Module 2 - Points to Ponder

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

• The goals of building a model are to provide your client with an accurate representation of what their building will look like before you actually build the building. It needs to be accurate, so it should have floors, walls, a roof, different furniture setups, and all of the appliances and lights so that they can see an accurate representation of what the building will actually look like when completed. The client will care most about the accuracy and how it looks, so that they know if they need to change anything.

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

• The key stages would be ideating, building a sketch model, then continuing to iterate on the first model. You should also make a couple of different versions of each model to give the client options. Finally, you will present a final model. As you develop your initial design, you shouldn’t use as much detail. This initial design will likely require a fast turnaround time, so it should provide an idea of the general design/look while still being clean and easy to visualize. As you continue to iterate and develop on your design, you should add more detail so that the client can see how the building will look more accurately, as well as be able to see different functions of the building and how it will operate in different areas. The details are what make a building truly stand out, and it is important to know what they are before actually building the building.

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

• The advantage is that designers can use the manufacturer’s product in their model to see how good it would look in the building design. This can increase business because a designer will be able to see how it looks before actually putting it in, and will appreciate that they don’t have to waste money on something they don’t like. For a manufacturer who doesn’t provide this, they are missing out on designers being able to test their product and wanting to put it in their building. As a designer, this benefits you because you can make more informed decisions on what you are putting into you building. You can show your client the options and make an informed decision before ordering something that doesn’t actually fit or work in the building. This can help save money and a lot of time.