When using CAD for building design, you focus on creating drawings. When using BIM (building information modeling), you focus on creating a building model, and then the drawings can be generated from the model.
Autodesk Revit is a type of BIM (building information modeling) design software used by the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. One of the most popular BIM solutions, Revit moves beyond simple 2D drawings and facilities the 3D modeling and documentation of architectural, structural, and MEP systems for a project’s full lifecycle from the early stages of design through construction.
Today, majority of industry users are now using BIM software such as Revit. In fact, 50% of those are architects or MEP or structural engineers
for their everyday 3D modeling workflows, followed by other 2D drafting software like AutoCAD.
The benefits of BIM (and Revit ) are numerous, and this article will highlight the top ten benefits of Revit and its key capabilities as one of the leading tools for creating and managing building models.
Advantages of Revit :-
1. Collaboration
One of the more distinct differences between Revit and AutoCAD is the ability to allow multiple users to work in the same Revit model at the same time, as opposed to AutoCAD, where only one user can make changes to a .dwg file at a time. By using the ‘Sync with Central’ tool in Revit, users can push their model changes to a ‘Central’ model while also pulling any changes from that same ‘Central’ model made by colleagues into their ‘Local’ copy of the model. This process enables full collaborative functionality for the project team.
The interoperability of Revit with other Autodesk software, such as AutoCAD or Format, along with the extensive plug-ins being created by other software companies and applications helps facilitate collaboration between multiple teams and disciplines as well.
2. Parametric Modeling
Parametric modeling is an all-inclusive phrase referencing the creation of 3D models from a set of rules. Revit uses parametric modeling via “families.” Everything in Revit, from title blocks to 3D views to building components such as walls or floors, is part of a “family”; some are built into the software, some accessible through libraries, and others built from scratch. A family can be created by assigning dimensions and properties to 2D or 3D information, which can then be modified by a Revit user by changing those parameters (for example, height, width, or thickness of a door family). This gives Revit models greater control over building design
3. Rendering Presentation
Using multiple pieces of software for rendering and presentation materials is a time-honored process in the design industry. Still, Revit provides tools to create these materials all in one platform. While 3D modeling programs such as 3ds Max are certainly useful for some like the animation industry, the ability to create 3D drawings and renderings directly in Revit, rather than import your model into a different piece of software, saves quite a bit of time. Revit provides tools for 2D presentations and 3D visualization deliverables using Revit’s extensive material libraries and rendering plug-ins. There are also other applications and plug-ins that can be used in conjunction with Revit models to review and present your model in VR (virtual reality) settings – thus allowing your team to collaborate from anywhere in real-time.
4. Cloud-Based Access
These days, remote work is becoming the norm, if not necessary, for many offices. Housing a Revit model in the cloud gives access anytime and from anywhere to your Revit models. There are a number of cloud-based platforms that can work with Revit. Still, the most obvious is the BIM 360 platform sold by Autodesk – this platform acts as a “server in the cloud” where users can save their models, push changes to said models, mark up models and sheets, communicate with team members, and even help with facility management after construction completion handoff – all through a web browser. This connection to the cloud extends the power of Revit and its collaborative capabilities.
5. Drawing Sheet Set-Up
Because all information is intelligently connected in Revit, changes made in one view are carried through to another. For example, if I move a wall in a floor plan, that will automatically be updated in other plans, sections, perspectives, etc. When views are dropped onto a sheet, users can be assured that changes no longer need to be chased around an entire drawing set housed within multiple files. Instead, the user makes a change in one view and can confidently print the drawing set right away, knowing that the waterfall of changes tied to that one edit will automatically be carried through the entire drawing set.
