Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Mirroring groups has been known to create so much hassle that you are better off avoid-
ing it. And we'll keep pushing Autodesk to restrict mirroring of family components (as
well as groups) as a parameter.
Create and use design options.
Like groups, design options work great when you follow the
rules. Design options are intended for design iteration that is bounded and well-defined—not
for putting multiple buildings in one project file. Remember that links, groups, and phasing
can exist within design options. Always keep hosted elements with their host when using
design options.
Master It
Suppose you have a multistory tower. How could you show multiple design
options for the entire vertical exterior enclosure?
Solution
Put each enclosure option in a different project file. You can link these files
into one master project file. Then associate each of the links with a different design
option. Eventually you set and accept the primary option. Then bind the link, and the
chosen enclosure model will become a group within your project. The group can be
ungrouped to continue editing the final design.
Chapter 11: Visualization
Create real-time and rendered analytic visualizations.
Analytic visualization is about
communicating information about your project in a nonliteral way, and it's very important!
It's not about showing real materials in the project but about using filters to visualize impor-
tant metadata.
Master It
During the renovation of a space, you want to reuse the doors rather than
throw them away. How would you illustrate this?
Solution
Assign an instance parameter to the doors called Recycled. Then apply this
value to all the doors fulfilling these criteria in your project. Now you can use this pa-
rameter to create a view filter to illustrate where these reused doors are being used.
Render emotive photorealistic visualizations.
Photorealistic visualization is about com-
municating design ideas but in emotive ways that are much closer to how the space will be
experienced, including real lighting, materials, and entourage. Just remember that the time it
takes to calculate and render your views will change dramatically based on the quality and
resolution of your views.
Master It
Would the rendering for a PowerPoint presentation differ from a rendering
being printed for a marketing brochure?
Solution
The rendering for the PowerPoint presentation needs to be only about 150 dpi,
while the rendering for the printing needs to be 300 dpi. A 300 dpi image will take much
longer to render than a 150 dpi image, even though they'll look the same on the screen.
Understand the importance of sequencing your visualization workflow.
The sequence
of design—building, content, materials, and cameras—is not the same as the sequence for
visualization (geometry/cameras, lighting, materials). Lighting is far more important than
materials of actual objects. Get the lighting right and the materials will look great, but not the
other way around.
