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1 : Learn to Use Components to Share Information within Autodesk Revit Models Elaine Lee NBBJ, Los Angeles Michael Ramsay NBBJ, Seattle AB6081-V The use of lines in Autodesk Revit models can sometimes be shortsighted, leading to messy model files and uncoordinated drawings, or worse, missing informati ion when collaborating with teams. But, what if there is a time crunch, and no time to think straight? How can you sort out the immediate task and know what is best to do in these situations? Learn to stop for a moment, breathe, identi ify the immediate task, and the workflows that are needed. Find out how to appropriately use lines in Revit models andd the best pract tices to follow through with after the immediatee task is complete. Understand the reasons for using and not using lines within the context of Building Informatio on Modeling (BIM). Learn how to turn those lines into comp ponents instead, taking advantage of associated Revit software functionality, and breaking the desire to use lines in the first place. Learning Objectives About the Speakers At the end of this class, you will be able to: Identify the different line commands in Revit Describe the benefits of using components instead of lines Associate Revit features, function ns, and workflows with required tasks, replacing lines with embedded inform mation in the models Understand the conditions and situ uations that lead to the desire to use lines and how to rethink the use-of-lin nes- solution Elaine is a licensed archit tect and associate with NBBJ in Los Angeles. She is often asked by proje ect teams to explain how stuff works in Revit and helps with the firm's standards developm ment. In addition to being a project architect, she works with teams to learn to use Revit one project at a time. She was s the discussion lead at AU2011 for the Unconference, "A Field Guide for New Revit Users - A Self-Help Guid de of Thought Processes Beyond Basic Training." Elaine can be reached at ewlee@nbbj.com Michael is an associate and the design technology lead working with the health care practice at NBBJ in Seattle. Like Elaine, people like to ask him questions about how to use Revit. Michael supports many different types of digital tools and conce ntrates on the BIM and delivery side of the practice. Michael can be reached at mramsay@nbbj.com

2 List of Video Modules: Introduction Module 1: Lines and Components Module 2: Create and Use Simple Family Components Module 3: Use Walls to Identify and Coordinate Module 4: Strategies for Elevations Module 5: The Benefits of Using Detail Components Module 6: In a Rush Rethinking the Use of Lines 1

3 Module 1: Lines and Components Summary: This module describes the differences between lines when added to a model and lines when placed in family components. It identifies the different line commands and their associated functions. It will show how to work with lines when placed in a model. Next, it describes how family components work in models, and the potential benefits when lines are put into family components instead. Section 1 Line Commands What You See is What You Get Section 2 Put Lines into Family Components Get Benefits Section 1 Line Commands What You See is What You Get Concepts covered in this section include the three basicc line commands and how they are typically used in projects: Model lines Room separation lines Detail lines Line Commands and Their Functions - Model Lines Model lines are useful for quick graphic studies to represent building elements as a temporary, early placeholder. They require a placement plane to exist on. A placement plane is the surface of a 3D object, such as walls, floors, and reference planes, including 3D annotation objects -- levels and grids. This allows model lines to appear in every view type. 1

4 Model lines are useful for quick studies, but consider what would happen if a window component is added to the wall: Line Commands and Their Functions Room Separation Lines The room separation line command is basically a model line with a specific function - to be a bounding object for adding room definitions. 2

5 Room separation lines are visible only in plan views. Butt room definitions are visible in section views because they are 3D objects. Line Commands and Their Functions Detail Lines Detail lines will appear only in the views they were placed in. They are useful for graphically connecting between components in views that are not typically duplicated, such as drafting views. 3

6 Section 2 Put Lines into Family Components Get Benefits Concepts covered in this section include: Categories and types Parameters Visibility graphics to override by category View filters to override graphics by specific type Family Components Lines are not just lines anymore when incorporated into family components. Components are: - Selectable - Can be swapped for variations by types in the same category - Can be revised and updated inside the project by selecting edit type and duplicate Tag and Coordinate Use parameters to embed information into families to describe, tag, and coordinate. Parameters are fields that containn informationn about an object. Take advantage of parameters to: - Connect objects to keynotes - Schedule and count objects - Create a multicategory tag to show information filled in the object's comments parameter Control Graphic Overrides Components can be set to override graphics per category. Visibility graphics window, Model Categories tab: 4

7 A specificc graphic override can be set for objects by filtering for the information that is filled in a component's parameter. See Module 2 for more information about filters and visibility graphics. Create the rules in the filter set-up window: Visibility graphics window, Filter tab: See the other modules for information and ideas about how to work with components. 5

8 .Module 2: Create and Use Simple Family Components Summary: This module describes how to create a simple family component to replace 2D lines and the benefits for using a family component. It will describe how to create simple, reusable components that can be made quickly. Next, it will describe how to create and add information to simple generic 3D components. Finally, when really in a rush, how to best organize model lines into groups. Section 1 How To Create Simple, Reusable, Components Section 2 Generic 3D Components Section 3 Groups and Model Lines 2D Lines: A recap, 2D lines are a good way to incorporate simple information into details and other drafted views. Users tend to also use 2D lines as a quick, time saving, option for representing elements in plan and elevation. Pros: Quick, easy, no real learning curve Cons: No data, view dependent, messy, NOT BIM. Options: It is possible to use lines in a project and do so successfully. Instead of drawing lines in a view use one of the following strategies to add functionality and intelligence to simple elements. Section 1: How to Create Simple. Reusable, Components. One of the biggest reasons that 2D lines get used is that they are easy to use and can quickly add simple detail to drawings. This is great if the user is creating a detail or detail component. Drawing 2D lines to represent big components like equipment, furniture, casework etc. is missing the point of working in Revit and modeling the project. Lines contain no data other than length and type. To capitalize on the promise of data and the promise of BIM it s important to actually work with more advanced components that allow the user to embed data, coordinate against real world conditions and to re-use and expand on as the project progresses. 1

9 2D Components: It takes a few seconds to draw a couple of lines in a project. It only takes a few seconds more to createe a 2D component of those same lines. Pros: Components are more manageable, can bee re-used, can be adjusted and changed at any stage of the project and can also contain data adding functionality and flexibility to a project. Cons: 2D components do not show the extent of the object, they only show in 2D views, they are also view dependent. Adding Parameter Data and Setting up Types: Using simple 2D lines inside a simple 2D component is just a step above simply using lines. The added benefits are flexibility and functionality. Simple components can be changed later to meet the needs of the project. Another option is to spend the time setting up some simple parameters when the component is first made. The most basic parameters are dimension based parameters such as length, width and height. Setting up these simple parameters will add flexibility to the component and allow for multiple types in a single component family. 2

10 Creating stretchable components: It s quite easy to make the above component stretchable. Types are useful and accurately represent objects in a project. Sometimes it s important to have a component that can be easily changed and adjusted. Changingg the type parameters too instance parameters will create a stretchable component that can be adjusted in real-time using the grips or handles. 2D components in a 3D Family Using 2D Components is a quick and easy way to createe and use content within a project. 2D Components are still problematic in that they are view dependent and have limited options for embedding data and visual and virtual coordination. Placing 2D content in a 3D Family increasess the usefulness, flexibility and functionality of a component. Not only are there more available default parameters to use but it is possible to change the component family type later. This is an extremely useful option. 3D component families are also NOT view dependent. Using Object Styles: Components are a great way to embed data into a project. Parameters can be added to a component and that parameter data can be reported either visually, such as by using a dimension, or by tagging or scheduling. The other way too convey data is throughh the use of other visual tools like line color, weight, and pattern. Using object styles a user can add this data to a component. Object styles are set up while building a component and can also be changed in the project after the component is loaded. The object style can be changed per view, added 3

11 to a view template to change multiple views simultaneously or changed globally by changing the object style in the project after the component is loaded.. Section 2: Generic 3D Components 2D Components can be very useful in a project and are a quick way to incorporate information into your project. They are limited, however, in that they are still only 2 dimensional and aren t completee representations of the real world object. Design, delivery and coordination efforts can be sped along by the use of dimensionally accurate 3D components. Thesee components don t havee to be overly detailed. They can be simple epresentations of the real world object with any needed detail being added as 2D line work to the 3D component. This keeps the component light but useful; incorporating 2D detail that will show in elevation helps the component serve two uses simultaneously. Building on 2D line work: One of the nice things about working with 3D components is that they can usually be built easily and quickly. If all the project has time for is simple 2D components, or 3D components with 2D geometry in them, then start the project using those tools and then build 3D content into the family later. Filters: Filters are a great way to work with and adjust components within a project. Filters can be used on individual components, on a series of views or throughout an entire project. They allow a user to change the appearance of a component. This change can be at the line, color or pattern 4

12 level of a component. Components can also be hidden based on a filter and coupling filters with object styles adds a very useful level of functionality to a project. Section 3 Groups and Model Lines Whether detail lines or model lines are used groups are a good way to organize and manage loose 2D content. If there s no time to build a component and the team is moving quickly then at least take the time to create a group or two out of the more complex lines. These groups can be copied, duplicated, duplicated and renamed then changed. Keep a project lighter and more manageable by using groups 5

13 End: Lines are a quick and familiar way to add detail to a project. Using lines extensively can be messy and misses the point of BIM and 3 dimensional modeling. Team members might be used to drafting and lines may feel more comfortable at first but take the time to educate the team about lines, the reason and places to use them, and the methods for avoiding lines by building more intelligent and flexible components. 6

14 Module 3: Use Walls to Identify and Coordinate Summary: This module is about how to connect Revit features, functions, and workflows with required tasks, replacing lines with embedded information in components. It describes how to work with wall components to manage information and coordinate: Name spaces and calculate their areas 3D coordination Identify construction types Set graphic overrides so that walls look like lines Section 1 A Fence is a Wall: Define Space and Identify Section 2 Defining Leasable Areas in a Retail Project Section 1 A Fence is a Wall: Define Space and Identify Concepts covered in this section include: Room bounding and room definition Wall parameters Multi-category tags A Fence is a Wall: Define Space and Identify Fences, on roofs, site plans, and places outside of buildings, define specific outdoor spaces. Using model lines to express fences describe location and configuration in plan view, but consider the impact of a fence in a project: Fence design and height affects the building elevation design There might be height restriction requirements to document A door might be required in the fence It is useful to differentiate between multiple equipment yards or roof equipment areas contained by the fences Instead, turn the fence lines into walls to set room boundaries and use generic 3D boxes to represent equipment. Some benefits: Doors can be hosted in the fence walls 1

15 Generic model families can be contained in a model group to document relationships between equipment and required clearances. The model group can be positioned to coordinate location between equipment and walls. Identify equipment represented by the generic boxes by incorporating a label into the family With fences as wall components, take advantagee of the room bounding feature to place room definitions so that each outdoor room can be identified uniquely Wall types can be embedded with information and identified by tagging. A multi-category tag was created to pull information from the type parameter Description Elements of Multi-Category Tag Family Multi-category tags can be used to annotate different family category types because they look for information from a set of parameters common with all family categories. This type of tag is convenient for a team to use as long as the team knowss which parameter to fill in. Section 2 Defining Leasable Areas in a Retail Project Concepts covered in this section include: Room bounding curtain wall panels curtain wall type Multi-categor y tags Defining Leasable Areas in a Retail Project Retail projects typically show future tenant space layoutss as contextt in the drawings. Additional information that would be included are tenant space square footages, and locations of demising 2

16 walls and their construction type. Because easable spaces are defined by future walls, to be constructed by tenant, a graphic line style is used to represent tenant walls. To achieve all of this, define a curtain wall type embedded with a curtain panel family that was created to show as the line style representing tenant walls. Taking advantage of the multi-category tag created in the previous example, the tenant wall line style will appear in plan and section view and can be tagged with the multi-category tag: 3

17 If room separation lines are used, they cannot be defined into separate subcategories or types and cannot be embedded with information or tagged, limiting its functionality for this project type. Seee Module 1 for more information about lines. Benefits with using curtain walls to describe walls by tenant: Curtain walls can be tagged to indicate wall construction type Curtain walls can be seen in all view types Curtain walls are bonding objects, so room definitions can be used to identify square footages Elements of Custom Curtain Panel Family Begin by creating subcategories for the tenant walls: 4

18 In plan view of the family file, a tenant storefront door was added as symbolic lines for context when needed and placed in the Storefront Door subcategory. It is also associated with a yes/no parameter to control visibility. When cut in section, the curtain panel is set so that the tenant line style also matches the Storefront Line subcategory line pattern and line weight as defined in object styles. Load the family into the project and define a curtain wall type using this panel to begin establishing tenant wall locations. 5

19 Module 4: Strategies for Elevations Summary: This module describes strategies for working efficiently with elevation views. Achieve the 80/20 rule with components and view templates. Learn to start with basic, out-ofthe-box functions, followed by ways to work with those functions to become more efficient. Finally, this module describes options for working quickly when in a rush. Section 1 Out of the Box Options Section 2 Reduce the work work smart, not hard Section 3 In a Rush Section 1 Out of the Box Options Out of The Box Tools: Ideally a team is working toward the 80/20 rule. Working to embed data and detail into intelligent, flexible, family components so that it is easily accessible and shows the proper representation of any condition when showed in any view in the project. Next, use the Out of the box tools that come default with Revit and clean up those views. This is 80% preparation and up front component building and 20% other strategies. Line Work Tool: The line work tool allows for the changing / adjustment of lines within views. These lines are typically parts of components. Using the line work tool it s possible to change a line to any other linetype in the project. It s also possible to hide lines, adjust the extent of the line and set lines back to their default appearance. Masking Regions: Masking regions can be very useful for obscuring or hiding areas of a model that are either not complete or do not resolve well. The masking region can be drawn using any type of line and at any size or configuration needed. The draw order of the masking region can also be adjusted moving masking regions forward or backward in draw order. 1

20 Filled Regions: Filled regions are similar to masking regions and are created and applied in the same way. The filled regions differ from masking regions in that a pattern or hatch is part of the region. The pattern can be changed and new patterns can be created. Materials: Taking the time to properly set up materials for system families and project components can really addd to the functionality of these objects. Not only can color and render material be set per component but surface pattern and cut pattern can be set. Use these tools with proper component creation and thee work needed to make an elevation, or other, view will be minor adjustments. 2

21 Section 2 Reducee the work work smart, not hard Knowing the basics of component creation, either in 2D or 3D, is the first step to improving the functionality and flexibility of a project. Conveying data inn an intelligent and useful manner is also paramount to a successful project. Embedding dataa in components and embedding components within components (nesting) can greatly improve and simplify the delivery of a project. Parameters: The term parameter is used to describe many of the default data fields within a component. Most of these come default in the component family template and are based on the type of template selected. It s also possible to createe new parameters or select a shared parameter. Parameters can carry useful functional data like length, height, width, but can also carry qualitative and descriptive data. Setting up the parameters in a project and adding useful data to a component can go a long way to improving the flexibility and functionality of a project. Tagging: Parameter data can be obvious and reported visually. For example, the length parameter can be described by dimensioning the object in the project. The other way to collect parameter data is by using tags. Tags are essentially annotation objectss that can read specific parameter data from a component. Tags can be made to read a single parameter orr to read, and report, multiple parameters. By setting the parameter in a component it is possible to then tag that component to read that same parameter data no matter where it is used. 3

22 Embedding a family in a family: Single components can be very useful. Combining components can add a level of functionality and help to improve the documentation process. Most families can be embedded (nested) in another component. One useful way to use this function is embed a descriptive generic annotation in a family. In the module 4 video example a simple signage component is shown. A generic annotation that simply states Signage is embedded in thatt component and then types are set. This allows for a quick general description of signage with specific type data reported from each signage type shown using a tag. Double the data is conveyed through a very quick and simple setup. Section 3 In a Rush The modern architectural practice is profitable through good project management and quick efficient work. Time and time again project teams have to take shortcuts to complete a project. It s easy to feel rushed and to think only about the next steps. Taking the time to prepare components, set up parameters, set up tags and show a team how to use them properly might seem like it lot of time investment. It s important to consider the intermediate and end goals of the project. Taking the time to set up the project properly will ensuree that the work done is efficient and useful. 4

23 Parameters: Section 2 describes parameters. These are the typical parameters that either come default in each component type or they are custom parameters built into a component. In a lot of cases these parameters add functionality to a component and project. Combining parameters and setting them up to report useful secondary information like cost, area, volume and other data can add an even greater level of usefulness and functionality to the project. Scheduling: After parameters are set up and the project is populatedd it is possible to dimension or tag the components to retrieve the parameter data. An alternative method for collecting the parameter data is through the use of a schedule. Schedules are familiar to most architects and typically set up to display door, window, or room data. Unfortunately these schedules have typically been manual data entry and take a lot of time to create and edit when they change. Scheduling in Revit not only allows the user to query the project and generate a schedule but also ensures that the schedule is up to date if the data changes. Schedules can be used to collect data but they can also be used to enter data. Scheduling a seriess of components can be a very useful tool. 5

24 The goal of this section was to illustrate that proper planning, and component building strategy can provide 80% of the work needed for a successful project. This leaves 20% of the work to completee using the out of the box tools. By embedding data in components, and setting them up to report data visually, work needs to only be done once. 6

25 Module 5: The Benefit of Using Detail Components Summary: This module describes the benefits of minimizing the use of lines by using detail components instead when developing drafting and enlarged section views. It will describe how to use detail components and how too connect them to keynotes. It will also describe ways to optimize detail groups when working with multiple drafting and section views. Section 1 Use Detail Components for Consistency Section 2 Optimize Workflows Group, Duplicate, Ungroup, Edit Section 1 Use Detail Components for Consistency Concepts covered in this section: Detail components Keynoting Detail groups Detail Component Features Detail component families contain detail lines to describee objects. They are only visible in the view they are placed in useful for drafting, detail, and enlarged views to show more information specifically for those views. Use detail components for consistent graphics and terminology in a drawing set. 1

26 Detail components are: Selectable Draw once and use multiple times Use parameters to createe types of various sizes see Module 1 for more information about how to create a new type inside the modell Pre-load Types by Editing the Family Open the family file to edit. For each new family type created, edit the parameters as needed for the object, and then select the Apply button to test: For more ways to work with components and the family editor, see Module 2. 2

27 Assign a Keynote to a Detail Component for Consistent Terminology To assign a keynote to a detail component for consistent terminology, select the object, then Edit Type from the Properties Window to get to the Typee Properties window: For more informationn about working with parameters for annotating components in the model, see Module 1. Section 2 Optimize Workflows Group, Duplicate, Ungroup, Edit Concepts covered in this section include: Detail groups Duplicating views View tags Group, Insert Group, Ungroup, Edit Create detail groups to collect details items (lines, filled regions) that are common and repetitive throughout views as context. Insert in each view as a group, and then ungroup them to help get the work started. 3

28 Start by selecting only items related to detail item categories: Open the views to be edited and use the Detail Group/Place Detail Group command to add the newly created detail group to the view. Confirm that all elements of the detail group can be seen in the view before selecting the group to ungroup. Ungroup the detail group, and while selected, move the objects into place. Unselect the group and move individual items into place. It is important to ungroup after bringing the detail group into the view, because this type of detail group is meant to be used as a carrier to reduce drawingg time and save on efforts with searching and inserting objects. Duplicate as Dependent, Convert to Independent, Adjust View Tag, Edit There is a way to duplicate views to reduce copy/paste of detail items between views. This method could reducee efforts for finding and adding lines, notes, and detail components because the duplicated view contains all of those items from the original view. Just move the detail items into place and deletee any excesss or unnecessary ones. 4

29 The steps are: 1. Locate the view tag connected to the view to duplicate. You need to know this for later. Select the view, and use the Duplicate View as Dependent command: 5

30 2. Select the newly duplicated view and use the Convert to Independent View command. The view is now independent and can be moved to show the appropriate information in the model. 3. Find the view tag connected with the newly duplicated and now independent view (it s sitting on top of the original view tag). 6

31 4. Position the new view tag into place, then adjust the view depth and view extents. 5. Edit the new view. Add new notes and annotation, such as room tags and keynotes. 7

32 Module 6: In a Rush Rethinking the Use of Lines Summary: This Module describes ways to strategically work when in a rush, replacing the urge to use lines as the temporary fix, with solutions that incorporate or contain lines to allow for future development. It describes ways to quickly work while keeping a recovery plan in mind. It identifies ways to break down the task into defined strategies for what needs to be accomplished. It also lists ways to complete the task by combining pre-set workflows with temporary fixes and a recovery plan. Section 1 Quick Solutions Section 2 Strategic Planning Section 1 Quick Solutions Concepts covered in this section include: Family components Groups Linking files Quick Solution and Recovery Plan 1 Quick Solution: Assemble lines inside a family component as placeholders, see Modules 1 and 2 for more information. Determine if there is already something to work with: existing families, or manufacturer files in a compatible and insert-able format. If created in the appropriate category, then the objects can be scheduled and counted. 1

33 Recovery Plan: Take the time to replace the placeholder components with revised components as needed for further documentation. Quick Solution and Recovery Plan 2 Quick Solution: Use model groups to collect model liness and families together to convey information, such as required clearances around equipment. If placing the same objects throughout the model, consider using Solution 1 instead, seee Modules 1, 2, and 3 for ideas. 2

34 Recovery Plan: After the rush, look for a pattern about the information conveyed by the lines contained in the model groups so that the families developed later will have that information embedded in them. Quick Solution and Recovery Plan 3 Quick Solution: Create a separate linked file to temporarily contain the added information. Recovery Plan: Combine the link with the main model when ready. Either bind the link and ungroup. Or load the link as a group and then ungroup. Keep the link file size small and simple (only family objects, if f possible). Convert lines into family components before migrating the linked file. If the linked file should remain as a linked file,, then convert the lines to family components for future documentation. Section 2 Strategic Planning Concepts described in this section include: Pre-set workflows Project template View templates Temporary methods with recovery plan family components as placeholders Links and groups 3

35 Strategic Planning Process Even in an emergency, planning the work before and during the project processs helps. Preset workflows may reduce labor and inform how to completee the work quickly. 1. Identify what needs to be described, created, added, and annotated for the immediate task. This helps to determine what to do and how to do thee work. A retail project might require a specific linestyle to represent walls to be constructed by tenant, and that linestyle must appear consistently inn all coordinating views. 2. After identifying the scope of the immediate task, seee if there are ways to take advantage of any project template preset workflows that will update the model, views and sheets to reduce the amount of work. A project template preloads project standards for view filters, view templates, schedules, family components, keynote file, tag types. 4

36 3. Identify the types of objects to add single object once, multiples of the same object, different objects of different sizes and shapes, see modules 2, 3, 4, and 5 for ideas. Then decide on the methods and recovery plan: Placeholder components Model groups Linked files Or, consider investing the time to create a custom family to do most of the work. In the retail project example, a custom curtain panel family was created to show graphically as the specific tenant linestyle that will represent walls to bee constructed by tenant. 4. Commit to following up with the recovery plan to allow for coordination and documentation later: Group model lines together and name each group so they can be found later After updating to the appropriate categories, identify parameters to fill in for tagging or keynoting, and listing in a schedule, see Moduless 2, 3, 4, and 5 for ideas. 5