Forums >> Revit Building >> Technical Support >> linking a multi-level model into a single level model

iamian33

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RAC 2012

Greetings.

I have a most curious assignment - to link a portion of a 10 story model/building into another model.

We have a host model that consists of +1000 isolated rooms/views, typical throughout the project, a very large project.  All of which exist on a single level (... don't ask why).

Because of a significant re-design of 1 building, we need to re-create several of these rooms -entire departments.  Now that the building (source model) is further developed, we are hoping to be able to link in the actual source model into the host model to show the departments that were previously represented in this 'hollywood set' style host model.  However the managers of this Host model, require that we maintain the 'single level' scenario.  ...hmmmp

I can create views that use linked view to my source model, but I still need to link in the actual, complete 10 story model and not just 1 level of the source model.  I could do a CAD style thing and create individual floors from my source model, but that is very non-BIM. 

If anyone has a suggestion, I'd be very happy to hear it.  Thank you for your time and possible assistance.

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Ian Shafer

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WWHub

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Your terminology and question confuses me.

I understand you have a host model and you have what you call a source model that has 1000+ rooms on one level.  Now - what do you want to do?

"...I can create views that use linked view to my source model.." meaning views in you host that are from linked views..

"..but I still need to link in the actual, complete 10 story model..."  ^^^ I thought you have done that

"...and not just 1 level of the source model..." << BUT you have only one level!  Are you anting to link in 1000 room model on every level in your host project?

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iamian33

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WW

I think you got it backwards ... The source model is the actual building.  The Host model is the +1000 isolated rooms.  It is confusing, I understand. I was baffled with this scenario ... the Host model is very much like a hollywood set, or a collection of show suites.

The host model is the exhibit of typical rooms for the project.  All rooms are on 1 level as mockups.  I wish to use the source model (the actual building) to show my departments and not have to trace/duplicate these departments in the host model. 

Unfortunately this is how the host model has been created and I must work within this standard. 

Yes, I can link my source model (1 storys) into the host model and create views and use linked view to control what I see, but the managers of this Host model do not want reality to be used - it is preferred that the host model only contain 1 level, isolated mockups of the typical spaces. 

This is my goal, but I do not believe that it is possible to link a 10 story model into a single story host, and hot have all 10 levels appear.

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Ian Shafer

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The Revit program and everyone using Revit uses the term Host model as the model another model is linked into - just like a host family has another family inserted in it.  So I suggest you use that terminology and then my assumptions are the same as what you meant. 

So using the correct terminology, you want to link the overall project (linked) into the one floor Host instead of the other way around.  Why?

Think about Design Options....

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iamian33

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WW.

If I could change this scenario, I would.  But as I have explained (twice) this is the scenario that is in place - for good or not.  I am simply asking a question.  If you have an answer or a positive suggestion, I will gladly listen.  Otherwise ...

If anyone else has an idea or suggestion, please jump in.  Many thanks ...

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Ian Shafer

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I gave it - design options - or did you miss it?

BTW - We do similar for hotels BUT - For obvious reasons, the Host model is the main model because it has all of the building documentations.  The guestrooms are either in a design option directly or in a linked model in a design option and the sheets for those views are in this model. 

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So there is no confusions by other readers, I will rename this thread from "Linking a single level into another model" to what you now say is "linking a multi-level model into a single level model".

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iamian33

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Thank you. This would have been my choice for process as well, unfortunately that ship sailed a long time ago and the managers of this 'host' are not willing to change. We are obligated to reproduce the new departments in this scenario. We can do it

So now that we are on the same side of this discussion ... the question remains, is it possible to link 1 level of a 10 story model into another model without 'bringing' all 10 storys? I suspect that the answer is 'no'. 

As a curiosity, I will see if 'hiding' the linked model in a design option will be an acceptable compromise. 

BTW, change the subject of this thread if you wish ... if you feel it is necessary.

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Ian Shafer

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I thought I was clear.   DESIGN OPTION !

Maybe you have never used them so that is why you don't understand so I'll walk you through it.

1. Create a Design Option Set
2. You default Option 1 will be the one story problem
3. You create a new Option 2 under option set one
4. Pick option 2 to edit
5. Link your 10 story building in and put it anywhere outside of your host model limits
6. Exit the option set edit

Now your main model will have only 1 level!

You can create any view you want that includes option 2 by setting that in VG

Do you understand.

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jlights

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The entire building model does have to be linked to the host model, though of course you can control how much of it is visible in each view with visbility graphics, view ranges, etc. However, since your rooms are scattered all over the host model like a Hollywood back lot and not in relationship to each other like they would be in the actual building (at least, that's my understanding of what you described), there will be no way to line up the building model so it is appropriately shown behind each of those typical rooms in your host. (and that's only in plan view- sections/elevations will show the host drawing elements on level 1 and the room they belong to on its actual level). You can't simply move the building around in each view so that it appears in its actual relationship to each and every room in different views.

IF (big if) the X and Y coordinates of the rooms in the host correspond to their actual location in the building model, you could keep all the host objects on their current level but offset them so they show up in the building model on the right floor. Their association will still be with Level 1 in the host but they will actually be 20 or 70 or whatever feet above that level, in the correct rooms. I'm not sure of the nature of what you are designing so this may not work at all. but perhaps it may help a little.

Sorry to hear you have having to deal with this scenario- which is also very non-BIM! It sounds like the host model managers are not very well-versed in how Revit works. Perhaps you can gently ask them for their insights as to how they envision that this might be achieved, and when no real answers are forthcoming, use the opportunity to offer a workable solution using Revit as it was designed to be used. Sounds like a lot of politics invovled. Good luck and keep us posted.

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jlights

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