Enscape 3.5 is here! It makes the design and visualization workflow even easier and faster for users.
Enscape introduces the Adjustable Asset series, a selection of assets with modifiable functions that offer more flexibility through color and material customization.
Users will also benefit from improved indirect lighting and mirror reflections, alpha channel export for semi-transparent materials, over 50 unique people assets, Revit 2024 support, and much more!
Enscape 3.5 is the latest version of the software, released in 2023. In this article, we will explore some of the new features and improvements in Enscape 3.5.
Key features in Enscape 3.5
Adjustable assets
With the new Adjustable Asset series, users can make changes to the material, color, or variation of certain Enscape assets. Furniture materials can be altered, clothing colors of certain people assets can be changed, and exact colors can be chosen for each of the 91 vehicles in Enscape. Alternative assets can also be seen for trees and plants, specifically autumnal trees and unpotted plants. All assets with this new functionality can be found by filtering using the tag “Adjustable”.
Improved lighting and reflections
Enscape 3.5 includes improvements to its global illumination algorithm, which delivers enhanced lighting, reflections, and rendering quality to users with GPUs that support hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Users will see an improvement in the quality of indirect lighting, especially in interior scenes, resulting in more realistic and high-quality visualizations. Additionally, users will experience more consistent lighting and precise shading in mirror reflections. This feature is available for users with NVIDIA RTX or AMD RX 6000/7000 series graphics cards.
Enscape is a powerful real-time rendering and visualization software that allows architects, engineers, and designers to create stunning 3D visualizations of their projects.
New 3D people assets
53 people were added to the Enscape Asset Library in January 2023. These are real people who have been scanned with our in-house 3D scanner. The library continues to grow with a new batch of 40 people that allow clothing customization with Enscape 3.5 and will get more diverse over time. Plans are also in place to start scanning more animals and helpful objects using this same technology. The scanned people assets are exclusive to Enscape and will be available in Chaos Cosmos shorty. They can be found by filtering for the tag “Exclusive”.
Alpha channel export improvement
Users can now export renderings with a transparent background, facilitating editing and post-processing in other tools. Users can also export semi-transparent materials, such as windows and glass surfaces, reducing the amount of time required for refining these materials during post-processing.
Orthographic views update for Revit
Enscape 3.5 allows for the synchronization of orthographic views between Revit and Enscape. Any orthographic view created or edited in Enscape will be reflected in Revit, and the crop region in Revit will match the Enscape viewport. This synchronization is bi-directional, meaning that users can adjust the crop region in Revit to
modify the view in Enscape as well.
Certified SpaceMouse support
With Enscape 3.5, it is possible to customize mouse controls through shortcut buttons on the SpaceMouse itself. This will make it easier for users to use a SpaceMouse and navigate a 3D model in conjunction with Enscape.
Layer assignment of assets in Rhino
In previous versions, when an Enscape asset was placed into a project, Rhino would assign it to the Default Layer. Now when placing assets in Rhino or Enscape, they will be placed in the currently selected layer.
New user area in toolbar
Users can now access their accounts directly from the Enscape toolbar. This will make it easier for them to manage and check their license status, manage web standalone, and panoramas.
Revit 2024 support
Enscape 3.5 supports the latest version of Revit – 2024.
Enscape + Chaos’ V-Ray
In 2022, Enscape merged with Chaos, a developer of visualization technologies that empower artists and designers to create photorealistic imagery and animation across all creative industries. Together, the newly-combined company is creating an end-to-end ecosystem of 3D visualization tools accessible to everyone. To learn more about this merger, read this article.
Say hello to Enscape 3.4 and its many feature updates and workflow improvements! With Enscape’s latest version, they have added fine-tuning some of their client’s favorite features to further streamline your workflow and elevate your design experience.
Enscape is a powerful real-time rendering and visualization software that allows architects, engineers, and designers to create stunning 3D visualizations of their projects.
Enscape 3.4 is the latest version of the software, released in 2021. In this article, we will explore some of the new features and improvements in Enscape 3.4.
Explore Enscape 3.4 and benefit from:
Material Editor
One of the major updates in Enscape 3.4 is the new Material Editor. This new feature allows users to create and edit materials directly in the Enscape window, making it much easier to see the changes in real time. With the Material Editor, you can create a wide range of materials, from simple colors and textures to complex, multi-layered materials with reflectivity and transparency.
Custom Asset Library
Another significant improvement in Enscape 3.4 is the ability to create and add custom assets to the Enscape library. This feature allows users to create their own custom objects, textures, and materials and then save them as presets for future use. The Custom Asset Library makes it much easier to create consistent visualizations with a unique style, and it allows users to share their assets with others in their teams.
Improved Lighting and Shadows
Enscape 3.4 also includes several improvements to lighting and shadow rendering. The new version features an improved sun positioning system, which makes it easier to position the sun accurately for a specific location and time of day. Additionally, the new version of Enscape includes improved soft shadows, which create a more realistic and natural lighting effect.
Animated Vegetation
Enscape 3.4 introduces animated vegetation, which adds a new level of realism to visualizations. With this feature, plants and trees can be animated to move in the wind, adding a dynamic and lifelike effect to outdoor scenes.
Revit Enhancements
Enscape 3.4 also includes several enhancements to Revit integration. The new version features improved support for Revit’s Section Box tool, which makes it easier to visualize specific parts of a project. Additionally, Enscape now supports the display of multiple Revit categories simultaneously, making it easier to see a complete view of a project.
Overall, Enscape 3.4 offers several new features and enhancements that make it an even more powerful tool for architects, engineers, and designers. Whether you are creating realistic visualizations of architectural designs, or you are looking to add more realism to your 3D models, Enscape 3.4 is a great tool to have in your arsenal.
Enscape + Chaos Group’s V-Ray
In 2022, Enscape merged with Chaos, a developer of visualization technologies that empower artists and designers to create photorealistic imagery and animation across all creative industries. Together, the newly-combined company is creating an end-to-end ecosystem of 3D visualization tools accessible to everyone. To learn more about this merger, read this article.
If you work in the construction industry, it can be helpful to know a little about Revit. This modeling tool contains many helpful aspects for engineers, architects, contractors, and more. Keep reading to discover all the features of Revit and see how to use Revit for construction projects.
What Is Revit?
So what is Revit? Formally called Autodesk Revit, Revit is a type of building information modeling (BIM) software. It has some of the AutoCAD features found in other Autodesk products, but Revit focuses on features for engineers, architects, designers, and contractors.
Revit contains a broad range of tools needed for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). It can help with everything from ordering materials to launching an opening ceremony. This software for construction products stands out because it is one of the first three-dimensional BIM systems. It’s gone through many changes over the years to ensure it’s always up-to-date with industry standards.
What Is Revit Used for in Construction?
Revit’s primary use is for designing and modeling buildings. You can load various components, such as roofs, slabs, furniture, lighting, and doors. Typically, a person working on a building project will craft a custom 3D Revit structure for their project. This scale model will show everything from elevations to rebar types. They can use this model to view their drafts in a 3D environment and adjust as needed. The models also allow for cutaways and floor plans of a building, so designers can more easily explain their projects to outside viewers. The extremely detailed, precise models you can make in Revit are a valuable part of the design process.
Revit software also makes it very easy for the various project teams to communicate with each other. All changes are documented, so everyone is updated on any alterations. The various people involved in the building can see how other teams’ designs are going and use this data to inform their own designs. In addition to helping builders manage their workflow, Revit helps with client communication. Clients can easily check up on progress and annotate as needed, so collaboration goes seamlessly.
The builder’s main uses of Revit are trying designs and communicating with other teams. In addition to these advantages, numerous small, helpful ways to work with the program exist. Revit models can provide clash detection or help you calculate materials needed for a project. All of these little perks add up to a lot of saved time. Many companies use Revit to quickly get through time-consuming tasks, so they can focus on the rest of the building process.
What Are the Key Features of Revit in Construction?
Revit comes with a broad range of features for building teams to try out. Here are some of the most popular tools available within this BIM process software.
Data-Rich 3D Modeling
3D models made in Revit are far more than just a pretty pictures. These 3D views also help with functionality. You can view specific dimensions, types of connectors, joint types, and more. All these visualizations help improve workflow and coordination.
Premade Construction Models
Revit does allow for custom modeling, but it also has some premade BIM models and templates you can use. For example, you can browse through standard types of steel connections and attach your preferred one to a beam. This speeds up modeling and ensures you use effective designs.
Fabrication Recommendations
For systems like ductwork, Autodesk Revit lets you click on a system and see a list of all necessary fabrication parts. This makes it quick and easy to order the materials you need.
Identify Clash Detection
This feature is very helpful when you have multiple teams designing different systems. Clash detection can recognize when a slab and steel column are placed in incorrect, overlapping spots.
Parametric Components
Parameters are various sets of guidelines that the system follows. It can do things like automatically offset beams from the floor. When you change the flooring, the beams and trusses will automatically adjust.
Conceptual Mass Modeling
Revit can help architects discover overall massing for a building’s height, area, weight, volume, and orientation. This is particularly helpful for more unusually shaped, non-linear buildings.
What Are the Benefits of Using Revit in Construction?
Revit’s ability to provide design plans, enhance team communication, and implement time-saving features make it very beneficial. Revit has some advantages not found in other BIM software used in construction.
One of the significant advantages is its interoperability. You can import and export with many other AutoCAD products, and it’s compatible with formats like IFC, 3DM, SKP, and OBJ. This allows for seamless coordination with any other software. Revit even allows you to load add-ons. These provide additional features not found in the base software. For example, Revit MEP add-ins allow plumbers to automate things like hydraulic design, or you can use add-ins for 3D printing.
Another perk of using Revit for construction is its sustainability. When working with BIM software, designers don’t have to manually draw designs on paper and throw them out. They can experiment with a variety of options without wasting office resources. Using Revit for notes and team communications further cut back on memos and other paper products.
A huge benefit of using Revit over other BIM is its personalization options. You can fully customize the user interface, so you get a helpful toolbar filled with all the features you need for your project. You can also further customize with parameters and other features. This can set system-wide guidelines so every part of the project adheres to your business’ construction preferences.
Furthermore, Revit is straightforward to use. The interface contains a lot of detail, but it’s easy to get started. A person who is new to Revit can produce professional models in minutes. Detailed tables and extensive search capabilities make it quick and easy for beginners to find the tools they need. Like most other Autodesk products, Revit is almost an industry standard at this point. Once you get the basics down, you’ll find yourself using it for countless projects.
Is Revit the Same as BIM?
To fully understand what Revit is, it’s important to distinguish it from BIM. BIM is short for building information modeling, and it refers to any intelligent software that provides 3D modeling related to construction. Ultimately, Revit is not the same as BIM, but it is a type of BIM.
If you hear industry professionals talking about BIM software, they might be talking about Revit or another software that fits within the same category. Revit can be used in just about any situation where you need BIM tools or BIM workflow. Just keep in mind that all BIM is not automatically Revit. There are a lot of other BIM platforms out there that provide similar services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some other helpful details to know about Revit.
Who Uses Revit?
A wide range of construction industry professionals works with Revit. Structural engineers, MEP engineers, designers, and many types of contractors use Revit. Many professionals also use Revit for architecture. It’s also sometimes used by project managers and clients who use the messaging system or look at deliverables even if they don’t use any complex tools.
Is Revit Hard to Learn?
The basics of Revit are usually easy to learn. The interface is intuitive, so you can learn a lot just by playing around with it. Autodesk also provides helpful Revit tutorials. However, keep in mind that this software is versatile and complex. People who have been using it for years are still finding new ways to work with Revit. You can make basic project files right away, but some of the more niche uses can take a little time to learn.
Is Revit Better Than AutoCAD?
Autocad vs Revit, which is best? This will depend on what you need to accomplish. AutoCAD is very helpful for big-picture design and data collection. However, Revit tends to be better at actual design and construction documents. It tends to do a better job of keeping track of the details and supporting individual phases of the building.
Ultimately, Revit has a lot of exciting applications. By learning how to use all the features of Revit, you can save time on jobs and enhance your customers’ satisfaction.
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