What is Revit?
Revit Architecture is a 3D-based software developed by Autodesk, the leading provider of software solutions for the architecture, engineering and construction industries. Revit enables users to create accurate and highly detailed 3D models of buildings, with various realistic features like walls, doors and windows, roof systems, as well as interior elements such as furniture and appliances. The software also supports workflows for design collaboration and coordination, customised to a user’s needs.
Advantages of Revit
The primary advantage of Revit is its user-friendly interface and advanced features, making it a suitable tool for designing more complex building designs. Revit is capable of producing very detailed 3D models and drawings and can be used to create photorealistic visualisations of the building designs. This makes it possible to present design ideas in an graphical manner to stakeholders. Moreover, Revit supports workflows and data that can be used to coordinate and control the design process and workflow.
Furthermore, Revit is an efficient solution for collaborative design and construction, as users can share their models conveniently with other designers and contractors. The design files are saved in Autodesk’s online cloud service, making them available to other users with access to the same cloud space. The software furthermore enables the user to create detailed quality assurance reports to check the accuracy of their designs.
How to Learn Revit?
The easiest way to learn Revit is by attending an Autodesk endorsed training facility and completing the CAD essentials and Advance Revit Architecture tutorials. Other popular options include self-learning by referring to the application’s help documentation and tutorials available online, or by studying for an Autodesk certification test.
It is important to understand that the more complex features in Revit require a careful and thorough study of the application’s workflow and design interface. Experienced users recommend that learners build their initial workflows in the model view rather than the drafting view as it allows users to see the finished design in 3D. In addition, they recommend exploring the design stages one model element at time, rather than trying to tackle the entire design in one go.
Most experts further recommend starting off with some basic design tutorials to get familiar with the interface and tools available for completing tasks. Software manuals, webinars, tutorials and hands-on workshops offered through Autodesk also serve as a great way to familiarise oneself with the software.
Tips for Improving
For users seeking to improve their Revit proficiency and increase their speed, the first step is to develop a good model-building workflow. This requires a thorough understanding of the software and knowledge of the various design tools and options available.
Once a user understands the fundamentals of Revit, they can start to combine design concepts and use shortcuts to speed up the design process. Regularly checking the model parameters to refine the model and make corrections is essential when working with Revit. Keeping the model simple is also key to efficient design; using too many components or adding complex details may slow down the workflow or cause errors.
Importantly, users should seek to apply new skills from the tutorials and experiments they do in the real project designs. This will help them become more familiar with the workflow and retain a more precise understanding of the tools available.
Modern Revit Architecture Features
Modern features of Revit Architecture include the new BIM 360 integrations and collaboration tools. This allows users to access models and documents from Autodesk’s cloud and collaborate on projects with other designers, engineers and contractors. It also provides tools for project management, tracking problems and tracking project changes.
The software also features a host of productivity and analysis tools such as Revit Energy Analysis and Cost Estimation Tools. This lets users analyse the energy performance of their designs and compile reports for use in sustainable design certifications or other requirements.
Best Practices
When working with Revit, it is important to remember to work with elements rather than individual lines and shapes. This enables users to quickly develop rich 3D models with walls, doors, windows and other components. It also ensures that the model maintains balance and coherence with other elements.
End users should also constantly review their models, ensuring that every part of their design meets their needs and is consistent with their workflow. Revisiting models throughout the design process is mandatory for optimising and refining the model according to new trends and requirements.
Adopting Third-Party Libraries
For users looking to add more depth to their design models and features, Autodesk provides a library of various elements, such as furniture, textures, appliances and more. However, users can also look to third-party libraries for additional components. Revit’s “Link Revit” tool makes it easy to import third-party components from the Autodesk library, or from any third-party library.
This makes it possible to access a variety of object and material libraries to enhance the realism of the model, or even make it easier to add additional details and layers of complexity to their models. By properly managing their library elements and components, users can ensure that their design will stand out and be as realistic as possible.
Using Graphics & Visualisations
The power of graphics to convey complex information and create eye-catching visuals should not be overlooked. Revit’s model views enable users to generate realistic visuals of their design and visualise it in an immersive way. This allows stakeholders and clients to better understand the design and provide feedback quickly.
Revit also supports various rendering features and tools that enable users to create high quality visualisations for presentations.Realistic visualisations can be exported as image renders, video files or progressive panoramas, and are beneficial for facilitating design discussions, collaboration and approvals.
Keeping Up with the Latest Revit Features
To stay up to date with the latest features and improvements in Revit, users should look for Autodesk dedicated support channels as well as forums and discussion boards. By joining relevant groups and following software updates, users can ensure that they have access to the newest improvements and advancements made in Revit.
Moreover, feature requests or suggestions can be posted on these dedicated forums, which engineers and other Revit users can use to propose new workflow ideas or product enhancements. Not to mention, Autodesk offers periodic Webinars that users can join, as well as online user conferences which serve as a great opportunity to engage with other Revit users.
Rewards of Expertise
Once users have mastered Revit, they can benefit from advanced features such as Revit’s interactive rendering capabilities, enabling them to explore more interactive presentations, such as virtual reality, augmented reality and real-time renderings. This gives them even more control and creativity in their design and the ability to visualise their building designs in 3D, even before they start the building phase.
Moreover, users can look to remain current with their Revit processes, by exploring additional online resources, such as podcasts, virtual classrooms, and product updates. This is important, as trends, practices and technologies in the architecture, engineering and construction industry keep evolving, with new features and functionality constantly being added to Revit.
Making Use of Software Integrations
Revit is also integrated with a wide range of other software applications such as AutoCAD and Revit MEP. This makes possible to stay up to date on changes in the design and to make alterations required for communication coordination. Furthermore, Revit’s integration with Autodesk’s Online cloud services makes it possible to keep users’ design files and information contained securely in one system.
This is important for collaborative projects, as the shared information then remains secure, making it easier for the team members to coordinate and design with confidence. Integrating Revit with these software applications also makes it possible to access powerful software analysis tools and simulations, giving users the opportunity to explore design ideas and solutions in greater detail or with more accuracy.
Improving Skill Sets
For users looking to step up their skills and get recognised in the architecture and engineering world, several certification courses and exams are available. Certifications demonstrate experience, expertise and professionalism when operating Revit, and they assist employers in identifying Revit users who are qualified to work on their projects.
It is important to note that some certifications focus more on the core software features, while others focus on specialised areas of application, such as energy analysis, structural analysis and design, photorealistic rendering and others.
Furthermore, Autodesk also offers webinars, self-paced tutorials and specialized application classes that users can attend to help improve their understanding of the various features and animation capabilities available for Revit.
