AC1 Lecture 3 Sept 24, 2025

Quick recap

The instructor conducted a Revit modeling demonstration focusing on advanced techniques for creating building elements and managing views, while emphasizing proper file management and preparation for upcoming assignments. Students were introduced to AI tools for generating images and flowcharts, with a class activity assigned to explore AI capabilities in design processes. The session concluded with detailed feedback on assignments, clarification of AI usage for swim lane diagrams, and confirmation of upcoming deadlines and submission requirements.

Next steps

• Students: Complete the flowchart activity showing AI-generated floor plans being produced into rendered 3D images at 5 o'clock.

• Students: Create a new Revit project using the architectural template.

• Students: Use the linking method when bringing CAD files into Revit.

• Students: Create a basic Revit model of the building using the provided floor plans.

• Students: Create their own site boundary if needed, using the boundary wall information from the SketchUp model or OBJ export.

• Instructor: Conduct the class activity at the end of the class instead of the beginning.

• Students: Complete AI prompts for generating floor plans.

• Students: Create a swim lane diagram based on the AI-generated floor plan process.

• Students: Use the provided DWG files to create a Revit model of the two-story building.

• Students: Align and pin CAD files correctly in their Revit models.

• Students: Follow proper Revit practices by linking geometry files.

• Students: Model their own buildings using the provided CAD files rather than expecting a shared Revit model.

• Students: Prepare for the measured survey component coming up in a couple of weeks.

Summary

Revit Modeling Techniques Demonstration

The instructor demonstrated Revit modeling techniques for a building project, showing how to create walls, floors, and curtain walls using reference planes and various commands. They emphasized that this practical session was focused on teaching advanced modeling techniques rather than creating a final model for grading, and explained why they wouldn't be sharing the completed model with students. The instructor also discussed proper file naming conventions and the importance of saving work frequently, while noting that this session was primarily preparation for Assignment 2 which would involve measured surveys.

Revit Exploded Views Demonstration

The instructor demonstrated two methods for creating exploded views in Revit: a 3D cutaway approach and a displacement method. They showed how to create and manipulate view templates, adjust line weights and colors, and work with entourage elements. The instructor also explained how to modify background colors and create consistent visual styles across multiple views. The demonstration included troubleshooting common Revit issues like visibility of imported elements and proper layer management.

AI-Generated Design Exercise

The instructor demonstrated how to use AI to generate images and flowcharts, then assigned a class activity where students were tasked with creating swim lane diagrams using AI tools. Students were given 30 minutes to work on the Miro board, with the goal of exploring AI capabilities to enhance their understanding of design processes. The instructor emphasized that while AI-generated results might not be perfect, the exercise was intended to help students develop their own creative approaches to design tasks.

Architectural Image Analysis Feedback

The instructor provided detailed feedback on students' assignments, emphasizing the importance of correctly identifying and mimicking both the graphical qualities and communication objectives of architectural images. He explained that the first column of images should be replicated for their graphical qualities, while the second column must communicate specific architectural ideas or objectives. The instructor highlighted common mistakes, such as focusing too much on graphical qualities in the second column, and encouraged students to use tools like Pinterest to find suitable images for mimicry. He also demonstrated the use of Revit's displace tool and addressed technical issues with accessing class recordings.

AI Swim Lanes Clarification

The instructor clarified confusion about using AI to create swim lanes, explaining that students should use AI to generate process maps but then manually create proper swim lanes. They discussed the upcoming class video lecture which will be uploaded by 8pm that day, and addressed concerns about the October 8th deadline for an assignment presentation. The instructor also confirmed that the SketchUp file had been updated and clarified the submission requirements, noting that while there's an interim submission deadline, students can make updates to their work before the final crit in December.

AI can make mistakes. Review for accuracy.