Sketch up and Revit

Convert a SketchUp 3D Model to Revit


Posted on August 24, 2011 by formfonts3dmodels.  We make the models in SketchUp and convert them to Revit. In the conversion process we make unique materials and layers so that subscribers may modify the color of the architectural entourage. To keep the file size small we individually export from SketchUp repeated parts and them copy/mirror the part with Revit.

Click the link to see the process to ensure that the materials come across nicely.

SketchUp


1) Open file in SU version 6

2) Check Model Units : Format to verify that it is set to ‘Architectural.’ Change if needed

3) Explode model as many times as necessary to remove all nested groups and components

4) Create a new Layer for each Material Color

5) Name each material: FF  

For example the model “Alpha Precast 185  Picnic Tables” would be: FF Picnic Table Wood FF Picnic Table Concrete

Name materials in the order from general to specific: FF Audi A3 wheel tread; FF Audi A3 wheel rim Materials in Revit are listed alphabetically, following the generic to specific will make it easier to find the material

Try to keep names short and descriptive

We are giving materials unique FF names due to Revit’s manner of not warning the user if a material name is already being used and just assigning the material properties of a same-named material already in the project file when loading a new family

6) Separate the geometry by materials into the various named Layers

7) Check the geometry in each of the layers by turning off all layers and then turning on and off each layer

8) Using ‘Select by Material’ some times gets incorrect geometry if the geometry has one material applied to a side and a different material to the opposite side

9) Save another version adding the suffix –V6L for Version 6 of SketchUp and ‘L’ for color by layer; for example, Mercedes_SLR_V6L

10) Delete all materials in the model so that all geometry has the default material

11) Export to a dwg file giving it a unique name such as Mercedes_SLR_noColor, with the export options of AutoCAD 2007 and export faces only


Revit

1) Create a new family selecting the appropriate family type, eg.: a car would be in the ‘entourage’ family

2) Import the dwg file with the following options:

  a. Colors: Black and White
  b. Import units: Select “inches” (or the units your are working with in SketchUp)
  c. Positioning: Auto –Origin to Origin
  d. Place at: Leave as it is

3) Click ‘OK’

4) Once the model has loaded verify that it was automatically placed at the origin

5) Close the ‘Object Styles” dialogue box

6) Go to Materials Editing by clicking Settings>>Materials
7) Delete all of the materials except for “Default”

8) Create a new material for each SketchUp layer (color) by copying the “Default” material
9) Name each material the same as the SketchUp layer (color) (See an exception in Step #18 ) by copying the name from the Word document
10) For sets of models like a bedroom set, use the same material name across all models within the set
(The layer names are to be different for each model/config in the set) Have the same material names across a set will make it easier for a subscriber to quickly change the color

Example: Layer names for different models within a set that have the same material Material Name: FF Atlantico Wood Layer Names: FF Atlantico Bed Frame, FF Atlantico Bed Side Table, FF Atlantico Bed Chest

11) Under the Graphics tab, click “Use Render Appearance for Shading”

12) Click on the “Render Appearance” Tab

13) Under the heading “Generic Material Properties” click the RBG button

14) Enter the RGB color values — get these by looking at the original SketchUp model for each material
15) Use generic material to maintain a “SketchUp” look and feel except for glass. For glass select a predefined Revit render material

16) Click apply and keep adding materials until finished

17) Click OK to exit Materials

18) Click on Settings>>Object Styles…

19) Click on the “Imported Objects” tab

20) Under the heading materials there should be no material listed for each of the imported layers
21) Click on the Material cell for the first layer, then click on the ‘…’

22) The Materials editing box comes up

23) Select the appropriate material

24) Click OK

25) Do the above step #29 through #32 for each of the imported model layers

26) Once all assigned, verify that each layer has the correct material assigned by making sure that the layer name and the material name are the same.

27) Click OK in the Object Styles box when complete

28) Save the model with the suffix of _R2009; For example Mercedes_SLR_R2009
29) Create and save a test Revit project, include a door to give scale to the model and for checking the size of the family once loaded
30) Import the family
31) Click on the shading display button to verify that all the colors are correct
32) Render a 3D view of the scene
33) Verify that all of the materials render properly
34) If they don’t render properly, return to the family file to see what is up
35) To test again, load the test Revit project, Updating a family and re-loading it to a project does not update the materials that we’re previously imported. Since the material names are the same, the first materials imported will remain causing your fixed family to render improperly again

Happy Modeling my friends!

12 Year Anniversary

Amazing how time flies!
And it flies whether you are having a good time or not.  In my case that is anyway.  Thankfully we have been having a great time.  We are rejoicing in 12 years of service to our clients and the Tidewater and surrounding areas. I have mentioned in the past how lucky we were to get past each hurdle.  The last few years have been particularly difficult with the economy struggling but it seems that the some of that burden has been lifted and we are progressing out of it. 2010 was a good year in rebounding & recovery. 2011 so far has been an amazing year at we finish up the 3rd quarter with some projects getting approvals from city council, others finally getting financial approvals (an important part these days) and still other projects coming in the door from past clients that we haven't seen in a while.  That is always welcome!

We also are very excited about introducing our new website this year....actually as we speak. So if you read this today, please note that we are trying to get all the information uploaded and data converted.  It has been a long and frustrating process, most because I am so picky.  After several stabs with web designers without success (come on we are architects...it has to be cool!) we ended up taking our thoughts and creating the graphics we wanted.  With help from Kristen Bunting @ Design-Nectar we are finally able to have something we are proud to share with others. A big THANK YOU to Kristen! http://www.ionicdezigns.com/

So many wonderful things are happening these days and we truly feel blessed,  We have an awesome team of individuals in our office to service your design needs and thankful for their involvement with the family at Ionic DeZign Studios.  Thanks again to all of our clients, vendors, suppliers, consultants and friends We look forward to many more years.

Past Anniversary Logos:



10th year anniversary logo





11th year anniversary logo

Methods of Network Communications

A recent computer survey sent by the NJIT School of Architecture to thirty-one, mostly American design schools, including twenty-nine architecture schools, indicated that all but one had networked design studios. This is clear evidence that digital methods are becoming routine in architecture schools and firms. In addition, the Internet and web have resulted in new methods of working.

Since the first virtual distance studios, where students collaborated over the internet with students in other physically remote studios, in 1994 by Wojtowicz and colleagues, such studios have to relied on web-based databases to store shared design information. 

I remember in our studio in 1988 that we attempted to collaborate with an architect in Oregon for video conferencing and digital translation live between Oklahoma State and the Oregon based conceptual project. At the time, it all sounds very sci-fi and exciting.  However once it actually occurred, there were technical difficulties and honestly....a huge let down. 

Imagine playing Xbox now and then trying to be satisfied with the original TRON game....not! A great effort by our professors to try and push us into the next century but honestly the technology at that time wasn't ready for us.

It seems that universities are the first to try something "unique and experimental" in the engineering technology before architecture firms decide to take that leap.  Primarily due to the need for firms to provide a financial profitability first rather than push the cutting edge. As it probably should be.  universities have the ability to work with students (a larger number) and with many times grants to assist in the funding.  Or even using the current technology in a completely different way.

Since then, the advancement of technology has led to some very sophisticated connected studios where students exchange and develop each other's designs. A model for this kind of exchange, and perhaps the most advanced web-based infrastructure for studio teaching, is the Arc-Line project at ETH in Zurich, part of a university-wide web infrastructure project called “ETH World.” Here, up to 170 first year architecture students have a collaborative environment allowing project submission, viewing and reviewing of design projects, and access to design resources.


Digital design requires digital presentations of which distributed design reviews are an extension. Here, a physically remote critic, connected to the same display over the Internet by some collaborative software (such as Microsoft Windows Messenger and NetMeeting) participates in the critique over the web. In architectural practice, the office of Norman Foster (Foster and Partners) has pioneered the use of “extranets” (a restricted portion of the internet) to enable collaboration with consultants and distant branch offices.

At Ionic DeZign Studios in Virginia Beach, we have utilized the technology to assit in collaboration between consultants whether they are located in the building next door, down the street or in Atlanta, Columbus Ohio and San Francisco like is currently being done on a new prototype for Wendy's. We utilized the messenging systems and document sharing in various methods to connect offices the branding company located in California with the client headquarters in Ohio and their construction division in Atlanta. With all the coordination at hand, our office facilitated the design and construction documents with our structural engineer a few miles away.  Once we completed the design and was ready for permitting, the fast paced process allowed to expedite the permit process as well as execute contracts and processing for bids from our contractor and his subs.  All this information, once completed was able to be shared on an extranet system with other architects around the country ready to produce and permit their locations for the new design prototype.

There is still a long way to go form where we are now to where it should be.  For example, the client sends his construction coordinator from Atlanta every week to visit the two local jobsites for two days.  time and money spent where video monitoring of the site could accommodate much more.  The contractor still uses paper drawings (sometimes not necessarily the most current set) out on the jobsite.  piles of paper that could eventually be eliminated by use of possibly an ipad or similar product.


Clearly, a major issue that all architecture firms face now is implementing the change within a traditional process of "how we have always done things". It will happen....just give it some time and few firms willing to make the leap.

Adapted and edited from George Proctor's writing submitted the the white paper report by ACADIA 2003

LEED needs your suggestions

The USGBC recently released a second draft of LEED 2012 and is now accepting public comments from August 1 to September 14. This is our chance to influence the rating system we use in our projects! USGBC members plan to approve the final version of LEED 2012 next year and release the document in November 2012, just in time for GreenBuild.



LEED 2012 includes changes to all major LEED rating systems: New Construction, Design & Construction systems, Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, Neighborhood Developments, and Homes. A summary of changes from LEED 2009 and from LEED 2012 1st Public Comment can be found on the USGBC website. The Materials & Resources section has undergone many changes with the intent of adding emphasis on transparency from manufacturers and life-cycle assessment. For example, a new credit called “Avoidance of Chemicals of Concern” requires reporting product ingredients and avoiding chemicals listed under California’s Proposition 65.


The five new LEED 2012 Rating System Drafts can be downloaded from USGBC, and everyone is encouraged to join the Public Comment discussion. You can also participate in many public forums or ask your sustainability leaders to organize an office discussion.

Digital Pedagogy

Digital Foundations in the New World of Architecture Production


 Ped.a.go.gy ( /ˈpɛdəɡɒdʒi/ or /ˈpɛdəɡoʊdʒi/[1][2]) is the study of being a teacher or the process of teaching. The term generally refers to strategies of instruction, or a style of instruction.


Has “the digital” been absorbed by the discipline or has “the digital” absorbed the discipline?Depending on your perspective, Architecture either continues to disintegrate (or has reformed) around a new definition of “the master builder”. Digital technology has opened a variety of new career opportunities for the graduates of a digitally advanced architectural education. Some depictions of this trend have the discipline of architecture continuing to fragment into specialties. However, software has established platforms from which the activity surrounding a design project can be directed, managed, and built. But, does the capacity of software to re-center what is required to make a built environment mean that the design and making of such will fall to the historic notion of “master builder” or “the architect”?


I remember when I graduated college at Oklahoma State University in 1989 (yeah I know seems like a life time go and no....don't call me an old man....at least until you hear the rest of the story). Everything we did was on the boards. There was the beginning of a "computer studio" that maybe 6 or 8 computers squeezed in it.  I remember the other students that took the class claimed that this was the way of the future and if you didn't prepare....you wouldn't be ready for the job market! Yeah, well I didn't see that staying up all night trying to figure out how to make the less-than-superior computer crank out.....A LINE! No thanks. Computers in the schools were up to snuff back then like they are now. The businesses were leading the technology. (I feel that roll has reversed in today's market.) Today, as well as yesterday, we have different avenues that we can become an "expert" within the architectural world. Vendors, signage, Specification writer, Inspectors, Hospital Designers, School Designers, Construction Managers and on and on.  Those opportunities are still there today and more. The technology has opened more doors for more people to specialize in a field but also allows the everyday Architect to become a bit more versed in MORE of the architecture. Maybe not the "Master Builder" any more, but a "Master Builder Manager".


Much of what applies to the general education of an architect can also be said for the digital portion of architectural curricula. Some students come to the university with digital media skills, some are autodidactic, a large number are waiting to be taught and some either struggle to absorb digital skills or probably do not fit a life in architecture. In the midst of this new landscape, sketching and drawing freehand has become more important and necessary. Ironically, less time is provided to build these “old” skills because more time goes to learning a variety of digital skills.


Do you remember in "drafting class" they would make you handwriting in Drafting style lettering over and over and over. It was like you were in first grade again. Reading Writing and Arithmetic. Those skills I learned make my handwriting an art....still to this day.  Some of those I have encountered even within our office has terrible handwriting skills. Just different era that was taught to them. They grew up on the computer.  I can still (and do often) crank out a quick sketch that is presentable to the client for  preliminary idea or even for detail needed in the field for a contractor.  This skill has been one that the newer generation of architects have not acquired and has been lost by many.


Synthesizing digital media training and tool use into an already demanding professional curriculum along with the financial demands of upgrading and absorbing changes in this technology is, overwhelming for students, faculty, pedagogy, and the institution not to mention the real world office environment. Small businesses cannot afford the newest software (that used to produce a new version version other year, now produces one every 6 months or so.) School have the opportunity to obtain grants, scholarships etc. for these capabilities....the work force has only their client to BILL OVERHEAD to hopefully upgrade their systems. I will be the first to say that the newer technology is a blessing for production purposes....but Architecture still needs to be taught! We all just need to  reorganize to accommodate this paradigm shift.

In regards to Pedagogy.....Ionic DeZign Studios does consider itself a "teaching work environment". You cannot learn all the things you need to about the world of architecture in school.  It takes real life, real time experience to understand all the "practices" of architecture. Yes, practice until we get it right....and then practice some more...isn't that what your football coach used to tell you all the time? I can teach architecture to these new aspiring architects...but they certainly teach me about the new computer technology. Together we make a great team!

Adapted and edited from George Proctor's writing submitted the the white paper report by ACADIA 2003

Ionic DeZign Studios awarded another project with NFCU

Ionic DeZign Studios was awarded another small project with Navy Federal Credit Union. The small renovation project will take place at the existing Norfolk NAS location. The project begins immediately and expects to be released for bidding at then of August 2011.  Matthew Mazzoni, Assoc AIA with Ionic will be the project manager for the duration of the work. Jorvas Rodgers with IDS+E has been contracted to accommodate the Mechanical design required for the renovations.

New Wendy's Renovation Prototype

Here it comes! The first two remodels in the country are happening right here in Tidewater Area.  Ionic DeZign Studios worked with the Wendy's design team and their design consultants Tesser out of San Francisco to develop the construction documents for the exciting new structures at Tiffany Lane in Virginia Beach and also on Warwick Avenue in Newport News. The renovations remove the front 10' of the building and replaces it with an iconic stone tower. A high end interior finish package along with the new "food forward" concept is being presented in these designs. The Newport News structure has been in place for over 40 years and has been added onto and taken away many times. The Virginia Beach location, just of off Princess Anne Blvd, will also include outdoor dining area. Watch for more news and updates as progress continues.  The construction should begin August 1 for Virginia Beach and is being built by Independence Construction of Virginia. Newport News will begin shortly after as the start dates need to be staggered.