Phil Read - Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012 Essentials

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Copyright 2011 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, IndianaPublished simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-1-118-01683-1

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Read, Phil, 1965 Autodesk Revit architecture essentials / Phil Read, Eddy Krygiel, James Vandezande. 1st ed. p. cm. ISBN 978-1-118-01683-1 (pbk.) ISBN: 978-1-118-09732-8 (ebk.) ISBN: 978-1-118-09734-2 (ebk.) ISBN: 978-1-118-09733-5 (ebk.) 1. Architectural drawingComputer-aided design. 2. Architectural designData processing. 3. Autodesk Revit. I. Krygiel, Eddy, 1972- II. Vandezande, James, 1972- III. Title. NA2728.R39 2011 720.2840285536dc22 2011008887

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Dear Reader,

Thank you for choosing Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012 Essentials. This book is part of a family of premium-quality Sybex books, all of which are written by outstanding authors who combine practical experience with a gift for teaching.

Sybex was founded in 1976. More than 30 years later, were still committed to producing consistently exceptional books. With each of our titles, were working hard to set a new standard for the industry. From the paper we print on, to the authors we work with, our goal is to bring you the best books available.

I hope you see all that reflected in these pages. Id be very interested to hear your comments and get your feedback on how were doing. Feel free to let me know what you think about this or any other Sybex book by sending me an email at . If you think youve found a technical error in this book, please visit http://sybex.custhelp.com . Customer feedback is critical to our efforts at Sybex.

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Sybex, an Imprint of Wiley

To Justine: Thanks again for letting me work with Eddy and James. I promise not to blow all my earnings (like I did last year) at the Mix Lounge in Vegas. I had no idea that a round of drinks would require a second mortgage.

To Harrison: Youve come a long way this year and youre braver than you know. If youll go pick up the Legos strewn all over your bedroom floor, Ill make you a hot chocolate.

To Millicent: The world is a tough place, but especially for a girl. Dont trust everyone. Be honest, fair, strong, and nice. But not too nice.

To Jasper: Youre capable of the best Mr. Hankey, Conky, and Gumby impersonations I know. Its seems silly, but it means youre capable of careful observation. Please keep up the great work at school and keep writing those books.

To everyone else: Choose meaning over money. Dont ever work for someone that you cant deeply respect; especially when hes sharply-dressed, sharply-elbowed, sharply-tongued, but not sharply-minded. Youre holding back human progress.

Phil

Small monkeys. Its good to have you around. Youve seen that life is a lot of work and can be full of challenges. Im proud of you for rising to meet them. Its a hard thing to do.

Eddy

For my late father-in-law, Bill. You are missed every day and I know you would appreciatebut not necessarily understandthese books were writing.

James

Acknowledgments

Ah, acknowledgments. While all the glory of writing a book is consumed by the authoring team, it takes so many more people than the three of us to make this book happen. Just like building design, the process of writing and publishing a book is truly a team sport and without the hard work, dedication, and willingness to put up with the authoring team, this book would never have happened.

First, wed like to thank all the fine folks at Autodesk Revit because without their excellent software we wouldnt have a topic to write about. While its not possible to name them all, the work of the product designers, quality assurance team, and all the others doesnt go unrecognized or unappreciated. Thank you, gals and guys, for taking a tough job and doing it with a great attitude. Thank you to the development team for putting up with all of our continued requests to make the product better.