Who's afraid of the Big Bad BIM?

A Road Map to Successful BIM

2012-01-21T06:46:00.000-06:00

A road map to successful BIM for you, will most likely be different than the map that shows the route most effective for me. It’s a very personal, firm specific thing. No one else's map will get you where you need to go. So in an effort to make BIM explorers (as opposed to BIM navigators) out of my dear readers, I encourage you to plan your own route. In that vein, if you’ve struggled with

Navisworks Animation Bug

2012-01-14T07:10:00.003-06:00

I don't know if the bug is in the program or in the user ;) but the effects sure are apparent. Does anyone know why this is happening? Or how (or maybe if) it can be fixed? The Big Bad BIM is afraid of annoyed by Animation

Blu Configurator: BIM Online

2012-01-11T06:03:00.001-06:00

An innovator in offsite-manufactured homes, Blu Homes is using an online 3D home configurator to allow buyers to to choose between different models, options and finishes in their unique line of homes. Click the image below to get started Some will say that this isn’t BIM, but just a 3D model. However, I’ve said before that a powerful part of BIM is being able to communicate a space to an

Revit Type Catalog Error

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

A fellow Bimmer sent me this capture of a warning he was getting after working on adding some information to a Revit family. I turned this over to a trusted co-worker (frankly one of the most logical minds I’ve ever met) who was well aware of the error. He fixed up the catalog and sent it out for use with no further problems. Examining the error, we see that Revit is trying to tell us that

The most entertaining post of the year...(part Deux)

2012-01-08T13:57:00.003-06:00

It's going to be a very long year if Randy keeps this up. Just go subscribe to BIM + Integrated Design so I can stop echoing the cleverness. The Architect (2012) a film review

NAVISWORKS 2012 DWF WORKAROUND

2012-01-06T22:07:00.001-06:00

THE PROBLEM: I had been hearing about, but had yet to experience a rather nasty bug in Navisworks 2012 that prevents you from updating models created from DWF files… until yesterday. (Note: if you’re familiar with the bug you can skip to THE FIX below.) This is the error you will receive when trying to refresh a NWF created from DWF or DWFx files that has changes. Funny thing is, if you open

The most entertaining post of the year...

2012-01-02T17:39:00.001-06:00

Don't let today being Jan 2 keep you from going over to BIM + Integrated Design and reading something very clever.

A New Year, a New Leaf, a New...

2012-01-02T11:57:00.000-06:00

BLOG!!! As of Jan 1st I'm unleashing my non-BIM side into the Blogosphere. Often I find myself with ideas for blog posts that are soooo outside the realm of the Big Bad BIM that there is just now ay to squeeze them in. Now they have a place to reside. http://threekindsofplaid.blogspot.com/ Check out the "First Post" for some explanation.

2012: a Big Bad Year?

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

The Mesoamerican Long Count calendar (sometimes called the Mayan calendar) is coming to an end this year. The most hyped phenomenon related to this event is The End of Days. You probably were aware of this (unless you don’t have access to The Discovery Channel, BBC, History Channel, NPR, or the Internet.) Anticipated by some, is a period of enlightenment where people and social conditions

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

Apparently, 2D CAD is still useful for something. Know your limits and celebrate responsibly. Architects Guide to Drinks (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s);

AU 2011: Another one down…(a little late)

2011-12-27T15:22:00.000-06:00

Hmmmm, Forgot to actually publish this post. Think of it like finding a $20 bill in your winter coat pocket after a long hot Summer. Finally home and recovering from a totally packed week in Las Vegas. While I am still processing all that I saw and experienced, here are a few things that stood out (to me anyway.) Attendance seemed to be up from 2009 (the last time I attended.) The Cloud is

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:36:00.000-06:00

I don't know where this came from (I swiped it from Revit Architecture's Facebook page) Happy Holidays Everyone. Here's to a Happy New Year.

Effective meetings: of Firemen and Donuts

2011-12-23T08:07:00.000-06:00

If I could just apply this to meetings in my life... From Seth Godin’s Blog: Firemen, donuts and meetings

The Glue that holds it all together…

2011-12-22T21:12:00.000-06:00

The glue that holds all relationships together -- including the relationship between the leader and the led is trust, and trust is based on integrity.” –Brian Tracy (Self-Help Author)At AU 2011 Autodesk announced it’s intent to acquire Horizontal Systems (developers of Horizontal Glue.) The deal is expected to close before the end of Autodesk’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, which ends Jan. 31,

Hype-er-model?

2011-12-20T21:11:00.000-06:00

Hypermodel. What’s all the Hype… about a Model? It’s everything BIM should be, that's what it is. Rob Snyder has started a string of posts at Bentley Colleague Blogs dating all the way back to June 2010 (really? 2010? we’re not jumping up and down about this?) talking about the concept of “Hypermodeling.” The concept (according to Rob) “The 3D model is infused on demand, automatically and

AU 2011: Certified Professional

2011-12-03T13:30:00.001-06:00

Well, I finally sat down and spent the time to take the Revit Certified Professional exam. Having come from an Autodesk support back ground (when I was an Application Engineer with a Value Added Retailer (VAR)) I didn't really see much need to take the exam. Given the opportunity to sit for the exam at no cost during AU why wouldn't I? For the cost of a couple of hours of my time (quite a bit

AU 2011: 3D pdfs from SimLab Soft

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

Worthy of more review is SimLab Soft’s SimLab Composer and it’s ability to produce 3D pdfs with multiple saved views and animations. Making BIM easily digestible for non-tech savvy users. SimLab has no fear of the Big Bad BIM Note: in case you haven’t noticed, I’m using these posts to capture technologies and processes to look into further. My apologies if your RSS reader is overflowing. Of

3Dconnexion releases a new mouse

2011-11-30T09:06:00.000-06:00

I haven't had a chance to use any of 3Dconnexion's 3D peripherals for at least 5 years. I was excited about them then and they continue to hold a fascination for me. As someone who spends more than 3/4 of their waking hours in a 3D virtual environment, I am interested in anything that can make the experience more efficient and enjoyable. I can't wait to try them all at the Exhibit hall.

AU 2011: POINTKNOWN launches PKNAIL

2011-11-30T08:53:00.000-06:00

Long awaited (by me at least) Point Known launches PKNAIL Pro yesterday at AU 2011 (how appropriate.) To truly use BIM to full effectiveness there is a real need for accurate existing conditions capture. PKNail translates “…measurements directly from wireless laser range finders into a BIM workstation…” With reality capture such a wide ranging topic, it will be interesting to see where

AU 2011:Get the point?

2011-11-29T18:46:00.001-06:00

A focus of AU 2011 has been both the front end and downstream usage of the BIM. A real upcoming force in using BIM for field layout is Get the Point (GTP.) FROM THE DRAWING TO THE DIRT TO THE DECK because the job waits for no one. Adding survey point information to multiple BIM file formats ( notably Revit and Navisworks) and pushing that data to a robotic total station for field

AU 2011: Snubbed again

2011-11-28T16:23:00.000-06:00

Yet again I haven't been invited to a Revit Blogger/ Media event. Maybe I need to post more than once a year...? :) Maybe next year.

AU 2011: Design Review Mobile for Android???

2011-11-28T15:09:00.000-06:00

Newsflash! Autodesk has just launched a Beta testing site for Design Review Mobile on Android devices. Visit http://www.autodesk.com/designreviewmobileandroid and enter your email address and Android device type to be considered for the Beta testing group.

AU 2011:Leadeship Forum Keynote

2011-11-28T13:10:00.000-06:00

An inspiring kickoff to what looks to be another incredible Autodesk University. Memorable quotes: WOW! and UH-OH! (Think: which one of these reactions do I want my customers to have and which do I want my competition to have?) "How do we get the dogs to eat the dogfood?" (in relation to implementing strategies at the user level.) The five main disruptive technology sectors in the AEC

Get your 3Dconnexion to AU

2011-10-25T05:40:00.001-05:00

I’m already booked for AU, but I figured I should pass this along. Hmmmm, I should could use a SpacePilot though…. 3Dconnexion is offering a trip to Autodesk University in Las Vegas on Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, as well as a airfare, accommodations and a SpacePilot PRO 3D mouse. Submission will only be accepted by midnight U.S. PDT on November 7, 2011. For details, please see terms and conditions. The

Design Review for iPad...

2011-09-25T15:56:00.000-05:00

...finally! Released today. Just in time for my birthday. Thanks Autodesk. :) Design Review Mobile

Early registration for AU members now officialy open

2011-08-30T11:35:00.002-05:00

Get busy people... http://au.autodesk.com/

An Echo...

2011-04-28T20:10:00.000-05:00

Now's your chance to give feedback on possible new tools for Stairs and Railings in Revit. Speak now, or for ever hold your whining... Revit OpED Stairs and Railings

Autodesk University 2011 Call for Proposals

2011-03-29T13:40:00.000-05:00

Submission dealine is May 6. Learn more here.

EastCoast CAD's game changer

2010-12-15T11:45:00.000-06:00

EastCoast CAD announced today last month (why didn't I know about this?) that they have released a tool to bring Revit duct systems into their CAD/CAM solution. Read more here.

BIM MANDATE

2010-11-18T06:37:00.001-06:00

Last week Sanford Rose Associates presented the most recent in their series of “Healthcare Design and Construction” webinars: “The BIM Mandate: Why Hospitals will require BIM for all future projects.” I encourage anyone interested in the state of implementation of BIM and VDC in our industry to watch the recording of this two hour panel discussion. There is a cost ($139 per their website) but

Reality Capture for REVIT

2010-11-12T21:13:00.002-06:00

IMAGINiT has released an application that appears will greatly streamline and simplify creating BIM from Laser Scans. Until now, the process for importing a laser scan point cloud into a modeling platform was fairly convoluted. Enter Scan to BIM. Just being able to import a point cloud directly into Revit would be useful, but this application allows the user to snap walls and openings to

Mastering Autodesk Revit MEP 2011

2010-10-08T20:05:00.000-05:00

Guess what arrived on my desk yesterday? Yep, you guessed it. They have finally released an authoritative text for Revit MEP. HOORAY!! I haven’t even cracked the spine, so an in depth review will have to wait. As a matter of fact, with all that I have going on right now I have sent it home with one of my associates for the weekend. I’m sure he will dig deep. :) Thank you Bokmiller,

Don’t discount the 3D…

2010-10-07T22:02:00.001-05:00

In all the buzz of 4D, 5D and even 6D (whatever the heck that is) I think the power of 3D visualization has been overly discounted. Personally, I’m not into photorealistic renderings that attempt to show a space exactly as it would be in reality. I appreciate the work and artistry that goes into it. I appreciate the level of detail that goes into that work, but its just not my bag. (

AutoCAD WS for iPhone and iPad…

2010-09-29T20:22:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Clark Morgan at VirCon for making me aware of the AutoCAD WS app for iPhone and iPad. I downloaded it tonight to my brand new iPad. (Happy Birthday to me, thanks honey (p.s. don’t tell her that there is a new version to be released sometime around Christmas. Ignorance is Bliss.)) So, the APP is kind of cool, but I think the concept is awesome! Here is an application for

Vico is hiring

2010-09-25T20:23:00.001-05:00

For those looking, Vico has some interesting opportunities. General Description Vico Project Engineers are embedded in customer projects as project resources and perform standard Project Engineer tasks, powered by Vico Software tools. Project Engineers typically work on a large construction project for one or two years. After a successful Project Engineer project, PEs can become On-Site

BIM Texas 2010

2010-09-24T06:47:00.001-05:00

My man on the scene reports that BIM Texas 2010 is well attended by representatives from all sectors of the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owners) industry. This year’s theme is “Understanding the Gap: What Owners want v. what Contractors can deliver.” I have a feeling that good things will come from this event and it will inspire at least a few posts on this blog. Thank

In the event of a discrepancy…

2010-09-16T06:01:00.001-05:00

While commenting on a post at BIM MANAGER, I started to think about how we reconcile discrepancies in project information. Traditionally the drawings have taken precedent. But which drawing? The design intent drawing or the shop drawing? Plumbing waste plan or the waste isometric? Heck, even plan, section and elevation are known to have information that’s not coordinated in traditionally drafted

In Remembrance- 9-11-2001

2010-09-11T08:09:00.000-05:00

Never Forget... All gave some, and Some gave all. In Remembrance of the 2700+...

AU 2010 Advance Registration

2010-09-07T19:59:00.001-05:00

In case you didn't get your reminder email. Advanced registration for attending AU in Las Vegas opens today (for AU members.) Get busy. Click Here.

Vela Systems and Autodesk

2010-09-04T14:35:00.001-05:00

I’m a little behind in talking about this, but Vela Systems has closed a Series B round of investing in which they raised a reported $6 M. Autodesk was a significant partner in this investment. Read the press release. The the thing that I find encouraging is that this shows Autodesk’s commitment to using BIM in the field and throughout the Building Lifecycle. Good luck to Vela Systems as they

Don’t put your BIM in a Box!

2010-08-28T20:54:00.001-05:00

What can a BIM be used for? Think outside of the Box. A better question is how can I use BIM for ? I ran across an interesting use yesterday. How can Emergency Response Services use a BIM? It doesn’t take much thought to think of dozens of ways. Mostly they are related to visualization. Cameras placed in the model can simulate planned security cameras and validate the

Why would Owners want BIM?

2010-08-27T22:14:00.000-05:00

In response to a discussion at a Group I belong to on Linked IN (BIM for Owners) I got a little lengthy. I'm not sure that those without Linked In accounts can view the discussion, so I have re-posted it here. I think the “Why” of BIM is directly related to where it is applied in the building lifecycle. In the early design stage the owner benefits from 3D visual communication of the designer’

Manufacturer Content, PIM, et al. (part 1)

2010-08-21T22:27:00.001-05:00

For a while now, I have restrained from commenting on BIM content (for the Revit platform or otherwise) from Product Manufacturers/Suppliers, also called PIM (Product Information Models (or Modeling.)) Mostly this is due to some negative experiences I have had with Product Suppliers/Manufacturers content as well as the fact that I have noticed a general trend of improvement in that same content.

Can a Big Corporation Adopt BIM and IPD?

2010-08-21T16:04:00.004-05:00

I often hear about how hard it is to get a “Big Ship” to “answer the helm” and “come about” on a new “course.” Ok, maybe I’m the only one who describes it that way, but I do hear about how difficult it is for a large corporation to switch gears to use BIM enabled-IPD. What if… Your company didn’t have to switch gears? You have a long corporate culture of innovation and imagination… You were

Laser Scanning from a Backpack

2010-08-12T22:13:00.002-05:00

Incredible. Between PKNail and emergent technology like this, I see a real future in gathering existing facilities information into BIM databases...

A model progression…?

2010-08-10T22:52:00.002-05:00

Here’s one to contemplate: How do we construct models that allow us to leverage the efforts of those that have used the model before us and increase the information in the model without losing information and keeping the model lean enough to function effectively? Just because we are using a BIM authoring tool, doesn’t mean that we have removed all of the disconnected silos of information in the

Notes from the Field (BIM)

2010-08-07T16:36:00.001-05:00

As we start getting deep into our first project that is taking advantage of using a BIM for Subcontractor level Spatial Coordination (also called Clash detection and Trade Coordination) I thought I would post a series on what we are learning. If lack of knowledge and inexperience combine to form mistakes, then repetition (to gain experience) plus the ability to learn from your mistakes (

Surveyor come Modeler

2010-07-22T21:30:00.003-05:00

As Builts… Existing Conditions… Field Verify… All of these require at best a Professional Surveyor (at best, unless it comes out of your pocket) at worst a couple of schmucks with a Tape Measure. Hey, I’ve been on both the "smart" and “dumb” ends of that tape and the whole process can be a frustrating, error filled, slog to get as much information as possible. Wouldn’t it be an awesome

Proper Properties Pallete (echo?)

2010-07-14T20:51:00.003-05:00

In a slight echo (a fun house reflection maybe) of Steve’s post over at Revit Oped I want to offer up a behavior you should be aware of when using the new functionality of allowing the Properties Dialog to be available at all times. First, I want to say that I LOVE this functionality. The ability to access a family’s properties with just a click of the object or the properties of a view at any

BIM Breakfast-5th Tuesdays

2010-06-30T06:37:00.005-05:00

Yesterday morning my alarm went off at 4:30 am. It took awhile for the haze of sleep to clear enough for me to not want to throw it out the window. Then I realized that I had to meet some colleagues at the Office to make the hour trek to Wauwatosa (just west of Milwaukee, WI) for the inaugural BIM Breakfast-5th Tuesdays.Thanks to Ryan Lent from R. Lent Group for organizing the event and

The BIG BAD BIM is Back!

2010-06-29T21:53:00.002-05:00

The last few months have been fun filled and action packed… Well, filled and packed anyway. At the office some scope creep in our implementation has kept our team SUPER busy, but some interesting things have come out of it. Our original scope of work for this past calendar year was to be able to deliver “documents to support the project delivery process” (i.e. SD, DD, and CD quality documents)

iPad? Deliver it by Courier...

2010-01-28T19:38:00.004-06:00

The iPad is pretty cool in a "I don't really know what its for." sort of way. But I think I like the "Secret" Microsoft Courier more....Courier feature preview.Thanks to Steve Stafford at Revit OpEd for posting the first I've seen about this neat little device.

3d head tracking from Apple... for BIM!

2010-01-05T19:24:00.007-06:00

Houston Neal from Software Advice dropped me a quick email about a technology Apple has filed a patent for. Take a look at how it migfht be used for viewing a BIM.This technology seems very similar to a commercially available 6 DOF (Degrees Of Freedom) head tracker call TrackIR from Natural Point, a shareware solution called FreeTrack, and Johnny Chung Lee's Wii remote head tracking solution (

A Christmas present for my wife…

2009-12-25T06:00:00.002-06:00

I don’t often have personal posts on my blog, but with the two little girls, being busy at work, etc (I know we are ALL busy this time of year) I wasn’t able to get everything I wanted for my wife. So, right about now we are waking up and making our way down the stairs with the girls. It’s a first Christmas for one and the first that the other will really remember. What my wife doesn’t know

Happy Holidays... I think.

2009-12-20T07:21:00.002-06:00

Rather than compose my own politically correct, religiously neutral, legally viable, and morally responsible Holiday Greeting, I will just link to the all encompassing greeting at REVIT Structure Learning Curve.Happy Holidays All!! Even you CAD users out there...

Santa is a Reviteer?....

2009-12-19T07:02:00.003-06:00

The general Revit population, must have been good boys and girls this year. Check out this link to a special Christmas Eve gift from Arch in 3D.Happy Holidays and Peace on Earth.

AU 2009 Classes available online…

2009-12-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

At least according to the email I recently got from AU. I haven’t double checked, but here is the link if you want to see for yourself. AU 2009Yep they are there... Just checked.

Autodesk Design Review Usage and Features Prioritization Survey

2009-12-09T19:55:00.002-06:00

Take the 10 mins and give your feedback on Design Review. This is your chance to influence which way the product develops and help ADSK understand who uses the product and how they are using it. Can’t hurt, might help. Link to Survey

AU afterglow… aftermath…

2009-12-07T20:40:00.002-06:00

I suppose it depends on your viewpoint, but no matter who you are, another AU is in the bag… While I haven’t heard any hard numbers yet, the estimates I heard run from 5900-6800, but I think that those are all hearsay. Even as a newcomer, I can tell that it had been scaled back. From stories of hotel suites with sunken living rooms and free top-shelf booze last year to the reality of this year

AU 2009 Day 3 Part 2

2009-12-03T20:41:00.002-06:00

While I have been a fan of his blog for awhile, I didn’t expect the sheer amount of personality that David Butts posses (as was evidenced by his Gold 2010 shaped glasses, his Mardi Gras bead prizes for audience participation.) In his class MP314-1 Revit MEP Powerful tips and tricks is a must watch for anyone in the beginning to intermediate stages of using Revit MEP. When this is posted online

AU 2009 Day 3

2009-12-03T16:43:00.002-06:00

One thing I didn’t expect (I probably should have) is that having all of this dialog with other users and managers involved in the BIM/VDC/IPD process has given me NUMEROUS ideas for future blog posts. I HAVE been taking notes and hopefully I will be able to get these ideas out here for everyone to share in the upcoming weeks. One of the stand out sessions (for me anyway) from yesterday was put

Still Alive and Well in AU

2009-12-02T11:42:00.003-06:00

Contrary to what my wife may think, I AM alive and doing well here in the vast Nevada desert. Today is shaping up to be quite busy and full of information, but I wanted to take a moment and give some quick props to Laura Handler (Tocci Building Corp) and David Epps (Holder Construction) for there presentation of the different ways Contractors can arrive at a BIM. They talked about the pros and

Alive and well in Vegas...

2009-12-01T08:40:00.004-06:00

Touched down around Noon yesterday and had a pretty laid-back afternoon. Took in the "daytime" Strip (the place is so over-the-top,) watched part of a disappointing football game (C'mon Pats, you're killin' me) and checked out the AEC Mixer.Somehow I missed the invite to the Blogger mixer, heck I didn't even know there was one. Ah well, guess that's what I get for not posting much in the days

AU's a comin'....

2009-11-23T19:14:00.003-06:00

I'm a goin'. Are you? I hope so.Although attendance is projected to be down considerably from last year, it looks to shaping up to a great event.This will be my first time attending, and I am open invitations to share an adult beverage of choice and shoot the .... Revit.And contrary to popular belief, I'm pretty sure when it's your first time that the rounds not on YOU, but on everyone else.

Revit X- files

2009-11-16T20:48:00.003-06:00

Mechanical and Electrical Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) StrangenessThere is a strange behavior, when a RCP’s Discipline parameter is set to either Mechanical or Electrical, that has caused a problem for us on a couple of occasions. Normally the view parameter Underlay Orientation is grayed out and not available when there is no Underlay selected. However, when a view (any view) is set to

All aboard the Boolean Express

2009-11-11T20:24:00.003-06:00

Today's post is by a guest blogger. Eric Shappe is a BIM Content Administrator in our office. A Revit Family Guru. He's going to take us on a journey on the Boolean Express.We have lots of fun with conditional statements in our office. There's no "ifs, ands, or buts but there are plenty of IFs, ANDs, or NOTs.We have done a lot of experimenting with using YES/NO parameters (Check Boxes) to

C,c,c... What begins with C?

2009-10-08T06:16:00.002-05:00

Columns, ceilings, calculated values all begin with C. (If you don't get the title reference I'm sorry. You must have lead a very deprived childhood.)After many months of pounding the dangling "C" key on my trusty laptop (lets just say that laptops and small dogs don't mix)I have finally replaced the whole keyboard. Thank you EBAY! and thank you Dell for making a laptop keyboard so easy to

Revit® Architecture 2010 — Update 2 Just Released [Service Pack]

2009-09-30T19:56:00.002-05:00

Thanks to David Gregory at Revit 3D.com.http://bimboom.blogspot.com/2009/09/revit-architecture-2010-update-2-just.htmlAnd Directly here:http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=12828862

Design in the Cloud? BIM software as a service?

2009-09-18T20:09:00.005-05:00

It's Alive in the Labs posted a link to Project Twitch today. Here you can us Revit, Inventor, or AutoCAD without installing it. What? It's called Cloud Computing or Software as a Service and software (in some sectors) is moving to this model.The advantages are that you can access the application from anywhere (limited to 1000 mi from the server in this preview) and not just at your desktop and

In Remembrance- 9/11/2001

2009-09-11T06:25:00.002-05:00

Never Forget...All gave some, and Some gave all.In Remembrance of the 2700+...

"If you don't like change, you're going to like irrelevance even less."

2009-09-01T06:09:00.002-05:00

I don't know what was the context for the above quote from General Eric Shinseki, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, but I think it sums up the BIM movement very well.This comes from an article posted over on Revit 3D.comYou an also jumped directly to the article. Please read this if you want to know what BIM can do for you and why you need to be thinking about a new way of deliverying information to

AU 2009 Early Registration

2009-08-13T06:12:00.002-05:00

Early Registration for AU 2009 started yesterday at around 8:00 am CT ( at least that's when the first folks in our office were able to get in the system.) If you are planning in early registration then get in soon as classes are filling.Good Luck and see you there!!!!

My OTHER Favorite...

2009-08-11T20:15:00.004-05:00

(Credit where credit's due: I wish I knew where this came from, but it's been a round the block at least once)

My all-time Favorite Revit Error

2009-08-10T09:03:00.002-05:00

I got this error opening a file. It's short, to the point and has limited options. I love it!!!

Autodesk and Vela Systems = BIM for the Feild

2009-08-09T10:19:00.003-05:00

Autodesk has recently announced that they will be collaborating with Vela Systems to bring a more integrated use of BIM to the jobsite.By linking Vela's RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) material tracking, BIM on tablet computers and Autodesk's Navisworks model, Field personel can track and report the status of materials and help others visualize the progress of the project.Read more here.

Classic UI in Revit 2010

2009-07-30T16:09:00.001-05:00

From a coworker's email:Well - it's happened... Classic UI in Revit 2010!http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=13126336&linkID=9243099I have mixed feelings, but none the less - it's out there now. More to come I'm sure...

Adding a new parameter to your family...

2009-07-26T15:57:00.004-05:00

Cheesey yes, but the lack of sleep and joy of a new baby often combine, with the effect being cheese...My family's newest parameter...Values:Length= 20"Weight= 7lbs 8ozPersonality= Sleepy

Revit and MAC....?

2009-07-21T19:44:00.003-05:00

What is this world coming to?Check out what the Revit Clinic has to say.What is this world coming to...? I would say it's coming to a point of REAL Collaboration.

Revit and the new Janesville, WI Hospital and Clinic

2009-07-16T21:34:00.001-05:00

One of our big projects just signed a contract for construction. St. Mary’s Janesville Hospital and Dean Health System Clinic in Janesville Wisconsin. From a October, 2008 Press Release: “Dean Health System and SSM Health Care of Wisconsin also announced today that Erdman, a Cogdell Spencer Company, in a joint venture with Shepley Bulfinch of Boston and J.P. Cullen & Sons, Inc. of

Is Revit faster than…

2009-07-08T22:04:00.002-05:00

I’m SO tired of the questions/observations/comments on the speed of Revit in delivering a project. Is Revit faster than (AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, etc., etc.?) I thought Revit was supposed to be faster than CAD… It takes forever to compared to CAD.Seriously? Which is faster?This? Or this? Don’t get the connection? Me

A new Custom Revit API search engine...

2009-07-08T19:27:00.004-05:00

Rod, over at Rod.net has created a custom google search that will narrow down the information returned from google when you're only interested in Revit API (Application Programming Interface.)Anyone looking for that kind of info should try it @ Revit API Search EngineFrom Rod's site:"Searches through Revit API information sources, predominantly blogs. Email me at rodhowarth257 at gmail (dot)com (

Service Pack Update 1 now available

2009-07-07T20:33:00.003-05:00

Service Pack Update 1 now available for Revit platforms (as i'm sure you have heard.)RAC 2010 SP1RME 2010 SP1RST 2010 SP1Enjoy.Make sure you read the READ ME (that's why they call it that, der.)Note: This is a Service Pack release and not a full install. You must have the full release installed proir to installing the SP.And yes, this is me "Jumping on the Bandwagon"...

Revit MEP to Fabrication

2009-07-06T20:19:00.002-05:00

Technical Sales International, LLC (TSI) seems to be one of the first (if not THE first) to develop an interface to translate a Revit model to fabrication programs such as their CAD-Duct, CAM-Duct, etc. etc.From the video description:"we have bridged the gap between Design BIM and Manufacturing BIM by providing a direct path from design files created with AutoCAD Revit MEP 2010 HVAC, Pipe, and

Go with the Flow… for Hydronic Baseboards

2009-07-05T16:47:00.004-05:00

Hydronic baseboard (HBB) heat works a little differently than most systems in Revit MEP. And there doesn’t seem to be a good out-of-the-box (OOTB) solution.Most systems in Revit function by totaling the flow of the terminal units at their source equipment (i.e. five air terminals with a flow of 100 cfm will report 500 cfm at the Terminal Air Unit (TAU) that feeds it.) HBB flow a given amount

Can't see objects through a link? Try this...

2009-07-03T20:29:00.014-05:00

I've known about this issue for awhile, but a post over at the Revit Garage brought it to the front of my mind when we were having an issue with linked file where we couldn't see any geometry in the host file. Note: you can set each view in the host file so that the Link is "by linked view" but that is a view specific setting and not really practical.If you have checked all the usual suspects (

The Revit X-Files

2009-06-29T19:30:00.010-05:00

The truth is out there... I think.So this is a new category of posts here at Big Bad BIM. Reminiscent of Revit OpEd's Department of Unfair. This will be the repository for all the freaky,weird, off-the-wall Revit stuff that just drives me CRAZY!!!I think Autodesk calls these "service requests." Ok, ok, I'll try to log those too.First installment comes from our Mechanical Engineering department.

A BIM filled week

2009-06-24T19:31:00.004-05:00

It has been long week already, and it's only Wednesday!Monday was the first meeting of the Madison MEP User's Group that I have attended. Being new to the area it was great to be invited. Thanks to Westphal Electric for hosting and thanks to Scott Brisk (Revit MEP blog) for facilitating (thanks for the invite Scott!!) There was no particular application affinity in this group, although it seemed

"Family Type" Parameter in a Type Catalog Part 2

2009-06-12T22:56:00.007-05:00

JING is great, but the .swf files are a pain to embed on Blogger.Who's afraid of the Big Bad BIM? finally has a YouTube Channel. Hooray for technology.The quality still isn't great. From Jing (freeware) through a trial .swf convereter (also free) to YouTube. I guess I will have to spring for Camtasia after all... Fathers day is coming... Hmmmmmmm.I recommend viewing AT YouTube's site>Clicking

"Family Type" Parameter in a Type Catalog

2009-06-10T20:17:00.017-05:00

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Let's hope so fans. Of course I think the actual quote is "Absence makes the heart grow fonder... for someone closer." If that's the case, I hope my favorite Revit bloggers got a bump in readership. :)In a comment on an earlier post, a reader asked if it is possible to drive Nested Families with a type catalog. In a subsequent email he issued a

Revit MEP (Plumbing) Piping Flow: another second class citizen

2009-04-15T19:11:00.009-05:00

Warning: What follows is a rant fest filled with WAY more information about MY ideas of how both plumbing design and Revit MEP work. Any deviation from reality on either subject can wholly be attributed to a 14 month old daughter, a pregnant wife and a looming Revit configuration deadline. Please excuse my definite lack of plumbing design knowledge. See one, do one, teach one, I always say.Revit

Trouble finding hidden elements in Revit? Use; Select by ID

2009-04-03T19:27:00.006-05:00

This handy feature can really save you when you are trying to figure out what objects are causing issues in your project.The other day I was trying to resolve some warnings related to switching a wall from one type to another that was not as wide in section. I wish that I had taken a screen shot of the warnings... there were 18 warnings (cannot be ignored) and 9 errors (Revit telling you that you

The Key to Giving 100%

2009-03-27T19:15:00.001-05:00

I don't really like to link to others Blogs. But you just can't argue with logic.

Autodesk 2010 Design and Engineering Software Product Line Now Available

2009-03-24T12:44:00.002-05:00

YAY!!!I hope you're on subscription and your copy is in the mail...Follow the link to the full press release.

Revit Type Catalog Tip

2009-03-12T19:01:00.008-05:00

Type Catalogs are a great tool to drive parameters and to keep your project file size under control.Some families (like structural wide-flange steel) have so many types that it is nice to only bring the types that you need into your project.To create a Type Catalog, start a new session of Notepad or some other text editor (not Word though, the formatting will cause errors in the Catalog.)The

BIMwash, the new snake oil?

2009-03-10T19:34:00.008-05:00

I'd like to take a moment and try and define a new term.BIMwash.A portmanteau (a word that contains two words and combines their meanings) of BIM (building information modeling) and whitewash ( a thin paint-like coating that washes away slowly in the rain.)More and more projects are requiring BIM. Sometimes the Design firm is requiring BIM from the GC and subs. Sometimes the Owner is requiring

Open Source Building Information Model (BIM) Server (Round 2)

2009-03-10T08:44:00.003-05:00

David Harrison linked to a post on his site that gives a far more in-depth discription of what a BIM Server is and how it could effect the industry. It can be found here.I figured I would bring this to the front page.Thanks Dave.

Open Source Building Information Model (BIM) Server

2009-03-09T21:19:00.003-05:00

An interesting idea. I have to admit I found the site a little lacking in useful information. But then again, I have to plead complete ingnorance when it comes to servers.Check it out here.

The power of Revit Subcategories

2009-02-25T20:22:00.012-06:00

In my last post, I spoke about the importance of placing the symbolic line work of Pipe Fitting famlies on the correct subcategory (or in that case, that it was on the actual Family Category "Pipe Fitting.")One of the ways to get the most control over the visibility of objects in Revit is to use various combinations of Graphic Overrides, View Templates and Filters that select objects by their "

Broken Revit MEP pipe fittings

2009-01-29T20:47:00.003-06:00

Part of my duties at Erdman is to QC the engineering content that is being created. Some of our content is being created in-house and we are outsourcing quite a bit as well. A number of the pipe fittings that we received from our content vendor arrived in this condition. When the view’s detail was set above a “Fine” level, the symbolic line that represents the pipe continues through the fitting.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-23T21:34:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas everybody.I'd like to thank everyone for all their support over the past few months as this blog has gotten off the ground. It's been fun and a great learning experience.My first week at Erdman has given me some insight into the challenges of implementing Revit into a fairly large Design Build/Integrated Project Delivery firm. I'd have to say that they are not few and far between,