson in mind. ReVVed turns repetitive tasks into one click commands. These commands work with architecture, structure and MEP flavors of Revit. Commands like:




  • Text Tools - merge multiple text notes into a single note or change the case of notes.
  • Component Commander - allows loaded components to be searched and found easier.
  • Web Link - opens a web browser to the URL stored in Revit components.
  • Polyline - adjust the total length of end-to-end lines. (Like travel distances)
  • Open Folder - opens Windows Explorer to the folder where the project or linked file is located.
  • Project Commander - store critical information about the currently open project in a handy place.


More information here.

From digipara: ElevatorArchitect

Free elevator plug-in for Autodesk® Revit® software

Elevatorarchitect extends Autodesk® Revit® software with a vertical transportation solution. It supports Revit® users in finding the correct size elevators and professionally guiding them to the point of reaching an optimal 3-D Revit® model.

Create an elevator model within Autodesk® Revit® software

Elevatorarchitect provides free optimized Revit® families to easily create elevator models inside Autodesk® Revit® software. Start the plug-in directly inside Revit® and find the correct size and number of required elevators within seconds.

A reliable guide for elevator systems

Standardize the elevator design process:

How many elevators are required? Will all the main manufacturers fit into the shaft? Elevatorarchitect suggests the number of required elevators, based on simple easy to use traffic analysis. Even complex elevator groups can be created with one click.

Main Features

  • Free Revit® families
  • Revit® schedules
  • Compare elevator manufacturer dimensions
  • Manufacturer Library
  • Integrated Update Service 

More information here.

RevitTV

RevitTV Plug-ins


Packed with time-saving features, you'll save hours on the preparation and issuing contract documentation.




RTV Drawing Manager

  • Automatically update titleblocks, revision schedules and revision clouds.
  • Automatically export multiple drawings to DWF, DWFx, DWG and PDF.
  • Automatically rename exported files with custom parameter names.
  • Automatically record all drawing issues and current drawing revisions.
  • Supports for multiple view scales i.e 1:100,1:200@A1, 1:200,1:400@A3.
  • Full support for Metric and Imperial Revit project units.
  • Fully customizable parameter mapping.

Xrev Transmit

From a company that has been using Revit on a daily basis since 2001 comes the most user friendly, efficient, reliable and accurate way to issue your Revit deliverables. Xrev Transmit transforms the tedious and redundant task of issuing drawings into a simple step by step process.

Increased Productivity

Spend less time worrying about the issue process! Simply select, set, check and issue. Xrev transmit does the rest. Have a cup of coffee or move onto the next project while Xrev transmit generates your selected deliverables in one process.



With features like:

  • Centrally managed settings
  • Simultaneous Printing & Exporting of multiple formats
  • In-built PDF support
  • Automatic File Naming
  • Predefined Output Locations
  • Customisable, automatically generated Word Transmittals


You'll wonder how you ever did without Xrev transmit.

AIM Workbench

The Acoustic Information Model (AIM) Workbench software is a noise prediction tool designed to model the amount of noise that reaches individual spaces within a building project through the mechanical systems. The application uses equipment sound data projected through HVAC system components, noise control accessories, and architectural elements to predict background noise levels of individual spaces.

The AIM Workbench uses the most current industry established standards and calculation methods for noise prediction, including the 2007 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Applications Handbook, Chapter 47, Sound and Vibration Control.

More information here.

ElumTools

What is ElumTools™?

ElumTools is the first fully integrated add-in for Autodesk® Revit® designed to calculate point by point illuminance on any workplane or surface utilizing lighting fixture families and surface geometry already present in the Revit model. ElumTools runs completely inside of Revit allowing quick and easy analysis of any Revit Room or Space including hosted elements and even furniture. An interactive Radiosity-based visualization is a by-product of the calculation enhancing the understanding of light and surface.

Why ElumTools?


  • The ability to easily integrate real point-by-point illuminance calculations for any Room or Space (or other geometry) with your Revit projects
  • Leverage all Revit content - no import or export
  • Utilize any luminaire family and assign photometric sources if not already present
  • Calculate only the geometry you need
  • Place illuminance points on any surface or workplane
  • Fully interactive draft visualization for every calculation including scaled Pseudocolor
  • Optionally include hosted elements such as doors and windows
  • Optionally include furniture etc
  • See illuminance points in any view you select
  • Statistics available to Revit schedules
  • Operates in Revit 2012 MEP or Architecture
  • The same proven calculation engine as industry standard AGi32 software
  • So intuitive anyone can do it!
  • No training necessary!
  • Watch our videos and try a demo!
  • Shred the time it takes for your lighting workflow!


For more information click here.

BIMAssist for Revit

Exclusively from Advanced Solutions

BIMAssist™ for Revit® adds a powerful set of productivity tools to Autodesk Revit. BIMAssist for Revit currently supports Revit 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.















BIMAssist™ for Revit® Features

  • Supports Revit Architecture, Structure, and MEP. 
  • Modular support for productivity tools.  When new tools are added, they can easily be added to your BIMAssist for Revit menu.
  • Automatic Update keeps your modules current. 

BIMAssist™ for Revit® Utilities

Case Update

  • Update the casing of text elements in bulk for a single view or a whole project.
  • Supports Upper Case, Lower Case, and Title Case.
  • Interface includes type filtering, zoom to element, and individual element editing capabilities.

Door Mark Manager

  • Intuitive interface for selecting Door Marks to manage.
  • Suggests appropriate values for missing Door Marks.
  • Allows user to Zoom To particular doors.
  • Quickly apply changes to Door Marks individually or in bulk.


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Roombook Extension

The Roombook Extension for Autodesk® Revit® Architecture 2012 software helps calculate the surface area of walls, floors and ceiling elements, room circumferences and the total number of furnishing elements within a project.

In addition to the automated detection of room areas and surfaces, this extension helps users configure these elements manually to local requirements, as well as achieve more accurate model take-offs. Quantified results can be exported to Microsoft® Excel® software and Autodesk® Quantity Takeoff (QTO) software.


Autodesk subscription customers can download the Roombook Extension for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012 here.

Excitech Revit Coordinate Scheduling Tool

The Excitech Revit Toolkit is a set of utilities developed and published by Excitech to enhance the benefits you get from Revit technology.

The Revit toolkit contains a modular installation utility that makes additional utilities easy to add in and manage.

The first tool released is for Coordinate Scheduling.

Revit Coordinate Scheduling Tool

The FREE Excitech Revit Coordinate Scheduling application is a powerful tool for Revit Architecture, Revit Structure and Revit MEP that will enable users to automatically acquire precise X, Y and Z coordinates from certain Revit objects.

This allows users to more rapidly produce schedules of, for example, piling and services; as well as to publish coordinates for complex geometry across 3D space.

The coordinates are added to the objects element properties which will allow schedules to be generated and tags to be placed.


Print to PDF with Bluebeam PDF Revu CAD

Smart. Efficient. Powerful.

Bluebeam PDF Revu CAD improves communication, productivity and collaboration on projects by enabling digital processes from design, through bid and build. The professional PDF solution for CAD users, Revu CAD provides powerful PDF creation, markup and editing features for a paperless workflow.

Use Bluebeam's plugins for AutoCAD®, Revit®, SolidWorks® and MS Office for one-button PDF creation and batch options, or use the Bluebeam PDF printer to convert other CAD and Windows files to 10 different file formats. Bluebeam automatically reads your drawing's orientation, scale, line weights, merged lines, plot style table, and page size, so there is no need to adjust your settings. View 3D models in PDFs and digitally redline PDF drawings with industry standard markups including text, clouds, highlights, CAD symbols, stamps, images and measurements. Save custom markups in the patented Tool Chest™ for easy reuse, and use Bluebeam's editing capabilities to assemble PDFs of RFIs, submittals, bid sets and more. Perform cost calculations, automatically compare drawings, track markups in a list, integrate with SharePoint® or ProjectWise®, go mobile on a tablet PC and collaborate in real time with Bluebeam Studio™.

Pricing starts at $239 per seat. Volume discounts are available, with up to 63% off.

More information here.