Introduction
Revit, the popular Building Information Modelling (BIM) software developed by Autodesk, has been a go-to tool for architects, engineers, and construction professionals for years. Known for its ability to streamline the design and construction process, Revit continues to evolve with each new release, bringing exciting features and enhancements. As we delve into the year 2024, Autodesk has unleashed Revit 2024 with many new features aimed at empowering users with advanced design, collaboration, and productivity tools. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some standout additions that make Revit 2024 an essential upgrade for professionals in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry.
1) Topo Solids:
Revit 2024 brings a revolutionary “Topo Solid” feature, replacing the existing topo surface. While retaining familiar functionalities like contour and point file-based topography generation, the Topo Solid distinguishes itself by possessing a defined thickness, creating a solid object rather than a surface.
The primary advantage of the Topo Solid lies in its ability to facilitate excavations, such as basements and tunnels, by quickly cutting away from the solid. Editing the Topo solid is like shaping a floor or roof, offering multiple layer types with variable thicknesses.
The Cut Geometry tool empowers users to remove overlapping objects from the Topo Solid, including foundation elements, walls, and families with voids. Even In-place Mass families create void forms that can cut the Topo Solid, creating captivating shapes for tunnels, basements, and parking garages. Additionally, when the “Cuts with Voids” option is enabled, voids in other families can also cut the Topo Solid.
While retaining the existing functionality of top surfaces, the Topo Solid in Revit 2024 supports additional features like cut and fill calculations, contour display and labeling, and hosting site and parking components.
2) Dark Theme/Dark Mode:
Dark theme is successfully incorporated in Revit, especially for the ones who have been used to it in AutoCAD. In the past, although a dark-themed interface option existed, it lacked full integration throughout the entire interface and was seldom utilized. However, significant improvements have been made to the Dark theme interface, now seamlessly incorporating it throughout the system. With the fully implemented Dark theme, complete with redesigned icons suitable for light and dark modes, users can now enjoy reduced screen glare and find relief while extended work hours make their work easier on the eyes.
3) Add Multiple Views and Schedules:
With the latest update, there’s a more efficient way to add views to sheets in Revit. Instead of placing views on sheets individually, you can now select multiple views at once and add them to a sheet. This new feature streamlines the process of adding views to sheets, saving you time and effort in organizing your project documentation.
4) Texture Shading:
Revit introduces a fresh visual style, the “Textures” shading mode, which presents materials’ textures without enabling full realistic shading. This mode cleverly merges the benefits of the Consistent Colors mode with the display of rendering materials applied to objects. The result is an optimal performance, even when shadows are incorporated. With the “Textures” shading mode, achieving the desired appearance requires fine-tuning the materials to match precisely, which might be an adjustment not everyone is accustomed to. However, the payoff is a visually appealing representation that strikes a balance between realism and performance, offering a compelling option for users seeking a more visually engaging experience without compromising on speed.
5) Project Browser Search:
You’ll find an interactive search box in the project browser’s upper section. Its functionality resembles more of a filter rather than a traditional search tool. As you begin typing in the search box, the project browser instantly displays all the entries that match the input. The search results are highlighted throughout the browser, providing a seamless filtering experience. Compared to the previous search tool, this interactive feature proves to be far more engaging. Its enhanced usability will likely encourage frequent utilization, particularly in extensive projects where the project browser contains many views, sheets, schedules, and families. This innovation streamlines the navigation process and significantly improves user interaction.
6) Color Book Browser:
The Pantone Colour browser has undergone a transformation, introducing a more versatile approach by introducing multiple color books. These new color books resemble the AutoCAD versions and encompass both RAL and Pantone collections. Moreover, users now have the added advantage of crafting personalized color books.
With the inclusion of custom color options, we can curate distinct palettes for various applications, like room color fills, filled region colors, and more. This feature empowers us to tailor our color choices precisely to our needs, granting greater flexibility and creative control in our projects.
7) My Insights on Revit Home:
Within the Revit Home screen, a newly introduced section labeled “My Insights” will catch the users’ attention. This particular tab is expected to offer a collection of “cards,” each presenting data-driven insights into your Revit usage.
To further enhance the customization of displayed cards, the feature incorporates icons for users to provide either positive or negative feedback. This input mechanism aims to aid the software in tailoring the insights to suit individual preferences and needs better. It’s worth noting that this feature may not be readily accessible at the time of its initial release, suggesting that it may require some time to gather usage data and refine its performance. Rest assured, as the feature evolves and accumulates data, it will likely become a valuable asset in enhancing the Revit experience for users.
8) Enable Split with Gap for MEP Segments:
The latest update in Revit includes the “Split with Gap” tool, designed explicitly for MEP components. This valuable addition extends its functionality to various elements, including:
- Duct
- Conduit
- Pipe
- Cable Tray
- Straight segments of MEP Fabrication Ductwork
- MEP Fabrication Pipework
- MEP Fabrication Containment
With the “Split with Gap” tool, users can now define the desired gap amount in the “Joint Gap” field. After specifying the gap, simply select the relevant ductwork to initiate the splitting process effortlessly. This feature streamlines the workflow, enabling precise adjustments and enhancing the overall Revit MEP Services experience.
Conclusion
Revit 2024 represents a significant milestone in BIM technology, offering a wide range of new features and enhancements that empower professionals in the AEC industry. From real-time rendering and augmented reality integration to advanced analysis capabilities and improved collaboration tools, Autodesk has considered user feedback and technological advancements to provide a comprehensive solution for design and construction needs. By embracing the power of Revit BIM Services, architects, engineers, and construction professionals can elevate their projects, optimize designs, and achieve greater efficiency in their workflows, ultimately leading to better buildings and infrastructure for the world around us.