Johnson - B3 Benefits of BIM/Revit

            BIM modeling gives new advantages not seen by previous design technologies.  Revit is allowing designers to make 3-D tangible models, over the previous 2-D drawings that would have to come together like a puzzle during the construction phase.  Although the drawings are still printed in two dimensions for the construction set, the model built in Revit has more coordination and the clashes in design will show through more easily.  This is because it can have one central model with multiple parties working simultaneously.  As I mentioned last week, I have had first hand experience with this in my second coop.  It was easy for the structural engineers and architects to coordinate structural clashes through screen sharing and instant drawing updates.  With designers seeing everything in a 3-D space, instead of just different labels and tags describing elevations, the project becomes much simpler to coordinate.  This also leads into Revit’s automatically updating tags, which cuts out the monotonous, time-consuming task of typing up each update as it is changed.

            The use of macros in Revit can also help cut out more time-consuming tasks.  Macros are written commands and functions coded into the program, which my first article from the Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) discusses.  They can be used to rename sheets, renumber rooms, and change family names, for example.  These are the menial tasks that can keep an architect or engineer working later hours to make sure the project is properly annotated and easy to read when trying to hit a deadline.  Since macros do need to be coded into Revit, someone will need coding experience or be willing to learn how to code.  Once the macros are coded, they can be repeated for each project that design team is working on.

My second article is a general update on the new features included in Revit 2017 from architect magazine.  Since BIM is a fairly new technology for design, it is important that it is constantly improving on its weaknesses.  One of the specific improvements Autodesk made was a simpler energy analysis.  This is supposed to help architects conduct more frequent energy analyses when significant changes are made to the design.  This will allow better record keeping in the design development with better ideas about how the project compares to initial goals.  Other updates discussed include improved text editing, improved schedules and tags, and increased depth presentation.  Although these may seem like minor updates, these can help projects run much more smoothly.  With BIM, specifically Revit, constantly improving, it becomes more user friendly.  It is important for Autodesk to continue listen to client complaints and experiences to continue increased user friendliness.  Knowing that Revit is constantly improving is a major benefit of using the technology since it can only get easier.

Online Sources:

https://www.augi.com/articles/detail/getting-started-with-revit-macros

http://www.architectmagazine.com/technology/products/five-standout-features-from-autodesk-revit-2017_o

Responses:

1. Digiovanni
Brad,

I think you are right about BIM being a beneficial tool for designers or contractors to give quick, more accurate estimates during the bidding process. This will help with coordination later in the project and is something I did not consider when looking at the benefits of using BIM modeling. I also think your coop experience with clash detection can be a major benefit for you. With newer technologies, we can actually use virtual reality to "walk" around a BIM model and point out clashes to the parties. This can also help for owners getting a better feel for how the space will be laid out, which can also help cut down on costly owner changes later in the project.

2. Thach
Chris,

I think you made some really good comparisons between traditional CAD and Revit. I think you make a really good point about how CAD is still necessary for design projects. Similar to your discussion about electrical single line diagrams, many design firms still use CAD for drawing design details. CAD allows for simpler single lines and shapes to be made, as opposed to only being able to draw 3-D objects or families. As you mentioned, skills in both programs is important for all engineers to possess.

3. Deutsch
Alyssia,

I think you are right with the potential for BIM to become too advanced or simple. From what I read this week, although, I think there is a higher potential for Revit and other BIM modeling tools to become more automated. This would allow design to be performed by only a computer. I also believe that Autodesk is working hard to make sure they make small advancements each year. They do not release any drastic changes with each new iteration of Revit. They have also been able to remove content added to newer versions because they did not work out as planned. By doing this, they are able to keep old and new users happy when using newer versions of the program