Customer Reviews

Mastering Revit Architecture 2010

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With each release of Revit, more and more publishers are starting to print Revit Architecture books. Finding the correct book that meets your needs can be difficult, especially if you are ordering online and don't have an opportunity to skim through. And to be perfectly honest, one book may not meet all your needs.

I teach Revit Architecture at the community college level and choosing either a textbook or supplemental text is pretty important. I don't want my students spending money on something they won't use when the class is over, so I have chosen not to use a textbook. Instead, I encourage my students to buy a supplemental text that will help them during the class and on the job.

For that reason and several other, I recommend the "Mastering Revit Architecture" series and the Mastering Revit Architecture 2010 title is now available. Having read and used previous version of the Mastering Revit Architecture series in the classroom and at work, I have come to expect very high standards from the latest title "Mastering Revit Architecture 2010". I am pleased to report I was not disappointed. In short, the book is well organized and the material is presented in a manner that it can be used as an easy-to-follow tutorial or as an in-depth and knowledgeable reference. Each of the 20 chapters takes you through the subject matter from the basics to the more advanced features.

Why is this book different? I think what sets this book apart is the authors. You have your Autodesk insiders who are working for the company and know how each individual tool is intended to work. But you also have a practicing Architect as part of the writing team, Eddy Krygiel.

Eddy has worked on large complex projects like the IRS Center in Kansas City to much smaller projects like the renovation of his home (send me model pic to post Eddy). So what does that mean. Well, we have all seen the Autodesk demos of Revit. Sometimes the workflow makes sense and well, sometimes it does not. Sometimes Autodesk intends a tool to be used in a particular manner but in the real production world it gets used differently. That's what Eddy brings to the table. He helps you understand and learn the tools the way an Architect will use them. Not the way a programmer thinks you will use them. And he knows this because he is actually working on projects from pursuit to commissioning. He's not a consultant who may touch a project briefly or a application developer.

If you want a book that is going to teach you about the buttons on the ribbon, then find the cheapest one. If you want a book that is going to teach you how to properly use the tool so that you are successful with BIM, then I think you would be very happy with "Mastering Revit Architecture 2010" series.

Sure, this book gives you the information you need, they all do. But this one delivers its information in a fluid and varied approach. Great diagrams, easy how to's, and snappy writing contribute to a feeling of being taught rather than just skimming for information. This book has less of a text-book feel and more of a self-help book -- a good self-help book. I actually feel empowered after I seek its help because I find the information I am looking for, plus a little more.

Highlighted sidebars dispersed throughout the book deliver tips, troubleshooting, and real-world scenarios that complement the lessons. I find myself picking up additional bits of information than the one I originally sought each time I turn to it. And, in each chapter-ending summary, there are additional questions that probe you to explore more and test your knowledge.

Revit is helping the Make it Right Foundation streamline its building process for homes in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, and this book is helping our organization achieve its goal.

I've really enjoyed this book. It's made learning this software more enjoyable.

These three folks provide the diverse background necessary to get through those hurdles with 2010. The examples are concise, well thought-out and applicable to common questions about the software. They've helped me out of several ditches before... thanks guys...

NO OTHER BOOK IN THE MARKET TAKE YOU TO THIS LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE IN AN EASY, FUN AND INTELLIGENT WAY!

This book is just what you need to go to the next step in your Revit usage.

This is a great book, I like to use it as a reference! I learned a lot of tricks that were not discussed in class that I found useful with real-life issues. The book contains crisp and practical step by step instructions written in straight forward terms. It is easy to follow and understand. I also found that there are lots of helpful diagrams and pictures. I love this book and the price is right!

Revit is very complex but I found that the authors of this series of books have done an excellent job at coming up with a book that helps with real-life Revit issues. As a BIM Support Specialist I use this book as a reference guide because it is an easy to use instructional manual for Revit and it speeds up production. I highly recommend this book.

Very informative with in depth explanations about BIM, the benefits of parametric software & reference guide for Revit Architecture 2010. However, it is not a book for people who want to get started on the software through exercises & tutorials. It talks about a lot of concepts without teaching you how to do any of them!

After buying this book, I decided to move on & get 'Revit Architecture 2010: No Experience Required, which was exactly what I was looking for in the first place: learning the Revit software through using it!!

I think it is excellent as mousemat companion- it helps explain so many processes & tricks. The one criticism of it is that its written by professional users- and has not been checked over by a non-geek. You have to often re-read a paragraph, as it can be convoluted, or is at odds with the images to which it refers, such as view planes explained, or modeling curtain walls. On other occasions it is just badly constructed sentences that leave you confused. Still - a good solid guide to get ahead with Revit.

Book is a good resource to clarify certain tools in Revit, but some instructions aren't as precise as they could have been written.