Interscale Content Hub – So, what is Revit? Simply put, Revit is a powerful Building Information Modelling (BIM) tool designed to help stakeholders design, visualise, and construct buildings more efficiently than ever before.
But Revit is way more than just a digital drafting tool. In fact, Revit makes it easy for everyone to work together, makes workflows more efficient, and lets you get the most out of BIM.
Alright, let’s take a closer look at what Revit can do. We’ll see what features it has, how it can be used, and why it’s useful for Australian professionals.
What Is Revit?
Revit is Autodesk’s top Building Information Modelling (BIM) software. In the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, it’s a dynamic and intelligent 3D modelling tool — a real foundational piece of software.
What sets Revit apart from traditional CAD software is its focus on 3D modelling. Revit models are rich in data, with detailed information about every building component.
As Elise Moss says in “Autodesk Revit 2021 Architecture Basics,” these components range from the basics like walls and windows to more complex things like electrical wiring and plumbing.
What makes Revit stand out is its data-centric approach. It turns the design process into something you can interact with and connect with other parts of.
Any changes you make to one element are automatically reflected in the whole model, so you can be sure everything is consistent and accurate.
This parametric modelling capability, as shown in “Autodesk® Revit® Architecture Workflow Fundamentals and New Features,” by Paul F. Aubin, really helps to cut down on errors and the need for rework, which saves valuable time and resources.
There’s a more detailed comparison between Revit and 2D drawings in the video below. Have a look:
How Revit Supports BIM Workflows
Revit is a key part of BIM workflows, helping us to create a complete digital picture of a building’s physical and functional features.
In the old way of doing things, architects, engineers and contractors often worked in isolation, which led to lots of misunderstandings and expensive mistakes.
Revit gets everyone working together by letting different teams work on the same model.
This real-time collaboration makes it easier for everyone to communicate and coordinate, which means projects are delivered more smoothly.
As Aubin’s guide explains, Revit’s 4D BIM capabilities add a time dimension to the model.
This lets teams test out construction sequences, spot any issues between building parts, and plan project schedules before construction even starts.
Being able to see and fix these things in the virtual world means the construction process is more predictable and efficient in the real world.
What’s more, Revit can create detailed schedules and quantities right from the model, which makes it easier to estimate costs and get materials.
This transparency means that project stakeholders can make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.
As a starting point for understanding Autodesk software in AEC industries, kindly check “A Newbie Guide to Autodesk AEC Collection as Blueprint of Better Futures.”
Key Features of Revit
Revit’s got all the features you could possibly need to get the job done right, no matter what your role is in the AEC industry.
One of the best things about Revit is its parametric modelling, which lets you tweak connected parts of a building model as you go along.
This means you can be sure that everything in your design will fit together properly.
On top of that, Revit has some pretty advanced analysis tools that let users make their designs better, check the structural stuff, and run cost estimates.
Revit’s got some great visualisation tools, like those for creating 3D renderings and animations, which really help to present and understand designs.
What’s more, Revit helps you create comprehensive documentation and schedules, so you can automate lots of time-consuming tasks and improve accuracy.
The software also includes tools to assess the energy performance of building designs, which helps create more sustainable structures.
Applications of Revit
Elise Moss outlines its use in architectural design, structural engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) engineering, construction management, and facility management.
Architects can leverage Revit to create detailed 3D models, explore design options, and effectively communicate their vision to clients.
Structural engineers can analyze structural systems, design elements, and generate comprehensive documentation.
MEP engineers can design and coordinate building systems, ensuring seamless integration with the architectural design.
In the construction phase, Revit aids in simulating construction sequences, identifying potential clashes, and optimising schedules for efficient project delivery.
Even after a building is completed, Revit continues to be valuable in facility management, serving as a digital twin for asset management and maintenance planning.
What is the Difference Between AutoCAD and Revit?
AutoCAD and Revit are both Autodesk products used in the AEC industry, but they’re used for different things.
Moss says you can think of AutoCAD as a 2D drafting tool, known for its precision in creating technical drawings.
Revit, on the other hand, is a complete BIM platform designed for 3D modelling and data-rich design.
AutoCAD is still a great tool for certain tasks, like creating detailed construction drawings or working on projects that don’t need the full power of BIM.
So, AutoCAD is all about drawing and drafting, while Revit is about building a complete model that generates all the project drawings and documents.
This is why Revit is better for integrated project workflows, where lots of different people need to work together and share data.
However, as the industry gets better at using BIM and sees the benefits of data-driven design, Revit is becoming an even more popular choice.
For more details on the AEC collection software names, please take a look at “The Autodesk AEC Collection Software List: Find Your Superhero Tool Now.”
Revit vs. Other Design Software
Revit is facing some competition from other BIM software options, such as ArchiCAD, SketchUp, and Vectorworks.
ArchiCAD is another BIM software with a lightweight operating system and an easy-to-use interface, which makes it pretty popular in some regions.
It supports loads of file formats and has features for every stage of the design process.
Meanwhile, SketchUp is great for quick 3D modelling and concept visualisation, but it doesn’t have the detailed documentation and parametric capabilities of Revit.
Vectorworks is also a great choice for its easy-to-use 2D and 3D modelling tools and its strong cloud services, which make it easy to work together.
But Revit’s the go-to for many Australian AEC firms because it’s got a strong market position, loads of features and it works seamlessly with other Autodesk products.
What is the Revit Management Support System?
As an Autodesk Gold Partner in the Australian AEC industry, we know Revit inside out and we can help you maximise its potential. How?
So, we’ve put together a range of services to help your firms get Revit up and running smoothly and make sure you get the value you’re looking for.
Our BIM management services are all about finding the right solution for you, whether you’re just starting with Revit or looking to make your existing workflows even better.
We know we’ve got a lot to offer. And it’s understandable if you find it a little confusing.
So we’d really appreciate it if you could take a look at what we do for our clients and see for yourself.
By all means, feel free to browse our Interscale BIM Management Support Service page.
Of course, we’d also be happy to run through a few more tweaks with you if you need to make a few more changes.
How about we grab a coffee and have a meeting sometime soon? We’re here for you 24/7, whenever you need us.
In Closing
The fact that Revit is used in so many major Australian projects shows how important it is for meeting high standards of design and construction.
No matter what your role is in the AEC industry, getting to grips with Revit can make a big difference to how you work and the results you get.
So, what is Revit? It’s your tool for getting the best value on your AEC project in the current year.
