AUGIWORLD April 2025 Issue

Collaboration

Collaboration is a tool that doesn’t come easily to some. It’s also something that you can never stop learning more about, including ways to collaboratively communicate and flourish in every aspect of your life.

This month at AUGIWORLD, we’re focusing on the ways to contribute and collaborate so we all can create excellence! We hope you enjoy this month’s issue!
 
In the April 2025 issue:

• BricsCAD: Create, Contribute, and Collaborate: Engineering Precision on the Court — Mr. Craig Swearingen draws parallels between the success of Purdue University’s basketball team and high-functioning engineering design teams, highlighting that both rely on strategic leadership, strong collaboration, innovation, precise execution, continuous improvement through analysis, and a winning culture. Just as Purdue basketball thrives on teamwork and adaptability, engineering teams excel through shared vision, commitment to excellence, and relentless pursuit of improvement, demonstrating that the principles of successful team dynamics apply across diverse fields.

• Doing Nothing — Mark Kiker argues that strategically “doing nothing”—pausing to think, allowing silence for idea development, delaying responses to encourage problem-solving, and withholding public criticism—is a valuable management tool, not procrastination. These purposeful pauses foster deeper thinking, promote independent learning, and enhance communication by allowing space for reflection and thoughtful decision-making, ultimately leading to better outcomes than immediate, unconsidered action.

• Collaboration in 3D: Best Tips for Working Together in 3ds Max — Brain Chapman explains how effective collaboration in 3ds Max hinges on leveraging Autodesk’s built-in tools for sharing and review, employing robust asset management systems for version control, establishing clear organizational standards, utilizing real-time communication platforms for immediate feedback, integrating project management tools for tracking progress, automating repetitive tasks via scripting, and prioritizing low-resolution render tests to streamline workflows. By balancing technical skills with clear communication, teams can significantly enhance productivity and deliver high-quality 3D projects efficiently.

• Quantity Takeoffs with Bluebeam Revu — Mike Thomas details how Bluebeam Revu facilitates efficient and accurate digital quantity takeoffs for construction projects, replacing traditional manual methods. He emphasizes Revu’s features, including scale calibration, diverse measurement tools, automated counting through visual search and sequences, and the powerful Markups List for data management and export. Mike also highlights the ability to link Revu data with Excel for advanced calculations and collaboration, ultimately showcasing Revu as a tool that significantly improves the speed, accuracy, and overall efficiency of the quantity takeoff process.

• AutoCAD Architecture 2025 Project Navigator — Melinda Heavrin discusses how the AutoCAD Architecture Project Navigator’s Drawing Management environment organizes project files through hierarchical categories (Constructs, Views, Sheets), managed via dedicated tabs for project information, building object creation, view generation, and sheet plotting. It utilizes external references for linking project elements, employs a check-in/check-out system for collaborative version control, and provides tools for project maintenance like refreshing and repathing, ensuring efficient workflow and preventing file conflicts while emphasizing the importance of using the Project Navigator for project-related xrefs and preserving associated XML files.

• Coordination: Then, Now and Beyond — Jonathan Massaro discusses how the evolution of design coordination in the AEC industry has progressed from manual methods like blueprints and physical meetings to sophisticated digital workflows utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and cloud-based platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), which enable real-time collaboration, automated clash detection, and streamlined issue resolution; the current trend emphasizes visual and rule-based coordination, aiming to minimize the need for physical meetings, while future innovations like Extended Reality (XR) promise immersive collaboration experiences across the entire project lifecycle.

• What’s new in Revit 2026 — Jason Peckovitch talks about how Revit 2026 brings a suite of powerful updates designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity across architecture, engineering, and construction. Key improvements include accelerated graphics for better performance, a refined user interface with contextual ribbons for easier navigation, and enhanced documentation tools like expanded shared parameter support and improved sheet management. Collaboration is strengthened through enhanced coordination model visibility and better CAD file management, while sustainability is addressed with integrated carbon analysis tools. MEPF design, particularly electrical systems, benefits from globalized conductor management and improved power calculations. These comprehensive updates aim to provide professionals with the precision, flexibility, and efficiency needed to excel in modern design and construction projects.