Revit: Unlocking the Potential of BIM for Architects, Designers, & Engineers - Essay Sample

Introduction

Revit or BIM software is a software used in the process of creating building information models used by architects, structural engineers, and designers. It was developed by an American company called Charles River Software in the year 1997. Revit is a four-dimensional BIM with the ability to design and monitor the various stages in the process of construction. These processes include concept to creation and ultimately upkeep or destruction. Revit is an essential tool within the numerous disciplines in the building industry. These disciplines approach the software from different angles to achieve their desired goal.it is hence vital that before making use of the software one gets to appreciate the workflow process to determine its usefulness.

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The Application Process

The software can function in a manner that allows the user to be able to manipulate the whole structure or some part of it. The application also allows the user to be able to operate with "families" which include walls, ceilings e.tc or input other modalities. Families are defined as the collection of items that have similar dimensions, functions, and symbolism. Further categorization is into various groups namely; system families, loadable families, in- place families and creating a personalized family. These multiple families have different items, and those items have their considerations. This feature gives the designer a new touch of customized.

The application also allows the designer to use rendering as a feature to enable the output design to be improved and have a realistic outlook. Different models of the function can be employed. These models include cloud rendering, three-dimensional max rendering among numerous other plugins. However, the capabilities of these features are limited by the type of computer that the user employs (Loo, 2013).

The application also allows the user to perform various simulations that will enhance the outlook of the final product. These simulations include acoustic, illuminance and energy simulation. Energy analysis incorporates an in-depth investigation of the flow of heat energy and other forms of emitted and absorbed energy within the structure. Revit is enabled to do arithmetic analysis and find out the energy efficiency. Acoustic simulation is applicable in the soundproof room where the application can calculate the acoustics in the room. Revit is also empowered to be able to analyze the amount of light in a place and determine if it is sufficient through illuminance simulation. It is crucial for most designers because there exists the minimum level required to perform basic standards.

The process is a whole procedure that entails from predesign all through to construction. In predesign, the users decide if the application will be used. If it will be in use, the designer prepares a schematic model. During the design of the schematic model, the process of scheduling with the use of a three-dimensional approach and estimating using four-dimensional approach kicks in. The scheduling process ensures that the structure is constructed within the stipulated timelines. On the other hand evaluating assists the user to be able to track the expenditure cost. During the process of design, collaboration is an essential attribute as it will improve efficiency.

Hence, there needs to be a regular meeting of the team involved to ensure effective coordination of the efforts in the project. This meeting will rope in the engineers, the architects, the project and construction manager and the accountant. During the process of design, various models need to adhere to. The model is applied in multiple dimensions which would improve the efficiency of the project. Various aspects that include scheduling, walkthrough, elevations, and other sections can be coordinated processes. On completion of the design process, the construction phase can begin. This process is essential as it will enable the final product to become a reality. Revit is attributed to have brought about an improved relationship between the design and the construction process. It has made the process faster and more efficient.

Advantages of Using Revit

Revit is an improvement of the traditional methods that were in use in the past such as AUTOCAD or the old way of hand drawing. It saves time and at the same time giving solutions to various process that used to require specific programs and individuals to coordinate the task.

The application offers an array of functions that aid in the task of design and also quicken the process. It can use real-life objects that are relatable in real life. Such importance enables the work to have a visual aspect that is appealing and reduces the confusion that arises between the embers of the design project. Another unique characteristic is that they have changeable parameters (Loo, 2013)

Revit provides collaborative functions which enable working with one file for a crew which has many members thus aiding in communication and prevents confusion. It is beneficial as a team that has different participants can work on the same project at the same time. This impact is an improved feature that is worth its use. The application has been created in such a way that it can relay the bill of the materials, specifications which previously was done manually. By doing this, it saves a lot of working hours that can be used elsewhere.

Another significant advantage is the presence of plugins. Though at times it may prove difficult to master it is quite beneficial. It is an open source type of plugins denoting that users are the prime developers.

Limitations

The Revit process is a model that is widely used by architects all over the world in the delivery of their expertise. However, in the course of the use of the product various challenges have come about which need to address. One of them is the fact that the application's plugins are dependent on the type of computer that one has. Some low power computer cannot be able to utilize selected plugins. This challenge brings about the issue of cost on the user.

It is also challenging as the process is more focused on structural design, not other models making it hard for other users. It also has an editing feature that is difficult to learn and not user-friendly. Such limitations are the ones that are still making it a problem for the application to gain popularity among the end users.

Conclusion

Generally, the application is a useful tool that improves the efficiency of the work process of design. Its primary mandate which is to have a better plan is commendable. It displays an array of functions that are worth the try. The current generation requires such use in the modern industries. This is demonstrated by the various industrial implementation which includes the construction industry with companies in the public and private sector ( Poirier, Staub & Forques, 2015).

References

Poirier, E. A., Staub-French, S., & Forgues, D. (2015). Measuring the impact of BIM on labor productivity in a small specialty contracting enterprise through action-research. Automation in construction, 58, 74-84.

Loo, P. Y. (2013). Adaption of Building Information Modeling Among Quantity Surveyor Practitioners In Malaysia (Doctoral dissertation, INTI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY).