Revit Curtain Walls and Demolition

I received an email from a client this week asking about how to demolish part of a Curtain Wall in Revit. They included the following image:

While the phasing tools in Revit are pretty useful, it is unfortunately not possible to demo part of a Curtain Wall. The phasing parameters can only apply to the overall Wall object, not the Mullions, or Panels or Grids.

So what to do? Well cheat of course!

What you need to do is create the Curtain Wall in pieces. Since you cannot add phasing to a portion of the overall Curtain Wall, make several smaller Curtain Walls based on what phase they need to be. It is more work admittedly, but it does do the trick.

The basic process is as follows. Look for where you can break up the Curtain Wall. Don't simply use the split tool in plan, because this will split the Curtain Wall along its full height. Rather, use the Add/Remove Grid segments command and the Empty System Panel to remove just the portions you need to remove. Then go back and draw new small Curtain Walls in the locations that you removed from the main ones. These smaller Curtain Walls can then be assigned any phase as needed.

It is very important to use the System Panel: Empty panel type where you want to "delete" panels. Do not simply try to delete them. This does not work. Revit will keep adding a default panel back again after you delete. Use the Empty panel and it will appear like it has been removed.

I have prepared a short video of the steps. You can watch it here. Enjoy!

Update to Mastering Revit Architecture Metric Dataset

A reader pointed out to me that the metric files for Chapter 10 in Mastering Revit Architecture 2010 were incorrect. Many apologies for the confusion. I have posted a new version of the 10 Commercial-Metric.rvt file online. If you are using metric units in Mastering Revit Architecture, please download and unzip it to your Chapter10 folder. Thank you very much.

Also, related to Chapter 10 and the Family Editor, be sure to check out the Mastering the Family Editor series on DVD. You can find more about them at www.paulaubin.com/lrt (Enter coupon code: EYFEBJ7Q at checkout for 10% off of all DVDs).

Errors and omissions

My least favorite part of the writing process. When someone sends me an email with an error they found and it turns out to be an actual error on my part... I hate those.

Got this email today:

Page 135: Toward the bottom of the page, there is a reference to Appendix X, but I can't find Appendix X in the book or on the DVD.
Page 136: I can\'t find the file "03 Residential - Walls.rvt" on the DVD.

That's because I goofed on both of those. Here was my reply to the email:

Thanks for the email. Boy do I hate when people find errors that were my fault... :-)


I am grateful when they alert me however. Thank you. I have posted the missing Chapter 3 files here:

As for the appendix, my apologies. That Appendix did not make the cut and the reference should have been eliminated. What I can offer you instead is this. I was planning to rework my paper from Autodesk University 2007 where I gave a class on Design Options and Phasing and make that the appendix. You can visit that class here:

You can download the paper that I wrote then. It is not up to date for 2010, but phasing has not changed at all, so the information should still be useful. Again, my apologies for the mistake in the book.

So, if anyone else reading this has found these errors, I hope that the above helps. As always thank you all for buying and reading my books and please keep the comments coming!

AU has arrived!

I leave today to fly to Vegas for Autodesk University 2009. Just a quick note before I go. All of the papers were uploaded to the respective class listings. You can go to your agenda, click on a class link and at the top right you will see a link for the class materials. Last night I added datasets to several of my classes. If you are signed up for one of my sessions and want to download, be sure to check these out. I also updated my papers (resaved the PDFs) apparently some folks were having trouble opening them.

If you are going to AU, please stop by one of my classes and say hello. If you are not signed up for any of my classes, you can read about my FIVE sessions here. I also blogged about them a few weeks ago here.

Hope to see you all there! Thanks.

Course|Notes X 3

Pick your flavor! Course|Notes for AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP are now available! These are six page reference cards packed with tips and tricks for using each application. I now have them for Revit, AutoCAD Arch and MEP. Please contact me for details and if you would like to get a copy.

View Range

We could also call this post "me too..."

Seems like everyone is talking about View Range these days. Last week I was working on my AU class presentations and also had the need to prepare a video for a client. So, since I always like to "kill two birds with one stone" so to speak, I decided to record one of the portions of my Revit Tips and Tricks class. Wouldn't you know, it was on View Range!

Turns out the same day I was reading my daily blog posts and Steve Stafford posted on his blog about View Range and commented on how he was following up on another blog post (at Design ReForm) on View Range! So everyone has View Range on the mind it seems.

So, not to be outdone... and since I recorded this already anyhow... here is my View Range video. :-)


Paul F. Aubin's View Range Video

I hope you enjoy the video.

Turns out it came out WAY too long for both the client purpose and AU. It's 20 minutes! I have to get it down to about 10 for AU. So it is nice to have the video to send people to that still have questions after the session.

Revit Detailing

Got an hour tomorrow at lunchtime? Put it to good use… Join me for part one the Revit Detailing class. This is a two-part class on the detailing tools and features in Revit Architecture. (Although I see no reason why it wouldn’t apply to Structure and MEP as well). I know training budgets are in tatters and travel budgets are nearly non-existent. So I priced this very affordably and you can stay at your office, login to the session and learn what Revit can do for your detailing. Heck it’s only an hour of your time tomorrow and an hour next week. Grab a sandwich, pull up a chair and turn up the speakers. Let’s draw some details! (that’s about as exciting as I can make detailing sound… :-)

For complete details, visit the registration page.

Autodesk University

I am teaching five classes at Autodesk University this year! (Yeah, nuts I know, but I've done it before). If you are attending, please consider signing up for my sessions (names and descriptions below). For the MEP class, we have begun soliciting questions from the attendees to include in the class paper. I thought I would place the call here as well. This will be a panel descussion class so the more user questions that we have the better. We will compile all the questions in our class handout with responses and then discuss them in the session.

If you have a question that you would like to see address in the session (or any of my sessions for that matter) please email me or post them here. Hope to see you all at AU!

AB304-2 Breaking Free of the Plan: AutoCAD® Architecture Sections and Elevations
Class Description:
Sections and Elevations in AutoCAD Architecture have matured with each release—so why are so few firms tapping into the full potential of these features? In this session, we will explore the ins and outs of 2D Section/Elevation objects. Can you say, "Give me all four elevations of this building in one step, please?" Well, with callouts you can! In addition, the powerful material definitions in AutoCAD Architecture make generating sections and elevations, complete with surface and section hatching, a snap! Finally, we will take a look at the built-in functionality and ways to maintain edits automatically with each section or elevation update. And if that isn't enough, recent versions of AutoCAD Architecture allow you to generate a section or elevation using your model's layers! If you are ready to begin stepping out of the plan and getting the most out of your AutoCAD Architecture models, don't miss this session.

AB214-4 Detailing in Autodesk® Revit® Architecture

Class Description:
Part of creating a successful building information model is knowing what to build into the model and what to apply as supplemental information or graphical embellishment. When it comes to graphical embellishment, Revit offers a powerful suite of detailing tools. This session will explore the process of extracting views from your model and then detailing them within Revit. You will learn about model views and drafting views. You’ll gain understanding on when to model, when to draft, and when to import graphics from other CAD programs. We’ll cover detail components, drafting elements, symbolic lines, text, annotation, and keynotes. New to this year's session—we'll cover Note Block Schedules and generic annotations. If you still believe the myth that you can’t do construction documents in Revit Architecture, then join us in this session of “myth busting” as we explore the complete detailing process in Revit Architecture.

AB318-3 Autodesk® Revit® Architecture Tips and Tricks

Class Description:
So now you're "BIMing" with Revit®. Weren't your projects supposed to be completed faster and easier? It can be a challenge to stay up to speed on all the latest techniques and features. In this session, we'll explore many tips and tricks to help you overcome many common hurdles in the Revit workflow. Learn how to show clerestory windows. Discover techniques to show items "beyond" lighter in elevation. Learn to create 3D sectional cutaway views. Sort your project browser to suit your viewing needs. Sort and group a schedule to maximum benefit. Understand how to set up shared coordinates and more. Whether you are new to Revit or a seasoned professional, there is something for everyone in this session.

AB308-2 "Revit Inside": Autodesk® Revit® Architecture for the Interior Designer

Class Description:
Wondering if the "Revit-olution" and Building Information Modeling have anything to offer interior design firms? Well, wonder no more. The answer is yes! In this session we will explore how you can use Revit Architecture to help you explore, create, and document an interior design project. Part "case study" and part "how to," this session will walk through a space designed by an interior designer and realized in Revit Architecture. We will learn how to build basic elements in Revit like walls, doors and glass partitions. We will explore incorporating design sketches and DWG files into the workflow. We'll take a brief look at Design Options, Color Fill plans, Area calculations, Perspective views, Walkthroughs, detailed Schedules, Material lists and more! Ninety-minutes isn't much time, so grab a seat and let's get started.

MP222-4 Mastering AutoCAD® MEP: Ask the Experts

Class Description:
Join the authors of the new book Mastering AutoCAD MEP for an informative Q&A session. Do you have a burning question about AutoCAD MEP? Come to this panel session and ask! The panel will include veteran author Paul F. Aubin, and industry experts and co-authors Darryl A. McClelland, Martin Schmid, and Gregg Stanley. Together they have nearly 80 years of building industry, architectural, and engineering experience. If these guys don't know the answer to your AutoCAD MEP question, who will?

Final Stages of Book Production

When I first started this Blog, I began with a discussion of the print publishing process as it pertains to CAD books. (I suspect that my experiences with CAD books are similar to those had by publishers of other kinds of books, but lacking first-hand experience, I cannot be sure).

I have written three books this year. Two updates to existing titles and one new title. In addition, I authored three Course|Notes Reference Cards which have a similar (but abbreviated) process. This is quite a bit of work; especially given the annual release cycle of Autodesk products. It looks like we will make Autodesk University however (refer to this post where this crucial deadline is discussed), so I consider that worth it.

At this stage of the process, I still have a few proofs to review, but the projects are mostly out of my hands. I now must shift my attention to the next phase of the process... selling books! In the end, we all want a best seller right? So, I am now polishing up my "online image". Got to log in to sites I haven't updated in a while and update profiles, edit information, spruce things up. First stop, Amazon.com. Most of my book sales come from places like Amazon. So it is important to make sure that the listings are correct and easy to find. We had a few issues there recently with the new MEP book. Seems they were missing one of my co-authors and the pre-order link was not working. Note to Amazon: if someone wants to buy something early, let them! Apologies to Gregg for the initial omission of his name, we got it squared away now.

Once we have correct information, we need to get those five-star ratings! Ideally, they just happen by themselves. If I do my job correctly, and write a top-notch book, people will be so thrilled with what they learned that they will be compelled to write a glowing review. This is my preference. I must admit in the interest of full disclosure, that I sometimes encourage people to review my books on Amazon. I NEVER tell them what to say, or how many stars to give.

But here's a hint, if the author asks you, "hey, if you get a minute and don't mind, please visit Amazon and post a review of my book", they are really saying "Hey, please go up to Amazon and post a five-star review full of heavy praise for the book."

I don't know too many authors that would say: "Hey, if you get a minute, please post a review trashing my book and oh, two or three stars is fine." Heck, we don't even want four stars. People make purchasing decisions on those stars. Five-stars all the way man! That's what we want.

Oh, and don't shoot the messenger. You are reviewing the product (the book in this case), not Amazon. If you have an issue with Amazon, or delivery, click the Help link on the Amazon home page and send them a note. Amazon is excellent about returns and replying to customer issues. I have contacted them myself several times and they have always done everything they can to make whatever I was calling about right. So please, if you think my book is five stars and Amazon's delivery was one star, don't round off to three stars. The next guy that browses for a book may not bother to read the review where you said the book was great, but Amazon was the issue, they might just move on. Every three star review means fewer pennies in the kid's college kitty.

OK, so there you have it. That is the complete process:

Idea
Contract
Manuscript
Tech Edit
Copy Edit
Proofing
Proofs
Send to Press
 
Real book available to purchase and Shamless plugging and fishing for good reviews on the part of the author.

Design Options Online Class

It's not too late to sign up for tomorrow's web class on Revit Design Options. I just completed a 12 page paper that will be shared with all attendees. This 50 minute session will explore all of the features of the Design Options feature in Revit. The class will be conducted live using GoToMeeting and Revit 2010. You are free to follow along on your own computer or simply watch and listen. Pauses are made throughout for Q&A. Sessions are recorded and the recorded sessions are made available to all paid attendees at no additional charge. For complete details, please visit:

www.paulaubin.com/GoToRAC

Thanks and hope to see you there.

Where have I been?

The next time I agree to do three books in one season, someone please try to talk me into my senses. WOW. This is a A LOT of work. So you figure, hey, how bad can it be, two revisions and one new title... yeah right.

OK, so here's the status. Mastering Revit Architecture 2010 is DONE. It is available now and you can visit my website to purchase.

Mastering AutoCAD Architecture 2010 is in Copy Edit and Proof. I am reviewing Copy Edit of Chapters 10, 16, 17 and 18 right now. I should have those posted back to the production folks tomorrow. We have already finished Chapters 1 -9, and 12 and 13. So the only Chapters I still need to see in Copy Edit are 14 and 15. (Yes we sometimes work out of order). Proofs are moving a little more slowly. I have only seen two chapters in Proof so far, but I am told that many more are expected soon. We have an ETA for this book of sometime in October. I will update the progress here when I know more. You can learn more and order here.

The book that is taking all of my time right now is the brand new title. Mastering AutoCAD MEP 2010. As I noted in a previous post, I am authoring this book with three industry experts: Martin Schmid, Gregg Stanley and Darryl A. McClelland. Darryl is my SME for Mechanical and HVAC, Gregg for Plumbing, Piping and Content Builder, Martin is Electrical, Content, and Programming. These guys are top notch professionals. However, it is quite a challenge to take four very different writing styles and make it all sound like one voice.

The basic process we have established goes like this: we devised a table of contents. Then we split the chapters up between us by area of expertise. Everyone goes off an works on their first draft and then sends them to me for as what one of my previous co-authors (Jim Smell) called it: "Word smithing." Sounds great until you realize that three guys can write faster than one guy can review. So at the moment, I am the bottleneck on this project. They have all pretty much finished their first drafts. They are now waiting patiently for me to send them bloodied reviews. :-)

This process is taking me quite a while. As many of you may know, my background and expertise is architectural, so I am learning MEP, learning about engineering and writing / rewriting these chapters as I go. However, it is moving very swiftly now. We have the Quick Start, and Chapters 1 - 7 in to Tech Edit. I am finisihing Chapters 9 and 10 this weekend. Chapter 8 will follow. That will leave 11 - 15. We have two chapters in to Copy Edit. More to follow soon. So there is still plenty of work to do, but everyone is busy and things are moving. Our goal with this book is to have it ready in time for Autodesk University. All four of us will be moderating a panel at AU. It is a 90 minute session call AutoCAD MEP Ask the Experts. If you are going to AU, drop by and join the session.

Well, that is all I have for now. I have to get back to editing chapters.

Master the Family Editor Series

Today at noon Central time, the Mastering the Family Editor Series begins. There is still room, so if you would like to spend the next five Tursdays learning the "ins" and "outs" of the Family Editor over your lunch hour, please visit the registration page and sign up!

The class will be conducted using GoToMeeting software. They are LIVE classes, not recorded and will be conducted by Paul F. Aubin using advance materials from the latest edition of Mastering Revit Architecture (available August 7, 2009).

Class Information:
Classes will be taught in a series of five 50 minute segments one per week for the next five weeks starting today. All attendees will be given access to an exclusive 44-page workshop manual and an accompanying dataset with the files required to perform several hands-on lessons. Topics Include:

• Family Editor Concepts
• Family Editor Strategies
• Create Annotation Families
• Create basic Model Families
• Add Constraints and Parameters
• Add Material Parameters
• Build Parametric Arrays
• Work with Visibility and Cut Plane issues
• Add Formula Parameters
• Tips and Tricks

Visit the registration page for complete details including, schedule, class size, pricing, registration information and secure checkout via PayPal.

Class Size:
The class size is limited to 15 participants only. Attendance will be first-come, first-served. PayPal will automatically stop taking registrations after 15 participants have registered. If a class is sold out, please visit my contact page to request being placed on the waiting list. Additional sessions will be scheduled based upon demand. If you have suggestions for future topics in both Revit and AutoCAD Architecture, please let me know.

If you are interested in seeing the new release of Revit Architecture first-hand without having to leave your desk, sign up today for one or more of these information packed sessions. I Look forward to "seeing" you there!

Mastering Revit Architecture Available August 7!

Hello folks, I just got word from the publisher that Mastering Revit Architecture should be available for shipments starting August 7, 2009. That is next week! I am very excited. I always hate the wait for a new title to ship. The longest period of time on my annual calendar is the period from when I hand off te last chapters to when the book hits the streets. It always seems longer than it should...

I will post back here as soon as I receive my author copies, but in the meantime, you can learn more about the book here.

If you place a pre-order, Thanks!

Thumbnails!

So maybe you noticed all the blogs reporting of the new Web update for Revit 2010 products. Well if you somehow missed it, here is a link to page.

So I download and install the update figuring that it is probably a good idea and hoping maybe it would solve the PDF problem one of my clients is reporting. (Well, no word on that yet), but hey... bonus... as long as I have been on Windows Vista, Revit has shown no preview images. All I get is a big 'ol "R" icon. Not very impressive. I have asked all around and no one had a solution. Well, what do you know, the WU1 solved the problem! I now have previews! That was worth the update right there for me.

I can't wait to install it on my Windows 7 setup. Stay tuned.

Windows 7 Update:

It works here too! Awesome!

Special Pricing on Mastering Series

The Paul F. Aubin Mastering Series is off an running and the sessions conducted so far have gone very well. On July 7th, the next session: Revit Architecture 2010 Tips and Tricks will be conducted at 12noon Central time. Beginning July 30, the Master the Family Editor Series kicks off. There are still seats available for this unique training experience.

Independence Day Special Bundle:
For a limited time, sign up for both and save 10% off the price of each one individually. Use the registration button here to sign up for the bundle. Don't miss out on this special price!

• Revit Architecture 2010 Tips and Tricks
• Master the Family Editor Series

$166.95 per registrant

Visit the registration page or complete details and to register.

Course|Notes - Quick Reference Guide

Course|Notes quick reference cards reinforce the most important and widely used features of software applications in a visual and user-friendly format. They serve as a great reference guide during and after a course or training session and can be used as a stand-alone learning guide or as a resource to accompany other reference materials such as Mastering Revit Architecture 2010.

The Course|Notes reference card for Revit Architecture 2010 authored by yours truly is now available. You can email me for further details and information on how to order.

I have create an eBay sales page for this. You can click here to order. Thanks.

Revit Conceptual Modeling

Don't miss the two-part Revit Conceptual Modeling online class with Paul F. Aubin on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 12:00 PM Central time. This is a live class conducted via GoToMeeting software. For complete details and to sign up, please visit the registration page.

Thank you. Hope to "see" you there.

Revit Web Classes

Last month, Paul F. Aubin Consulting Services began a new initiative offering online live training classes. The initial class was met with much enthusiasm and was a great success. We have scheduled three new classes throughout the summer on various Revit topics. These classes will be conducted using GoToMeeting software. They are LIVE classes, not recorded and will be conducted by Paul F. Aubin using advance materials from the latest edition of Mastering Revit Architecture (available soon).

Class Information:
Classes will be taught in one or more 50 minute segments at pre-scheduled times. Class length varies from one to several consecutive sessions. The following classes are currently accepting registrations:

• Revit Architecture Conceptual Modeling Introduction
• Revit Architecture 2010 Tips and Tricks
• Master the Family Editor Series

A registration page has been posted containing complete details on each class. Complete details are provided including, schedule, class size, pricing, registration information and secure checkout via PayPal.

Class Size:
The class size is limited to 15 participants only. Attendance will be first-come, first-served. PayPal will automatically stop taking registrations after 15 participants have registered. If a class is sold out, please visit my contact page to request being placed on the waiting list. Additional sessions will be scheduled based upon demand. If you have suggestions for future topics in both Revit and AutoCAD Architecture, please let me know.

If you are interested in seeing the new release of Revit Architecture first-hand without having to leave your desk, sign up today for one or more of these information packed sessions. I Look forward to "seeing" you there!

Mastering Revit Architecture: To the press!

The newest edition of Paul F. Aubin's Mastering Revit Architecture goes to press in a couple days. So begins officially the longest period of time in my personal calendar: The time between when i deliver the last of the final manuscript to the time it takes to get a printed book. Truth be told I am posting this a little early. There are still a few more proofs to finalize but we are REALLY close now. The files shoudl deliver to printer in about two weeks. Unfortunatley it then takes them a few weeks to print, package and ship the books to warehouses, soooo, this is why this is officially the longest period of time in my personal calendar. At this point, I have done all I can, and now like my readers, I have to just wait for the new book to arrive in the mail.

There are several new enhancements to this edition that I would like to share with you. This year, we go to a new trim size for the book. It is now larger using the 8 1/2" x 11" size. The page layout has been freshened up a little too which should make pages easier to read. Obviously, the new interface in Autodesk products dictated a major re-write of nearly every tutorial step in the book. Also, just about every screen capture is new. (Let me know if you find any lingering references to "Design Bar" lurking in the text... we tried to catch them all, but you never know...)

In this edition I have completely revised the previous coverage of shared coordinates. I moved the topics around and refined the workflow to better suit actual best-practice usage in most of the client firms I have visited. I also incorporated the new Project Base Point and Survey Point features in this discussion. You will find these topics now in Chapter 6.



We are including a video lesson for the first time on the CD ROM. This lesson is a quick start overview. It covers materials from the Quick Start and the User Interface chapter.

CourseNotes - Brand new with this edition we are including a CourseNotes reference card. You will be able to buy this bundled with the book or separately. (I don't know all the details on packaging and pricing yet, so stay tuned). The CourseNotes is a fold out reference card that includes quick reference material to help you get started with Revit. The card includes an overview of the interface, steps to use the most common features, zoom, pan, modeling tools and a complete list of keyboard shortcuts. You can keep this card handy as a reference as you work in Revit. A bonus page in printable PDF format on Worksharing is also provided on the book CD!

New Chapter - The Conceptual Modeling Environement is new in Revit 2010 and in the new edition of Mastering, it scores its own chapter. While comprehensive coverage coould fill an entire book on its own, look to Chapter 15 for an extensive overview of the new conceptual modeling environment.




New Appendix - Rendering! Many of you requested coverage of Rendering in Mastering. In the 2010 edition it is here! Look to Appendix C for a handy reference and overview of rendering features in Revit 2010.

Families - Chapter 10 has always been a detailed exploration of Families and Family editing. But did you realize that it is nearly 100 pages of tutorial coverage? You will learn how to use existing Families and create your own in this detailed resource.

Expanded Appedices - Many chapters begin with a dataset that varies sometime considerably from the end point of the previous chapter. To bridge this gap, I have expanded Appendix A - Additional Exercises to include more exercises to fill in these gaps on your own. Of course Appendix A remains totally optional and you can still open the dataset at the start of each chapter with all edits and features ready for the current lesson. But if you are wondering what was added, or prefer to add it yourself, you can do the lessons in Appendix A in between each chapter.

I am looking forward to getting this book out and available. I truly think this is the best edition yet. I had a lot of help getting it to this point and I thank everyone involved (you know who you are, but if you want to see your name in print, read the Preface ;-)

Thanks everyone. You can visit the "official" book page on my site for more info and to order from Amazon here.

Central and Local Files

Many of the large Revit firms (HOK, SOM, many others) have developed scripts or macros to assist users in creating their Local files from the Central in Revit. Autodesk threw their hat in the ring this year in 2010 with the new "Create New Local" functionality. I am very pleased with this new feature which has mostly flown under the radar but I think is a HUGE benefit to all the firms that DO NOT have a home-grown routine. The little check box in the open box allows you to select a Central file, but when you click Open, Revit actually creates a new Local file on your hard drive with your user name appended. Very cool. Long overdue.

However, now this raises the inevitable file naming / office standards debate. The problem revolves around the word "Central" that most firms have been appending their Central file names with. Should this practice continue? It is an interesting question that I think will take some time to resolve. Here is a passage the I just penned for the Worksharing appendix in my new edition of Mastering Revit Architecture (due out soon):

BIM Manager Note: There is some debate as to what the “proper” name for a Central file ought to be. It is current common practice in many firms for the word “Central” to be added to the name. This has been the defacto standard for many years. However, with the 2010 release and its ability to automatically create a Local file (see the “Creating a Local File” topic below), some now question the wisdom of including “Central” in the file name. When you let Revit create a Local file automatically, it will use the same file name as the Central file and append a suffix with your user name. You can see an example below in Figure B.14. This may cause confusion for some since the word “Central” will now be included in their Local file name as well. The most important thing is that it is clear to all team members which file is the Central file and that they do not open it and work directly in it. The traditional reason for appending the “Central” suffix has always been to help make it clear to users which file is the Central. However, with the new functionality to create Local files, it may be a moot point. Consider that even without the “Central” suffix; the file names will always be unique because Revit will automatically append the user name to Local files. So in summary, you may now want to consider a new policy for file naming: Name the Central file without the “Central” suffix such as: ABC Office Towers.rvt. When you create a local file, it will become ABC Office Towers_User Name.rvt. further, since the Central file will always be on the network server and the Local is typically in the My Documents folder (by default), this should also further clarify the difference. What even naming convention and procedure you adopt, make sure it is clearly communicated to all project team members and that all are required to follow it.

Many other bloggers are discussing this topic as well:
Do U Revit?
Revit OpEd

Thought? Comments?