Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Introduction: The Basics of BIM
In this chapter, we cover principles of a successful building information modeling (BIM)
approach within your office environment and summarize some of the many tactics possible
using BIM in today's design workflow. We explain the fundamental characteristics of
maximizing your investment in BIM and moving beyond documentation with an information-
rich model.
In this chapter, you'll learn to:
◆
Understand a BIM workflow
◆
Leverage BIM processes
Focus your investment in BIM
◆
What Is Revit?
Autodesk
®
Revit
®
software is a BIM application that utilizes a parametric 3D model to
generate plans, sections, elevations, perspectives, details, and schedules—all of the necessary
instruments to document the design of a building. Drawings created using Revit are not a
collection of 2D lines and shapes that are interpreted to represent a building; they are live views
extracted from what is essentially a virtual building model. This model consists of a compilation
of intelligent components that contain not only physical attributes but also functional behavior
familiar in architectural design, engineering, and construction.
Elements in Revit are managed and manipulated through a hierarchy of parameters
that we will discuss in greater detail throughout this topic. These elements share a level of
bidirectional associativity—if the elements are changed in one place within the model, those
changes are visible in all the other views. If you move a door in a plan, that door is moved in
all of the elevations, sections, perspectives, and so on in which it is visible. In addition, all of
the properties and information about each element are stored within the elements themselves,
which means that most annotation is merely applied to any view and is transient in nature.
When contrasted with traditional CAD tools that store element information only in the
annotation, Revit gives you the opportunity to more easily extract, report, and organize your
project data for collaboration with others.
Before we get started with a detailed examination of Revit, let's take a step back and develop
a better understanding of the larger concepts of building information modeling and how they
will affect your practice of architecture.
