Introducing Revit Architecture 2010, BIM for Beginners: Chapter 1 - Tips for Getting Started in Revit

3.28.10 9:10-9:45am
Introducing Revit Architecture 2010, BIM for Beginners
Chapter 1 ■ Understanding BIM
- Tips for Getting Started in Revit

"a few pointers to help you get started.

"Begin with the end in mind. When you begin any project, planning is always a good way to start. ...forethought about your process, workflow, and desired outcome."

"Get your project and office standards in place early. ...If possible, get your standards in place before you begin a project. ...Once you nail down your standards, they can be easily applied to your project using Transfer Project Standards."

"Remember that the first project you do in Revit is a change in methodology. you’re leveraging technology to help you change the way you approach design and documentation. Don’t expect the process to have the same workflow as it did in a CAD-based system."

"One of the most important rules to follow as you begin your project is to model the building as it will be built, but keep in mind that you do not need to model every condition threedimensionally. Use Revit to get the essential dimensions and building form coordinated. You can then embellish the model with 2D details to convey the fine grain."

"Model correctly from the beginning. We can’t stress this enough. As you refine your
design, it’s critical to model correctly right from the beginning so you don’t have to fix things later. ...It’s good practice to plan ahead, but
remember that Revit will allow you to make major changes at any stage in the process
and still maintain coordination. If you are still in early phase of design and do not know the exact wall type, use generic walls to capture your design intent; changing these later will be simple."

"Get information into the project as soon as it is known. ...design change is largely managed by the software itself. ...a great deal of flexibility in both your design and documentation. Take advantage of this shift in the process, and add information to your model early. It can be in the form of more detailed content or showing the material construction of your wall system. ...you can change all this information much more quickly and easily than you ever could in CAD, so don’t assume you’re locked into the information you displayed early in the design process."

"Plan for better communication among team members early in the process. ...Revit’s single-model environment forces a much higher degree of team communication between, not only the architects, but also the structural and mechanical engineers."

"Don’t try to model everything. ...Typical workstations aren’t capable of handling all the data of a building in model form. Additionally, few projects have the time in their schedule...In the beginning, err on the side of simplicity. It’s far easier to add complexity to your model later on as you gain experience and confidence than it is to troubleshoot over-constrained parameters early in the process. Start with the
big ideas: walls, openings, roofs, and so forth. Work your way down to a comfortable level of detail for both you and your computer."

"Organize your team. A BIM project team includes three basic technical roles.

Building designer. This is the person or team whose primary responsibility is to figure out what the project will look like and how it will be made. They create walls, floors, and roofs, and locate windows, doors, and other building elements.

Content/family creator. The family creator’s primary role is to create the parametric
content in the Revit model. This is typically someone with 3D experience who also
has a firm understanding of Revit and Revit families. The families, as you’ll see later, have parameters that can control visibility, size, color, proportion, and a number of other things.

Documenter. This role supplies the bulk of the documentation. It consists of drafting
some of the 2D line work over portions of the 3D model to show detail, adding annotations and keynotes, and creating details."

Most important tip of all, don't be afraid to ask for help. Or at least look for it online.