Material Mapping Method with Dividing Seams in Revit
When working with Revit modeling, we often encounter building surfaces that feature grid joints. Modeling each joint individually can be very time-consuming. Below, we introduce a simple and efficient technique for handling surface partition joints.
1. First, find an image that matches the building surface. Open the image in editable software like Photoshop. Adjust the image size to correspond with the actual size of the material blocks, setting the scale so that 1mm equals 1 pixel for easy size adjustment and alignment later. Next, draw a boundary line in the same color as the dividing seam along the top and right edges of the image, matching the width of the seam, as illustrated below. Save this image.
Create a new blank image and draw black borders around the edges of the surface material, with the border width set to half the size of the dividing seam, as shown in the example. Save this image as well.
2. Open Revit and draw a wall. Click Edit Type to create a new material for the wall. Under the Appearance tab, load the first image and set its size to match the image dimensions, as demonstrated below.
3. Enable the Bump option, then load the second image. Adjust the bump intensity as needed, and again set the size to match the image dimensions. Click OK to view the 3D wall model in realistic mode. You will see the grid joints on the surface; however, the material’s grid joints cannot be adjusted individually at this stage. Adjusting the material offset will move all grid joints simultaneously. To control the grid joints on individual components, proceed to the next step.
4. Select the image, then click on the surface fill pattern as shown in the illustration.
Follow the sequence of options displayed in the diagram to complete the grid joint adjustments for each component individually. The key step here is to click directly on the model—this enables the grid joints to be adjusted. Without selecting the model, adjustments will not take effect.
5. Now you have created a model where dividing seams can be freely modified. Use commands like Move and Align in shading mode (which can be activated by pressing the Tab key) to adjust the dividing lines as needed. As shown below, adjusting the dividing lines in shading mode will also update the dividing seams in realistic mode accordingly.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up