Ornament - From 3d Max to Revit

[RudyBeuc]

Have been trying to figure out how to include some classical detailing in my Revit model.

I have Building Design Suite Premium and was considering using the modeling tools in 3d max to model some of the complex geometry needed. I figured that once I get the geometry into Revit, all I would have to do is attach some scaling parameter.  

So, the question is, how does one import 3D Max geometry into Revit in such a way that one can edit it in Revit?

I managed to import a teapot polymesh into Revit, but everything disappears when exploding.

Since starting this project I've learned of Paul Aubin's book, "Renaissance Revit", and am waiting for it to arrive. However I would still like to create these complex shapes without having to deal with a forest of reference planes, lines, and points. That is, just sculpt something using some background bitmaps as references, and then have it scale as desired.

Thanks,

Rudy Beuc

[constantin.stroescu]

A solution to this problem could be the following one:

• Export the volume from 3ds Max as .dwg ( it will use triangulations)
• Open Revit - New > Conceptual Mass - Mass > Insert > Import CAD - insert the volume exported from Max - save the file and load into your Revit Project
• you have now the mass element into you Revit Project..Create here a thin Wall type and a Roof type for the envelope.
• Use Wall by Face for verticals and sloped faces and for horizontal faces Roof by Face

[David_W_Koch]

As you will find when you get Paul's book, Revit does not directly "scale" most object types.  (Meaning, model an object at one size and then apply an overall scale factor to make that object bigger or smaller.)  You can often get the equivalent of "scaling" by using formulae to drive multiple parameters based on the value of one parameter, but that generally involves creating that forest (or at least a thicket) of reference planes that you wish to avoid.

[RudyBeuc]

Thanks, but I was trying to come up with a way to utilize the modeling features found in MAX for Revit stuff. The teapot was just a test bed.

I don't think modeling a piece of complex geometry twice is a good direction.

Perhaps this is one for the wish list. A sculpture family that can have an overall scaling feature in each axis. Or perhaps a family that can cope effectively with Max geometry.

Imagine being able to model the ornament found in much of historical architecture within Revit.

Thanks for everyone's help...

Rudy

[RudyBeuc]

Hey everyone...

Since last posting I received and have started reading Paul Aubin's book "Revit Renaissance".

I highly recommend it.

Regardless of whether or not one is interested in modeling classical details, it's a great way to learn more about family creation and effective work flows.

Thanks,

Rudy Beuc