Revit Architecture 2010 -
Creating a formula-driven conceptual design

Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 allows you to work on your conceptual designs in 3d views, which is where you want to be. With the addition of 3D levels and reference planes to the conceptual design workspace, you can access all aspects of your model without relying on multiple views. Maximize your design workspace and work fluidly in the intuitive new environment, but also maintain a great level of control and accuracy.

There is no need to deal with fussy workplane dialogs anymore. Just start sketching and Revit Architecture software helps find the workplane for you. You can easily sketch on reference planes, levels, or faces of other form elements. This will enable a smoother workflow and help you save time and frustration.

Lets start by creating a new conceptual form:

1. Go to the application browser , then New, and select the Conceptual Mass shown below:

2. In the Select Template File dialog box, choose Mass.rft, then click Open.

3. On the Create tab, click Line, choose rectangle on the draw panel, on the Options Bar, ensure that Level: Level 1 is selected for Placement Plane: (with the Make surface from closed loops option checked. (shown below)

Form generation is quick and easy with the click of a single button. You can make all the forms you already know (extrude, sweep, revolve, loft), but with one tool "Create Form." Autodesk Revit software knows what to make based on a selection of profiles and paths. You can also create a surface using the closed loop option, then use the 3D controls to create an extrusion.

4. Draw a rectangle on level 1. Click Modify when complete (shown below).

5. Select the rectangular surface, use the 3D controls to drag upwards in the z-axis. (shown below)

6. Taper the form by selecting and dragging the front and back top edges of the form towards the middle (shown below).

7. Select the top left corner of the south profile edge, drag upwards using the 3D control (shown below).

8. Select the lower East profile edge and change the temporary dimension to 225, then convert it to a permanent one using the dimension symbol (shown below).

9. Select the dimension, click on Add Parameter in the Label drop-down box on the Options Bar (shown below).

10. Enter "a" for the name value in the Parameter Properties dialog box, then click OK (shown below).

11. Select the lower south profile edge, change the temporary dimension to a value of 190, and then convert it to a permanent one (shown below).

12. Select the dimension, click on Add Parameter in the Label drop-down box on the options bar (shown below).

13. Enter "b" for the name value in the Parameter Properties dialog box, then click OK (shown below).

14. Click on Types, found on the Family Properties Gallery on the Create tab (shown below).

15. Enter b+35 for the formula value for the "a" Parameter. Note: Parameters are case sensitive (shown below).

16. Select the lower south profile edge, use the 3D controls to resize, notice both the width and length adjust.

Here we have linked Named Parameters derived from automatic dimensions. These links can be used to drive the overall shape and design. As the form is manipulated, watch how both the parameters and formulas now ensure that the form stays within the confines of my design intent. My workflow is continuous and free.