B3 - Advantages of Revit/BIM

Topic: What are the current advantages of Revit/BIM?

According to AutoDesk’s website, Revit building design software is specially built for Building Information Modeling (BIM). It has features for architectural design, MEP and structural engineering. It is a revolution for BIM because it provided a platform that utilized a visual programming environment for creating parametric families. In this case, architects and engineers are able to use this software to generate a building model directly.

The interface of Revit is good so it is convenient for the users. The tools are categorized. For example, if we want to draw a wall, we can find the wall components in “Structure” tap. Also, if we are looking for ducts or pipes, we can find them in the “System” tap. In this case, users are able to easily find what they are looking for to complete their design

For structural design, Revit has great advantage. In the software, models of structural components are provided. In this case, we don’t have to assign the properties of material again. After the floor plan was drawn, the 3-D model will be created automatically, so we are able to evaluate the design in different directions.

For interior design, the families are extremely helpful. Instead of creating the models by ourselves, we are now able to input existing models which are provided by Revit itself. In this case, it really helps save a lot of time. For example, when engineers design to add furniture for their building, they can just simply drag the modes into the drawing. In comparison to Autocad, that is a significant advantage. I still remembered that on ENGR 100 class, we were asked to create a floor plan for a house, including all the furniture. At that time, we had to draw the furniture by ourselves, and it really took us a long time. By using Revit, this problem was solved, and we were able to freely add furniture without spending too much time.

Moreover, it is convenient to generate blue prints on Revit. The template of engineering drawing is provided, so the only things that people have to do is to drag the desired drawing to the sheet. Since the format is fixed, all the works are seemed to be organized.

Schedule is another useful tool in Revit. Since all the components in the drawing are identified by properties, Revit is able to generate a list for a specific components. For example, in the assignment, I created two schedules (one was for doors, and other was for windows). The advantage of this function is that it helps save a lot of time on integrating those information. Also it helps avoiding human error such as mistakes in counting or recording data.

Reference:

Anonymous. “Building Design and construction software”. AUTODESK.  <http://www.autodesk.com/products/revit-family/overview> (Jan 27, 2015)

Bergin, M. S.. “A Brief History of BIM”. Style of Design. <http://www.styleofdesign.com/architecture/a-brief-history-of-bim-michael-s-bergin/> (Jan 27, 2015)

Comment to Mark

I agree that using BIM models is a way to reduce time and cost. By applying BIM software, engineering are able to effectively create and adjust their design, and this will eliminate the mistakes.

Comment to Jonathan

I’ve never used Oculus Rift or Microsoft’s Hololens, but I agree that improvement of interface will make it easier to people to use the software.

Comment to Derek

I agree that Revit is a revolution in engineering. Without using Revit, our efficiency will significantly decrease.