Autodesk has introduced Revit 2021, which includes several new features, on April 8, 2020. These new features allow you to explore and master different data-driven algorithms. They enhance collaboration, productivity, visualization and data exchange.
Slanted Walls
This feature has been in high demand for many years. Autodesk Revit allows you to create slanted walls using mass and model-in-place commands. You can also create slanted windows and doors. You can use the new instance parameter to select a wall that will be slanted at a particular angle. It will then automatically join the adjacent walls.
You need to set the Cross Section instance parameter to Slanted to make a wall slanted. Once you do this, you will be able to create an adjacent angle called Angle from Vertical. A positive angle will slant walls towards the exterior, while a negatively inclined angle will do the opposite to the interior. Click on the Orientation parameter to align the windows and doors with the slanted walls. Then click on Slanted.
Generative Design
Autodesk’s first ever generative design toolkit is now available within Revit. Generative design has been a popular buzzword for many years. This functionality is available in the Project Refinery public beta. The beta site allows you to access older versions of these tools as well as Revit.
This tool is located in the Manage tab. Clicking on the Create study option will open three pre-built examples: Maximize window views, Three Box Massing and Workspace Layout. You can also create your own.
Maximize Window Views calculates scores which represent the quality view to the outside. It can generate different viewpoints. Three Box Massing calculates floor area and facade area. It creates simple massing models simply by changing the relative heights of the three boxes. Workspace Layout calculates how far it takes to get to the exits. It creates rows of desks in a space and maximizes the average score of the number of views from each desk.
Link Raster Images and PDF Files
It was difficult to integrate images into Revit in the past. Importing images was limited and models became larger. Revit 2020 made it possible to import PDFs but not to link them. Revit 2021 allows you to link raster files and PDF files from either local or BIM 360 locations. This new feature allows you to use images and drawings as references in modeling without affecting the file’s size.
Click on the Insert tab to link images and PDF files. You will see two options: one for linking and one to import. Linking images and PDF is just like importing. The difference is that linking keeps your models light and clean. The Manage Links menu now has separate tabs for PDF and images.
Rotate Tags With Components Improvement
In older versions, you could only rotate the tags horizontally or vertically. Revit 2021 allows you to rotate symbols, tags, and other elements in order to match their rotation angles. Rotate with component option is available in Tag Family. After you have rotated the tag you don’t need to manually rotate the space, area, or room tags. The following tags will respond to the Rotate with Component setting:
Curtain Wall Tags
Door Tags
Casework tags
Foundation Tags
Furniture tags
Furniture System Tags
Casework tags
Curtain Panel Tags
Window tags
Wall Tags
Ramp Tags
Railing Tags
Property Boundary Tags
Property Line Segment Tags
Path of Travel Tags
MEP Equipment Tags
Equipment tags
MEP Element Tags
Structural Column Tags
Once Rotate with Component is enabled, however, the tags cannot be rotated horizontally or vertically.
Family Geometry Void Cut
The Family Editor parameter now allows void elements to be assigned a Cuts Geometry criterion. Previously, you could use methods such as parametrically moving void away form the geometry to ensure it was not cut. You can now control whether the void cuts geometry. This works only for geometry within the family, and not for all elements within the project.
The void is only able to alter the existing geometry when it is created. This allows the void’s ability to cut solids created after the void. This option applies the material of the second chosen object to both objects. You cannot cut detail families, system family, or profile families with solids.
These steps will help you to cut geometry with voids:
Use the Family Editor to create solid geometry
Use the solid geometry to create a void
Add another solid geometry to the existing one
Click on the Geometry panel under the Modify tab, then click on Cut. Select the void that you have created. The cursor will change its form here
Select the second solid geometry that you have created.
Select Multiple Cut in the Options bar if you wish to cut multiple elements using the void
View filters: Enable/Disable
If you were looking for a v before Revit 2021,