Monday, July 28, 2008
Revit Architecture 2009 Extensions
Freeze Drawings: create a 2D drafting view of a plan, elevation or section view.
Text Generator: A few more bells and whistles for text. A temporary solution I hope.
Grids Generator: This is a step in the right direction for creating and editing levels and grids. One thing of note, you can choose to display your grids in 3D. This will draw unconstrained model lines on top of the grids.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
ORUG Member Interview
What made my trip to Toronto even more exciting was the opportunity to visit Halsall and to have lunch with Ian Trudeau, Michael Parker and David Brand. After having a great conversation and a few laughs while eating spinach and ricotta Angolotti, Ian and I sat down for a great interview about Halsall and his use of Revit® Structure. Below is my interview with Ian as well as some really impressive images that Ian shared with me. I look forward to my next trip to Toronto!
read the full interview here...
http://bimandbeam.typepad.com/bim_beam/2008/07/interview-with.html
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
IES and phases
Settings-Project Information-Energy Data-Project Phase
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Get Paid to PLAY!
technologists who are current users of Revit to help us with a new study
we will be doing July 24 and 25 in Toronto for Project Newport.
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 1 hour, and you will be
paid for your participation. (Payment is $50 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 June, you are not eligible for this study.
If you are interested in participating, please reply to this email with
contact information, or call Ian Hooper at 416-874-8523. We will
contact you to book a mutually convenient time for you to come in.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
July 9 2008 Meeting Notes
BIM and Revit Canadian Update-July 2008
Public Works and National Defense requesting BIM
Bank of Montreal BIM RFP project
– Looking Back:
– 2004 discussions with Partner
• Free downloads and Job postings
• Posted for 60 days, will be reminded and may renew.
• Edit and remove at any time
Hot Rod Event
E6600 Dual Core 2.4Ghz processor 1066 FSB
Q9450 Quad Core 2.66Ghz processor 1066 FSB Nvida GeForce 8800GT 512Mb
Q9450 Quad Core 2.66Ghz processor 1066 FSB Nvida GeForce 8800GT 512Mb
Ed Speed Test.rvt
Revit render test blank report .xls
Revit render test JULY 7-08.pdf
One point of interest, the benchmarking journal file from Phil Read cannot be used at this time as it is not 2009 ready. When it is, we will post it.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
July 9 Meeting
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Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. | |||||
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
New Web Update 1 build of Revit Structure 2009
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/2231888/30029942
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Render Hotfix
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=11294295&linkID=9240618
ps, this applies to the AutoCAD renderer.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
IES Plugin for 2009
http://www.iesve.com/content/default.asp?page=s97_2
Just download install and restart and you will see the IES toolbar right there.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Shipping Delays for Revit 2009
Revit Architecture 2009:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=11017599
Revit Structure 2009:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=9281007
Revit MEP:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=9262907
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Revit 2009 Shipping Dates
April 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Area Program Technique
A new program can be really daunting, but while I was first exploring REVIT, I noticed the area calculations and became intrigued. So I imported several AutoCAD floor plans of an 85,000 sf hospital that we were renovating into residential suites. I originally had the intention of building walls until I discovered that walls were not necessary to perform area calculations, so I could do preliminary area calculations without building a model, and with area features that are far more powerful than AutoCAD's.
It works like this:
1. Load the AutoCAD drawing in, one floor per level.
2. Go to the "Room and areas" menu and select "area plans".
3. Select "rentable" and the level you want to create. Note that there is now list of "area plans" under views. (I would recommend not creating exterior walls)
4. Select an area plan, and draw a bounded are using the Area boundary tool.
5. Next select the "area" tool which allows you to place an area tag in the centre of the bounded box.
Voila, you have the area calculated. You will find that REVIT is far more forgiving about closing areas: close is good enough. Also, each room is not a loop, as in Autocad, but a boundary forms the boundary for two rooms. Move the boundary and notice how the calculations change.
But the real power is in the schedules. Go to the "view" menu and choose schedules, Areas, Rentable. As an example, when you are starting out, you may want to keep track of the percentages of area assigned to rentable suites and those assigned to circulation and mechanical spaces.
To create that schedule:
1. Right Click on the area element (move the cursor until you see and "x" in the area and right click)
2. Change the name to something that you want to track.
3. Create a schedule in the view menu, and choose the name, the area and the count.
4. Create a calculated value called Percent, click percent, and choose OF area BY grand total.
5. In the sort by tab, choose Name, grand totals and deselect "itemize every instance"
6. In the format tab, select area and then click on the "calculate total box. To the same for Count and Percent.
7. Click OK.
The different "names", are sorted and summed. No more transferring areas to a spreadsheet. No more recalculating when an area changes. In addition, there is a really nice feature to colour the drawings. Go back to the Room and Area Menu and select area colour scheme. Insert it on to the area plan. Select it and then "edit colour scheme" on the options bar. You are able to change the colours, and the variable that is used on the legend. (For the above example, choose "name"). Again, voila, a presentation-ready plan.
I have moved on to creating multiple area analyses, in the same project. You do this by going to the view menu and choosing "new", "schedules". Click on Areas: rentable and rename the set of schedule. You will now be able to create an entirely separate set of area plans with different boundaries.
I recently moved on to using area schedules to keep track of the variance between the program areas and the proposed areas. This is done using the "key schedule" feature. The key schedule has one field which is a "key". When you assign a key name to a room, the key schedule information like "existing area" and "proposed area" is transferred to the new room. Use a calculated value to calculate the difference between the plan area and the proposed area. Even if you decide to delete that room, or change it to another function, the original program information is not lost.
Although I am getting much more comfortable at creating models and presentations, the area calculations remain my favorite part of REVIT for fact that they remove the tedious nature of one of the important tasks of initial design.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
March 26 Meeting Minutes
Entire Imaging Solutions Inc.

Can be made any size but may need several pieces

Nine lucky people won scale models of the beautiful building pictured below...

Ballpark pricing for the model picture above:
Small(6"x6"x3"): $800
Medium: $2000
Large(24"x36"x8"):$5000
NOTE:
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Welcome New ORUG Divisions
John's Bio..
John Wong, BScE. is CAD MicroSolutions’ resident MEP (Mechanical,
Electrical, Plumbing) Engineering Applications Specialist.
After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from
Queen's University, John worked for a top mechanical/electrical
consulting engineering firm in the Greater Toronto Area. He
applies his industry-specific experience to AutoCAD MEP, Revit
MEP, and the Integrated Environmental Solutions
Monday, March 24, 2008
Great Revit Learning SIte
FYI, some of the info is a little outdated. Still good though.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
March 26 Meeting Details
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Location: Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide St W, Toronto ON, M5V 1P6.
Click here for map. For those taking the TTC, it is conveniently located near both Osgoode and St. Andrew stations on the Yonge-University-Spadina line.
Content: The BIM Model: New Concerns and Opportunities
Liability Conversation
This portion will be an interactive, moderated discussion with Charles to discuss industry concerns about legal liabilities and the BIM model.
Charles Simco - Shibley Righton LLP Charles has been recognised as an expert in the practice of Construction law and professional liability. He has been invited to speak about a variety of topics relating to his expertise at various legal and construction organizations.
Printing a Tactile 3D Model
Allan and his Technical Expert will discuss big picture reasons for using 3D printing as well as technical procedures. He may also offer free services as a giveaway.
Allan M. Agard - Entire Imaging Solutions Inc.Using 3D CAD files, Entire has been providing professionals with the highest quality digital 3D colour replication models for the past 36 years. Customization is provided to meet the specific needs of every client. Models are produced in days.
If you would like to become an ORUG member or attend this meeting as a guest, please contact Jay Polding at jpolding@cadmicro.com.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
March Meeting and News
When: Wednesday, March 26 2008 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.
Location: Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide St W, Toronto ON.
Theme: The BIM Model: New Concerns and Opportunities
The BIM Model- Liability Conversation
The BIM Model- “3D Printing” a Tactile Model
Invitations will be emailed in early March. More details to follow…
Autodesk to Acquire Green Building Studio
After nearly 10 years of market changing innovation, Green Building Studio is delighted to announce we have signed an agreement for Autodesk, Inc. to acquire our assets. In other words, our Green Building Studio (GBS) web service will soon join the Autodesk product family. Please be assured that our talented team will continue to sell software and train and support architects as they use our web service to design carbon neutral buildings today and in the future.
Read more…http://www.greenbuildingstudio.com/
Extensions for Revit®
Revit® Extensions are a series of easy to use applications that extend the capabilities of Revit in various key areas, including structural analysis and reinforced concrete drafting.On January 15 2008, Autodesk completed the acquisition of Robobat who develops these Extensions. All Extensions for Revit Structure formerly developed by Robobat, both fee and free, are now available through the Autodesk Subscription Program.Visit the Autodesk’s Subscription page under Services and Support to find out more about this service and becoming a member. Revit Structure Subscription customers can login to the Subscription Center and download the Revit Extensions at no additional cost.
A great example… Revit 2008 Worksharing Monitor
The Worksharing Monitor facilitates the use of Revit software in a worksharing environment, in which multiple people work on one project. For workshared projects, the Worksharing Monitor answers questions like the following: Who is currently working on this project? Is my local copy of the project up to date? When will my Save to Central operation finish? Has my request to borrow elements been granted? Are any issues interfering with my work on a Revit project? More info…http://www.extensions4revit.com/n/e4r
Autodesk VIZ to become Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2009
With the increasing demands for trained staff and richer toolsets, we noticed a significant movement of Autodesk® VIZ software customers to Autodesk® 3ds Max® software. We also learned that approximately 90% of VIZ customers would prefer to use 3ds Max. In surveying our customers, we learned they want:
-New features and capabilities to ease the creation of stunning imagery and cinema-quality visualizations
-The ability of 3ds Max to handle even the most complex projects
-Access to a much larger community of peers and talent pool
-Easy transfer of knowledge and data from VIZ to 3ds Max
To satisfy these desires, we intend to introduce Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2009 software, a new and uncompromised version of 3ds Max tailored to the needs of architects, designers, engineers, and visualization specialists.
More info… http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=383%3C%2Ftd%3E
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Latest Revit News
These are fixing a leap year programming glitch among other small things…
Revit Architecture: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=9408083
Revit Structure: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=9281007
Revit MEP: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=9262907
FREE IES (Lighting and Energy Simulation) Toolkit Plugin for Revit Architecture:
http://www.iesve.com/content/default.asp?page=s110
Friday, November 16, 2007
The Best Yet!

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.
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
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.
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
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Meeting Nov.14, 2007
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.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Get Paid to Test Revit...AGAIN
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.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
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:
-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
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
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
Friday, July 20, 2007
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.
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.
‘Revit Guru’ Richard Ziegler provided some insight into the above topic. He showed some examples of how he has handled some difficult detailing issues.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
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!)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Free Lunch
To register: Autodesk.com/live or call 1-800-234-0074
jpoldingATcadmicro.com
Friday, March 23, 2007
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
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.
Monday, March 05, 2007
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.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
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
(
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.
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).
Monday, October 30, 2006
Inaugural Bash Success!
Thanks to the over 60 people who participated and attended our first Ontario Revit User’s Group meeting, it was a success! Here are a few highlights from the evening.
Roberta Lum from CAD MicroSolutions opened the ceremonies with an inviting welcome to participate in this forum for sharing ideas. The suggestions to improve Revit that we submit to Autodesk carry weight.
Jay Polding introduced the distinguished group of ORUG organizers (one pictured below; Richard Ziegler in white shirt). Contact info was on memory sticks and is posted to our FTP site (email jpolding@cadmicro.com for login and password)
Caesar Ruest welcomed us and took us on a cross-Canada tour of Revit use. As a special treat the Revit development team in
John, Phil and Ramon from KPMB were interviewed by Jay regarding their Manitoba Hydro Revit project. Their challenges were discussed along with some realistic input on how to improve the software.
Phil Read from Autodesk (pictured with a bearded Paul Loreto) blew our minds! His “Design Intent” presentation was full of amazing techniques that we are sure to use! His examples are posted on our FTP site. (email jpolding@cadmicro.com for login and password)
Pierre Hoppener (standing) from Autodesk Canada generously brought some giveaways. There were some shirts, calculators, pens, all good stuff, but the meeting went quiet when we announced 3 Revit NFR’s would be given away! Those we saved until the end.
Thanks for the fast response on the input sheets. I will be compiling the input from them as they come in. Once they’re in I’ll post the results along with the winner of the next Revit NFR. Don’t forget the ORUG logo competition.
A big thanks to CAD MicroSolutions for sponsoring the evening and Alice Fazooli’s for hosting us. Also, John Peterson, Ramon Janer and Phil Marjoram from KPMB, Phil Read from Autodesk and Caesar Ruest and Pierre Hoppener from Autodesk
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Ontario Revit User's Group
Here's more information on the inaugural Ontario Revit Users Group Meeting with guest speakers from KPMB Architects and Phil Read from Autodesk.
When: Wednesday, October 25th 6:30pm to 9:00pm.
Location: Alice Fazooli's,
Agenda
Reception: Join us for hors d'oeuvres and drinks at 6:30.
Introduction: Meet the Ontario Revit User's Group Organizers and dedicated volunteers who are leading the Revit wave in
Revit - Cross Country Checkup: This year has shown tremendous gains in the adoption
of Revit. Caesar Ruest from Autodesk
ORUG Member Presentation: The Revit team from KPMB Architects will discuss their experience with using Revit on the Manitoba Hydro tower project.
Guest Speaker - Phil Read Speaks on Design Iteration in Revit: Phil is a Revit implementation architect with Autodesk and works directly with firms in training, project implementation, and establishing best practices. Phil holds Bachelor of Science degrees
in Communications and Architecture, as well a Master of Architecture degree from the
Q & A: Use this great opportunity to ask questions about your use of Revit.
Friday, September 15, 2006
The Next ORUG Meeting
Plan to attend the inaugural Ontario Revit Users Group Meeting on Wednesday October 25th from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.
Location: Alice Fazooli's, 294 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, ON
Agenda: Introduction to the ORUG organizers, report on Revit usage across Canada, update on Revit development, guest speaker, Q+A, networking, food and drink.
Registration: Please email your interest in attending to Jay Polding at jpolding@cadmicro.com
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Aug.30 Revit Lunch
We discussed future topics and organizational matters for the group.
Christina had a question about Revit shadow colour which Jay was going to look into.
Of course Phil was a great source of hardware information nuggets as usual.
Future speakers were discussed and it was agreed that an interesting building project done in Revit would be a great topic to speak around. Of course, all of our members have done these so we should have lots of great examples.
Rendering is always a great topic.
Revit use across Canada will also be discussed at the next meeting.
We will be making a concerted effort to invite many more people to our next meeting and expand our group. Please contact me jpolding@cadmicro.com if you wish to attend.










