Revit Architecture Service Pack 3 Available

It figures that while I was on vacation (so I apologize for being a little tardy on posting this), Autodesk released web update/service pack #3!

Web Update #3 Service Pack – November 2008

Important Note:
Web Update #3 is not a full install; rather it is using Service Pack technology similar to AutoCAD^® based products. Prior to installing the Web Update #3 Service pack, please verify that you have already installed a previous build of Revit Architecture 2009.

Before You Download

Please read before downloading and installing:
Service Pack Readme (pdf).

Get Started

Read all instructions above then click the appropriate link to download.

Revit Architecture 2009 Web Update #3 Service Pack (32-bit) (exe - 128 MB)

Revit Architecture 2009 Web Update #3 Service Pack (64-bit) (exe - 54 Mb)

Notes:

The service pack contains changes from all previous Web Updates.

The service pack can be applied to both the standalone and Suite versions of Revit Architecture 2009.

 

Here's a quick glance at the updates for this service pack...

Improvements made in Web Update 3 build (20081118_1045):
Revit Architecture 2009/ Revit® Platform Enhancements

• Slab Edges when joined to their hosting Floor will now be able to cut the floor when the user manually remakes the join.
• Improves visibility of Color Fills for certain interior wall conditions.
• Improves IFC Export for Walls and MEP elements.
• Improves stability when using the Split tool.
• Improves stability when using Temporary Hide/Isolate functionality in 3D view.
• Improves stability when binding a linked Revit file into a project.
• Improves stability when switching between views.
• Improves stability when selecting any of the column headers on the CAD Formats tab of the Manage Links dialog.

WAN Access at LAN Speeds for Revit?

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked this question...do WAN accelerators work for Revit?  The answer has always been no, especially for Central files.  But, maybe that's about to change...

For those of you who are attending (AU) Autodesk University (whish I could be joining you) this is something you may want to check out.  See below on the information I received today...

GlobalSCAPE at AutoDesk University 2008

The next release of our Wide Area File Services (WAFS) solution supports Revit. The same advanced WAFS file replication technology that has improved AutoCAD remote worker productivity gives users in branch offices LAN speed access to Revit files.

Come by our booth (#214) at Autodesk University and and let us show you how GlobalSCAPE WAFS dramatically improves Revit project team collaboration. Register for a free one year personal edition subscription to GlobalSCAPE's CuteSendIt large file transfer service and a daily drawing at Autodesk University for an Apple iPod Touch. We look forward to seeing you at Autodesk University.

I look forward to hearing more about the product when more info available for those of us not going to AU!

2009 AIA BIM Awards - Call for Entries

I just received an email today I thought I would share for those of you how may want to submit some of your projects for a potential AIA BIM award!

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AIA Technology in Architectural Practice
Building Information Modeling Awards
Presented by the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community

For the 2009 Building Information Modeling (BIM) Awards competition, the AIA TAP Knowledge Community seeks projects that have used integrated and interoperable BIM in the following areas:

• Category A: Creating Stellar Architecture Using BIM
• Category B: Design/Delivery Process Innovation Using BIM
• Category C: Outstanding Sustainable Design Using BIM
• Category D: Outstanding Design for Fabrication Using BIM
• Category E: Support for Human Use and Innovative Program Requirements Using BIM
• Category F: Academic Program or Curriculum Development

For More Information
Specific criteria for each award category as well as the necessary forms and submission details are available on the BIM Awards Web site.

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SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES

January 15, 2009 - Submissions due to the AIA
March 2009 - Winners notified
April 29, 2009 - BIM Awards presentation prior to AIA 2009 National Convention in San Francisco

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CONTACT

If you have questions concerning this awards program, please contact Shaw Hubbard.

TAP BIM AWARDS ARCHIVE

Edit Witness Line Issue Update 2

Well, I finally received an answer from Autodesk Support on the issue I posted about back on Oct. 10.  And the news is good and bad...

The good news is that the problem is going to be fixed!  But the bad news is that it's not going to be very soon.  It is scheduled to be fixed in a near future version of Revit.  Reading between the lines, I'm guessing it's not going to be fixed until Revit 2010 is released.  Maybe I'll be surprised by a service pack (if they come out with one) before then, but I'm not holding my breath. 

And if I am surprised, I'll post that it's been fixed!

Revit Architecture Updated Extensions Available

Yes, I'm pretty tardy on posting this (they were released on Oct. 10), but I did want to post that the new version of the extensions for Revit Architecture are available via the Subscription Center.

From the subscription site...

Revit® Extensions are a series of easy-to-use applications that extend the capabilities of Revit® Architecture 2009 software in key areas, including modeling, coordination, and documentation. Specifically, the extensions provided in this executable file are: Grid Generator, Freeze Drawings, Compare Models, Text Generator, Elements Positioning, and Microsoft Excel®-based Model Generation.

The file installs the Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009. It also includes the Extensions Engine, a platform that hosts each Extension within Revit Architecture 2009.

Please note that the multi-language executable file contains content in English, French, Italian, German, Simplified Chinese, and Polish. Revit Extensions for Revit Architecture 2009 are now compatible with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Revit Architecture 2009 software.

Hopefully I'll be able to post more frequently in the near future, but I guess being busy these last few weeks is a good thing!