Revit - Surface Pattern DISAPPEARED!!!

Today I ran into a very frustrating problem. As usual for my lighting Revit LT file, I was updating the linked architectural file with the latest model, needing the corresponding RCP. However the ceiling surface pattern disappeared as soon as the file became the linked. I was so confused.

First I thought maybe I have different view templates, or that the elevations change. And so, I transferred all the project standards, double checked the heights, and nothing happened. I checked all the VG settings, and all the "patterns" were already set to "visible." At this time, I knew I had to trace back to original file to dissect the problem, I find this method the best way to solve a Revit mystery. There are just way too many possibilities of why something is not working, and it's super difficult to guess, especially when there are multiple collaborators.

I dove right in to the ceiling moment, and checked all the properties. And BOOM, it's not a ceiling type, it's a roof type... I don't understand why that is for the "ceiling," but that's besides the point. Because the pattern was just not showing up. So I check its material properties thinking that's it, and made sure the material has the right surface pattern, but something was off. I try copying and pasting the element, and BOOM, pattern was not there. How in the world can that be?! Same original file, same properties, same everything!!! This is when I realized that something must have changed uniquely for the individual "ceiling" element, or reality it's definitely the "roof" type. Anyway, I figured it out. Right click on the specific element > VG of element, it was OVERWRITTEN  with the surface pattern. Yes, I found the problem!

So my frustration, or the problem was that this unique VG setting was used specifically for that view of that model, and when it's linked to my model, the surface pattern DOES NOT show up because it's not the same unique view. This is just, I guess, not the right way to built your model. I understand that sometimes those type of moves speed things up, but often it ends up sucking for your consultants, or me.

Finally, my solution to this was to copy the "roof" and paste and do the same thing that they, which I do not like doing this, but for the time being, I don't have another option. As I have Revit LT, it is very extremely limited. BUT if you have the regular Revit, you can just manipulate the item from the linked file, I think? This is not a good solution for long term, because as soon as they update the surface pattern, or the board layouts, I have to repeat this step, which is not the most efficient way to do thing. I have to think harder for a better solution. 

Dialux Evo 4

I was anticipating for Dialux Evo 4 for  maybe more than half a year. And I am thrilled that it's finally arrived. So I've played with it for a few weeks now, and I think it's improved so much from its predecessor! Overall faster calculation time, way less bugs, and there are DAYLIGHTING options. This is phenomenal! I'm so excited!! Obviously, there is still a lot of room for improvement, but I think Dialux is on the way. The program can handle much  more complexity now. I've been working on a residential project from revit, and I've used the same method as I've blogged before (here) to import to dialux. This time around, way smoother! I am talking about both the process and the graphics. There's still some surfaces that looks triangulated even though it should be one rectangular planes, but trust me, it's improved a lot from evo 3. Although we loose the option/function of the rooms with this method, but the building is way more accurate. Also, we don't have to build it from scratch, which is very annoying when there are constant updates and changes. So what I highly recommend with this method is that once it's imported as a .3ds, and when there are changes, import the new file with a different name, align to the old, and then delete the old. This way, everything would be aligned and in the correct elevations.

The daylight options are really fun, and the studies look very accurate. The shadows have a realistic softness to it. You can choose from direct sunlight to overcast, time of year, locations, and such. Another thing that is nice is that you can set up different scenes for the daylight studies, meaning that I can let my computer run overnight and I will have studies for 20 different daylighting scenes. Not bad. One bummer is that we only get interior studies, and nothing on the exterior. But I can live with that.

I am very excited for further development of this program. Go Dialux.


Disclaimer: I do not work for Dialux or have any associations with them. I wouldn't mind to be a beta tester though. Call me, Dialux?

You can't snap to the corners of the objects in RHINO

I couldn't objectsnap anything after I exported my model from revit to rhino since I'm trying to import it into dialux evo4, and then i realized everything was a mesh.....and so,

select all
"MESHTONURB"
enter

now i can export as .3ds which turns everything into a mesh again....so counter-intuitive....
and I'm going to try out new dialux evo4 for the first time.
Let see how it goes.

Revit LT

You might have to rethink when going into Revit LT. I'm starting a list of things that matter and LT doesn't have:

1) visibility options for linked files

2) sun path

3) formats of export

4) generic models from linked files are always a little funny in LT

5) no local renderer - make it uneasy to do sunlight studies

6) NO CENTRAL MODEL

7) If you just ctrl + save a regular revit file in LT, it automatically rename it xxx_LT, without you knowing. Then when you open it again, your file will mostly likely crash. And so, you must rename it something else (anything but the default) after opening a regular file in LT. 

8) No In-Place mass (super annoying if you just need a minor mass object)

Overall, I find the LT to be super handicapped. Maybe if you've never used Revit before, it's a good starting point. But I don't think it would be a healthy learning process because you're totally missing out on the juicy stuff. And if you've had precious Revit experience, you're just going to want to pull your hair out. 

Revit to Dialux EVO via Sketchup Pro

I've been trying to figure out how to import a multi story building into Dialux Evo seamlessly, and I finally figured it out....

you need sketchup pro

1) First go to Revit 3d View
2) Select only things that you would want to export
3) Isolate Elements
4) Export to an appropriate version of dxf that would work with your version of sketchup
5) Import to sketchup, clean up things and apply transparency
6) Export as .3ds, make sure if your check the material box if there's any transparency in the model.
7) Open Dialux Evo, Import .3ds
8) Voila!


Let me know if you have a better way to do this.