Architectural Autocad

REVIT SEQ 05 (Photo credit: Federico Negro)

Revitology: The Evolution of Revit over AutoCAD

Author:

Gerry Brown
'Revit', which stands for \'revise instantly\', is infiltrating into the AEC industry and is encroaching on AutoCAD. Top-notch architectural firms and construction companies rely on Revit Architecture when precision and efficiency are of utmost priority. Members of Global Fraternity of Architects (GFA) and industry experts affirm that Revit is the 'future'. Despite all the bold assertions about Revit and its innovative features and flexibility, the scenario remains intact - architectural designers still slip into old 'AutoCAD habits' when using AutoCAD Architecture & AutoCAD MEP. AutoCAD precision is great for mechanical or industrial application. 'AutoCAD is a great tool for some things, but too many things can be 'faked' with it', concerns a veteran architect.
What does he indicate actually? Will Revit Architecture be able to replace AutoCAD? How does the Global Fraternity of Architects view the future of AutoCAD and Revit? Architectural Evangelist, a non-profit initiative of BluEnt in collaboration with the Global Fraternity of Architects, exchanges views with the veteran architects and experienced users to endorse a clear picture to enable all architects, designers and engineers to make informed decisions.

Revitology - A Distinctive 'Ism' in Architecture Industry
Associative, Parametric, rendering output, animation output, formula driven aspects for automation, performance based information, open GL interface, real line weight screen rendition (no more color coded line thicknesses), parametric families, 3D environment - are the much discussed terms in Revitology. Here is a glimpse at each:

• Parametric Change Management

The Parametric flexibility offered in Revit is compelling. During the design process, Revit Architecture\'s parametric change management automatically keep the architectural 2D drawings updated with the integral 3D model, resulting in early phase collision detection and generating high-quality, photo-realistic design visualizations.

• 3D Environment

3D models provide far more effective communication of design intent than 2D apps. Unlike 2D application, 3D model provides high resolution view. When you encounter a design conflict that requires complex resolution, you can zoom the critical parts including facade, joint sections, supporting structure, etc. and have a closer look all around.

• Compatibility of File Import-export

Revit Architecture can import, export and link varied types of files including DWG, DGN, etc.

• Automated 2D Floor Planning Tools

Floor planning is the pivotal component in a construction document set. Revit\'s smart building components and 3D symbol expedite floor planning and schedules. A typical CAD program can\'t match the quality and speed of Revit\'s floor planning tools.

• Automatic Sheet Set Management

Revit automatically scales dimensions, text, annotation tags, linetypes and hatch patterns based on the viewport\'s scale. As sections, elevations, details are placed on a sheet they are automatically numbered and their reference labels are updated in the plans, sections or elevations that reference them.

• Optimization of Schedule and Cost

Once the developer obtains a Bill of Quantities (BOQ) either using quantity takeoff or from a standard library, Revit enables them to prepare accurate project estimates with a detailed rate analysis process, manage tenders, administer the contract, manage formal change orders, conduct field inspections and finally closely track construction to determine whether it is on schedule and adheres to budgets.

• Why Should You Revit(alize) Your Firm?

'AutoCAD was originally designed for the manufacturing/mechanical design industry...Revit was built for architects from day one', corroborates Shobhit Baadkar, Principal, TITAN AEC. Agreed Ricardo Khan, Integrated Construction Manager, Mortenson Construction, 'Revit is set up for the AEC industry, while AutoCAD is too broad of a tool'. Comparing Revit with AutoCAD is like 'sculpting with a hammer and chisel vs. sculpting with a big lump of clay on a spindle', symbolizes Michael Coston, Project Manager/VDC-BIM Architect. He continues Revit allows a team to mold the sculpture simultaneously and monitor the developing results completely in a 3D environment. It brings together effective synergy of plans, sections, elevations, schedules, etc. 'Of every construction project in the world, the owner spends 5on design and 95on construction. Surprised to the fact the success of the later depends on the former. Revit can identify the potential spatial conflicts and forecast the building performance at the early stages of design more efficiently than AutoCAD. We see BIM process as the main way forward the AEC industry, and Revit works as the backbone of the BIM process', avers Ravi Khanna, MRICS, India Head, Brack Capital Real Estate.
'Revit allows for a higher degree of collaboration and communication, and vastly improves a team\'s ability to be better coordinated', substantiates Gary McLeod, BIM Provocateur. 'The in-built flexible features and parametric facilities in Revit offer the project team greater agility and help them make informed decisions, synchronized design, and accurate construction documents. A successful BIM implementation results in well-managed RFQs, accurate quantities, change management (automatic changes), earlier visualization, detection of potential spatial conflict before construction, better project planning using 4D and 5D techniques, improved energy analysis and collaboration with different project disciplines. BluEnt believes that Revit offers clear advantages for all project stakeholders and is therefore keen to provide 100Revit solutions to its clients', corroborates Sajeel Khanna, Director- Outsourcing, BluEnt, Global Architecture and Technology.
Also Read: http://www.architecturalevangelist.com/building-information-modeling/revitology-the-evolution-of-revit-over-autocad.html
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/outsourcing-articles/revitology-the-evolution-of-revit-over-autocad-2438561.html
About the Author
He is a seasoned architect and construction project management consultant with over 9 years of experience. Having executed several multi-million dollar construction projects, he presently manages an architectural studio and provides consultancy services to top builder firms. His team is responsible for the design and drafting of highly functional buildings.