Abdullatif Alkandari - GroupC - B3

Possible Future Advantages of Revit

Revit has proven itself among the leading software programs in building design and has developed overtime. It now features 3 separate templates in order to allow the user to choose whether an Architectural, Structural or Mechanical one is most suitable to the intended project. And within each template, the user has a variety of component options to work with (Families). It is more user-friendly compared to some other BIM programs and provides the opportunity to get a realistic view of the project in order to put it into perspective. With these features in mind, it is expected to see future enhancements to the software that can make it even more capable and practical.

From a structural perspective, Revit can be expected to take its design capabilities to the next level. Perhaps it is possible for the developers to include the International Building Code (IBC) design requirements into the software. A feature like this can make Revit more insightful for the user as it will inform the user if he/she are violating any codes with their design in progress, and this will effectively save time and effort as errors detected in the early stages of design are easier to remedy rather than if are realized later. And the IBC is one of many standards relating to structural design, so this code additions can be one of many that can work in Revit.

And when we look at the mechanical properties of Revit and the great details within the program, I think it would be possible to make the software more involved in this aspect of the design. One way to achieve this is installing a built-in HVAC energy analysis software similar to eQuest or any other program that can deal with heating zones and energy consumption estimations. Having this technology within Revit can make it more well-rounded and perhaps one day, all the design parameters needed to commence the building stage of the project can be solved for from Revit directly.

And with regards to the Architectural portion of Revit, it can be expected to have better performance and yield better results via adding features such as sun studies and simulations of the design on the proposed site in order to have a better understanding of the aesthetics of the building and how it can interact with its surrounding environment. The software can even have the topography & geology of the site which can in turn give crucial information to the structural engineer regarding the foundation recommendations.

Resources:

http://www.autodesk.com/campaigns/whats-new-revit?mktvar002=673405&mkwid=szamvBE5B|pcrid|138352073180|pkw|revit|pmt|e|pdv|c|&&gclid=Cj0KEQiAiMHEBRC034nx2ImB1J0BEiQA-r7ctn0JbKsfz681DBiOTKPCIW4uBZQedEhe_QavW_0Ep0EaApen8P8HAQ

Comments:

Taryn Fracischetti: You have shed a light on a very important factor that needs to be considered regarding Revit and the latest development in the BIM world. The fact that companies are now steering towards hiring employees with BIM software experience rather than actual knowledge of the engineering behind the design processes can be quite catastrophic, especially if people find a better career in BIM as opposed to Engineering majors.

Ziyang Lin: I enjoyed how informative and well-organized your post was as it made really good points regarding the current advantages of BIM. Personally, the “Simulation and Error detection” was helpful to know where Revit stands right now from this point of view in order to expect where it can be in the near future. The “workflow” was another good point that makes collaboration among fellow designers more convenient and productive.

Paulina Gawor: I agree with what you had to say about the representation of the electrical industry in BIM, the programs do not provide the required equipment for electricity. BIM doesn’t have good circuit designs available and that is why I believe that this is an important factor to consider for future BIM updates in order to make them more integrated and serve a wider range of functions.