The Best Yet!

Our best meeting yet! That has the been the input that we have received so far. This is thanks to our speakers, Erin Rae Hoffer, Jay Polding and Chien Harriman and of course to the over 50 people who attended and volunteered.

Erin Rae Hoffer - AIA, LEED AP, MBA set the tone for the evening. Integrating all team members earlier in the design process makes for a better end result. She also shared a glimpse into the future by narrating a video of Autodesk’s presentation at Greenbuild. This presented an easy to use interface that illustrates how closely BIM and sustainable design can function.

Jay Polding, LEED AP presented an integration of exisitng Revit tools with the LEED standard. Using the basic modeling tools, schedules and parameters one can uncover many key peices of information pertaining to occupancy, parking, water flow, material take-offs and much more.

Chien Si Harriman from Integrated Environmental Solutions had our attention. Using the link between Revit Architecture/MEP and IES Virtual Environment he was able to analyse energy consumption, daylighting and dassive solar among other things. He demonstrated how one can easily compare various design options quickly and early in the design process.

IES Virtual Environment Plugin for Revit Architecture
This Beta test will run until the 20th of December i.e. you will be issued keys for supporting software until the 20th.
To participate in the Beta Test you need to download the new version of the . This is downloadable from the following link:
http://upload.iesve.com/Downloads/ve5.8.5_beta1.zip
This download is about 370MB and can take up to 30 minutes to download.
Please note that we have just uploaded a new website. If you have any problems getting to the website or downloading then contact Beta@iesve.com.You must have the June 2007 (or later) update of Revit Architecture for our link to work.

Latest(as of blog post date) Revit Architecture 2008 Build http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=9408083

An involved group. Please email Jay Polding any comments or ideas for our next meeting.

Notice:

From Sustainable Buildings Canada:
The City of Toronto is planning to redevelop the North St Lawrence Market.
Join a green team of architects, energy and environmental engineers and other design professionals at this sustainable building Design Charrette. Apply your experience and technical know-how to the proposed new north St Lawrence market complex in Toronto.
Date: Dec 4 (lunch) and Dec 5 (8:30-4:30), 2007.
A limited number of spaces are available. There is no cost but selection will be primarily based on the expertise needed by the charrette- ESPECIALLY electrical engineering, building envelope and structural.
The invite is available for download it in word format from: http://www.sbcanada.org/online-docs/NSL-charetteInvite.doc
If interested, * Do not reply to this email * return the completed invite to: ponessa@sympatico.ca
Tom Ponessa, M Arch
Director of Programs
Sustainable Buildings Canada
t: 416 530 4796 x 301

Meeting Nov.14, 2007

When: Wednesday, November 14th from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

Location: Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide St W, Toronto ON.

AGENDA

Reception: Join us for hors d'oeuvres and drinks at 6:30.

Theme: Revit: LEED and Collaboration
Content: A Conversation with Erin Rae Hoffer - AIA, LEED AP, MBAAs
Industry Programs Manager with Autodesk, a leading provider of software for architecture and engineering, Erin Hoffer fosters the adoption of innovative approaches to design and practice. With twenty-five years of experience in technology and computer-aided design, Erin contributed programming for D.O.E solar energy analysis software in the early 80s, developed computer-aided design tools and techniques for architecture and engineering with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Prior to joining Autodesk, Erin served as Executive Vice-President with the Boston Architectural College and served on the board of directors of the Boston Society of Architects as Commissioner of Technology. She led technology and services organizations for Harvard, MIT, and Tufts University. She is a LEED Accredited Professional and member of the AIA. Erin received a Master in Architecture from UCLA, and a Master in Business Administration from MIT's Sloan School of Management. She is registered to practice architecture in California.

Revit and IES for LEED: Presentation - Special Guest: Chien Si Harriman from IES-Integrated Environmental Solutions Limited with Jay Polding LEED AP

Learn the secrets of extracting key LEED data from your Revit model. We will compare existing tools and techniques inside of Revit with the information required from the LEED Letter Template. Chien Si Harriman from IES will show us how daylighting, energy consumption and other important simulation data can be calculated using IES simulation software.

Revit Matchmaking Tables: Revit Architecture, Structure and MEP stations will be set up for those who are looking to collaborate on Revit projects.

Registration: Please email your interest in attending to Jay Polding at jpolding@cadmicro.com as soon as possible.

Get Paid to Test Revit...AGAIN

Autodesk is once again looking for Architects or architectural
technologists who are current users of Revit to help us with a new study
we will be doing during the week of November 5 to 9 in Toronto.

For this study, we will ask you to come into our office (at King and
Sherbourne) some time during the day or in the evening. You'll try out
prototypes of new software features while we watch and ask you
questions. The sessions will take no more than 2 hours, and you will be
paid for your participation. (Payment is $100 in the form of a gift
card from your choice of major retailers.)

To participate in this study, you must have at least six months
experience using Autodesk Revit. If you participated in the study we
did in August, you may still participate in this study.

If you are interested in participating, please reply to this email with
contact information, or call Kelly Ellis at 416-874-8536. We will
contact you to book a mutually convenient time for you to come in.

Revit Wishlist

Vote for you top ten wishlist items here...

http://www.augi.com/revit/ballot.asp

Member Marketing Opportunity

The CaGBC-GTC chapter is asking interested ORUG members to submit images, renderings, schematic drawings (computer or hand drawn) of buildings, MEP systems or structural skeletons for consideration. These images could potentially, be used in the graphic artwork on the CaGBC-GTC website and tradeshow booth so interested parties should be in a position to authorize the CaGBC-GTC to use their images in the public domain, royalty free. The contributing authors will of course get recognition by way of their logo or company name identified on any of their images, that might ultimately be used in final graphic artwork production.

If anyone is interested in this opportunity to potentially receive some high-profile public recognition and free advertising via CaGBC-GTC marketing collateral, they can submit their images to:

Melissa Ferrato

-Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
-Canada Green Building Council -Greater Toronto Chapter
-World Green Building Council Secretariat

Phone: (416) 661-6600 ext. 5569
Fax: (416) 667-6278
Email: mferrato@trca.on.ca

Get Paid to Test Revit!

Autodesk is looking for Architects and architectural technologists who are current users of Revit to help us with a new study we will be doing during the week of August 13 to 17 in Toronto.

For this study, we will ask you to come into our office (at King and Sherbourne) some time during the day or in the evening. You'll try out prototypes of new software features while we watch and ask you questions. The sessions will take no more than 2 hours, and you will be paid for your participation. (Payment is $100 in the form of a gift card from your choice of major retailers.)

To participate in this study, you must have completed a degree in architecture, and have at least three months experience using Autodesk Revit.

If you are interested in participating, please reply to this email with contact information, or call Kelly Ellis at 416-874-8536. We will contact you to book a mutually convenient time for you to come in.

Thanks,

John Schrag

July 11 Meeting - Learning From the Best

One summer evening...
Our Revit experts really provided us with some valuable tips and tricks, thank you first to them but also to everyone who attended. Above is the winning logo and website address orug.ca. Thanks to all who participated in the logo competition and to Phil Marjeram for the winning design. Here's what was on the agenda...

EXCERPT FROM ORUG.CA April 07, 2006
'This users group is also a long time in coming. Revit is so revolutionary and fun to use that it creates a very loyal following. The purpose of this site is to connect the Revit users in Ontario who would like to have their say. We will be discussing issues that range from general Revit use to specific topics that only affect us in this part of the world.'

Who are the best? You are. This group has world-class talent in both Architecture and Revit.

Introduce people in their roles:

ORUG Organizers
Jay Polding – ORUG Moderator
Yogi Ishwar B.Arch
Brian Griffiths

ORUG Board Members
Richard Ziegler
Paul F. Loreto
John Peterson
Ramon Janer
Sheena Sharp
Domenic Serravite
Caesar Ruest

News:

Detailed reports stating statistics from real users. Join up at revitcc.com
Autodesk is asking us to choose our top suppliers that we want Revit Families from. Make lists
Jeld-Wen windows and doors available.

Topic Tables:

Families and Content

Andre Carvalho from Richard Ziegler Architect was the resident expert. He shared some tricks and tips on parametric families in practice.

Presentations and Rendering

Domenic Serravite, Ramon Janer, Mike Starr were all resident experts on Revit and 3D Studio MAX. Domenic and Ramon brought in some stunning prints of renderings that they have done. The connection between Revit and MAX was discussed.

Sections and Detailing

‘Revit Guru’ Richard Ziegler provided some insight into the above topic. He showed some examples of how he has handled some difficult detailing issues.

Misc. What’s new in 2008, Hardware questions, Revit Structure

Phil Marjeram, John Peterson, Derek Gauer talked shop on high-end hardware and network issues. We also welcomed Revit Structure users to discuss issues at this table.

Two Autodesk gift bags were given away. Maybe next time those giftbags will contain ORUG branded swag? See you next time.

Ontario Revit Users Group Meeting

Wednesday, July 11th 6:30
Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide St.W. Toronto

Agenda

Reception: Join us for hors d'oeuvres and drinks at 6:30.

Introduction: Latest News of Revit Use in Ontario and Canada.
The new ORUG logo will be unveiled and Web address announced.
Manufacturer content available and most requested for Revit

ORUG Member Presentation: Discuss specific topics in-depth with experienced Ontario Revit users at four Topic Stations. At least one Revit expert with a computer will be stationed at each table.

The Topics discussed will be:
Families and Content
Presentations and Rendering
Sections and Detailing
What's New in Revit Architecture 2008 (and how to make best use it!)

Registration: Please email your interest in attending to Jay Polding

Free Lunch

All ORUG members are invited for lunch sponsored by CAD Microsolutions at the ‘Autodesk Experience the Possibilities’ event May 9th. We will have a chance to discuss the new features of Revit Architecture 2008 as well as topics for the next meeting. Please register with Autodesk for the event and email me to confirm your attendance. Hope to see you there!

To register: Autodesk.com/live or call 1-800-234-0074

jpoldingATcadmicro.com

Logo Competition Heats Up

A

B

C

D

E


F.



Here are the logos so far...
Email jpolding@cadmicro.com to submit yours or vote on your favorite.

ORUG Members in the Globe and Mail

There is an article in the Globe and Mail Real Estate Section today about a Solares' Design Build project. Christine and Tom are both active members of ORUG.

You can read it on-line at:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story
/RTGAM.20070323.re-construction-0323/REStory/RealEstate/

If you are an ORUG member with some interesting press we'll be happy to post it for fellow members and others to enjoy.

February Bash

Thanks to the over 50 people who attended and volunteered at our first meeting of 2007. Here's a little review of our meeting...

7:00
Brian Griffiths, MC
Welcome to new and veteran users to our first meeting of 2007
Intention to create a network of users who can help each other succeed. Having a group also gives us more say when presenting suggestions to improve Revit to Autodesk. Tonight we will highlight ways to incorporate ‘green’ design into Revit use. We will also discuss ‘construction documentation’ related questions and future topics in our panel discussion.

7:15
Revit in Production
Richard Ziegler Architect

While we continue to use Autodesk Revit as our main platform we have also maintained a commitment to review developments in the BIM world both within Autodesk and with other manufacturer’s such as BOA, ArchiCad and Bentley Architecture.

Projects:

Westario, Ontario

MGM City Center is a 66-acre mixed use development project proposed (currently under construction) by MGM Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The Shard London Bridge, also known as London Bridge Tower, will not only redefine London’s skyline, it will become a symbol for the capital that is recognizable throughout the world.”

BIM there, done that – what have we learned?

1. On large projects – concern for scalability (constraints of a single database model)
2. Visual Representation of Complex 3D forms in 2D output
3. Documentation Tools for Complex 3D forms.
4. Modelling vs. Drawing – Where to draw the line
5. Accuracy of the Model relative to Data Extraction
6. Hardware Requirements

What we love about BIM!

1. Fully coordinated Construction Documents
2. Fun
3. Speed
4. Consistency and Coordination of Views
5. Untapped Potential of Database
6. Multidisciplinary Revit Model
7. Platform for Sustainable Design

Revit Content

Official Autodesk Revit Content Library:
http://revit.autodesk.com/library/html/index.html
AUGI:www.augi.com/revit.exchange/
Revit City: www.revitcity.com
Bimworld: www.bimworld.com
Formfonts: www.formfonts.com
Select Steel: www.selectsteel.com
AWMAC (Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada): www.awmac.com
e-Interiors: www.e-interiors.net
Got3d: www.got3d.com
Symbolmachine: www.symbolmachine.com
Accustudio: www.accustudio.com

3rd Party Vendors:
Leveraging the Database

• Especs
• ADSymphony
• Innovaya Virtual Estimating
• Lamina
• Autodesk FM Desktop
• Avatech Earth Connector
• Navisworks
• Geopraxis
• Ecotect
• IES


8:00
Making a Sustainable City Happen: The Toronto Green Development Standard
Mike Mulqueen (M.U.P.)
Assistant Planner - Environmental Policy
City Planning Division - Policy and Research

WHY do we need a
GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD?

Impact of Development on the Environment
• Escalating energy use and air emissions
• Water quality problems in the lake and rivers
• Production and disposal of solid waste
• Stressed urban ecology

- 50% reduction of fossil fuel use in all new buildings NOW
- 60% in 2010
- 70% in 2015
- 80% in 2020
- 90% in 2025
- Carbon-neutral by 2030 (using no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate)

WHAT is the TORONTO
GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD?

• Focused on components of site and building design that can be made more sustainable

• Provides a set of performance targets to be applied to various development features

• Mandatory for City-owned properties

• Encourages private sector green development

BETTER BUILDINGS New Construction Program
How it Works

• Energy Modeller on Design Team

• Building Energy Use Simulation

• Report Submitted

• Verified Savings when Constructed

• Electricity Savings Incentive

• over 50 buildings enrolled
• Average energy savings of 30%
• Maximum of 63.7%
• Typical payback of 4 years

RELATIONSHIP with the LEED Rating System
[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]

• The GDS and LEED are complementary and share many performance targets

• LEED responds to some but not all of Toronto’s local environmental pressures and policies

• The GDS reflects Toronto’s priorities

HOW to apply the GREEN DEVELOPMENT STANDARD

• Opportunities to Implement Green

• The Green Development Checklist

• LEED Comparison Table

• Green Contacts / Support


GREEN Contacts / Support


CITY PLANNING, Policy and Research:sustainablecity@toronto.ca

Jane Welsh Lisa King
416.392.9709 416.392.9698
jwelsh@toronto.ca lking4@toronto.ca

Liora Zion Burton Mike Mulqueen
416.392.0171 416.392.8788
lzion@toronto.ca mmulqu@toronto.ca


ENERGY Efficiency Office
Eleanor McAteer
416-392-7003
emcatee@toronto.ca
www.toronto.ca/energy


www.toronto.ca/environment/greendevelopment.htm

8:30
Open Panel Discussion
During this open forum, members of the audience will be invited to direct Revit questions to our panel of experts:
Richard Ziegler, John Peterson, Mike MulQueen, Phil Marjeram, Pierre Hoppener and Jay Polding.

Questions:

Q: Is Revit good for construction documents? What tools are used?

A: You can get good quality. Use repeating details. Tweak lineweights
A: Especs and Revit Structure tie-in important

Q: We find 3D AutoCAD files are huge, how big are Revit files? What about big projects? What kind of hardware is needed?

A: RZA We’ve worked successfully on 90 storey buildings as well as small projects.
A: Phil from KPMB: Hardware is an issue. Dell seems to be working well. No need for expensive video cards. Fast Ethernet is important.Switching views can be slow.

Q: Will Revit use DirectX?

A: Pierre from Autodesk, not now but we’ll see in the next release.

Q: Does Revit support Multithreading?

A: Yes, when rendering. Revit 9.1 will also work with 64bit processors with a noticeable spped increase.

Q: Has collaboration been difficult?

A: RZA, it has worked well.
A: KPMB-Dumping to 2D dwg has been useful.

Welcome to 2007 ORUG Members

Our first meeting of the year is scheduled for Feb.21, 2007, starting at 6:30pm

Please email your confirmation to jpolding@cadmicro.com

Location: Alice Fazooli’s

Toronto

294 Adelaide St. W.
(At John Street)
M5V 1P6
Tel. (416) 979-1910

Topics:

Revit in Production

A local architect will reveal techniques used to create a full set of construction documents within Revit. This will be followed by a Q+A discussion.

Toronto the Green- Advances in Sustainable Design in Ontario

There is an opening for this presentation. If you would like to present or would like to make a suggestion please email Jay Polding-jpolding@cadmicro.com.

Revit Implementation Techniques

The Autodesk recommended steps for a successful Revit implementation. This will be followed by a Q+A discussion.

The winner of the Revit Building NFR is Rosario Tan. The software will be presented at the next ORUG meeting. Thanks to those of you who sent in your input sheets!

Logo Design Competition Update: So far, we have only one entry. Unless we get more we will have to plaster our lone entry all over our website and t-shirts (you might want to see attached).