Photorealistic visualization of ceramic tile surfaces in buildings

Autodesk Support

May 15, 2018

What

Photorealistic visualization of tile-covered surfaces in Revit is complex. The designer may place ceramic tiles of different shapes in an irregular and specific way. Conventional methods showing a picture of a tile repeated multiple times across a surface (so-called textures) are easy to use. But this method may not always give optimal results. The method proposed here uses the Revit Dynamo plug-in, which allows the semiautomated creation of a 3D model of ceramic tiles. This model yields a realistic look rather than a repeated and flat pattern.


 

Who

Interior architects, interior designers, BIM managers.

How

  1. Create a single sample of your tile in AutoCAD.
  2. Import the tile into Revit, place it on the floor or the wall, and choose where you want to start laying down tiles.
  3. In Revit, open Dynamo, the visual programming platform. Before you begin, learn the basics.
  4. In Dynamo, open the script  attached to this article.
  5. Watch the following video, which explains how to use this script in Dynamo.

Why

The main benefit of a ceramic tile 3D model is a faithful reproduction, regardless of the shape of the tiles. You know exactly how many tiles are needed, how to cut them, and where to start laying them. Another benefit is the elimination of a repeated-pattern effect, so that you can control color irregularities and imperfections and make the tiles look more natural:

However, be aware of the tradeoffs: extensive geometry significantly increases the size of the Revit file (by approximately 15% in the previous example). Use the 3D ceramic tile model method judiciously and only when necessary.

What next?

If you’re new to Dynamo, visit this page and follow the tutorials and videos. Also read Generate realistic BIM photometric information and Handling light analysis in design phase to understand how to handle light. Finally, become familiar with the Material Browser in Revit.  
 


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