Architecture, Engineering & Planning EVstudio | Denver & Evergreen Architect | Colorado & Central Texas | Blog » Software

Project Team Collaboration in Building Design

Bill Foster — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:20:55 +0000

Working on larger building project teams will always be a challenge and it is the hidden strength or weakness of any Design firm that takes on the responsibility of managing the project.

At EVstudio, we have the advantage that we have our disciplines under one roof and thus we have all worked together on many previous projects and can build on successful collaboration strategies with each project.

Collaboration at its core is about keeping everyone on the same page and in this article I wanted to discuss some of our methods for doing this on one of our current projects: Warriors in Transition, Soldier Family Assistance Center and Company Headquarters.

For this project we have a project specific FTP site which facilitates regular uploads of all of our BIM models (Bentley for this project) as well as 2D Backgrounds and other raw project information. Whenever an incremental improvement is made to one of the disciplines work, all of our designers have instant access to it and can always be confident they are working with the latest information when making their own design decisions. A similar digital master model method was used in the design of the Boeing 777 which was designed and built without traditional prototyping, a first in the aviation manufacturing world for such a large project. This example is important for the construction industry, because the building industry produces mostly unique structures and only rarely is their an opportunity to prototype our design work.

In addition to the FTP site, we also have a more public website hosted by Basecamp where announcements, schedules and submittals are published for use by our Design Build partners. Having this 2 part collaboration system allows us to keep the most up to date information that is vital to our designers but only partially finished separate from the information that is finalized and ready for pricing and client review.

In terms of the nuts and bolts of collaboration we use Bentley Projectwise Navigator to do our Clash Resolution. Using Clash Resolution software allows us to leverage the work each discipline has put into modeling their design. For example, we can do rapid comparisons of Structural to Mechanical to see if there are places where changes need to be made to give everyone room. On this project we have the advantage that everyone is using Bentley software, but Projectwise Navigator can also be used to coordinate work with Revit and other Autodesk products which we also use on other projects.

At the end of the day all of the tools we use are only as good as the people using them and we are fortunate at EV Studio to have many technically and professionally talented designers who continue to embrace the latest technology in the pursuit of a better product for our clients.

Originally posted 2010-12-03 00:01:54.

Software as a Design Tool – Cantilevered Stairs

Anthony Ries — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:22:18 +0000

Here at EVstudio we use a number of different software packages to design and document our work. Our documentation may be done in AutoCAD, Revit or Bently BIM. Our design work is sometimes quickly completed in SketchUp. I even used it to fully document some requirements for a local HOA. It is was very easy to produce 3D images that where approachable by the various homeowners.

Our structural department often uses Bentley products including: Elements, Concept and Connections. They also use TJIBeam, StruCalc, Enercalc, PTISlab and a variety of custom spreadsheets.

Below are two stair schemes I put together in SketchUp along with a top view showing the unique tread pattern. This stair is in a location that is already built and has some very restrictive geometry. As a result we were forced to get very creative with the stair treads. The treads look straight forward in plan view.

Top View of Custom Stair

In perspective we can see more of the unique character of each of the individual treads.

Perspective of Stair Option

Since the main wall that the stairs will attach to is already existing and has plumbing in it, we designed a couple schemes. The two shown here are the most and least invasive that we arrived at.

Perspective of Stair Option w/ Visible Stringer

The great thing about using SketchUp for this stair layout is that I was able to quickly create it in plan then start to orbit around and refine the exact geometry of each tread. Each scheme took at most 10 minutes to create. This software is also a great tool to use with clients. It is simple enough that geometry can be re-worked on the fly and the model can be placed on GoogleEarth for the owner to get a better idea of views and overall siting.

Yes, most of those treads are, in fact, cantilevered.

Structural Modeling in Revit

Anthony Ries — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:39:06 +0000

With each new project we use more and more of the tools in our BIM toolbox. The latest tool that we have developed to the level of prime-time is our structural steel framing within Revit. We are currently working on a very unique custom home in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains which has some unique requirements. This home will be making extensive use of architectural concrete and structural steel.

Normally we can create a 3D walk through of a project as an additional architectural service. With this current project we have created the entire structural steel system in Revit and with a few mouse clicks are able to create a structural steel walk through. Below is a short video showing the preliminary structural steel layout only. No bearing walls or concrete is shown.

As a design and documentation tool we are able to pan, zoom and rotate in 3 dimensions to thoroughly vet our structural design and also more quickly identify problem areas where structure may be interfering with other trades or design features. Additionally it provides a solid model that indicate lengths of beams, joists and columns. This particular model will be shared with the steel fabricator in order to improve their accuracy, speed and reduce questions. We also use it internally to investigate how various pieces come together in a direct way.

With all of that said, 3D modeling is no substitute for expertise, education and practical experience. We use the software as a tool to further explore and document our designs, not as a crutch to develop the design.

Revit 2012 – Where are the Special Characters?

Kacy Landsittel — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 23:23:26 +0000

Typing and creating notes in Revit is similar to AutoCAD, however use of special characters requires a couple extra steps. To be able to use a symbol in Revit such as degrees or diameter, from the Windows operating system anyway, one needs to open the character map. In Windows 7, I type “charmap” in the search bar from the start menu. This opens the character map inherent to Windows. From there, I find the desired character(s) or symbol(s) click Select, then Copy. Then I go back into Revit, create or edit a piece of text, type cntrl-v to paste the characters stored on the clipboard and I’m off and running.

Windows Character Map

You can also use the Keystroke combination that you see here in the lower right corner. In this case hold "alt" and then type "0176".

BLIPMODE – AutoCAD Command to Remove the Pick Point Crosses

Sean O'Hara — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:58:08 +0000

In AutoCAD, when the BLIPMODE setting is set to "ON", wherever you click on your drawing, AutoCAD will show a little white cross (+). I'm not sure why you'd typically want this and I always set it to "OFF".

Like many things in AutoCAD, sometimes it just resets, so I have to turn it off every few months.

Originally posted 2009-07-15 10:38:12.

EVstudio is now using Blackpoint Software with ACA

Jim Houlette — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:27:40 +0000

Our structural department is working with Oakwood Homes and has recently added Blackpoint Software to AutoCAD Architecture (ACA) to help improve our services to our Client. Blackpoint provides may great features for home builders. First, it helps to organize and track plans, it also helps to manage home options within ACA and it helps with material lists. EVstudio is using Blackpoint to help with controlling options that can otherwise be overwhelming and time consuming. Blackpoint helps by creating a way to manage them and reduce overall drafting. This is done by drafting a base file that is then used to blend in options that are simply partial pieces that are specific to the option. No extra drafting redoing and managing the base.

EVstudio is very excited to be a part of this team and looks forward to other new developments from Blackpoint and MiTek.

You can learn more about BIM and how Oakwood has been a national leader in using BIM.

Oakwood Homes moves forward with Blackpoint

BIM for Home Builders

Revit Tip #23 – Linking a File to the Current View Only

Anthony Ries — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:46:54 +0000

At EVstudio we use Revit for just about everything. It doesn’t yet make coffee. We can only hope. However, we occasionally have a need to import and link AutoCAD or other vector and image files to our models. Because Revit builds one model and then takes a look at that model via a large number of views, most everything drawn appears in every view. Which is perfect, that is the way we like it.

Normally.

When importing a file for reference, we typically want it to only appear in a single view. In order for this to be done, we have to check an elusive little check box during the file selection process. That check box can be seen highlighted by a red box in the image below. Note that it says “Current view only”. Be sure make certain that you are in the correct view prior to linking or importing the file.

In this image you can also see the way I like to set up the other settings. If I only want to import a certain thing, like diffusers in a reflected ceiling plan, I will select “Specify” from the Layers dropdown. I can also frequently select “Auto – Center to Center” from the Positioning dropdown. This works great when my consultants use the CAD files I export from Revit as their background – so long as they don’t move it in AutoCAD!

AS EVstudio evolves and incorporates more in-house consultants this need is going by the way side. Currently just about the only files I ever link are electrical layouts for reflected ceiling plans. Our civil, mechanical, plumbing, structural and interior design departments are making the move to Revit and thus making our design and coordination much more efficient.

Originally posted 2011-03-03 00:01:46.

AutoDesk Revit Structure and Bentley RAM working together

Jim Houlette — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:46:50 +0000

EVstudio's structural department is working on several new projects where we will be modeling the structure in Revit and exporting it to RAM to complete the analysis. The first trial tests have been working great. As we become more comfortable with the process we will be doing some extra work by continuing with our previous means of design along with the new design procedure using Revit and RAM together.

The goal of using Revit structure is to have the ability to work with architects using Revit, create the complete BIM model and impute structural loads directly on the Revit model. These loads are then exported out along with the building model to create a true structural model used for design. The ability to communicate between a drafting software and a design software is amazing and will ultimately help engineers to track loads, resolve conflicts and provide high quality plans for our client and contractors.

EVstudio is always looking for ways to improve our work and provide higher quality products to our clients. The use of Revit and RAM are typically used for commercial projects, however can be used for residential as well. We are also talking with several software designers developing programs that model a residential wood structure, designs it, and produces a materials list for the builder. A great tool to have to reduce errors, value engineer and help builders know total material lists to reduce waste.

Originally posted 2011-04-10 00:09:43.

McDwiff is an Option for Opening DWF Files on a Macintosh

Sean O'Hara — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 20:45:06 +0000

We make use of the DWF file format for sending drawings to clients for review or print shops to print. It is a significantly better format for sending drawings than PDF. Not only are the files a fraction of the size, but they are also easier to create. In addition, the DWF format gives our clients the ability to measure and to make notes or mark-ups that they send back to us.

The one glitch has been that it was not readily available for Mac users. There is a solution through third party software, McDwiff. It is a free download for private users and $39 for commercial users.

If you have a PC, you can download the Autodesk version.

Dean talks a little more about the DWF format.

Originally posted 2009-08-14 00:01:25.

Easy Method for Generating Area Take-offs Using Autodesk Design Review

Kacy Landsittel — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 23:08:50 +0000

During the design process clients and builders need area take-offs for estimating pricing on materials for managing an appropriate budget for their project. At EVstudio we utilize Autodesk's Design Review program as a means for clients to review our drawings throughout the design process. Builders also use it for calculating or gathering area take-offs.

Here, I have created an example of calculating areas for siding materials on this garage elevation using Design Review. There is other software out there for the specific purpose of generating area take-offs, but this method is an easy way for an owner or someone not in the building industry to get an estimate on their own.

In Design Review, I simply used the "area" tool for generating the square footage of three different siding materials, a stone veneer in green, horizontal wood siding in red, and a corrugated metal siding in yellow. The "area" tool is coupled with the “measure” tool, which looks like a ruler, under it's drop down menu. I simply picked corners or vertices that define the areas needed. As each point is picked the area value keeps updating within the geographical center of that space. When all the points have been selected, I hit the esc. key to complete that particular defined area. For clarity and as a possible method to generate a siding area schedule to compile the data, I chose to apply a color for each material type. For instances where there are windows within an area another area box is needed around them and can then be subtracted from the gross wall area to get the net area of the siding. This same method could also be used in floor plans to generate areas for floor finish materials or a hardscape patio for example.

Originally posted 2010-08-22 00:01:37.