Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
but you can use these generic fixture families to represent the basic layout
and design intent. Because they are categorized as lighting fixtures, you can
easily replace them with the actual fixtures to be used when the decision
is made. Just remember that you cannot replace face-hosted families with
nonhosted ones by using the Type Selector. You have to place one type and
remove the other manually.
Fixture Types Based on Fixture Performance and Lighting
Characteristics
Having fixture families based on size and shape is a good start, but you also
need fixtures that are defined by their specific uses and performance. This
is especially true if you intend to use your Revit model for lighting analysis.
It is a good practice to develop lighting fixture families that meet the design
requirements of your Revit projects so you don't have to create a separate
fixture family for every light fixture you use.
You can create families based on their performance and appearance. Not
onlydoesaparabolicfixtureperformdifferently thanalensedfixture,italso
looks different, socreating separate families for each type may be necessary.
Appearance is important only if you are concerned with modeling to a level
of detail that requires a visible difference between the two fixtures, but it
may be easier to manage separate families than one family with several
types.
With these fixtures, the dimensions are important for defining different
types, but they do not need to define the family itself. You can create a
parabolic troffer family with types such as 2×2 and 2×4, but you also want
parameters to define the voltage, load, or number of lamps. Each type
parameter that you add to a fixture family can determine a fixture type
within that family. This allows you to use a unique IES file for each type.
There are many lighting manufacturers from which to choose when
specifying your fixtures in a project. It is not necessary to have a library
that contains each and every option. You can make a set of lighting fixture
families that cover the basic fixture types and then modify them to
manufacturer specifications as needed. Choose an IES file that meets the
basicrequirementsforthefixturetypeasthebaselineforthattypeoffixture.
When you use the fixture in a project, you can get an idea of its performance
prior to deciding which specific manufacturer and model number to use.
Some people have resisted using a BIM solution such as Revit MEP for their
