BIM NEWS 07.01.24

It's already been 7 days since the New Year began, and it's time to get back to work. I wish everyone a Happy New Year! Today, I have prepared some news for you from the world of BIM and beyond. Don't forget to share this news, thank you.

The Al-Wasel Tower Saga, Part 1 – From Design to BIM

In this engaging blog post written by Karam Baki , the author discusses the Al-Wasel Tower in Dubai and its use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. The tower, designed by UNStudio and developed by the Wasl Asset Management Group, is a 63-story mixed-use development with a unique twisted design. The tower features a ceramic facade designed for energy efficiency and comfort in the Dubai heat.

The author explains their involvement in solving the complex geometric challenges of mounting the panels on the tower. They successfully created solutions that are now available in the Synthesize toolkit package in Dynamo. The author then guides readers through the initial stage of the paneling process, using Dynamo and Revit to create a comprehensive BIM model for the tower panels. This model was crucial for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of each fabricated panel.

The author also discusses the challenges they faced with a messy CAD model and how they overcame them. They explain the process of translating the data, cleaning up the panel borders, splitting the panels, and extracting the points of each panel. They also describe the importance of correctly sorting the adaptive points for consistent fabrication orders.

Overall, the blog post highlights the innovative design and use of BIM technology in the construction of the Al-Wasel Tower in Dubai, while also providing insights into the challenges faced and solutions developed by the author and their team.

Read more at the link: https://dynamobim.org/al-wasel-saga-ep1/

Try the Autodesk Data Exchange Connector for SolidWorks in Public Beta

Maria Lamas announces the Public Beta release of the Data Exchange connector for SOLIDWORKS , enhancing the ecosystem and facilitating data sharing with applications like Revit, Inventor, AutoCad Autodesk , and more. Currently, in beta, it's recommended for smaller datasets. The connector allows efficient sharing of SolidWorks models and properties, supports Autodesk Construction Cloud for secure data storage, and improves AEC workflows by integrating 2D and 3D designs. Available for download on the Autodesk App Store, Maria invites users to provide feedback and participate in the Public Roadmap discussions.

Read more at the link: https://blogs.autodesk.com/aec/2023/12/05/try-the-autodesk-data-exchange-connector-for-solidworks-in-public-beta/

Parameters and .NET Core Webinar

In a blog post written by Jeremy Tammik , he discusses the upcoming shift to .NET Core and provides information about an upcoming webinar on .NET Core migration. The webinar, titled "Autodesk Desktop API Updates: .NET Core Migration," will take place on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, and will cover various topics related to .NET Core and its impact on Autodesk desktop products like AutoCAD, Revit, and Inventor. To join the webinar, participants will need to agree to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and sign up through the feedback portal projects for the respective products or the ADN extranet.

The blog post also includes a solution shared by Adrian Crisan of Studio A International, LLC for adding parameters with a specific GUID in both Python and C#. Adrian addresses a question about adding parameters and binding them to elements in a model, explaining that specifying a GUID for the parameter can be challenging, as Revit GUIDs are type 4 and fully random. Adrian suggests using the ExternalDefinitionCreationOptions.GUID property to set a specific GUID for the parameter.

Lastly, Jeremy highlights a series of articles by Archi that provide a step-by-step guide on getting started with the parameter service, a cloud service from Autodesk that improves parameter management and collaboration for teams. The articles cover topics such as enabling the Autodesk Parameter Service, using it in Revit, and migrating Revit parameters into the service.

Overall, the blog post provides valuable information about the upcoming shift to .NET Core and offers solutions and tutorials for working with parameters in Autodesk products.

Read more at the link: https://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2023/12/parameters-and-net-core-webinar.html

Dependency Injection and Model Checker API

Jeremy Tammik 's recent blog post covers several topics relevant to the Autodesk community and beyond. He starts with the availability of Autodesk University 2023 classes online. He then discusses a new library for dependency injection in the Revit API by Luiz Henrique Cassettari , available as open-source. Updates to RevitLookup, including enhanced navigation and color support, are also mentioned. Tammik highlights the Model Checker API documentation for AIT, referenced by a user. He talks about AI programming assistants like Maestro AI for Revit scripting and OpenAI's bim-coding-coach. Additionally, Tammik notes a significant increase in U.S. construction spending, indicating positive growth in the AEC industry. Finally, he delves into a philosophical discussion on free will, touching on the concepts of "vuca" and "permavucalution," exploring the interplay between humanity and free will. This post offers a diverse blend of technical updates, industry news, and philosophical insights.

Read more at the link: https://thebuildingcoder.typepad.com/blog/2024/01/dependency-injection-and-model-checker-api.html

Analyzing IFC Files: Five Effective Tools for BIM Data Quality Assurance

Marcin P. 's blog highlights the importance of verifying Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) files for accurate Building Information Modeling (BIM) data. It suggests five methods for IFC file verification:

1. Notepad++: Useful for inspecting IFC files with features like phrase filtering and keyword highlighting.
2. Visual Studio Code with IFC Syntax plugin: Enhances readability with color-coded elements.
3. IfcQuickBrowser: A dedicated tool for tracing object relationships and searching phrases in IFC files.
4. Validation service by buildingSMART International: Assesses IFC file correctness including syntax, schema compliance, and rules adherence.
5. (Not mentioned in summary).

These tools and services are essential for ensuring the quality of IFC files in design and construction infrastructure management.

Read more at the link: https://bimcorner.com/analyzing-ifc-files/

Joining the AEC Data Model Bootcamp? HEADS UP! Required Prerequisites!

Jo?o Martins has introduced a new AEC Data Model API and an associated tutorial at the upcoming BootCamp in January. To participate, participants need an Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) account in the AMER region and a separate project for testing. The account must be enabled to generate AEC Designs from Revit 2024 files by joining the AEC Data Model API beta, which can take up to three business days. Participants must download, unzip, and upload specific Revit files to their ACC account at least a week before the tutorial to allow for file translation.

Read more at the link: https://aps.autodesk.com/blog/joining-aec-data-model-bootcamp-heads-required-prerequisites

40+ Sites With Free Downloadable 3D Visualization Content

Gemma Da Silva 's blog post discusses the use of rendering software and its built-in assets for enhancing visual projects. Acknowledging the need for unique resources, she compiles over 40 websites offering free 3D models, materials, textures, sound files, IES profiles, and more. This list includes professional model sources like TurboSquid, community platforms such as SketchUp 3D Warehouse, and various sites for materials and textures like ambientCG and Texture Box. Additionally, she mentions software for creating custom models and textures, including Blender and Material Maker, and provides sources for IES light profiles and skyboxes (HDRIs). Gemma encourages reader contributions to this list, aiming to assist designers and arch viz specialists in finding unique resources for their projects.

Read more at the link: https://blog.enscape3d.com/download-free-3d-visualization-resources

The Best Ray-traced 3D Design Software: D5 Render

The blog by D5 Render emphasizes the significance of ray tracing in 3D design and praises D5 Render as a leading software in this field. Ray tracing is crucial for creating photorealistic designs in architecture, gaming, and visual effects, as it accurately simulates light behavior. D5 Render excels with its real-time rendering feature, enabling instant visualization of models and dynamic editing. It offers fast image and animation output speeds, enhancing both quality and efficiency. The software simplifies animation rendering with a user-friendly video editor and features like preset camera movements and editable paths. Additionally, D5 Render integrates Nvidia's DLSS 3.5 technology, utilizing AI to deliver high-quality visuals efficiently. Overall, D5 Render is recognized as an innovative tool for designers, offering advanced capabilities in ray-traced 3D design.

Read more at the link: https://www.d5render.com/posts/the-best-ray-traced-3d-software

Saving Efforts on Bridge Design with Speckle

Architect Damola M. from Perkins Eastman shares the story of the Burnaby Lake Pedestrian Bridge, a project that utilized the computational precision of Speckle to transform bridge engineering. The bridge was designed to reconnect a community divided by a highway, while also serving as a symbol of unity and connection. The collaboration between Perkins Eastman, McElhanney , and Fast + Epp was crucial in realizing the innovative design. Speckle played a key role in facilitating seamless data exchange among team members and disciplines, allowing for a constantly evolving and improving design. The real-time data exchange capabilities of Speckle enabled efficient coordination between architects and structural engineers, resulting in accurate information sharing and consistently updated models. Speckle acted as a bridge between the Grasshopper and Revit workflows, ensuring that all team members had access to the latest project information. The parametric capabilities of Grasshopper allowed for a systematic approach to detail, while Speckle's bidirectional data exchange facilitated collaboration between the architecture and structural teams. The streamlined workflow from Grasshopper to Revit allowed for flexibility in making design changes without hindering the documentation process. Overall, the use of Speckle and computational tools revolutionized the efficiency and innovation in bridge engineering, showcasing the transformative potential of technology in the field.

Read more at the link: https://speckle.systems/blog/saving-efforts-on-bridge-design-with-speckle/

Computational Design Advancements at Aurecon with Speckle

Christopher Welch and Aleisha Middlemiss from Aurecon, a global engineering consultancy, discussed their integration of Speckle , a tool for real-time updates and code management, into their workflow. They highlighted its use in the Papakura to Drury infrastructure project in New Zealand, where computational designers developed a Speckle-based workflow to expedite the design of retaining walls. This project faced challenges due to New Zealand's seismic complexities and environmental concerns, leading to frequent design changes. The team transitioned to computational design mid-project, using Rhino and Grasshopper to streamline their processes and align with ISO 19650 standards.

Aurecon replaced SharePoint with Speckle as a geometry repository to manage geometry and metadata more efficiently. They implemented a structured approach using categorized branches in Speckle for different geometry types. This approach was applied in a major project under the ISO 19650 standard, enhancing information management and team coordination. Aurecon's collaboration with Speckle has significantly improved efficiency, collaboration, and success in their infrastructure projects, and they plan to continue using and refining this approach in future projects.

Read more at the link: https://speckle.systems/blog/computational-design-advancements-at-aurecon-with-speckle/

Rhino Block to Revit Family

Mücahit Bilal G?ker 's blog post provides a tutorial on transferring Rhino blocks to Revit families using Speckle. Necessary tools include a Speckle Account, Speckle Manager, and Revit and Rhino Connectors from Speckle's website. The process involves sending a block from Rhino to Revit via Speckle Connector and then receiving it in Revit, where it becomes a new family with default settings or assigned categories. Two methods for assigning categories are described: using Revit's Family Editor or Speckle Mapper in Rhino. Limitations include no family creation for nested blocks and the need for aligned origins for positioning Revit families. The functionality for category assignment is currently limited to Mapper for Rhino. The tutorial aims to enhance efficiency and organization in Revit projects.

Read more at the link: https://speckle.systems/tutorials/rhino-block-to-revit-family/

Well, that's all my news for today. I hope you found something interesting for yourself. See you next week.