Upgrades and Migration of data and settings from Revit 2011 to 2012.

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Tips tricks and best practices of upgrade and migration of data and settings from Revit 2011 to 2012.

Things to consider before upgrading or moving to a new version or Revit

• Project Depth – How far along are you?
• Project Priority – How Important is loss of time
• REMEMBER - THERE IS NO GOING BACK or Save as function in Revit
• Do you meet the resource requirements
• Training – are you up to speed
• Technology – Can your computer run the new version

New Version Template

Should you upgrade your template or rebuild your template, here are reasons for both:-

Why Upgrade a existing template?

• Faster ~ but not all new features may be supported

Why should you build a new template?

• Fresh
• New Features will be included
• Clean up and Optimise ~ spring cleaning
• Prevent errors by template corruption

Autodesk Product Support recommends starting with a new fresh template with each version of the product.

We are in the process of rebuilding our template at the moment and are documenting it as we go for guidance and a reminder for next year and to share with other \ new Revit users. I will post it here on the blog once completed.

Upgrading families from 2011 to 2012 format using the Content Batch Upgrade Utility Tool

This is available after you have downloaded installed and extracted the installer for Revit 2012. A folder under the root C:\ is created called Autodesk\Autodesk_Revit_Structure_2012_English_Win32-64bit

The files you are after are in the ContentBatchUtility folder. Here are the instructions contained in the readme.txt file

To Use the Content Batch Upgrade Utility:

1. Copy Upgrade_RFA.txt and Upgrade_RFA.bat into the root directory of the library that you want to upgrade.

2. Run the Upgrade_RFA.bat to create the file list to upgrade, famlist_rfa.txt.

3. To launch the utility, from the library directory, drag Upgrade_RFA.txt onto the Revit icon on your desktop.

4. After upgrading, delete all backup files from the library.

Notes:

Make sure all of your .rfa files are not read-only and delete all backup files from the library.

If a particular family fails to upgrade properly, the utility will stop.

If this occurs, open famlist_rfa.txt in Microsoft Notepad, and remove all previously upgraded families and the failed family from the list.

Save famlist_rfa.txt, and re-run the utility.

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Problems with Content for Revit 2012 Products

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Harlan Brumm over at Revit Clinic has written that

“It is important to know that some content may still be downloaded from the internet (depends on if you are downloading Revit or installing from media), so it is a good idea to install Revit with a active internet connection. With 2012, you will not see the download occuring though (no content loader), it is transparent and happens behind the scenes. Your installation may take more time depending on how much content needs to be downloaded as part of the installation.”

I installed a copy at home to harvest the content library to install on the server at work because we have network copies.

The Installing indicator at the top stopped and I was stuck at "5 of 12 remaining" for such a long time that I did begin to think that the install had crashed, so be warned think Take That and "have a little patience"

At work we obtained the new network licence from excitech via email in about 12 minutes which was good going chaps, thank you much better than our last reseller.

We are installing two copies so that we can migrate our families from 2011 to 2012 format and rebuild our template before rolling out 2012 to all at our three offices.

So at work I ran the downloaded exe which unpacks the Revit Structure 2012 onto the hard disk and then starts the install routine which took about 8 minutes.

I turned off all the content because I don’t need it on the hard disk, as we all point to the server for our library. The whole install took an hour, and again a screen like the one above stuck at 5 of 8 (I assumed a lower number because no families and I had Design Review 2012 already installed on the PC at work)

When the message to reboot finally appeared and I looked at the hard disk it had installed the UK library on the hard disk although I had turned it off. So be warned, it appears that it still goes and harvest in the background.

In addition Harlan Brumm over at Revit Clinic has also posted about the relocation of certain files, he missed that the library has a new home.

Formally in 2011 the Metric Library was found under:- C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\ Autodesk\ RST 2011\Metric Library

In 2012 for some reason It is now to be found under:- C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RST 2012\Libraries\UK

There is no explanation as to why they have done this?

It would appear that during the change in name from Metric to UK they have also dropped all of the European Specific Folders from Profiles, Columns and Framing etc. Which is kind of weird, since the last of the Eurocodes are just getting their national annexes published after many years, and just starting to be used?

Again no explanation as to why this has been done?

For some reason they have deleted the Corus Advance folder and its contents that was found under G10 – Structural Steel Framing \ Steel Sections

Autodesk have traditionally have been very poor at documenting what exactly should be or is in and out of the library.

Each folder should have a readme.txt file that provides information on:-

The amount of files there should be in the folder

What files have been removed since last year and why they were removed.

What files have been added since last year and why they were added

Thus, confirming that the remaining files have had no modifications.

This will enable BIM Managers to Manage.

Where manufactures specific content is supplied it would be useful to have a hyperlink to their web site in the text file or as a parameter within the family.

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Click HERE to download the 7 page review of the Revit Structural Suite 2012 Out of the Box UK (formally Metric) Library Reference Guide with Files.

The seven page document covers what's new and what's missing since last year, but I can't give you any information about what might have been corrected or modified since last year, only Autodesk could and should do this.
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Revit Clinic have just posted this:-

Missing Templates in UK Metric Content

If you have installed the UK Metric content for any of your 2012 Revit products, you may have noticed that some of the templates are not present. The missing files are standard metric files and can be obtained by downloading the US Metric content. To do so:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel > Programs and Features dialog.
2. Highlight your 2012 Revit product and choose Uninstall/Change.
3. In the subsequent Revit dialog, choose Add or Remove Features.
4. In the Select Content section, choose US Metric.
5. Click Next to install the content.

So now they expect us to install all the US Metric Content to get what they have missed, this is one balls up after another. This is a prime example of why there should be a text readme in each folder as I have been suggesting for years.
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What's New in Revit Structure 2012 Video Tutorials

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These Revit Structure 2012 videos are live on YouTube, and show “What’s New” in 2012.
Uploaded by AutodeskBuilding on 13 Apr 2011

Shortest video 0.46 minutes longest video 3.48 minutes well worth a watch enjoy……..

Assemblies [1:40]

The assembly feature was designed with precast workflows in mind, where users need to track and schedule a collection of elements as a single element. Assemblies help support the creation of shop drawings for prefabricated building assemblies such as precast walls, columns, beams, and floors.




Enhanced Analytical Model [3.49]

Enhancements have been made to help you create and manage the structural analytical model, including greater control over the analytical model and better consistency with the structural physical model. Specific areas of improvement are:


Enhanced Reinforcements [2.27]



Visualization Framework [0.46]


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What's New in MEP Next ...........

• Better control of visibility/graphics
• The inclusion of analytical parameters in analytical model elements
• The addition of a surface to floor, slab, and wall analytical models
• The addition of the “enable analytical model” parameter to physical model elements
• Easier identification of linear analytical model end segments
• Improved full edit mode for analytical adjustments
• New model adjustment features allowing for editing via nodes and direct manipulation widgets
• The ability to adjust linear analytical models at each end with new projection and hosting behaviors
• Enhanced auto-detection for the preservation of physical element joins and attachments 

What's New in Revit Architecture 2012 Videos

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These Revit Architecture 2012 videos are live on YouTube, and show “What’s New” in 2012. A lot of these apply to Revit Structure and MEP

Uploaded by AutodeskBuilding on 12 Apr 2011 and Presented by Angela Chan who has quite a nice narrating voice that does not get on your nerves after watching eight videos.

Shortest video 0.42 minutes longest video 2.44 minutes well worth a watch enjoy……..

3D Locking and Tagging [1.11]

Dimension Enhancements [1.06]

DWG Export Enhancements [1.52]

Improvements to DWGTM export functionality enable you to map Autodesk® Revit® Architecture categories and subcategories to layers in DWG files, giving you more control over layer naming. In addition, you can map Revit lines, patterns, and fonts to their DWG equivalents.

Keyboard Shortcuts [1.08]

Starting Views [0.42]

Type Selector Enhancements [0.52]

Visualization Enhancements [2.43]

Visualization enhancements present you with more options for displaying your project. Users now have the ability to display edges with more realistic views and shadows in consistent colors mode. New semitransparent views help provide clarity in viewing elements within projects.

Point Cloud Integration [2.44]

Point cloud tools in Autodesk® Revit® Architecture software connect laser scans directly into the Building Information Modeling process, helping to accelerate renovation and retrofit projects. By visualizing point clouds directly within the Revit software environment, it's easier to author an as-built model with more confidence and accuracy.

Revit Structure What’s New in 2012 Video’s are to follow shortly……and I will post a full list here for your continued enjoyment. Don’t forget that watching these kind of video can be put down on your CPD forms that you now need to complete and return to the IStructE annually.

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Revit 2012 Software Ready for Download in the UK

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Last night (about 10 hours ago) I saw a post by Glenn Jowett of Revit ST that the the 2012 products could be downloaded via the Subscription Centre, As normal only the English versions are available right now. The other language versions will be released over the next few months (but why do I care I speak English).
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Revit 2012 New Features via WikiHelp

Not everything at Autodesk is ready for 2012 products, for example when I click on Free Trial where the nice new package for RAC2012 is pictured I get an opportunity to download 2011 (at least that's what it still looks like). There is a nice note saying that 2012 will be available soon.

Check out the Revit Kid as he has a warning

"  Appearently, it is not going to be as easy as it used to be to Activate or Re-Activate your Revit...  So, all those 3GB install packages you downloaded and the unpackaged 6GB files... SAVE THEM!   Or else you may be re-downloading them quite a bit.

Click here to see Revit Clinic's post about this unfortunate set-back in Revit 2012..."

As for me it took about 3 hours to download Revit and two versions of Structural Detailing plus all the add-ons and extensions, before I put myself to bed. This morning I've transfered that little lot to two DVD's so that I can take them to work. It would have taken me all day to download at work!
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Mr. McCluskey's Method — An Autodesk Film Preview

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Join the students at Huntley Boarding School as they meet their new teacher, Mr. McCluskey.

Learn how Mr. McCluskey's unorthodox teaching methods educate and inspire the next generation of artists, engineers, architects and designers. And wait until you discover the secret that is making Mr. McCluskey's Method the viral sensation for Autodesk customers worldwide.

Autodesk presents this tongue-in-cheek parody of the classic film genre — the all-boys boarding school.
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If you are a student you also have access to free* download of over 25 products

all with a new, extended 3-year license

Register Here .

This is the same full version software that over 9 million designers, engineers and digital artists are using at 100 percent of Fortune 100 companies in over 183 countries around the world. Experience the newest editions of 2D and 3D products, such as Autodesk® Inventor®, Autodesk® Revit®, Autodesk® 3ds

The unemployed can also register to get hold of free software.thanks to the Autodesk Assistance Program

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be currently unemployed
- Must have worked in the architecture, engineering, design or manufacturing community
- Must complete online application required elements, including personal contact information
- Must specify their date of departure from their former employer, employer name, and HR contact information
- Must self-certify that they meet eligibility requirements


Application

Getting started in the Autodesk Assistance Program is easy! Just refer to the following steps:

1. Determine if you meet program eligibility requirements at http://www.autodesk.co.uk/assistance
2. Register for Program Participation and certify your program eligibility
3. Receive your confirmation email
4. Log in to the secure site with your new credentials

Once enrolled in the program, you can refer back to the Autodesk Assistance Program website to continue receiving the program benefits outlined in this document and on the
program web site.

*Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software. The products, programs and other information contained on this page may not be available in all geographies.

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Revit 2012 Wikihelp is Live

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Inside the Factory have announced that the wiki help for Revit 2012 is now live and can be accessed via the following url: http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Revit/enu/2012

Which means you can get a look at What's New in 2012 and read up before being able to download. Autodesk never like to give an actual download date, but we all know its going to be sometime within the next 10 days. They always follow the same patten each year.

So go and take a look.....

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Revit Structure Release Comparison Matrix

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Click on the Image to download

What's New IN Revit MEP 2012 - Video 3

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Video #3 - Duct & Pipe Placeholders

* Create & Modify Placeholders *

* Convert Placeholder Layout *

* Tag & Schedule Placeholder *

* Interference Check Placeholder *

http://ductductpipe.blogspot.com

Self Defence Against Fruit

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OK I was thinking about my Blackberry, Apple and Egg box that cost me £3.60 and I recalled that being attacked by someone with fruit can be very dangerous!



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Revit Structure 2012 Overview Brochure US

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Scouting around the Autodesk web site I found that this Revit 2012 Overview Brochure can be downloaded off the Autodesk site from the bottom of this page.

Enjoy.......

What's New in REVIT MEP 2012

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I found this on YouTube and thought of you MEP Guys.....Enjoy
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Revit MEP 2012 Whats New
Video #1 System Enhancements
Graphical Warnings
System Connector Labels

http://ductductpipe.blogspot.com

Revit MEP 2012 Whats New
Video #2 - System Enhancements
* Creating Systems *
* System Type Properties *
* Graphic Overrides *
* Turn off System Calculations *
* Add Material to System *
* Edit Rise & Drop Symbol *
http://ductductpipe.blogspot.com
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Make St.George's Day a Bank Holiday

New in Revit 2012: Construction Modeling & Assemblies

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(Improved Audio) Uploaded by AutodeskBuilding on the 25th March 2011




New construction modeling tools support virtual construction modeling workflows with specific focus on 4D sequencing, including scheduling, visualization, documentation and coordination.

Assemblies help support the creation of assembly views for pre-fabricated building assemblies such as precast walls, columns, beams and floors.

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Watch this video for an overview of the new Construction Modeling and Assemblies features in Autodesk Revit Architecture and Revit Structure 2012.

My Blackberry Is Not Working!

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This is in the same class as the classic "four candles sketch" by the Two Ronnies



Enjoy.....

Cad2assist Webinars

Here are a few Webinars from Rob Clark and those Cad2assist people

What’s New in Revit Architecture 2012
Fri, Apr 1, 2011 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM BST - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/683096942

What’s New In Revit Structure 2012
Fri, Apr 8, 2011 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM BST - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/457917838

What’s New in Revit MEP 2012
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM BST - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/328149102

What’s New in Autodesk Navisworks 2012

Thu, Apr 28, 2011 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM BST - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/179788878

AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2012 (Reinforcement Concrete) 
What's New – co presented with Ralph Pullinger from Autodesk
Fri, May 6, 2011 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM BST - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/269792318

Inventor 2012 - What's New

Fri, May 13, 2011 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM BST - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/579312542

AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT 2012 - What's New
Thu, Mar 31, 2011 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM BST - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/320126574

AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT 2012 - What's New
Thu, Apr 21, 2011 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM BST - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/319092374

AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT 2012 - What's New
Fri, May 27, 2011 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM BST-https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/782493358

Register and enjoy!

Lock and annotate 3D views and Assemblies and Assembly views

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Autodesk Revit Structure 2012 includes new features to enhance shop drawings: Lock and annotate 3D views and Assemblies and Assembly views shown here by Shruti Harve, Ideate application specialist.
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Nice Video shame about the voice and the ability to breath through her ears!
First 50 second is marketing bull_ _ _t, so play from there on ;0).

Revit 2012 underwhelming....I can't get excited

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The blogger webcast was held very, very late last night in the UK, and like Dave Baldacchino of Do you Revit? I’m taking the view that plenty of Bloggers will all ready have posted about the event, especially those that have the Lois Lane complex and need a scoop or have Revit in their DNA ;0)

David Light over at his Revit blog, as always has produced such a concise review that it’s very rare that others meet his article standard (that’s another fiver you owe me Dave)

Dave Baldacchine & David Light talk about the split between users:-

David Baldacchine saying  “there will be those that are very excited and those that are bummed. In past years, I’ve almost always been in the first camp and couldn’t understand what the rest were fussing about. However this year, I am feeling a bit disappointed about the quantity of improvements for the Architectural field.”

David Light summarising “Will Revit 2012 keep the die-hard Revit user who wants long standing items like better text tools, improved typography and site, stairs etc….happy???? hmmmmm probably not! But I would have to argue that whilst some of the improvements to big ticket modelling items have yet to appear, there is still plenty in this feature rich release to make most users content.

But a word of warning Mr Autodesk; some of these long standing requests really do need to be addressed over the next 1 to 2 releases. I see users fighting with some of the trickier tools on a day to day basis and I feel their pain. However, I have a pragmatic view on much of this now as I have come to realize that there is no utopia and Rome really wasn’t built in a day. As the Guinness Ad says, good things come to those that wait. Nevertheless, improving model quality and construction assembly by providing flexible, easy to use software tools most be the end game. Without this, there will always be an excuse by some diehards that this “BIM thing” is just not worth doing."

Like Dave Baldacchine I’m in the “feeling a bit disappointed about the quantity of improvements” Actually more in the very pissed–off, rather than the bit disappointed if I’m truthful

IMHO this year has been more about the bigger users with Bells and Whistles and not Basic fixes for all users.

Because of the NDA I can’t tell you how I’ve come to these figures yet, but one way of measuring the real improvements in Revit Structure gives me a split of:-

 58 Architecture and the All Products common platform
   5 Structure which equates to about 4%
 56 MEP

112

Should Autodesk be spending time improving MEP, yes but not at the expense of the other platforms.

Whist I applaud the improvements in the Analytical Modelling and Tools, we and many other Structural Users don’t round trip the Analytical Model backwards and Forwards like Autodesk seem to think we do. Hell, there are projects were we don’t connect the Analytical and the Revit Model for a variety of reasons.

Detailing and producing useable RC Details and UK/ Europe Bar Bending Schedules within Revit is currently a joke, It’s a 3D Toy that many Structural Engineering companies are not using, again for a variety of reasons

Dave Baldacchine  “My feeling is that it’s quite light this year. That doesn’t mean however, that you won’t be thrilled with the new improvements, especially if you’re in the Engineering and Construction disciplines.”

Nope Dave…… Definitely not thrilled

AEC (UK) BIM Standard for Revit ~ Review One Year On....

Last year saw the launch of the AEC (UK) BIM Standard for Revit. As we approach the first anniversary of its release, we take a look at how the standard has been received in the market, as well as the next steps in updating the content and expanding its market penetration, writes committee member Paul Woddy.

An interesting read, pop over to

To read more.......

The World Is Going MAD!

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Is it me or is the World including the UK going mad?

I don’t normally do politics, but It has to be the Victor Meldrew coming out in me as I turned 53 last week.

In February the BBC Reported that the" £4bn fleet of new RAF Nimrods were being scrapped thus creating a "massive gap" in British security” but somehow saving money!

2nd March the Daily Mail reports that “Hundreds of British servicemen and women currently risking their lives in Afghanistan face the sack within a few months, the Ministry of Defence admitted last night.”

Now in March we are off to monitor the Libya “no fly zone” to stop Gaddafi bombing his own people, and we have just scrapped our new spy planes. Yesterday I watch one of Gaddafi’s plane being shot down outside the opposition stronghold of Benghazi on the TV.

RAF Tornado jets, which are also due to be de-commissioned along with the sacking of their pilot, have joined in the operation to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya as the international community swung into action against Muammar Gaddafi.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed Stormshadow missiles were launched from Tornado GR4 fast jets, which flew 3,000 miles from RAF Marham in Norfolk and back.

The UK government is going to make, Hundreds of Servicemen, Policemen, Firefighters, Local Authority Employees and Teachers etc. redundant to save money and fix the economy.

D’OH

All these people will be looking for work during the “credit crunch” which the new term for a world wide recession, and will be claiming unemployment benefit.

Governments and Local Authorities have never understood the bigger picture when it comes to financial matters, and can’t see that what they are doing to save money from one area or budget, is only going to cost them more in another area or budget.

And now that the UK has rushed in because of the, “special relationship” that the UK is supposed to have with the USA, and the Black Gold in that Area of the world.

The UK will now be at even more threat from terrorist attack and a prime target next year with the Olympics.

Buy hay, they will just keep reducing the police force and other emergency services…… it's not as if we might actually need them some time soon!

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The  World will say it "Team America" all over again.....Mr President

"I have an idea, we will get the French and the Brits to go in first!"

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Autodesk Special Media Webcast ~ And Bloggers Day

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Autodesk provided the graphics but not with embedded hyperlinks ,so click here to Preregister: http://autode.sk/glzUsA

As part of the Blogger Webcast Series in an effort to keep bloggers up-to-date with the latest Autodesk release news.  Many of us have  been invited to a series of webcasts on March 21^st and 22^nd!

To kick-off the Blogger Webcast Series an "open to the public" webcast will be hosted by Amar Hanspal on March 21^st at 5p Eastern Daylight Time. We Bloggers then get to see what's coming in Revit 2012 and are allowed to report on it for you.

Most of the Bloggers also beta test, so we kinda know what to expect, but it's always interesting to attend these functions and have confirmation.

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Don't forget to support Comic Relief

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LRUG London Revit User Group is a Year Old

The inaugural meeting of the London Revit User Group (LRUG) took place on the 17th March 2010, with 26 Revit Users from various companies based in London.

Tonight we are holding our 7^th meeting, with 60 people due to attend and 104 members of the LRUG web site found at http://www.lrug.org.uk.

A special thanks to David Light of HOK and Carl Collins of Arup Associates for working with me to get LRUG off the ground in the first place, and for those members that have joint the committee and have presented or assisted by supplying venues for the meetings. As a result of your generosity so far we have been able to provide the events at no cost to the members.

Following on the wings of LRUG we have also seen the birth of

• GRUG Glasgow Revit User Group
• ERUG Edinburgh Revit User Group
• BRUG Bristol Revit User Group
• RUGLeeds Revit User Group Leeds 

I would remind the newer members, that you are only going to get out of LRUG what you are willing to put into it.

If you would like to become a member of LRUG please email me

 

RUGLeeds Inaugural Meeting 23rd March

Over at REVIT ST Glenn Jowett is pleased to announce the date for the first Revit User Group Leeds meeting which is the 23rd March. Buro Happold have kindly offered their Leeds office as the first venue.

Details of the event including agenda for the first meeting can be found by following the links below.

RUGLeeds Meeting No.1 Facebook

RUGLeeds Meeting No.1 Linkedin

Members of the RUGLeeds Linkedin page are encouraged to RSVP via the above link so we can gauge interest. If you are in or around the Leeds area then make sure you sign up with the group.

Details of the event are below.

Time: 6pm for 6:30pm Start. Duration: 2hrs. Refreshments kindly provided by Buro Happold

Welcome (5 mins) Introduction to the User Group (20 mins)

Open floor Discussion – What do YOU want from RUGLeeds? (30 mins)

15min Interval

Presentation – Guest Speaker (45mins) – Space Architecture.

James Austin and Adam Ward from Space Architecture will be demonstrating how they have used their BigBim (www.bigbim.co.uk) approach in designing, manufacturing and constructing the _spacehus modular eco home. Focusing on how parametric modelling techniques have enabled the process.

Any Other Business – Drinks / Networking (Pub/Bar TBC)

Have a great meeting guys!
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