Mastering Revit Structure is here!!!

November 24, 2008

"These authors are a virtual 'dream team' of Revit Structure expertise."
-- from the foreword by Nicolas Mangon, Senior Structural Business Line Manager, Autodesk, Inc
Los Angeles based structural and civil engineers Brandow & Johnston announced today that Tom Weir, Director of BIM & CAD Operations for the firm, has authored and published the first comprehensive book on the use of Autodesk Revit Structure software. Mastering Revit Structure 2009 is aimed at the structural engineer, designer, or draftsperson making the move to Building Information Modeling (BIM) and interested in developing a solid foundation in Revit Structure concepts and a mastery of the advanced techniques which unlock the full potential of the software.

Weir, the lead author, was joined in the effort by Eric Wing of C&S Companies, Jamie Richardson of Ericksen Roed & Associates, and David Harrington of Walter P. Moore. According to the publisher's synopsis, "the(se) expert authors drew on years of experience to compile a comprehensive guide to the core concepts of Revit Structure with tips, tricks and examples specific to the professional structural engineering setting". The result is an 816 page paperback volume that guides users through interface, project setup and templates, view use and management, structural elements, structural analysis, drafting, detailing and annotations, phasing, collaborating, printing and publishing, and creating custom content. Mastering Revit Structure 2009 is available on-line at www.sybex.com, other on-line book distributors, and in bookstores throughout the country.

In addition to his role with Brandow & Johnston, Tom Weir is founder and Co-Chairman of the L.A. Revit Users Group, moderates the Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) Revit Structural forum, teaches Revit Structure at Autodesk University, and wrote the first Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) for Revit Structure.

Brandow & Johnston is a national leader in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and has completed over 200 building designs using Autodesk Revit Structure software.

-Congratulations Tom and all involved with this great book...It's definitely a book for Revit Structure Users in the trenches. Congratulations also goes out to all the people who buy this because their Revit chops will surely blow up...in a good way!!! The other Co-Chairman -J

AU Unplugged...Rock Out!!!

Here we are again on the eve (nearly) of AU2008. I am proud to tell you that with all of your help (well those who voted) 3 of the 3 sessions I submitted were voted in for AU Unplugged.

The sessions I am running are:

The Promise of BIM Wednesday 4:00 - 4:50 pm

Transition & Transform: From CAD Users to Revit Superstar Thursday 1:00 - 1:50 pm

Revit: What If??? Thursday 4:00 - 4:50 pm

These will be in the Venetian's Casanova 603, 604 & 606 Rooms... Ohhh Plush!!! I'll update this when I get the location for my sessions...they won't be hard to find though!!!

Based on last year's response to the Unplugged session I ran we are expecting great results and direction for future Revit development. ADSK will be listening (and in the rooms I believe) so these are expected to be very useful, insightful and a great place to formulate our ideas into a cohesive approach to get more and more product development based on our real-world needs...Imagine...

I hope to see all of you (who are going) in Vegas!!!

Here are a few (other) links that I think may be useful:

AU Class List

AU (Show Guide) Jams

AU Pod Casts

The Gensler AU Program (See below)

AU Blog (BLAUG)

Useful Vegas Phone Numbers

Gamblers Anonymous (Vegas)

The following is an excerpt from an ADSK Email:

"The Gensler Program!
Each year, digital design leaders from Gensler travel to Autodesk University from around the world to share, learn, and network with each other and their colleagues. This year, for the first time, Gensler will share its projects, delivery methods, and best practices with other AU 2008 attendees.

The program content is focused on design leadership and innovation within collaborative AEC teams. The digital transformation of the AEC industry demands new methods of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and process integration among designers, engineers, builders and owners. Gensler’s approach is intended to accelerate this industry transformation.

At AU 2008, all participants are invited to enroll in one or more of Gensler’s offerings.

Gensler is a global architecture, design, planning and consulting firm with 3,200 design professionals in 30 offices and projects in 70 countries. The firm’s work reflects a broad and deep commitment to sustainable design and the belief that design is a powerful strategic tool for transforming organizations and enhancing the lives of individuals and communities. Gensler has been ranked #1 among architecture and interiors firms by World Architecture, Architectural Record, Building Design & Construction, ENR, and Interior Design magazines."

Needless to say I will be involved (and have been) with some of these presentations, as are a whole bunch of us at the red G... This should be an exciting day of eye opening BIMtopianism...