What are the primary goals of creating a building model? Who are the key stakeholders?
- What do they need?
A building model is created to communicate the plan for the different elements of a building. During the building modeling design process, the designer may notice certain aspects that need reconsideration. The building model also allows a visualization for stakeholders. The key stakeholders for a building model include the contractors, inspectors, building owners, and maintenance workers. The contractors would utilize the dimensions during construction and use the modeling to create their work plan.
How much detail should you include in your building model? How do you decide?
There should be a decent amount of detail in your building model. The types of flooring, windows, building materials, furniture placement, floor plans, roof design, window placements, plumbing fixtures, doors, stairs, and so much more. As the design develops, I think it’s really important to add detail in order to create a cohesive aesthetic. With each iteration, the design flows better. Key stages might look like finalizing the structural components, approving the floor plans, choosing the correct windows, adding in heating/cooling systems, and ornamental trees/plants outside.
Many door and window manufacturers provide Revit families for doors and windows that you can specify for your building design.
Manufacturers benefit from providing Revit families for doors and windows because they are essentially promoting their products. More designers becomes familiar with them which means that more contractors have to use them and the owners pay for it. There even be opportunities for designers to repeatedly use the product and become keen on using them in all of their designers. As the designer, it’s useful to have options and be able to find a door/window that serves a specific purpose. I personally haven’t found a disadvantage to just using the Revit families door, but I’m sure as my design more complex, more unique doors will benefit me.