AI-Studio Facade Tools – User Guide

Welcome to the AI-Studio Facade Tools. This plugin is designed to automate the division of Revit geometry into parametric facade panels, apply intelligent material coloring, and seamlessly export Bill of Quantities (BOQ) data.

Below is a detailed guide on how to use each feature of the tool.

1. Preparation and Selection

The plugin is specifically designed to work exclusively with the Parts category in Revit.

  • Step 1: In your active Revit view, select the Wall Parts you want to divide.

  • Step 2: Navigate to the AI-Studio tab on the Revit ribbon.

  • Step 3: Click the Panel Layout button to launch the main interface.

2. Panel Layout Settings

Configure the physical grid of your facade:

  • Panel Dimensions (mm): Define the Width and Height of your individual panels.

  • Starting Offset (mm): Use the X Offset and Y Offset values to shift the starting point of the division grid, allowing you to perfectly align the panel joints with building edges or windows.

3. Joints & Marking

  • Gap Width: Define the physical joint size (spacing) between the generated panels in millimeters.

  • Mark Prefix: Set a prefix for your panels (e.g., PNL-). The plugin will automatically scan your project and number the new panels sequentially (e.g., PNL-1, PNL-2) ensuring globally unique marks without duplicates.

4. Color Source & Style

Automate material creation and application directly within the tool:

  • Use Designer Presets: Select from built-in architectural palettes (Grey Mix, Terracotta, Moss Green, Sandstone, Anthracite, Sky Blue).

  • Use Custom Base Color: Click Pick Color to open the palette and select a custom base hue.

  • Color Style:

    • Randomized (3 shades): The tool will automatically calculate three harmonic shades based on your chosen source color and randomly distribute them across the generated panels for a natural facade look.

    • Monochrome: Applies a single, solid color to all selected panels.

5. Generation

Once your settings are configured, click GENERATE. The plugin will process the geometry, apply the new materials, assign the marks, and automatically generate a dedicated “AI-Studio Facade Panels Schedule” in your Project Browser containing the Mark, Material, and Computed Area for each panel.

6. Exporting Data to CSV

After your facade is generated, you can quickly extract the data for external calculation:

  • Click the Export to CSV button on the AI-Studio ribbon.

  • The tool will collect all Parts in the project and prompt you to save a .csv file.

  • The exported file will contain the Element ID, Mark, Material ID, and Area (in square meters), fully formatted and ready to be opened in Microsoft Excel.

Troubleshooting Notes:

  • If the tool does not execute, ensure you have actively selected elements that belong strictly to the “Parts” category before clicking the Layout button.

  • If the Export to CSV fails, ensure the target .csv file is not currently open in Excel.