Breakthrough in Design. Autodesk Revit
In our projects, good visualization is just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, it’s a real photorealistic image, but behind it lies a symbiosis of engineering systems and networks, building structures. When creating a project, we consider not only the external beauty of the design but also the functionality of the future interior. All details and components of the project are thought through and worked out.
Last year, we made a breakthrough in design and moved away from designing in AUTOCAD.
AUTOCAD is 2D drawing, an exact analog of pencil, ruler, and paper. Everything that can be drawn with a pencil can be done in AutoCAD. Also, designing in AutoCAD is “accompanied” by all possible human factor error problems. The point is that each drawing sheet or plan is drawn independently and has no connection with other plans, data, or drawing details (only in the designer’s/architect’s head). Data tables (number of sockets, lights, floors, baseboards, wall finishes, etc. are filled in manually by the designer).
The main problem arises when the project is in its final stage, and the client/architect decides to make changes, for example: remove/change a partition. The following actions from the designer: on each plan (there can be 10-20 or more) you need to remove this partition, if there were sockets and switches on the partition – you need to remove them as well and process/change all nodes associated with this partition (floors walls, etc.) and not to mention that you need to subtract their quantity from the data table. With such global redesign, the architect must not forget anything, take everything into account. Similarly, the architect keeps all sections in mind and forms them independently. All this work is usually done in emergency mode, and besides this partition, there are many other issues/details/small things. It’s important to understand that these drawings will be used for construction/repair work and normal project implementation is put at risk.
Usually with all the pile of drawings, including the redesigned partition etc., the designer continues to work on creating interior visualizations, and based on these AutoCAD drawings creates a new model in 3D format (3dsmax). As if manually transferring all AutoCAD drawings to 3dsmax program and based on drawings create a new 3D model.
As a result, interior visualizations may slightly differ from the real architectural forms of the object. All this can still be tolerated if we’re talking about a small apartment. But if we’re talking about, for example, a private house project, with detailed elaboration of all communications, engineering and lots of other things – an architect’s mistake in just a few drawings can be fatal.
So what did we do? What is the breakthrough? And this is exactly a breakthrough, the meaning of this word is not exaggerated by us.
We drastically changed course and switched to BIM design format! In the shortest period, we mastered the revolutionary product from Autodesk – Revit Architecture. We didn’t just read a book about using the product, but went through full-fledged multifaceted training in using the product from practicing specialists licensed by Autodesk. We tested, worked through, day and night, refined, pushed through! And already sent it to work. In 2014, we have already completed 6 projects in Revit, 4 of which are in the implementation stage.
So what do we have? What is Revit? What did it give us?
Using Revit program, first a single three-dimensional model is created, which can be worked on not only by architects but also engineers and builders. This model will be relevant throughout the entire time, up until the object’s completion and operation.
All interior details, such as furniture, lighting fixtures, and much more are created individually for each project, all models are created according to manufacturer’s drawings or exclusively by our specialists, in case of ordering custom furniture from DEHAUSS Make.Decor brand
In two-dimensional design using Autocad program, great difficulties arise when interacting design with engineering networks such as ventilation, sewerage, etc., it is very difficult to calculate all communications used in the project, which greatly limits the designer, and he tries to maximize simplify the design of engineering systems to avoid errors in the future, and adjustments made to the project will be implemented over a very long period.
Revit doesn’t set any frameworks in design, using the program we get not only quality informative drawings but also a full-fledged 3D model filled with all necessary information about the object, understandable and accessible for any project participant, as well as the client. Design in Revit is limitless, in one model you can adjust the entire design process, from pouring the foundation to the socket in the bedroom.
For example, when designing complex geometry, the relationship with structures is immediately visible, when designing ventilation, networks with which it will interact are shown, this allows avoiding a huge number of errors that may occur at the final stages of project implementation.
A project created in BIM format allows not only to design but also to control the entire subsequent implementation process. The client is given the opportunity to observe the design process. We have the ability to create a full-fledged 3D construction site.
Let’s consider the same situation: the client decided to move the opening to another place, or add another window, or change the functionality of the room. Making any change in the Revit 3D model, this change automatically occurs in all drawings, in all plans, in all nodes and sections. Moreover, the program automatically ensures that changes occur according to building codes, the program signals the architect about the consequences of changes, and also blocks the possibility of changes if changes are made incorrectly, for example, if changes violated normal functioning of communications or the wall overlapped with the ceiling, etc. Moreover, the program automatically makes any sections, just need to move the mouse over the area of interest, and the section is formed in 2 seconds. Since the 3D BIM model of the object is filled with all information about all building elements, Revit independently forms material specifications, data tables and forms them in minutes.
High level of drawing detailing, processing of technical nodes, engineering systems down to the screws – here’s how it looks in example.
1. Facade with section along pool line. Obtained automatically.
2. Terrace section: foundation, lathing, metal frame for stairs installation.” width=”1024″ height=”737″ />
3. Terrace installation plan. All foundation elements and lathing are real volumetric elements with existing reinforcement and embedded parts. All data about reinforcement and volume of concrete, wood are obtained in the table automatically.
4. Main fence reinforcement. All reinforcement is generated in real 3D volume, any node of bars can be examined. All reinforcement specification tables are generated automatically.
