REVIT MEP 2008 - Lets get it on !

Thanks to for posting this REVIT MEP 2008 Overview on their site.

REVIT MEP 2008 in action

Well I am starting to ease my way into REVIT MEP. Yeah !

What's not to like about a full 3d solution for Architecture, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing. All with discipline specific models talking to each other, sharing data and interfacing in the same way. Yes, yes, I think I like this BIM approach.

I have to say, it's a different point of view from the MEP side of the 'monitor' (no pun intended).

There's a little more regard for the files you are receiving and the format in which they arrive on your door step. Hopefully you can get a REVIT Architecture model with all the walls and 'Rooms' positioned accordingly.

REVIT 'rooms' are initially created by the architect and then utilized by the MEP people. Then the MEP people start their own new project file and link in the architectural model. Using the Copy / Monitor tools the MEP people can create a local copy of the 'rooms' and design away in full 3D , all while monitoring the changes from the original architectural model.


You choose to view the architectural model as you please and where you please. You can even host local MEP components (fixtures) on linked model objects such as walls, ceilings and floors. But there is an issue that autodesk has to address......read on....

One current issue with REVIT MEP seems to be with regards to 'surface hosted' vs 'object hosted' families. REVIT MEP components such as electrical and lighting fixtures are created (out of the box) as 'wall hosted','ceiling hosted', 'floor hosted' etc.

This works great until the linked architectural wall, ceiling or floor goes missing or is non orthagonally altered. Then all your fixtures go missing as well.

If / when the MEP components or fixtures are 'surface hosted' they do not dissappear when the linked wall or room goes missing.

The problem is most REVIT MEP components 'out of the box' are NOT surface hosted families they are object hosted.

Do you want all your fixtures to dissappear if the architects wall or ceiling dissappears? Maybe or maybe not. I'd say leave it up to me as to what I want to do with orphaned fixtures.

Now, do we start to convert all the 'object hosted' components to 'surface hosted' components or do we wait for autodesk to solve this fundamental problem? I would say just convert the components we use the most and wait to see.

Below are some Autodesk produced videos giving an overview of a few REVIT MEP topics.

(My apologies for the dead autodesk links below. I will get them resolved)

Electrical Overview Videos

Electrical Lighting and Power Circuitry

Electrical Lighting Calculations

Electrical Power Load Balancing, Wire Sizing and Panel Schedules

Electrical Wire Tags and Lighting Switch Topology

Fire Protection Overview Videos

Fire Protection Sprinkler Placement

Heating and Cooling Overview Videos

Heating and Cooling Load Analysis

Mechanical Overview Videos

Mechanical Design Criteria

Mechanical Duct Sizing and Inspection

Mechanical System and Duct Layout

Plumbing Overview Video

Plumbing System Layout