Topic: BIM and the libraries

[M@yhem]

One further question that has just been asked (and feel free to continue offering opinions on the other questions I asked)

What happens to your libraries when you upgrade to the newer version? Do you copy and upgrade your whole library to the new version, or do you upgrade the families on an as/when needed basis?

We work with multiple clients/architects running multiple versions of Revit.  And since Revit is not backwards compatible, we keep all of our families in the lowest version that we have installed.  For example, we still have a few jobs (maybe less than 10) that are still in 2010; everything else is 2011 or 2012 so we currently have 3 versions of Revit installed on all computer.  I suspect that as soon as architects start using 2013, all of our 2010 jobs will be upgraded to a higher version, Revit 2010 will be uninstalled, then (slowly) families will be upgaded to the next lowest version of Revit - most likely 2011.

[42]

Jane

1.       Where do you source your BIM objects?
2.       What materials and products do these sources of BIM models focus on?
3.       What attribute information do you find useful when selecting products?
4.       Do you find that missing attribute information hinders your work?
5.       Would you find measures such as recycled content useful when selecting products?
6.       How closely linked are the use of products in models, to the item purchased and installed in the finished building?
7.       What are your general views regarding the future of BIM?

.     
We are Architects and have been using Revit for 18 months. A good source of information regarding BIM can be found at the NBS (thenbs.com). There are many articles that will help to point you in the right direction.
Don't forget that BIM does not mean Revit! it is the complete process from inception to demolition.
The National BIM Library has just been launched "The National BIM Library contains over 200 pre-configured generic objects covering all major building fabric systems such as walls, ceilings, roofs and floors. And this list is set to expand even further, with new content added every few weeks, to make the National BIM Library the primary source of free-to-use platform neutral UK BIM Objects."
Also, it will soon be home to a wide range of NBS standard proprietary objects. A number of manufacturers are currently working with us to convert their products to BIM objects.
Additional, within a few years, 2 or 3, I can't remember. if you want any Government work such as Schools, over £5m then you will have to be working within a BIM process.

1.We tend to build many of our 'objects' from scratch if there is not a ready source within the Autodesk library. Event then we will take that family, de it a door, window, handrail and re badge it.
2+3. If we are able to source from a manufacture, it will go through a QA check to ensure that there is no rubbish embedded within it.
4. We will add all the attributes that we require when building the family.
5. If the intent with any building is to obtain a high BREEAM rating, then the selection of A or A+ products will be importaint. A useful resource is www.bre.co.uk/greenguide for ratings, for recycled content look at rcproducts.wrap.org.uk also look at greenspec http://www.greenspec.co.uk/
6. Depends upon the type of contract. Often, our specification is performance based, so there will be no specific manufacturers mentioned.
7. BIM is here to stay. Just to keep you on your toes, The NBS are introducing a new specification tool called Create. This will help to more closely integrate the specification process and the BIM model. Also look at "AEC (UK) BIM Standard for Revit" at http://aecuk.wordpress.com
Hope this helps
Alastair

[jonesy]

Thanks for all that information 42. I will check it all out very soon!  I may well be back with more questions