AU2012 Autodesk University Call for Submissions Ends Today: Got Mine, You Yours?

Here's to all of the thousands of people who submitted for AU Classes...Cheers!!!

From the looks of it AU2012 will again be an amazing amalgam of creativity, productivity, learning and strippers...uhhh...ummm...woops... I mean professional networking!!!

If you want to potentially present there, you had better get on it; you have through today, April 22nd to submit...

I hope they at least choose my 'Adaptive Rigs & Breakthroughs' class & my Favorite: 'Coordinate & Dominate BIM Success'... though the other two would not be shabby either!!!

Submit Without Giving In :-)

See you at #AU2012!!!

A Work at Home on 'Some' Work-Sharing Files Posting

In a reply to a RFO question I added the following that I think can be helpful to many folks...Until Revit Server & other remote solutions are "Lights-On" bullet-proof at least :-) (Yes the image above IS a link as always ;-)

(Paraphrased) Q: I want to work at home with a Work-sharing file.

The first reply was by Aaron Maller

Not practically.

You can each check out work-sets "at risk," and then edit them as local files while separated, but it has a high volatility and a low success rate amongst anything but the best users: And even then, it fails often.

Then came my reply...

What you may be able to try is this, if the office model is set enough and the work needed is more internal or completely new portions of the model are needed, or for interior component work, etc.

This doesn't work for all situations but it will for some...consider your options carefully :-)

TO WORK AT HOME ON 'SOME' WORKSHARING FILES IN REVIT

1) Detach the Central Model
1a) Save to media or location such as Drop-Box, etc.
1b) Purge Unused (keeps the file as small as possible) *Unless you will need objects from this model that are yet unused*

2) Save that copy AS A NEW CENTRAL Model on the remote (home, etc.) computer
2a) Be sure to Synchronize To Central after Save
2b) Relinquish everything
2c) Compact the file
2d) Close it

3) Start a New Project
3a) Save this as a Central Model
3b) Create a Workset using your name (for example)
2b) Do all of your work in that Workset *Annotations and some objects won't respect that Workset, so be sure to catalog all of the work you do that falls outside of pure modeling, so those things can be copied in when this goes back to the office*

4) Link (Origin to Origin) the Central Model from steps 1 & 2

5) Recreate any Levels in this new project in the same places as the "office" model
5a) Change the Level Names in the new project (perhaps adding your initials as a prefix) *this will keep issues away later*

6) Work in the new model, placing objects as needed
6a) Synchronize To Central
6b) Relinquish everything
6c) Compact the file
6d) Close it
6e) Get this file back to the 'office'

BACK AT THE OFFICE

7) Link (Origin to Origin) the Remote Model from steps 3 to 6

8) Bind the link (Bringing in Levels 'should' not be necessary, unless you made new ones, in that case let them come in and delete the unused ones) *This is why using different Level Names was important in the Remote file*

9) Ungroup the bound file *Binding creates a group FYI*

Every model object should be in the proper spot, a little clean up may be in order and any anno, sheets, etc. may need to be copy/pasted in too... I think that covers the process enough to get going, if this seems a valid workflow for your specific needs.

AUGIworld April 2012: More Of: What's New For You!

I like the title of this post as a statement, not a question!!! Here you go, you know the drill hit the images and links and then read everything we have to say in the Revit Architecture article on pages 28 through 35.

OK, OK, you can read all the other great contributors too ;-) ...there, is that better (less egocentric) now?

Direct Download the April 2012 Issue Here
Or... for whatever time you see this go here for the...

What's New In Revit 2013 -Well DL's take on it at least!!!

First off: Look out for AUGIworld in the April issue, as Marcello Sgambelluri & I have collaborated to pen an article a few big parts (according to us) of these "what's new" things... That article will have some How to use What's new!!! (I will add the link here when it's out!!!)

Next up: Thanks David!!! Damned timezone/dateline!!! 

I really hate the dateline sometimes... At least I can count David as one of my BIM friends... he and all the other #UKBIMmodelingFluffyKittenKillas may not have the coolness of the #NYBIMmodelingFluffyKittenKillas or the star power (also read as weather) of the #LABIMmodelingFluffyKittenKillas but they have the drop on us regarding date changes!!! Cheers to DL for being the first-best "bringer of that which is really not old at all in Revit"

...although the materials' editor, etc. is an old style similar to what was in 3D Studio MAX, when it was 3D Studio MAX ...way before ADSK even... but I digress...

Hit the image below for all that is good in the world...OK, hit the image for what's new for you in Revit 2013 at least!!!

And now for something completely different: A man with Revit What's New

NDA 2 B Respected

Now I can exercise my fair share of civil protest & I am a hardcore defender of free speech, even if I completely disagree with the speech, but there is a line of respect that I feel needs deference: One's own word...

Now, we can all step out from that one at times but those few (perhaps just one person) who broke their ADSK NDA regarding; well, I won't even say... has In my opinion lost his credibility with me.

I don't know the reasoning he gave for breaking the NDA he agreed to but I don't care either, perhaps he did it to be first, whatever, I say (figuratively :-) Fuck him and anyone else who breaks these agreements.

Although I considered him a Revit friend, I am still left with the feeling that breaking these NDA's exhibits such lack of respect and integrity I have chosen to remove his site's link from this page's blogroll... OOOOHHHHH SCARY... Will this mean very much? probably not a lot but I hope a little... I will end with the following little note to him...

Dear, "(You Know Who You Are)Boom dot blogspot dot com",

Please rethink the importance of integrity and being true to your agreements. A man has 2 things: (to paraphrase Tony Montana from Scarface): 'A man has got 2 things in this life, his balls and his word and I won't break either for anyone' -Pretty good words, even if from a partially fictional character... WhereTF is your character?

So now that you broke your word I hope ADSK breaks your balls!!!

RTC USA: You, Me, Troy and Marcello

Are you going to RTC USA 2012? I think you should!!! There's value in dem dere hills!!!

Registration is wide open and I am glad to say that there is some good representation from the Revit community.

I am happy to say that The Los Angeles BIM Consortium: Marcello Sgambelluri, Troy Gates & Jay B Zallan will be presenting at the 2nd Annual RTC USA Revit/BIM/GeekFest & Extravaganza!!! Congrats to us and all the other speakers!!!

Teaser Alert!!! We (The Los Angeles BIM Consortium) will also be showcasing some extracurricular Revit collaborations we are working on, and these are poised to...well... you'll just have to wait and see, touch & taste??? ;-)

The Los Angeles BIM Consortium

 

Held this year at the Stone Mountain Resort, Georgia; in what looks to be a beautiful, hot, humid kind of somewhat remote place; where, if you enjoy nightlife you are going to have issues since the park it sits in has gates that lock you out at night (no kidding).

First up: Jay Zallan's Class.  
Success in Revit: Reconstructing the AEC Process for BIM
I guess nepotism is alive and well since that's me :-) ...No, No, No; I want to save the best for last!!!

This class stems from the need for AEC firms to rebuild their processes, distinct from 'traditional' CAD workflows (or Un-Working-Flows) to efficient BIM-centric processes.

Yes I know CAD should encompass BIM, since it means "Computer Aided Design", unfortunately most of AEC filters CAD into 'Computer Drafting' and that surely kills cute, fluffy kittens too!!!

If you'd like to read the genesis of these concepts as a precurser to the class please hit this link to the Design Intelligence piece I authored. One of my favorite quotes (of myself), from that article is:








OK, next we're onto Troy Gates' session...
Automating a Revit Model from a(n) MS Access Database for Equipment Planning
You know I will be there, so should you!!! These techniques will go a long way in dealing with the I in BIM, as well as some M and B too :-)

This session will absolutely be great and without giving anything away, these techniques will be far reaching...way down into your data stream... Hmmm...data fishing anyone?

Now here's one of the few who's multiple sessions are truly appropriate & deserved!!! Marcello Sgambelluri.

Marcello has several classes at both RTC USA 2012, as well as RTC AU... Needless to say you should plan on going to all of his sessions, along with ours, as the labs in particular will set your Revit skills to flight...

I think his class titles speak for themselves, so without further ado...

Well, that should get you inspired but if you are somehow not yet convinced that RTC USA 2012 is for you, then add to these classes & presenters some other greats like David Light, James Vandezande, Don Rudder, David Fano, Phil Read, Matt Jezyk, Zach Kron & more of your fav's.

The RTC USA 2012 Speakers (alphabetical, from their site): Paul Aubin, Todd Baxter, Don Bokmiller, Tina Bos, Harlan Brumm, Dennis Burns, Kelly Cone, R. Sean Darnell, Bill Debevc, Doug Evans, David Fano, Troy Gates, Brett Gatti, Mario Guttman, Plamen Hristov, Zach Kron, Michelle Leonard, David Light, Brian/Dez Mackey, Aaron Maller, Robert Manna, Michael Massey, Patrick Olson, Rodd Perey, Jeffrey Pinheiro, Don Rudder, Marcello Sgambelluri, Steven Shell, Jereme Smith, Lilli Smith, Solomon Smith, David Spehar, Daniel Stine, Kelvin Tam, Melanie Tristram, James Vandezande, Steve Voorhees, Mortimer Vunderbight, Tim Waldock, Doug Williams, Irina Wong, Jay B Zallan, Tomislav Zigo & the (fucking odd) More speakers to come soon...

More RTC USA 2012 Speakers on the .pdf only (NOT alphabetical): Adam Thomas, Simon Whitbread, Krista Manna, Timothy Grimm, John Tocci, Michelle Mccarthy, Steve Germano, Parley Burnett, Bryan Novotny, Kirk Bricker, Lonnie Cumpton, Rabi Sidawi, Michael Zeeveld, Zach Kron, Ken Stowe, Brandon Pike & Kirstin Buehrich, Shruti Harve, Matthew Nelson, Silvia Taurer, Hidetoshi Dote, Wil Wiens, Federico Negro, Joel Londenberg, Danny Polkinhom, Michael Smith, Cyril Verley, Chris Needham, Dimtrii Pokrovskii & Neil Topliffe, Michelle Leonard,  Josh Taylor, Tim Riefenberg, Jose Fandos, Robert Mencarini, Kushagra Mittal, Ian Molloy, Shawn Zirbes, Steve Jolley, Chris Needham, Patrick Olson, Bruce Mccallum, Joe Kerfoot & Spivey Lipsey, Stephen Taskin, Scott Brown & Damian Serrano, Grant Doherty, Gabe Cottam, TBA (LOL but it says "TBA" will be speaking... a lot!!!).

The RTC USA 2012 Committee: Wesley Benn, Jim Balding, Phil Read, R. Robert Bell, David Harrington, Nicholas Kramer, Steve Stafford.

Sorry if I left anyone out, the site is a bit ...well, you'll see...

I hope Jeffrey McGrew & Jillian Northrup are two of the TBA presenters!!! I hear Scott D Davis is gonna be there also. 

See Yaall in Geeeorgia! Get your twitter & foursquare warmed up!!!

Fun With Revit & Cows

Here's a bit of fun with Marcello's Cow for LARUG (Hey, check out LARUG's Group Site and sign up/join if you want to come to the monthly shows).

Good thing The Cow doesn't cast shadows on the sample building or Filet Mignon would have been served!!!

Get Your BIM Specs On: LA CSI Nite Thursday, February 23rd 2012, 3-9pm

To all LA area Architects & AEC Professionals, -Or those who will be in LA later this month...

I am pleased to announce a speaking engagement at this year’s LA CSI Nite event. So if you can make it please register and join us for a great afternoon and evening of learning & networking. Remember that all professional attendees are free!!! All the presenters are awesome so be sure to arrive early to get a good seat...

LA CSI Nite 2012 Product Show & Seminars Thursday, February 23^rd 2012, 3-9pm HSW/CEUs free!!!

Marriott - Downtown Los Angeles, 333 South Figueroa Street,Los Angeles, CA 90071

CSI Nite Official Page –Registration Direct Link is further below, in this posting…

What's Going On?

 

Seminar #A1 3:00-4:00 (Not to miss!!! ;D )

QA/QC of Project Delivery

Credits: 1 LU/HSW

Presenters: 

Bill Schmalz AIA, CCCA, LEED AP, Principal at Perkins+Will

Jay B Zallan Director of BIM at Perkowitz+Ruth Architects & Studio-111

Seminar #A2- time 3:00-4:00

Industry interest - Evolving CA Practices: Shop drawings and other submittals

Credits: 1 LU/HSW

Presenter: Debra Gerod Gruen Associates

Seminar #B 4:00-5:00

Integrated Project Collaboration Software - The Missing Link for IPD

Credits: 1 LU/HSW

Presenters: Steve Will Sales Manager for Submittal Exchange

Product Show 5:00-7:00

Seminar #C 7:00-9:00

Integrating BIM and Specs is Real!

Credits: 2 LU/HSW

Presenters: 

Mark Kalin, FCSI, FAIA, CCS of Kalin Associates Specifications

REGISTER HERE

There's a bit of confusion on the registration page so be aware that the only truly required information you will need to use to register is as follows:

     1)      First Name

     2)      Last Name

     3)      Email Address

     4)      CTRL+Select sessions  

     

     All other fields are not needed for individual registration!!!

Then scroll to the bottom of the page…

     5)      Hit Registration Confirmation, then simply show up, Learn & Enjoy!!!

We hope to see you there,

Dear AEC, Get #BIM or a new career. Sincerely, Present Reality

Andy Partridge is an awesome writer and really encapsulates brilliance in his works... Do get into him & XTC if you like thinking!!! Now (below the video) onto the letter...

Dear AEC, 
Recently I tweeted you to get #BIM or a new career and I would like to follow up with more. 

Can you see the fucking elephant in your room???


First let me say I love you.
Building realities from imagination is so natural a human pursuit.
Artists would agree.

Many of us really want to help you leave the inefficient past behind and innovate the industry to become the shining societal leaders we believe ourselves to be...

Unfortunately too many in AEC act like fat bloated politicians interested in personal standing and appearances and not the greater good.
AEC: Not enough of you see the dire straits you are in even though it's all around you.

You are acting with the ignorance similar to the commentator who said of Banksy's (hiding in plain sight) elephant:

I'm not sure what the point of having an elephant in a warehouse in downtown Los Angeles is

Jason Bentley US radio commentator 
Perhaps you are just able to ignore the elephant in the room but some of us will not be so deluded and self absorbed. 

Those of us who see the need to evolve and act on it will be more than happy to swoop in and take your projects more and more (as we have already started to do), so either get on the train or watch as your industry shrinks... We do not need more Architects for instance, we just need better ones... those that hold back technological evolution and betterment will find themselves in different careers... And some already are!!!

As a group your buried head is in the sand
You seem to stick with the status quo and fail to appreciate that obsolete technologies are helping kill you
Those that do see the future and to those for whom evolution is the present, we know it takes courage... courage to step outside of comfort zones and learn better processes and allow oneself to grow.  

Without courage all one has is fear. If AEC doesn't act in the face of BIM fear they are doomed to ambivalent, neurotic impotence.

AEC, you must see that "continuing CAD (drafting) and not completely embracing BIM" is the elephant in your room. The elephant that you ignore (to a large degree)... and you must see how it will impact the world for generations to come... Negatively!!!
Builders of new things must see things anew and use the best tools for the overall good and CAD drafting tools are surely no longer that!!!


Your backwards, destructive ways will catch up to you... shit just look at your own fucking slideshows...



Your archaic ways of thought will splinter you into irrelevancy
Like too many of your ideas
Vision too stale to see through your egos
Driving yourself, powered by fear


I am writing to let you know that BIM can help
BIM can help you win projects
Shit BIM can help you keep projects
BIM helps production
BIM helps lessen litigation
if only you'd hear our cries: Kill CAD (drafting), fully mandate BIM.

We do not mean to kill true CAD: "Computer Aided Design" 
but the CAD that most people hear when they use that term: "Computer Aided Drafting"
That's what is leading the charge in killing you, allowing the lowest common denominators to run the show... How laughable a business model that is!!!


Not able to evolve due to the fear of change and the initial investment needed to learn and grow... You have to recall that without great struggle and risk there can be no great success... you used to know that but now it appears that many in AEC are lost in an ego-drunken, fearful stupor.


Solutions do exist but are being ignored by too many in A, E & C (O too)
I don't feel you can wait 
Please listen to what we say: Kill CAD (drafting)

When you're asked Why BIM?
There's an answer that sums it up nicely:

Because AEC does not want to become insurance salespeople.

Just before I go a few more morsels to think about when you contemplate your business model... (not BIM Model) -There you go #BimModelingFluffyKittenKillas strike again :-)

There are too many people who call themselves designers who are nothing more than glorified graphic illustrators. 

-If a design is over budget or the budget and program is not followed to inform the design, then the "designer" is nothing more than an illustrator, without any insight to client needs or reality. 

I know that "reality" is a debatable topic but I simply mean "the agreed upon business reality" Where the client is given what they want for the money that they want to spend.

Integrated firms are much more able to handle all projects efficiently, which will help save the building industry from itself: the more that teams can work efficiently, even if not integrated the better AEC will be.

Architecture positions in too many cases don't pay enough (like other Professionals get) because so many firms undercut each other in hopes of slamming extra services and printing costs onto the clients, then adding a shitload of fluff, like tons of wasted paper just to recover losses.

Bottom line:
Those firms and people who don't adopt BIM & further IPD will continue to lose work and find themselves needing new careers, so if you want to stay in AEC we will see you on the BIM train immediately.

Sincerely, 
Present Reality

Revit Project Browser, View & Sheet Organization & Conventions (According to Me)

A good project is an organized project...
Update 02/01/2012: I reposted the document on Scribd since Box.net is flash and doesn't work on the iPadasauros...damned apple...

JBZ Project Browser Organization 2012