Revit Tips for Flexible Modeling

Issue:
Revit is an efficient authoring tool for the AEC industry; however, users face difficult challenges when there is a demand for major changes on short notice. Although Revit is efficient, depending on the modeling approach, changes can be very limited and may require a significant amount of time to revise the model.

Causes:
Unfortunately, there is no single root cause for this issue. It primarily depends on the user’s experience with Revit and the AEC field. The more experienced a user is, the more the modeling technique can improve the efficiency of model revision per changes.

Solution:
I will present some basic concepts on how to control the model so that users can effectively adapt to any changes in the model.

 

Case #1:

Wall thickness needs to be revised due to design changes or code requirements. The user updates the walls, but the required corridor width for public ways no longer meets the requirement due to this update.

If the user understands how walls behave concerning their location lines, this change would have minimal impact. See below. 

 The wall family has a unique parameter that determines wall behavior when thickness is changed. The following example demonstrates different wall behavior depending on the location line setting.

 

 

 

 It is also very important to know where the exterior and interior sides of the wall are.

 

By changing the location line of the wall to "Finish Face: Exterior" and having the exterior side of the wall face the critical width, the user can maintain the critical corridor width even after the wall thickness changes.

Case #2:

Revit is all about initial settings before modeling begins. You can utilize groups to control repetitive elements in the project model. A good example would be unit modules for an apartment or hotel complex. If you have multiple different unit variations for an apartment project, it would be efficient to put each unit into a group.

 Start by setting the group control view off to the project site.

 

Then create a group control view that will be used for controlling all model groups in the project. Once all groups are placed in the proper phase, set all groups to be demolished before existing. This will prevent any elements in the group template from being added to the schedule.

 

Case #3:

The Design Option is used to present alternative designs. Many Revit users appreciate this tool; however, having too many design options comes with a high risk of encountering a rigid model, leading to various challenges such as graphic display issues and difficulties in modifying the design in case of major changes. The best way to avoid these issues is to simplify the Design Option.

 Instead of blocking small sections of the model in the design option, consider dividing the design option per floor, especially for interior walls, furniture, and casework. This approach helps maintain the simplicity and flexibility of the model.