Need the ability to change the color of linked elements in linked MEP/structural models. When their file is linked into the Architectural their air diffuses, ducts, pipes, equipment, etc. come in as different colors. I need them to be black so that they print consistently when printed black/grey/white, but we also need to be able to control them by phase graphic overrides.
The main issue as I see it, is that Revit/autodesk made the change to the "System Family" graphic override for the ducts and duct fittings, systems, pipes, etc. But they didn't allow override of that setting in a linked model. So the only way to override it (without having to open the linked model) is through a view filter. But unfortunately, the view filter is a higher level override than the phase graphic override. The phase setting is not part of the object parameters because it is hard coded into the software and usually functions without issue, except in this case where we are dealing with a linked MEP model and the colors defined by the system family override.
Projects that have "existing" and new phases that are graphically overridden to show existing as grey and new as black do not override the system family graphic override. I understand that in order to override the color settings in the MEP model I must use a filter on the MEP equipment and filter by "System Classification". I can then change the color to black. However, because I also need to control graphics by phase, when I apply the filter and color override, the filter override overrides the phase graphic overrides so that existing MEP shows the same as new MEP and I don't see a separation between new and existing.
This seems like a major bug in the software. Shell and TI phases are pretty common in the industry. Our inability to graphically control colors and greyscale in a PDF or on the printed page can have significant consequences. If a contractor can't determine what phase or who's responsibility a particular element is, then there is potential for costs to be inaccurate or scope being misinterpreted, all resulting in change orders and errors from the design team.
