The first step- Creating a SketchUP Model

This part of the process is both the simplest and potentially the most problematic if the .skp model is not properly constructed. It is extremely important to use the ‘layers’ function of SketchUP. Each layer is, or will be, a different material when it is later imported into Revit and rendered; while this can be time consuming when creating furniture and other interior fixtures it will provide more realistic rendering and tracking/numbering benefits later. For a tutorial on how to use layers check out this tutorial: LAYERS

It can also be helpful to make each of the layers its own component. This seems to provide further separation of information so that when it is loaded into Revit it separates each material more accurately. From a process of trial and error I found this step to be beneficial. For a tutorial on how to create components check out this tutorial: COMPONENTS

Another thing that will come in handy later is to assign each material different, bright and outlandish colors. When they are imported as an import-CAD in Revit it will be easier to find and reassign these materials.

Sample

This is an example of the raw images that REVIT can provide. All of the furniture in the room, as well as, the ceiling was created in SketchUp, imported to CAD and then rendered. This is an example of the scope of work this blog will cover.

Where to find SketchUP...?

Here are the links needed to download the latest version of SketchUP. For the purposes of this blog SketchUP 7 will be used.

SketchUP 7

SketchUP 3D Warehouse- this is where some of the example models can be found.

Resources (WEB)

Resources that I have found that will help me develop the best independent study/tutorial are:

Autodesk Discussion Boards-
http://discussion.autodesk.com/forums

Other Blogs-
Revit for Real

SketchUcation Community Forums

Revit City

A video I found-
CADclip- REVIT Massing Using SketchUP Skippy Files

INTRO

Blog Title: SketchUP goes Revit

Purpose: With the abundance of elements available on Google’s 3D Warehouse the designer, particularly the interior designer, is provided with opportunities to place the furniture that they specify into #D model space. However, there is a much more limited number of #D furniture models (families) currently available for Interior Designers using Revit. This project blog’s purpose is to experiment with the integration of Revit Architecture 2010 and SketchUP 7; More specifically, the importing and modifying of SketchUP models into Revit. The creation, importing, modification, material assignment and tracking of these elements will be researched.