Imagine walking a design site before it’s ever built, with grading, buildings, and utilities unfolding around you in full context. Immersive Digital Workplaces make that possible, turning project models into shared experiences that improve communication and bring teams into alignment before construction begins. In this fast-paced, high-level session, three voices from civil design, immersive technology, and construction will share insights from the field. Rather than a technical deep dive, this session offers a big-picture look at how immersive Digital Workplaces are bridging disciplines, reducing errors, and clarifying complex data throughout the project lifecycle. When stakeholders can visualize a design in its environment, they are empowered to make faster, more confident decisions. Join us to explore how immersive workflows support better outcomes from concept through construction.

Explore deploying a digitalized design and monitoring workflow for a thermal remediation system (TISR®). Using Autodesk Forma, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Revit, and Autodesk Tandem software, the project establishes a seamless lifecycle workflow from early-stage planning and data harmonization to real-time monitoring and maintenance. Forma optimizes solar energy feasibility analysis and site planning, while Autodesk Construction Cloud ensures standardized data exchange across stakeholders. Revit enables detailed 3D parametric modeling. And Tandem integrates telemetry data to monitor system performance. You’ll learn how Digital Prototypings enhance operational performance, reduce the need for on-site visits, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve collaboration between stakeholders. Explore the transformative potential of Digital Prototyping platforms for advancing sustainable asset management, conserving resources, and increasing infrastructure resilience in environmental restoration.

Autodesk, Inc., design software provides great tools for building complex designs that range from mechanical to civil, and 3ds Max Design software is a great tool for generating visually striking rendered animations. This round table will discuss topics related to the use of 3ds Max Design software for the rendering and animation of CAD models from other Autodesk design software systems. We will discuss importing and linking models from programs like Revit software and Inventor software, and we'll cover the use of the Civil View feature set for visualizing AutoCAD Civil 3D software geometry. We will examine strategies for working efficiently within 3ds Max software, and we'll look at the animation of specific moveable parts. We'll also discuss the tools that are available for editing keyframes and tweaking the overall look and timing of the animation. To wrap up the discussion, we will review the multiple rendering options available in 3ds Max Design software and discuss which option can be best suited for which particular task.

This lab will introduce designers to the real-world use of, and best practices for, rendering Revit software models using 3ds Max software and the NVIDIA iray rendering machine. Learn key techniques for working with Revit software models inside of 3ds Max software, and discover what it takes to render photographic-quality images using the iray rendering machine. Explore the creation and application of the Autodesk, Inc., library materials to quickly create surface textures. Utilize the daylight lighting system to simulate outdoor lighting. This class will introduce the use of traditional architectural photographic techniques and composition for the creation of compelling images. Learn how to control the camera through the use of composition techniques like the rule of thirds and the diagonal method. Use 3ds Max software exposure controls to adjust the scene exposure, and then set up and render using the iray rendering machine. See how you can get ahead of the competition by creating visually compelling, photorealistic renderings using photographic compositions and the iray rendering machine.

A long-awaited design automation for Revit (DA4R) has finally arrived! Currently, DA4R is available to general public as a beta. Using DA4R, you can create, edit, and extract Revit models through the Revit API without having the Revit desktop environment. For example, you can create a model automatically by entering parameters, check if certain design criteria are met and create a report, and automatically modify the model. It is also possible to extract model data which was not possible with Forge Model Derivative API only. In this session, we will introduce DA4R to those who have experience writing Revit add-ins and are interested in learning Forge. You will learn how to convert your existing Revit add-ins to run in the cloud, and get started with leveraging Forge services (for example, integrating with viewer and BIM 360).

In the real world, one program just can't do it all when it comes to design, animation, and rendering of architectural models. This class will discuss the use of and best practices for animating and rendering Revit models using 3ds Max 2018 software and the new Arnold renderer in 3ds Max 2018. Learn methods for working with Revit models and rendering photo-quality images. Explore the use of the Scene Converter to update linked models so they work with Arnold. Use Physical Materials and the Sun Positioner to simulate outdoor lighting. Learn traditional photographic techniques and rules of composition to create compelling images. Learn how to frame a shot using composition techniques like the rule of thirds, diagonals, and the golden ratio. You will also see how to utilize Physical Camera controls to adjust scene exposure and depth of field. Get ahead of the competition by learning to create visually compelling, photorealistic renderings using photographic composition in a streamlined workflow.

This course will cover multiple project case studies from Perkins+Will concerning how virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) were integrated into the design and presentation processes. Each project case study will break down a unique application and strategy using 2D panoramas, VR, and AR within the project. The class will walk through the modeling, software, and hardware workflows involved in creating design content. The demonstration will also cover accessibility techniques in order to be able to deliver these types of presentations to large crowds, regardless of technical skill level. We will examine difficulties, pitfalls, and successes, as well as insight into how well the client reacted and was engaged in the resulting presentation. In addition, all attendees will have the opportunity to experience the case studies in VR.

One of the biggest hurdles for architects, engineers, and construction professionals interested in capitalizing on the power of Dynamo visual programming language extension is learning to think like a programmer. In this class, we'll cover several basic programming concepts which, on the surface, may not seem to relate directly to Building Information Modeling (BIM)—but then we'll apply these techniques to Dynamo examples for Revit software workflows, such as placing various types of Revit software families, reading and changing parameters, and creating new project views and sheets. By the time we’ll be finished, you'll have a strong foundation for working more efficiently, accurately, and powerfully in your day-to-day Revit project work. This session features Dynamo Studio and Revit. AIA Approved

Mixed reality (MR) combines virtual and physical realities into one space and offers an exciting new design opportunity for architects. By projecting the Building Information Modeling (BIM) model directly over the physical site in MR, architects can communicate design ideas to the team and clients in an immersive and interactive way. This session will demonstrate MR case studies, using Microsoft HoloLens, applied for different phases of architectural projects. We'll share our exploration regarding the process of precision alignment of a BIM model with the physical project site. We'll then use MR for virtual mockup and review of design options. Finally, we'll examine the potential of MR tools for construction administration and envision on-site MR clash detection using Microsoft HoloLens.

New subscription-based features in Autodesk Revit software provide significant enhancements to integrated whole-building energy simulation powered by the Autodesk® Green Building Studio® cloud service. This demonstration will highlight the automatic creation of accurate energy model geometry from detailed Revit software elements, such as walls, floors, roofs, windows, etc. This eliminates the time and effort required to rebuild a separate energy model, leaving more time for design iteration and optimization. This class will also show how other energy analysis data, such as thermal properties of building materials and building/space function, can be defined in Revit for use in the energy simulation and how the Autodesk Green Building Studio cloud service supports a more collaborative energy analysis process between architects and engineers, leading to greater accuracy and better design optimization from the earliest stages in the process. Finally, the extensive validation work conducted on this new feature will also be presented. While knowledge of Revit will be beneficial for attendees, it is not a requirement.

Project Refinery graduated in April to become Generative Design in Revit 2021 software. This new suite of tools enables generative design workflows that automate the creation and analysis of design options directly in the Revit context. This briefing will showcase the value that generative design brings to the design process, and show how analyzing more data-backed design options leads to an enhanced design process. We will cover a brief history of Project Refinery (now Generative Design in Revit) and show how customers are using the tools. We will cover the product principles that we use to prioritize new work and future direction. Finally, we will address the future of the product, where we will be investing, and our road map for achieving the future vision.

In this class, we go through the process of completing an Inventor software model ready for use by an MEP engineer, including preparing ducting and pipework on a skid from an Inventor model. We cover detail model simplification and preparation, as well as the various export options to Revit MEP, including parametric versus nonparametric and ways to protect user intellectual property.

Firms spend thousands on design technology, yet few come close to hitting the target once that technology is put into production. End users often struggle with utilizing the tools provided to them as much as those tasked with supporting the tools do with staying ahead of a constant funnel of questions—or worse, no questions at all. In the end, Band-Aids are placed on a long list of symptoms with little resolution to the underlying problems that are holding your team back. This class will focus on strategies for establishing dialog between those tasked with making your selected design-technology work, and those affected by its use within your organization. By understanding the issues limiting the success of the tools you use for design, contextualized targets may be established and a plan for how to progress toward the bull’s eye of those targets may be set.

Carolinas HealthCare System will review strategic implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) from project inception to facilities management. We’ll then explore the benefits of project processes, such as multiteam member collaboration, virtual coordination, and owner BIM standards that help minimize project risk. The owner team will also describe their use of BIM during facilities management, which includes space management, asset management, and virtual documentation. Carolinas HealthCare System will conclude with the BIM program lessons learned and return on investment of their BIM to FIM (forensic information modeling) implementation. This session features Revit and Collaboration for Revit. AIA Approved

In recent years, the architecture, engineering, and construction industry has actively explored efficient and cost-effective approaches to capturing accurate geospatial data. From laser scanning to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), from point clouds to photogrammetry, it is still unclear which tool favors which use cases. Do I really need 1,000,000 points to solve this problem? This course will focus on the technological aspects and provide a comparison of current reality-capture (RC) tools: oblique and nadir photogrammetry, structured light scanners, laser scanners, and reflectorless total stations. We will dive into metrics for each type of documentation, including accuracy, speed, file size, and investment. We will present data on projects of varying scale (a corporate headquarters to a suburban value office). By defining use cases and expectations, we will discuss which tools are appropriate for visual planning, calculating volumetric quantities, measuring productivity, documenting progress, and confirming accuracy on the site or in the building. This session features ReCap 360, BIM 360 Layout, and Revit. AIA Approved

Are you a glutton for the perfect CAD/BIM standard? Do you lust after other CAD/BIM managers who have the authority to get things done? Do project teams become greedy about their own standards, wrathfully rejecting the standardized and more efficient ways you proudly implement? You need not despair. This class will focus on ways to put yourself into the enviable position of having users who listen to you. Combining more than two decades of CAD, BIM, and IT support and management experience, plus years of working with numerous companies to help support their technical managers and staff, we will discuss the things nobody likes to talk about—the sins CAD and BIM managers commit while doing their jobs. What sins might you be guilty of, and what’s the path to righteousness? Join this session to learn some of the common pitfalls, missteps, and misconceptions that come with the job, and uncover why they happen, and learn how to avoid them.

This class will cover the setup and deployment of the Revit Server application across 10 locations that are currently being used in production internally for multioffice, multicontinent collaboration. We will cover everything from planning to hardware selection to training as we complete our first year utilizing this technology.

A session to ask the presenters and Autodesk questions about what you heard throughout the day and get answers directly from the experts.

Systems analysis is a new set of features and framework in Revit software that enables building and HVAC systems design engineering and analysis workflows to be conducted in a significantly more BIM (Building Information Modeling)-integrated, open, and extensible way. Built using EnergyPlus and OpenStudio in collaboration with the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Revit systems analysis provides a fast, reliable, and—critically—entirely open and extensible way to use Revit for many kinds and variations of systems analysis workflow—from early conceptual system selection and sizing to detailed design, code compliance, and even as-built/operational energy. Note that this class is intended to provide a basic introduction to the new systems analysis features and framework in Revit. For more-advanced information on how to create custom workflows, seek out other related classes and resources provided.