Module 2 - Points to Ponder

What are the primary goals of creating a building model? Who are the key stakeholders?

• Creating a building model allows architects and engineers to collaboratively work on the design of a structure. I believe the primary goals should thus be to communicate the form and function of the building. Describing the form includes specifying the size of the floor plan, wall height, wall thickness, door orientation, roof slant, window size, materials, plumbing, and size of open space. Showcasing the model through a 3D walkthrough or a series of sheets allows the architect to explain how the form is directly linked to how the inhabitants will occupy the building. Key stakeholders include the architect and their vision for the design, the engineers and their objective to make the building structurally sound, the interior designers and furniture manufacturers, the construction workers, the owners of the property/building, and the future inhabitants.

How much detail should you include in your building model? How do you decide?

• As you develop your initial design - I believe the initial design should suggest to viewers how the floor plan will be broken up and the general design for the exterior elevations. This can include a framework of exterior walls, developing interior walls, annotations about where to place furniture, and guidelines for the roof and levels.
• As you continue to iterate and develop your design - As the design develops, I believe the key stages are first establishing the location and positioning of the building, meaning its orientation and site. Then, composing the initial framework for walls, interior rooms, and spacing of open space. Next, adding more detail about furnishings, their orientation, windows, position of doors, and materials for the floor, walls, and roof. Next, adding all furniture into the model along with necessary annotations, plumbing and heating or cooling systems, wall detailing, a vision of the exterior including plants and trees, and ensuring the design can be constructed by consulting an engineer. I believe deciding how much detail to include comes down to the weight you place on each element of your design. If some aspects are very important, you want to make it detailed to ensure the engineer will match it perfectly. I believe all designs should start at general and become more detailed as you consult with all stakeholders.

Many door and window manufacturers provide Revit families for doors and windows that you can specify for your building design.

• What is the advantage to manufacturers for providing these families? - Manufacturers are able to share their designs, which increases brand awareness since many architects and engineers will use their components. If architects are easily able to model buildings by including those furnishing, it is more likely they will include them in their physical design, so the manufacturers will make good business!
• What is the benefit to you as the designer of using these manufacturer-provided families? Is there an advantage to using them versus the families provided in the Revit library? - When using the manufacturer-provided families, there is a greater variety of products that at times are more aesthetically pleasing. Since there is greater versatility, designers can better achieve their vision and hopefully use the elements in their physical design.