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Sunlight and wind play a crucial role in architectural design, influencing everything from energy efficiency to occupant comfort. Thoughtful consideration of these natural elements can reduce reliance on artificial lighting, heating, and cooling, ultimately leading to more sustainable buildings.
Architects and designers leverage sunlight and wind analysis to optimize building orientation, facade design, and ventilation strategies, ensuring structures harmonize with their environment. By integrating these factors early in the design process, professionals can create spaces that are not only functional but also resilient and energy efficient. In this article we will review sunlight and wind analysis specifically through the use of tools in Autodesk Forma.
Environmental analysis in architecture involves evaluating natural factors such as sunlight, wind patterns, temperature, and humidity to inform design decisions. By analyzing site-specific conditions, designers can optimize building orientation, window placement, and ventilation strategies to reduce energy consumption and improve occupant well-being. Modern CAD tools (Forma) and simulation software (building information modeling – BIM) further refine this analysis, allowing architects to test different design scenarios and make data-driven decisions for optimal performance.
Wind analysis is essential in architecture, influencing energy efficiency, structural stability, and occupant comfort. Poorly managed wind conditions can create safety hazards, increase heat loss, or cause discomfort in outdoor spaces. Architects use wind analysis to optimize natural ventilation, reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, and design aerodynamic structures that minimize wind resistance. In urban settings, strategic building placement can prevent wind tunnels, while in high-wind areas, windbreaks like trees or barriers help improve comfort. By integrating wind analysis early, architects ensure buildings are both resilient and environmentally efficient.
From the above section, you can see where wind analysis can be useful in architecture. To further emphasize, a case study in wind analysis using Forma can be seen in The Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore. Situated in a tropical climate, the development required careful wind studies to balance natural ventilation with structural stability. Wind engineering firm CPP, Inc. conducted extensive wind tunnel testing on scaled models of the property to assess both normal and extreme wind conditions and their effects on the SkyPark. This analysis informed the design of an effective supplemental damper system, reducing motion and enhancing occupant comfort.
Autodesk Forma uses real-time environmental analysis features that allow you and your team to assess wind speed, pressure distribution, and airflow patterns around buildings and urban landscapes. By integrating CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) principles, Forma helps architects visualize how wind interacts with built environments, identifying potential problem areas such as high-pressure zones or wind tunnels. Designers can use this data to refine building shapes, adjust orientations, or incorporate ventilation strategies that enhance comfort and energy efficiency.
Forma helps architects develop wind-responsive design strategies by identifying pressure zones and airflow patterns early in the design process. In high-rise buildings, Forma can guide your architects to proper placement of setbacks or voids to reduce wind turbulence, while perforated facades and wind baffles can help control airflow. Urban planners also use Forma to assess pedestrian wind comfort, optimizing street layouts, building heights, and landscaping elements like trees or windbreaks to create more walkable environments. Incorporating these design considerations for wind analysis using Forma elevates the final product to new heights.
Effective sunlight analysis is essential for optimizing building performance, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort. Autodesk Forma provides architects with powerful tools to assess solar exposure, shadow patterns, and daylight penetration throughout different seasons.
Sunlight analysis is critical in several sectors of design. Proper daylighting reduces reliance on artificial lighting, lowering energy costs and enhancing sustainability. Sun exposure also affects thermal comfort, requiring architects to balance natural light intake with shading strategies to prevent overheating or glare. Additionally, sunlight plays a vital role in urban planning, impacting factors like shadowing on neighboring buildings and public spaces.
Gund Hall, the main building of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, underwent a daylighting study to enhance its interior lighting conditions. Lam Partners collaborated with Bruner/Cott Architects and Vanderweil Engineers to analyze the building’s “trays” (tiered studio spaces). Through comprehensive daylighting studies, the team developed design solutions that improved natural light distribution, enhancing the functionality and comfort of the studio spaces.
Autodesk Forma offers powerful tools for evaluating solar exposure, shadow impact, and daylight distribution throughout a building’s design. Its real-time solar analysis allows architects to assess how sunlight interacts with structures across different times of the day and seasons. Additionally, its daylighting analysis enables precise placement of windows, skylights, and shading devices to balance natural light and energy efficiency.
Autodesk Forma offers solar mapping, shadow analysis, and daylight simulations to optimize building performance. Its tools help architects refine orientation, assess shading impacts, and adjust glazing or materials for better daylight distribution. By leveraging these techniques, designers can enhance energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort.
Autodesk Forma helps architects evaluate how materials interact with sunlight to optimize energy efficiency and comfort. Its analysis tools assess factors like solar reflectance, heat absorption, and glare, guiding material choices for facades, roofing, and glazing. Designers can test different materials to reduce heat gain, enhance daylight distribution, and improve thermal performance.
While wind and sunlight analysis are essential for creating energy-efficient and comfortable buildings, several challenges can arise during the process. One challenge is accurately predicting environmental factors in complex urban settings, where surrounding buildings and topography can significantly influence wind patterns and sunlight exposure. Variability in weather conditions, seasonal changes, and the unpredictable nature of climate also complicate precise forecasting. Additionally, integrating these analyses with other design considerations, such as structural integrity or aesthetic preferences, can create design conflicts. Overcoming these challenges requires advanced simulation tools, iterative testing, and collaboration between architects, engineers, and environmental consultants to ensure that both wind and sunlight are effectively managed in the final design.
Wind and sunlight analysis are crucial for creating energy-efficient, comfortable buildings. Tools like Autodesk Forma enable architects to make informed design decisions that optimize environmental conditions and reduce energy use. While challenges remain, advancements in simulation technology and the integration of AI will improve the accuracy and adaptability of these analyses. As sustainability becomes a priority, the role of environmental analysis in architecture will continue to grow, fostering more resilient and eco-friendly buildings.
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). What is Autodesk Forma and why is it important to the AEC workflow? Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/what-is-autodesk-forma-why-is-it-important-to-the-aec-workflow/
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). Autodesk Forma. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/software/autodesk/autodesk-forma/
CPP Wind. (n.d.). Understanding wind effects on ground-breaking architecture. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://cppwind.com/portfolios/understanding-wind-effects-on-ground-breaking-architecture/
Lam Partners. (n.d.). Sunlighting the trays: Gund Hall daylighting case study. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.lampartners.com/case-studies/sunlighting-the-trays-gund-hall-daylighting-case-study/
Predictive analytics is transforming building design by enabling architects and engineers to anticipate performance, optimize efficiency, and reduce costs before construction even begins. By leveraging data-driven insights, designers can make informed decisions about structural integrity, energy efficiency, resource allocation, and overall safety.
Modern CAD tools, such as Autodesk Forma and Building Information Modeling (BIM), integrate predictive analytics to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and improve project outcomes. As the construction industry increasingly adopts digital solutions, predictive analytics is becoming a vital component of smarter, more sustainable building design.
Predictive analytics is the process of using historical data, machine learning, and statistical modeling to forecast future outcomes. In building design, it helps architects and engineers anticipate performance issues, optimize resource allocation, and enhance decision-making.
Additionally, advanced integration of BIM and digital twins in facility design allows for real-time tracking of various functions. This is obtained through strategically placed sensors that relay information to relevant stakeholders. By analyzing trends and patterns, predictive analytics enables design teams to proactively address structural, environmental, and operational challenges before they become costly problems.
Predictive analytics plays a critical role in modern building design by enabling data-driven decision-making and risk mitigation. By forecasting potential challenges such as structural weaknesses, energy inefficiencies, and improper resource allocation, designers can refine their plans before construction begins.
Additionally, when integrated into CAD tools, predictive analytics streamlines collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors, ensuring that projects remain on schedule, on budget, and true to the design’s intent. A real-world example of this integration is with Google’s Bay View Campus in Mountain View, CA. Google leveraged predictive analytics and BIM for the design of its Bay View campus, focusing on sustainability. Advanced simulations helped optimize natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal comfort, resulting in a highly energy-efficient workspace.
Predictive analytics brings numerous advantages to building design, helping multidisciplinary teams make informed decisions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety. Let’s take a look at some of the potential benefits in-depth.
Autodesk Forma, a cloud-based AI-driven tool, leverages predictive analytics to optimize building design workflows. By analyzing multiple design iterations in real time, Forma helps architects and engineers assess energy performance, daylight exposure, and carbon impact before finalizing designs.
Forma’s automation features improve collaboration between stakeholders, fostering alignment in all phases of the project. One of Forma’s key advantages is its ability to automate repetitive tasks, such as zoning and massing studies, allowing designers to focus on refining project details rather than manual adjustments.
A notable example of Forma’s process optimization capabilities can be seen in the design of CopenHill, a waste-to-energy plant in Copenhagen that doubles as a ski slope. The project required extensive energy modeling to balance industrial functionality with environmental sustainability.
Using predictive analytics within BIM and early-stage simulation tools, designers optimized the building’s insulation, ventilation, and energy use. The result was an operationally efficient structure with a 31% reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional waste-to-energy plants.
Predictive analytics plays a vital role in optimizing resource allocation, ensuring that materials, labor, and time are used efficiently. One key application is Quantity Takeoff, where predictive models analyze historical project data to estimate the exact amount of materials needed for construction. By reducing waste and preventing overordering, these insights lead to significant cost savings.
BIM-integrated predictive analytics further enhances this process by dynamically adjusting material estimates based on design changes, preventing delays and reducing unnecessary expenditures. Furthermore, predictive analytics helps allocate labor efficiently by forecasting workforce requirements, making sure teams are deployed effectively across different phases of the project.
Safety is a critical concern in building design and construction, and predictive analytics helps mitigate risks by identifying potential hazards before they occur. By analyzing past incidents, environmental factors, and structural data, predictive models can highlight areas of concern, such as structural weaknesses or high-risk zones on construction sites.
BIM tools enhance safety planning by simulating different construction scenarios, allowing teams to implement proactive measures that reduce accidents. Finally, predictive analytics assists in monitoring equipment performance, ensuring that critical systems, such as fire suppression and HVAC, are designed with long-term reliability in mind.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twins play a crucial role in predictive analytics by enabling real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization of building performance. BIM software, such as Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft Archicad, and Bentley Systems’ OpenBuildings, incorporates predictive analytics to assess structural load distribution, energy consumption, and maintenance needs.
Digital twin technology takes this a step further by creating virtual replicas of buildings that continuously collect sensor data on structural integrity, HVAC performance, and occupant behavior. Platforms like Siemens’ MindSphere, Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE, and IBM Maximo leverage this data for predictive maintenance, reducing operational costs and preventing failures before they occur.
AI-powered platforms like Autodesk Forma and Dynamo for Revit use generative design and machine learning algorithms to predict how various design decisions impact energy efficiency, material use, and spatial configurations. These tools allow designers to run multiple simulations in real time, optimizing designs for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Predictive analytics also relies on data processing and visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, and Python-based libraries (Pandas, NumPy, and Scikit-learn). These tools help process large datasets, identify trends, and generate insights that inform design decisions, such as climate-responsive building orientation or energy load forecasting.
CFD tools like ANSYS Fluent, Autodesk CFD, and SimScale are crucial for predicting airflow, thermal comfort, and ventilation efficiency in buildings. These simulations allow designers to optimize HVAC system placement and ensure occupant comfort in various environmental conditions.
Many professionals hesitate to adopt new AI-driven workflows.
Forma’s Solution: Its intuitive interface, seamless BIM integration, and AI-assisted automation simplify the transition, reducing the need for extensive training.
Fragmented data across different platforms can disrupt predictive analysis.
Forma’s Solution: It centralizes data and ensures compatibility with BIM models, CAD files, and cloud storage, streamlining collaboration.
Running predictive simulations requires significant computing power.
Forma’s Solution: As a cloud-based platform, Forma offloads heavy processing to Autodesk’s servers, eliminating the need for expensive hardware.
Firms worry about software costs and uncertain returns on investment.
Forma’s Solution: Its scalable pricing model and efficiency improvements—such as reducing design errors and optimizing resources—help offset costs and increase ROI.
Predictive analytics is transforming building design by enabling data-driven decision-making, improving efficiency, and reducing risks. Tools like Autodesk Forma and BIM-integrated analytics help architects and engineers optimize layouts, resource allocation, and long-term performance.
While adoption challenges exist, advances in AI, cloud computing, and interoperability are making these technologies more accessible. As the AEC industry continues to embrace predictive analytics, firms that integrate these tools will gain a competitive edge, delivering smarter, more sustainable projects.
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). Autodesk Forma. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/software/autodesk/autodesk-forma/
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). What is Autodesk Forma and why is it important to the AEC workflow? Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/what-is-autodesk-forma-why-is-it-important-to-the-aec-workflow/
Google. (n.d.). Bay View campus grand opening. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://blog.google/inside-google/life-at-google/bay-view-campus-grand-opening/
Ecogradia. (n.d.). BIG’s CopenHill integrates recreational space with energy infrastructure. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.ecogradia.com/blog/bigs-copenhill-integrates-recreational-space-with-energy-infrastructure/
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). What is quantity takeoff in construction? Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/what-is-quantity-takeoff-in-construction/
Autodesk Revit 2026 brings a host of exciting new features and enhancements designed to improve performance, streamline workflows, and empower design teams across architecture, engineering, and construction. With a focus on better collaboration, increased modeling accuracy, and smarter documentation tools, Revit 2026 reflects Autodesk’s continued commitment to delivering user-requested updates. From faster view generation to more flexible design options and expanded interoperability, this release offers something valuable for both seasoned professionals and new users alike.
Here are some of the standout new features in Revit 2026:
Experience a significant navigation performance improvement in 3D and 2D views, helping you review your designs faster.
Use this tech preview to get early access to Revit’s new graphics platform, delivering faster navigation and optimized hardware utilization, with a current focus on the graphics card. Accelerated Graphics is enabled on a per-view basis, without creating any changes to the model or the view. When the view or model is closed, the accelerated graphics mode is disabled for that view.
The core layer requirement in compound structures is no longer mandatory, making it easier to delete core layers or move layers outside the core boundary.
You can delete core layers or move layers outside of core layers to improve the default joins and support visibility control of finish walls and floors.
Best practice: To ensure the wall joins properly, move all the layers to the ‘Interior’ side if the wall is used as an interior finish, and make the ‘Interior Finish Face’ face the actual interior side. Apply the same rule for the walls used as exterior finishes.
Toposolid tools have been enhanced including updates to sub-divisions and accuracy improvements.
When creating a subdivision on a toposolid, a new sub-division is generated that follows the geometry of the host toposolid. You can provide an offset to the subdivision. A positive offset places the subdivision above the host, while a negative offset places it below the host. A negative offset excavates the host, and the excavation volume is reported in the properties of the subdivision. To create a subdivision that uses a different material than the host toposolid, change the toposolid type.
Subdivisions are a subcategory of toposolids. Use object styles and visibility/graphic overrides to control how subdivisions are displayed in views of your model.
Important: When upgrading models that use toposolids and sub-divisions, some legacy parameters are no longer valid.
Layers used in compound structures such as a toposolid have a geometric limitation that must be greater than 0.8mm. If the original sub-division has a height less than 0.8mm, a type will be created with the minimum thickness. Graphically it will retain the height, position, and material of the original sub-division, and the bottom of the new sub-division will extend beneath the surface of the host toposolid.
Two settings in the Revit.ini file control the number of points used on toposolids in your models.
Set the values for these in the Revit.ini file. The valid range is from 10,000 – 50,000. The larger number of points used to create toposolid elements will result in more accurate representation but may impact the performance when editing toposolids and/or when navigating the model. The default for both settings is 20,000 points.
If you change the value of a setting in the Revit.ini file, the setting will be applied to toposolids created after the change was made. Toposolids created prior to the change will not be affected.
The methods used to calculate the cut and fill volumes of a graded region have been revised for greater accuracy. Additional volumes beyond the boundary of the new toposolid are no longer included in the calculations. The volume is now calculated exclusively within the boundary of the new toposolid and projected upward.
When reloading topography linked in previous releases of Revit, the improved precision of linking may result in topography that more closely aligns with the geometry of the link. In some cases, you can successfully link topography that was not previously possible. See images below for example.
Source file to be linked
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Before accuracy improvement |
After accuracy improvement |
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Enable Cut Void Stability in your models to increase the likelihood of successful cuts on some toposolids. The Cut Void Stability setting applies a small shift to the cut geometry at random along the x or y axis until a cut succeeds. The shift may slightly impact the accuracy of the void geometry. When Cut Void Stability is applied, any changes will be reported in a warning and in the journal file.
Sheet Collection is now available as a category for both Parameters and Schedules.
You can see the new parameters added to the Sheet Collection category on every Sheet Collection node. The parameter values are synchronized to every Sheet included in that collection.
Parameter values show as read-only on every Sheet in the collection since they are driven by the Sheet Collection. If you modify the parameter value on the Sheet Collection, this updates the value for all Sheets (and Title Block Labels if included there).
If you move the Sheets into another Sheet Collection, the parameter value is automatically updated based on what is defined in that Sheet Collection.
The view references have been enhanced including instance based reference labels and the ability to include shared parameter labels.
Previously when placing a view reference that referenced another view, the view label was type based. This label is now instance based making view reference more flexible and easier to coordinate with your documentation standards. Make changes to the label on a view after it is placed by changing the value for Reference Label on the Properties palette. The default value assigned to the view reference is set by the type parameter of the view, Default Reference Label.
Add a label to a view reference family to display a shared parameter value defined as a project parameter to views in a model file. Editing labels and adding shared parameters is now possible for the following categories:
The workflow for adding shared parameters is identical to the workflow used for other supported family categories. In the model file, the shared parameter is assigned to the Views category.
Manage circuit wiring requirements with controllable and customizable conductors and cable configurations.
Electrical conductors and cables are customizable. The new Electrical Conductor and Cable settings allow you to define conductors and then use those conductor definitions in cable sizes and cable types. These cable types are then assigned to circuits in your models.
To access electrical conductor and cable settings, click Manage tab
Settings panelMEP Settings drop-down
Electrical Conductor and Cable Settings.
Wire sizes are no longer supported, and when models are upgraded, the existing wire sizing data is updated to the new schema.
Create new finished architectural walls in a room using a wall segment or within a room’s boundaries.
or
Newly created walls will be adjacent to the targeted wall or column face, improving efficiency and productivity in creating multiple walls for core and finish.
Easily model cranked rebar in congested areas to prevent clashes.
Quickly and intuitively access and use analytical model automation, and customize the automation if needed.
Run Physical to Analytical for Buildings: This is a “one-click” Analytical Model Automation process.
Run Analytical to Physical for Buildings: Select only the physical elements and click Run.
Automation Customization: Customize the automation if needed.Modify connections and object properties of the custom connection template.
Use the Positioning & View panel under the Modify | Viewports to save, revise and manage view positions on a sheet.
To align views across sheets, use the View Anchor options:
View to Sheet Positioning is useful for cases where you have numerous similar plan orientation views, and you want them to align and stay coordinated between sheets. Or you have typical layouts, such as building wall sections, that you want to be placed at the same offset for multiple sheets.
The existing Swap View on Sheet functionality has been integrated into these workflows as follows:
You can swap views assigned to a Saved Position. A prompt to disable the position displays, and you can unassign or re-assign Saved Positions at any point.
A new supporting command, Reset Title Block Positions, has been added in the right-click menu of Sheets in the Project Browser, to move the placed title block instances on sheets back to the default origin. This command is available when multiple title block instances, or multiple sheets from the project browser are selected.
The Coordination model feature has been enhanced including graphical appearance, element visibility, and the ability to locate and view coordination models directly in the Revit canvas.
Graphical appearance
You can assign a color to each coordination model to quickly distinguish between different models,
You can also use distinctive colors for each category of coordination model elements for easier recognition.
Objects Visibility Control
You can manage the visibility of coordination models and their instances from the Visibility/Graphic Overrides for 3D View: {3D} dialog.
You can select only the relevant details to display by instantly hide elements or categories of elements using the contextual menu in the Modify | Coordination Model tab, or in the right-click menu.
Use the Modify | Coordination Model tab Revel Hidden Elements panel Toggle Reveal Hidden Elements Mode to reveal hidden coordination model elements and categories.
Show Option for Coordination Models Enabled
In the Manage Links dialog, click Show on the upper menu to locate and view coordination models directly in the Revit canvas. Alternatively, right-click the selected model in the list.
Sheet List Schedules have been enhanced:
You can now organize Panel Schedules in the Project Browser through sorting, filtering, or grouping.
The Panel Schedules show the Panel Name under the Identity Data category.
Newly created steel plates will have a meaningful material automatically assigned when created manually or by a steel connection.
The default material of newly created steel plates depends on the unit chosen for Length in Manage Project Units.
If the default material is not loaded into the model, the steel plates will have the first steel material that is loaded into the model (e.g., Metal Stud Layer).
Model Upgrade to Revit 2026
If the appropriate materials for metric or imperial models (Steel ASTM A36 / S 235) are loaded while upgrading the project file to Revit 2026, existing or new plates will behave as follows:
Use the new global option in Structural Settings to create steel element geometry starting from the exact start and end click point.
This option is available if you check Manage Tab Structural Settings panel 
(Structural Settings) Structural Steel Settings tab Automatic Shortening Disable automatic shortening of steel elements during auto-join.
The option is available for :
The Length parameter was moved to the Dimensions category in the Properties palette and renamed to System Length to better reflect that this is the analytical length, the theoretical distance between the two points used to create the member. The length of the physical element will continue to be displayed with the Cut Length parameter which takes into account any geometry changes to the member length.
This change is valid for all structural members.
This workflow update enhances the reliability of parameters.
When you add a slanted column using the point-to-point workflow, the column’s geometry now extends to the end point of the system length.
If you turn off the point-to-point option, the slanted column will adjust to a secondary state. In this state, the column aligns with the bottom of the intersecting beam and attaches to the smallest intersection line. This differs from the default behavior that trims the face tangent to the beam.
Define an override value for sheet scale when different scale views are placed on the same sheet.
When a sheet contains multiple views of differing scales, set a value for the title block type parameter Scale Override (Multiple Values). The scale value override parameter can only contain text, numeric values are not supported.
You can now customize the layer priority independently from the layer function, from the element type level for all multi-layer elements, including walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, slabs, and toposolids.
The layer function and layer priority are no longer defined in a single setting.
Performance and accuracy of placement is greatly improved when linking IFC files.
Linking IFC files into your models is now significantly faster than in previous releases of Revit. Additionally, you have increased control when linking an IFC model. In the linking dialog, use the drop-down list to select a positioning option. IFC links can be positioned at the same datum and orientation as allowed during export. The default position places the link’s origin at the internal Revit origin.
Points and lines used to shape-edit elements, toposolids, roofs, or floors can be copied and pasted.
In previous releases, you could not copy and paste points and lines when shape editing. This functionality is now enabled. Use the controls on the ribbon to copy and paste points and lines while in edit mode, or use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V.
Create system zones for analysis by selecting spaces or sketching a boundary.
HVAC Zones and System Zone workflows have been consolidated into System-Zones. You can create zones by selecting spaces or by sketching. New instance properties have been added to zones to facilitate analysis. Assign types to System-Zones to easily create similar zones. Space-based zones can be converted to sketch-based zones, allowing the zone to be detached from the architectural model. Schedule System-Zones in schedules, or use embedded schedules to show how spaces and analytical spaces are related to the zone. System-Zones support the use of color schemes for illustrating your designs.
Dynamo 3.4.1 introduces an extension for monitoring graph performance, version compatibility information in Package Manager, PythonNet3 for developers, and more.
Highlights include:
Python Engine Version.Show Imported CAD Files in the Manage Links Dialog
The Manage Links dialog shows the imported DWG, DXF, DGN, SKP, and AXM CAD formats for both projects and families.
You can identify the corresponding linked files by the Status and Reference Type properties in the respective columns. To choose Remove and Show the imported CAD files, use either the upper menu or right click.
Show Start and End of Bar
Add hooks, end treatments, or cranks to bar ends more intuitively.
Control Fabric Sheet Wires Position at Cover
Precisely position fabric sheets and custom fabric sheets at the concrete cover.
User Profile Update Reminder
A Profile dialog displays the first time you open Revit after it has been installed. It shows questions about the discipline and job role for which you use Revit.
If you choose to skip the update, the dialog reappears after 60 days. This reminder will be displayed no more than twice a year.
Skip the Creation of Backup Folder for Links
When linking worksharing enabled models, the creation of a backup folder is no longer required.
Previously when a worksharing enabled model was linked a _backup folder was created on the local computer. To speed the linking process and the opening of models with linked files, the creation of this folder is no longer required. This enhancement also supports workflows using Desktop Connector when you have limited permissions.
Next Generation Insight
The next generation of Autodesk Insight is now installed when Revit is installed.
Previously Autodesk Insight required the installation of an add-on. Autodesk Insight is now installed automatically. To access it, click Analyze tab 
Carbon Insight Panel 
(Analyze).
Tag/Schedule Part Type and Distribution System
Part Type and Distribution System parameters can now be tagged and scheduled in your models.
To enhance your abilities to document your models, you can now tag and schedule Part Type and Distribution System parameters. These parameters can also be used to filter and sort in schedules, making them more readable and organized.
MEP Categories Display Improvements
Additional MEP categories now display consistently with other MEP categories in MEP discipline views.
The following categories now display consistently with other MEP categories in views using the MEP discipline.
Apparent Power Calculations Enabled for Analytical Loads
Set calculations to use apparent power for analytical loads.
Analytical loads assume 1.0 power factors regardless of specified values.
Circuit, Spare, and Space Design Continuity
Spares and spaces on a panel schedule now belong to the Circuit category.
Circuits, spares, and spaces are all included in the Circuit category. Naming schemes and parameters are applied to all three in the same way. Spares and spaces are included in circuit schedules so the properties of these items can be seen alongside the circuits. Spares can be edited to add connections. When circuits are converted to spares or spares are converted to circuits, inputs are preserved, and load names and circuit states are updated. Spares can be disconnected and reassigned to other panels.
Improved Electrical Circuit Path
Circuit paths are connected to the correct locations on nested equipment.
When a circuit path is created, the path and the home run will be connected to the location of a connected nested family. Circuit boundary lines, generated home run wires, and circuit pathways all point to the location of the nested electrical panel.
Steel Specific Parameters for Shape-Driven Families
The Exact Weight and Paint Area parameters are now available for structural steel elements.
Enhanced Family Substitution for Twinmotion for Revit
Asset substitution from Revit to Twinmotion has been enhanced:
To edit the location where you want to store them, open the Revit model, then go to File Options File Locations Places Twinmotion Substitution entry, and change the library path as desired.
Relocate Options and Properties for Wall-Related Functionalities
The following controls have been moved from the Options Bar to the ribbon:
| Attach Wall Top | Select Wall Attach Top/Base |
Modify | Walls tab Modify Wall panel Attach |
| Attach Wall Base | Select Wall Attach Top/Base |
Modify | Walls tab Modify Wall panel Attach |
| Detach Wall from Selected Elements | Select Wall Detach Top/Base |
Modify | Walls tab Modify Wall panel Detach Top/Base |
| Detach Wall from All | Select Wall Detach Top/Base |
Modify | Walls tab Modify Wall panel Detach All |
| Configure Wall Joins | Modify Wall Joins Select Wall Joins in Canvas |
Modify | Wall joins tab Configuration panel Buttons: Previous, Next, Square Off, Butt, Miter |
| Allow/Disallow Wall Joins | Modify Wall Joins Select Wall Joins in Canvas |
Modify | Wall joins tab Display panel
Buttons: Allow Join, Disallow Join |
| Wall Join Display Setting | Modify Wall Joins Select Wall Joins in Canvas |
Modify | Wall joins tab Display panel Display |
| Modify Sweep Returns | Select Sweep Modify Returns |
Modify | Wall Sweeps tab Return Options panel
Buttons: Straight Cut, Return, Angle |
| Modify Reveal Returns | Select Sweep Modify Returns |
Modify | Reveals tab Return Options panel
Buttons: Straight Cut, Return, Angle |
| Modify Sweep/Reveal Returns Embedded in Wall Type | Select wall with embedded sweep/reveal in wall type Modify Returns |
Modify | Walls Return Options panel
Buttons: Straight Cut, Return, Angle |
Relocate Controls from Options Bar to Ribbon for Tags and Modify Tools
The following controls have been moved from the Options Bar to the ribbon:
| Tag on Placement | When placing a window, door, wire or duct, the Orientation, Leader line, and Leader Length controls are placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | Modify | <Element> tab Tag panel. |
| Tag by Category | The Orientation, Angle, Leader Line, Leader Type, and Leader Length controls display on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | : Modify | Tag panel Tags and Placement panels. |
| Move | The Multiple button is placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | Modify | Move tab Move panel |
| Copy | The Copy button is placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | Modify | Copy Copy panel |
| Mirror | The MIrror button is placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | Modify | Mirror tab Mirror panel |
| Rotate | The Place button is placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. The Angle text box is only activated after the first ray of rotation is placed. | Modify | Rotate tab Rotate panel |
| Array | The Linear, Radial, Group and Associate, Place buttons are placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. The Place center of the rotation is set as default. | Modify | Array tab Array panel |
| Label | The Type button in the Labeling panel allows you to know and change the parameter’s type for labeling. | Modify | Array tab Labeling panel |
Relocate Options and Properties for Dimension Functionalities
Several options were moved from the Options Bar to the ribbon or Properties Palette.
| Create Aligned Dimension: Prefer, Pick, Baseline Offset, Options | Ribbon: Modify Measure Aligned |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Linear Dimension: Baseline Offset | Ribbon: Modify Measure Linear |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Angular/Radial/Diameter/Arc Length Dimension: Prefer | Ribbon: Modify Measure Angular/Radial/Diameter/Arc |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Spot Elevation: Leader, Shoulder, Relative Base, Display Elevations | Ribbon: Modify Measure Spot Elevation |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Spot Coordinate: Leader, Shoulder | Ribbon: Modify Measure Spot Coordinate |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Spot Slope: Slope Representation, Offset from Reference | Ribbon: Modify Measure Spot Slope |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Linear/Angular/Radial/Diameter/Arc Length Dimension: Prefer | Select dimension | Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Linear Dimension: Leader, Baseline Offset | Select dimension | Properties Palette |
| Modify Angular/Radial/Diameter/Arc Length Dimension: Leader | Select dimension | Properties Palette |
| Modify Spot Elevation: Prefer | Select Spot Elevation | Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Spot Elevation: Leader, Shoulder, Relative Base, Display Elevations | Select Spot Elevation | Properties Palette |
| Modify Spot Coordinates: Prefer | Select Spot Coordinates | Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Spot Coordinates: Leader, Shoulder | Select Spot Coordinates | Properties Palette |
| Modify Spot Slope: Prefer | Select Spot Slope | Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Spot Slope: Slope Representation, Offset from Reference | Select Spot Slope | Properties Palette |
| Show Related Dimensions | Family editor Select a dimension that is related to other dimensions |
Ribbon
Modify | Dimensions tab |
Updated Design Codes in Robot Structural Analysis
The following design codes have been updated:
Eurocode:
India:
Australia:
2. Seismic analysis
Canada:
India:
Eurocode:
Australia:
3. Load Combinations
Eurocode:
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