BIM NEWS 20/05/24

I've noticed that recently the hype around BIM in the AEC world has been waning, while the "AI" tag in every news item has become somewhat of a trend. Today is no exception, as most of the news includes this tag.

How to Choose the Best Rendering Software for Real-Time Visualization

Amanda Riley's comprehensive guide on selecting the perfect rendering software highlights the importance of understanding your specific needs to find a suitable program. She emphasizes the significance of evaluating various factors such as performance, ease of use, compatibility with existing tools, quality of output, learning curve, affordability, support, and the availability of a strong user community. Real-time rendering solutions, like Chaos Enscape , are praised for their speed and integration capabilities, offering instant visualization and error detection. High-quality, photorealistic rendering options are also available for those seeking superior visual fidelity. Riley suggests that the ideal software should streamline the design process, support efficient learning and adaptation, and fit within budget constraints while providing valuable support and updates. Enscape is highlighted as a versatile tool that meets these criteria, enhancing workflow for architects and designers through real-time visualization and integration with CAD/BIM applications. This tool not only accelerates design decision-making but also enriches client presentations with immersive experiences.

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Migrating VB to .NET Core 8 and AI News

Jeremy Tammik 's recent blog post delves into a variety of topics, beginning with insights on migrating VB.NET add-ins to Revit 2025. Gary Orr and Richard Thomas shared their experiences, highlighting the challenges and solutions they encountered, such as dealing with the MSB3277 warning related to conflicting versions of "WindowsBase." The detailed discussion includes practical advice and code snippets to resolve these issues, emphasizing the nuances of upgrading projects and managing framework references.

The post then shifts to updates in Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs), mentioning advancements in models like Claude, ChatGPT , Gemini, and Meta AI. Tammik notes the practical applications of these models, such as using Meta AI to address Revit API forum queries and summarizing discussions. He also references the Anthropic Prompt Library and reports on the state of generative AI, highlighting the extensive use of datasets like LAION-5B and their implications.

Among the intriguing capabilities of LLMs, Tammik lists GPT-4's ability to exploit zero-day vulnerabilities, an AI engaging in a DARPA-sponsored dogfight, and a Finnish company creating an AI-designed coffee blend. Other innovations include Spline AI's 3D generation from text prompts and images, ScrapeGraphAI's web scraping pipelines, and Ferret's multimodal LLM for spatial referencing within images. Reid Hoffman’s experiment with his AI digital twin is also mentioned, exploring the potential for deeper self-awareness through AI interaction.

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TechX 2024

Kean Walmsley recaps his experience at the Autodesk -internal TechX event in Las Vegas.

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Enhancing Enscape Renders with AI: Architectural Visualization Redefined

In the ever-evolving field of architectural visualization, achieving realism is paramount. Vlad Moldovan, an architect and 3D artist, delves into how integrating AI into his workflow, particularly with Chaos Enscape renders, enhances this quest. This blog post explores the balance required for lifelike results and the manifold benefits AI brings to architectural visualization.

AI and tools like Enscape should enhance artistic expression, not replace the creative process. By refining design concepts, mastering 3D modeling, and perfecting materials, lighting, and composition, artists can create breathtaking visualizations. True mastery lies in the depth of artistic vision and craftsmanship, not just in the speed of delivery.

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CDE in practice – what tools to use and when

Klaudia Jaskula 's article discusses the importance of a Common Data Environment (CDE) in managing information for construction projects, ensuring seamless data sharing and collaboration among stakeholders. Defined by ISO 19650, a CDE is a managed repository for consistent information exchange, encompassing both solutions and workflows.

Jaskula categorizes CDE tools based on their maturity in document management, BIM integration, security, and lifecycle functionalities. Tools like BIM 360, Aconex , Viewpoint4Projects, and ProjectWise are evaluated for their strengths and limitations in the design and construction phases. For handover and operations, CAFM and CMMS systems like Springboard and GliderBIM are highlighted.

Despite advancements, no single CDE covers all project phases, often requiring multiple tools to address interoperability issues and diverse needs. Effective information management remains crucial for project success, with the industry seeking seamless solutions across the building lifecycle.

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It's a very interesting comparison, and a lot of work has clearly been done.

Rhino Inside Tekla – Create your own tools for Tekla Structures

Krzysztof Wojslaw 's blog post explores the significant impact of Rhino Inside Trimble Tekla on users of Tekla Structures . Previously, automating tasks in Tekla required extensive C# programming knowledge, presenting a challenge for many users. The introduction of the Grasshopper Component, utilizing Rhino Inside technology, simplifies this process. Unlike the Grasshopper Tekla Live Link, which necessitates scripting, the Grasshopper Component enables users to create and manipulate Tekla components directly through Tekla’s interface without requiring deep programming skills. This advancement makes parametric design accessible to engineers, allowing them to develop custom tools more easily. Wojslaw also provides an installation guide and additional resources for further learning.

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I always enjoy seeing the new and innovative methods of using Rhino from Krzysztof

Graphisoft Building Together 2024 Collaborate Event

Last month, GRAPHISOFT inaugurated its Building Together events for 2024, emphasizing collaboration in the AEC sector. The Collaborate event not only spotlighted Graphisoft’s collaborative solutions but also delved into a customer case study: the Nivy Centrum project in Bratislava, Slovakia, executed by SIEBERT+TALAŠ . This article offers a comprehensive overview of the event, shedding light on the current status of Graphisoft’s offerings for the AEC industry.

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Revit 2025: Improved Performance and Experience in Revit Personal Accelerator

David Smolker 's latest blog post celebrates the release of Autodesk Revit 2025 and its enhanced Revit Personal Accelerator (PAC). This update is a game-changer for users handling large projects, offering significant stability and performance improvements.

New User Interface for Easy Management

The revamped PAC now features a user-friendly interface accessible via the Windows system tray. Users can easily monitor their PAC Cache storage space and adjust storage limits directly, optimizing local model data storage to fit their needs.

Improved Optimization for Larger Models

Understanding the need for efficient large-scale project management, the new PAC version can now track up to 200 models, a substantial increase from previous versions. This enhancement ensures a smoother experience with Revit Cloud Models, especially those with numerous linked models.

For optimal performance, users should ensure that PAC is always running, machines are kept on, and users remain signed into Revit. These practices help keep local models up to date, minimizing the need for repeated downloads.

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Revit Face Based Families and Reference Planes

Daniel Stine, AIA, IES, CSI, CDT, Well AP present a video on using Revit face-based families with reference planes, offering practical tips. He addresses why lighting fixtures might point in different directions and how to move a face-based family between vertically offset reference planes without changing its plan position.

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Revit API Resources You Didn't Know About.

Erik Frits ' blog post offers a comprehensive guide to learning the Revit API, aimed at making the process more accessible for developers. The post begins by emphasizing the importance of official documentation, such as the Revit API Documentation, the pyRevit Developer Documentation, and the Autodesk Revit API Developer’s Guide. It also highlights community-contributed resources like the Dynamo Python Primer and "The Beginner’s Guide to Revit API" eBook available at learnrevitai.com, etc.

This guide provides excellent advice on what you need to study the Revit API. I recommend checking it out.

Twinmotion 2024 for Revit: What's New?!

Jeffrey A. Pinheiro, AIA 's recent episode of "BIM After Dark Live" features a discussion on Twinmotion 2024 with guest Tyler Puryear, an architect and Epic Games collaborator. They explore the latest updates, focusing on enhanced integration with Revit through Datasmith, which improves model transfers. Tyler highlights procedural content generation, demonstrating how it enhances natural environments and improves efficiency in landscaping and urban planning. They also discuss significant updates in animation controls, new material types for fabrics and foliage, and new rendering options. The episode includes practical tips and audience interaction, concluding with an invitation to download the Twinmotion 2024 Preview and join the BIM After Dark community.

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AI generates Revit models from 2D plans

WISEBIM , a French software startup, has developed a Revit add-on that leverages AI to convert 2D plans into Revit models. This tool is aimed at design offices, architectural firms, construction companies, and heritage managers. It supports vector and raster formats like DWG, DXF, PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and PNG, translating them into Revit elements such as walls, doors, windows, and slabs. The AI detection process is quick, handling a 100m² plan in seconds and a 3,000m² plan in up to two minutes. Users need to scale plans and set parameters before detection. The add-on reduces initial modeling time, enabling Revit users to focus on more complex tasks. Tristan GARCIA , president and co-founder of WiseBIM, emphasizes the added value for Revit users.

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I've seen many similar projects, and they are inspiring. It would be interesting to try them out in practice to see if they can help with real drawings.

Beyond the Speckleverse: Future Craft Deep Dive

Speckle 's "Future Craft: A Glimpse into the Beyond the Speckleverse Series" explores emerging technologies in the AEC industry through hackathons, providing practical examples and expert insights. It focuses on AI, ML, Smart Contracts, XR, Digital Twin, 3D Printing, and innovative construction techniques, encouraging participants to rethink traditional practices. Highlights include AI-powered conversations by Jon, VR app development by Jedd, real-time BIM insights by Nikos Argyros , and a full-stack web app demo by the SHL - Schmidt Hammer Lassen team. The series offers tutorials and resources, emphasizing the importance of novelty and clear presentation, as advised by juror Murat Melek.

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By the way, I also plan to participate in a hackathon. I've never done it before, but I'm eager to try. Are there any other enthusiasts among my readers?

I've gathered the most relevant news for you today. Thank you for reading. See you next week. 🤓