NEW: Coming to a Keyboard Near You? Autodesk University Virtual
Live from Las Vegas! Autodesk University, December 1-3, 2009, is the most anticipated learning and networking event for Autodesk product users. But not everyone can travel to Las Vegas. So this year, Autodesk is extending the benefits of AU by streaming classes and content from the event directly to your desktop via the Internet.
With AU Virtual, you can access nuts ?n bolts training?without ever leaving your office. And all for $99 or FREE.
AU Virtual Is FREE for Autodesk Subscription Customers
The story gets even better: Autodesk Subscription customers receive complimentary registration for the AU Virtual Premier Pass. Choose from dozens of classes, view keynotes in real time, and much more.
Upside in a Downturn
In a tough economy, you need to keep your skills up to date whether you are employed or not. AU Virtual is a cool new way to upgrade your skills, learn about future trends, and interact with valuable contacts. So now you can get on top of your game?or get back into it.
Get the Classes You Want
AU Virtual enables you to get the tools you need to remain competitive. Register now and be sure to get your choice of classes.
Early-Bird Offer? Win a Free Pass to AU in Las Vegas
Take advantage of the early-bird special. Register for the AU Virtual Premier pass by November 13, 2009 and Autodesk will enter your name in a drawing for free enrollment and accommodations at AU 2009 or AU 2010 in Las Vegas?a $1,845 value.
Autodesk Subscription Packs
So what is the subs advantage pack?
These are like a point release for each product and areonly available to subscription users.
Rather than releasing separate extensions like they have done in the past, Autodesk have bundled these all up as a complete release with a number of new features.
So what do these improvements include:-
Revit Architecture:
Additional shortcut commands
A UI to control the shortcuts (hooray) no more text file editing
Conditional formatting in all products
DWG export improvements
Text formatting – from shortcuts
Find and replace text
Model lines to Detail lines and back
Link file improvements
API improvements
Autodesk Revit Model Review
Revit DBlink
Image modeler will now be included so you can create point cloud data from images and export this to DWG and import this into Revit
Wood Wall Framing tool
Finally, all the Revit Structure features below will also now be included to in Revit Architecture
Curved beams
Beam copping
Create Trusses
Tag beam systems
Slab directions and decking
Slanted columns
Split with Gap
Revit Structure advantage features will also include:-
Insulation tool
Placing 3d beams from geometry references in imported 3d drawings
Control beam length tolerance
Wood Framing
Interferences of Reinforcing bars
Bridge Design Modules
Revit MEP advantages features will also include:-
MEP performance improvements
Temp dims in layout mode
Content Countrification for China, Russia,UK, International
*Subscription Advantage Pack for Autodesk Revit MEP 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for Autodesk Revit Structure 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD MEP 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD Architecture 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD Plant 3D 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD P&ID 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD Civil 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD Map 3D 2010
*Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010
Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 looks like 2009 !
There are a few people out there who are still having issue with getting used to the 2010 Ribbon user interface.... well if that's the case then this could be your answer:
Open Wordpad or Notepad
Type the following text:
[DebugModes]
Use2009UI=1
Save the file as debug.ini
Place in Revit program directory
re-start Revit
If you want to get back to 2010, just delete the file and then re-start once again.
ZA Architecture 2010
Architecture ZA 2010 offers a week-long festival under the auspices of the South African Institute of Architects. It proposes to relocate architecture within the contemporary conditions and cultural production of Johannesburg. Local and international architects, as well as a wide collection of creative minds engaged in the imaging and production of the city - from filmmakers to urban geographers, space politicians to community organizers, philosophers to fashion critics - will be put into energetic contact. They will respond to a range of themes and topics designed to encourage the intersection of multi-disciplinary voices with architects and architecture.
Architecture ZA 2010 will engage with a wide, popular reach of interests to which sponsors and the general inhabitants of Joburg can relate. Top international names, varied platforms for debate and a multitude of performances and events will ensure critical mass and major exposure. The proposed themes and sub-themes are preliminary and may change depending on developments and or proposals received.
Architecture and Urbanism has just released their special BIM edition “Architectural Transformations via BIM”. The magazine showcases almost two dozen global Autodesk customers and explores how BIM (and Autodesk design tools) provided them with the capability to deliver some of their most innovative projects. SOM, RTKL, Bergmeyer, Gage/Clemenceau, KlingStubbins, SHoP, Gensler, Arup, and BNIM are just some of customers that were featured in this groundbreaking piece. If you would like a copy to be sent to one of your customer contacts, please email Allison Huffman.
Autodesk Wins "Good Design is Good Business" Award from Business Week/Architectural Record
The winners of the 12th annual "Good Design is Good Business" Awards have announced and Autodesk is among the winners. The awards program recognizes projects with innovative architectural strategies that help businesses achieve specific goals. The jury, which consisted of members of the editorial staff of both magazines, attempted to gauge the success of each project’s “business case”—a series of quantitative and qualitative measurements of building performance. The AEC Headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, designed by KlingStubbins was one among the eight projects that received this year’s Award of Excellence.
Experts agree that buildings are the biggest source of emissions and energy consumption both in the U.S and around the globe. Currently, they account for 40 percent of the world's energy use. As such, early design decisions can lead to significant reductions in building energy consumption and can help to create a more sustainable design. Structural engineers can also play a critical role in this process. However, to take on that role they must be proactive. There are many ways in which a structural engineer can influence a building's sustainability such as investigating and utilizing the most effective materials, or designing buildings for longevity by considering the design's adaptability and reuse.
Use the Solar Radiation Technology Preview to analyze the effects of solar radiation on various surfaces of your conceptual building model. Using the Solar Radiation Technology Preview during the conceptual design stage of your project can help you make fundamental design decisions about building shape, orientation, and surfaces early on, when changes are least expensive. The technology preview uses the geometry of conceptual massing elements from Revit and calculates the amount of solar radiation hitting the surfaces of the massing shapes, based on location and weather data. It is possible to display the distribution and availability of solar radiation over an entire building or even a city block. This can be particularly useful when considering shading requirements or assessing the best areas to place photovoltaics for maximum collection.
The output of the technology preview can be saved as images in the Revit project that contains the massing elements. After these images are added to the project, you can place them on sheets and print them. You can also export the images from Revit for use in presentations or for editing in external software applications.
AUGI | AEC EDGE is an exciting new print and digital publication designed to enable architects, engineers, designers, and builders using Autodesk AEC products to be more productive, better informed and help keep them at the top of their game.
Who are AUGI?
Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) is a worldwide independent organization of Autodesk product users representing the top level of computer-aided design (CAD) users in the industry. AUGI members are quite active with the various aspects of the organization including daily participation with the industry-specific product forums, monthly local user group (LUG) meetings, regional user events, and a variety of other unique programs associated with AUGI
Am I compliant with my Autodesk software?
To dispel misperceptions about software licence compliancy, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions we receive on the subject.
Q. When I bought my PC it already had the Autodesk software loaded on it. Is that legal?
A. If your hardware provider purchased an operating system for you, loaded, authorised and registered it to you – it’s legal. However, if your hardware provider’s software was loaded on to your machine – it's illegal. Autodesk software is very specialised and it is unlikely that you would have asked your hardware supplier to purchase and load it onto your PC. Be suspicious if you get a new PC with Autodesk software on it. There’s a good chance that it’s illegal.
Q. How do I know whether the software on my PC is legal?
A. There are several ways to verify the authenticity of your software.
1. Check to whom your software is registered. Press Help > About AutoCAD (or the name of your software). You will immediately see to whom the software is licensed and the product ID number.
2. However, if the serial number is 112-11 11 11 11, 123-45678900 or 000-00000000, it is illegal.
3. The foolproof way of checking the authenticity of your software is to call the Autodesk distributor, WorldsView Technologies, on (011) 805-1555 and check your serial number against those listed on the distributor database..
Q. How do I ensure that I’m buying my Autodesk software from an accredited Autodesk reseller?
A. In South Africa, Autodesk sells its software through a channel of authorised resellers. These resellers display authorised Autodesk reseller logos on signage and documentation. Their names are listed here (click – hyperlink to listing) and also on the Autodesk web site – www.autodesk.co.za. If you are in doubt about the legitimacy of your reseller, contact Shareen Rhone on (011) 805-1555 for verification.
Q. I have been offered second-hand software at a really good price. Why shouldn’t I take it?
A. As per the Autodesk End User License Agreement, ownership of software isn’t transferable. It can only be used by the person/company to whom it is registered. Someone can’t sell you second-hand software. For example, companies that sell old computers to their staff should remove all software from the machines. According to the regulations, the new owners should purchase and install their own software.
Q. My company is using illegal Autodesk software. How do I rectify the situation?
A. Autodesk’s sub-Sahara Africa distributor, WorldsView Technologies, has established a unit to flush out users of unlicensed software. You can report illegal use of software anonymously to the team – simply email: legalisation@worldsview.co.za, or select the "Report Illegal User" option on the menu. An investigative team from WorldsView Technologies will initiate communication with suspected illegal software users, giving them the opportunity to either refute the allegations or legalise their software. Companies that fail to respond to the unit’s communications are handed over to the legal authorities.
Q. Nobody is ever going to catch me using illegal software so why shouldn’t I continue using it?
A. Many illegal users believe they are doing nothing wrong, but using illegal software is theft. If you believe it’s wrong to steal, then don’t use illegal software. The Business Software Alliance (BSA) and software developers in South Africa are committed to rooting out unlicensed software users. To date, we have legalized numerous companies across the continent and our work continues to gain momentum.
Q. We have bought a few legal licences of Autodesk software. Surely it’s not illegal to share them around the office.
A. Software over-use is illegal. When you purchase a licence, it is for one specific user only. This is even applicable to Network Licenses.
Q. I sometimes work at home. Can I copy my workstation software onto my notebook for use at home?
A. Yes, as long as you are the only user. You would have a ‘floating’ licence, which would give you, and only you, access to one of your machines at a time. For more information about the “PLU” or Portable License Utility, click here. (Hyper link to Autodesk Website)
Q. Using illegal software costs me nothing. Why shouldn’t I carry on using it?
A. Predominantly because using illegal software is theft. If you believe that theft is wrong then don’t use illegal software Also the costs of using unauthorised software are greater than you imagine. Firstly, you don’t have access to Autodesk support and backup, which seriously hampers your productivity if your system goes down. Secondly, a corrupt file in the software you loaded on your machine/machines puts the integrity of your data at serious risk. The legal costs and bad publicity you’ll incur when you are caught outweigh the initial cost of the software.
However, legal users who audit and monitor their software, have 24/7 access to Autodesk technical support, ensuring that productivity is never impeded.
Q. I have looked on the Internet and want to buy my software from an e-store based in the USA. Can I do this?
A. Autodesk software is licensed for specific regions. (America, EMEA, Asia Pacific) It is illegal to use software purchased in another region. Therefore software that is going to be used in Africa must be purchased from an African authorised Autodesk reseller. This is why e-stores will not allow users outside of the USA to purchase the software.
In cases where a company is transferring an office to another region, ‘country transfer’ licences can be purchased, legalising your licence in the country of transfer. Click here to contact your Autodesk Channel Partner to “transfer you licence” (Maybe put licence transfer documents as a download for the users?)
Building Information Modelling Report
Autodesk building information modeling (BIM) software facilitates a new way of working collaboratively using a model created from consistent, reliable design information - enabling faster decision-making, better documentation, and the ability to evaluate sustainable building and infrastructure design alternatives using analysis to predict performance before breaking ground.
Autodesk sponsors McGraw-Hill Construction BIM SmartMarket Report See the results of BIM adoption, usage, impact and infrastructure, and review case studies and interviews.
The Bridge Toolkit for Revit® Structure 2009 software provides information, tools, content, and datasets that will better enable structural engineers and drafters to address infrastructure build-out as it relates to bridges. Specific components include:
Box Girder Methodology and Datasets
Precast Girder Methodology and Datasets
Bridge Components .rfa Content
Bridge Modeling Using Revit Structure 2009 Software (Tips and Tricks)
Better design and model your bridge using this toolkit along with Revit Structure 2009, a powerful and parametric structural software solution from Autodesk, Inc.
Space Naming utility for Revit MEP
The Space Naming Utility for Revit® MEP 2009 software is an intuitive tool that automatically assigns the names and numbers from architectural rooms to Revit MEP spaces. By downloading the Space Naming Utility for Revit MEP 2009 software, you can eliminate the need to manually assign names to the spaces, helping save time and simplifying your workflow.
If you are an Autodesk subscription customer, you can access and download these add-on utilities via the subscription centre.
Building Information Modelling and Green Design
In a perfect world, energy simulations and design tools would be so well integrated that each time an architect moved a wall, added a window, or changed a lighting specification, the building's predicted energy performance would be updated and displayed instantly. With that sort of real-time feedback, designers would quickly become skilled at optimizing the energy performance of their designs, and new buildings would be rapidly approaching carbon neutrality. Along the way, other aspects of a building, such as how well it uses daylight, how procuring its material will affect the planet, and even how much it will cost to build, could be similarly tracked and optimized. And all of this would be done while sharing a design seamlessly across disciplines.
That world has not yet arrived, and the path to it is strewn with obstacles. But in some settings it is becoming tantalizingly close, thanks to the convergence of data-rich, three-dimensional (3D) design tools, ever-faster computers, and accepted protocols for sharing digital information about buildings across platforms.
The world is watching how effective the United Arab Emirates will be in overcoming the challenge of having one of the worst ecological footprints, construction industry executives were told today (Monday 24 November 2008).
Officials from Abu Dhabi and Dubai outlined new green building guidelines and regulations both emirates are to begin implementing next year at a special conference taking place as part of The Big 5 construction supply industry trade fair in Dubai. The Big 5 which runs until Thursday 27 November 2008 is the Middle East's biggest-ever event for the sector.
Pointing out that the nation has one of the world's worst ecological footprints, Holley Chant, a planning manager at the Abu Dhabi Planning Council in charge of Estidama, the emirate's sustainable building and community initiative, said "the world is watching" to see how the UAE introduces policies to bring about change.
"Abu Dhabi is establishing Estidama and Dubai is working on their guidelines but we have to meet the same targets of promoting conservation of health, energy and resources," she added.
Earlier, Adi Afaneh, Senior Environmental Planner at Dubai Municipality, said buildings were responsible most energy use. In Dubai 75% of all electricity was consumed by buildings, both residential and commercial. Similarly, commercial and residential buildings were responsible for 85% of water consumption.
Dubai's new green building regulations will soon be submitted to the Executive Council which would decide the timetable for implementation, starting in 2009, Afaneh added. The regulations will apply to all new buildings initially but eventually will be extended to cover existing buildings as they are renovated.
Building Information Modelling is more than just a fancy design tool!
Architect Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM) is making great strides in the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM)
A number of commercial 3D modelling systems have emerged in recent years, and SOM's designers were keen to use the new technology. The firm selected Revit because of its ease of use, associative views, scheduling capabilities and integration with other products, such as AutoCAD.
SOM first used AutoDesk's Revit Building package on smaller projects, either particular elements or entire schools and hospitals. When SOM won the bid to design Freedom Tower, its designers opted to test Revit on one portion of the project, namely the substrata.
This element alone took up eleven storeys, including below-grade infrastructure and shopping facilities, as well as access to public transport and the World Financial Center. All this is criss-crossed by subway tunnels, plus existing water and power conduits.
This was where Revit made an immediate impact. Users found that with the 3D model they could go into their complex design in an intuitive, easy-to-learn manner. They were quick to pick up on how to operate the software, says the firm's digital design director Paul Seletsky. 'We gave them introductory courses, but architects used Revit right off the bat and required very little training,' he says. 'Its approach makes a lot of sense to architects - it understands the way they think.'
So... still wonder whether Revit can cope with big structures?
Read more
Whose using Revit?
Want to know who is using Revit? This is a great concept developed by Steve Stafford: Revit Inside
Steve is collecting a list of all firms using Revit around the world who are open to collaborative design work. So if you ar using either Revit Architecture, Structure or MEP, why not join this rapidly growing list?
Click to download Revit Architecture product brochure
Revit Structure
Click to download Revit Structure product brochure
Revit MEP
Click to download Revit MEP product brochure
Are South Africa's built-environment professioanl embracing green building practices?
With ever-increasing global emphasis on the need for climate-change mitigation, South African built-environment professionals are beginning to take seriously the ambition to lessen the carbon footprint associated with buildings and residences, especially by using design and technological innovation to decrease energy consumption and limit waste.
Does your company need to remain continually updated on projects in Africa (including South Africa) and have access to specialised support in drawing up project proposals and accessing donor funds ?
Would you like to promote your own project ideas to the international donor community as well as the South African financial community ?
Would you value practical assistance in formulating new strategies for business in Africa ?
Autodesk have released a new web update for Revit Architecture, Structure and MEP, both 32bit and 64bit versions. The updated build reference is (Build 20081118_1045) and the service pack can be downloaded from the Autodesk website at the following locations:
Revit the Frog is developed by Justin Taylor
Lover of all things Revit and irritant of InlliC@#, ZW#$D on Twitter LOL The original developer of Revitup
Revit MEP advantages features will also include:-
