Module 5 - Points to Ponder

What are the principal advantages of using a single building information model of the existing conditions as the foundation for modeling proposed additions or renovations?

What sort of complexities are introduced when you construct a building complex in phases?

• What happens at the interfaces between the buildings as the phases advance?
• How can you plan and prepare for these complexities as your create your initial building model?

What are the principal advantages of using a single building information model of the existing conditions as the foundation for modeling several proposed design alternatives for a portion of the building?

• Why not create a separate model for each of the design alternatives?

In your project, which features of the proposed design did you choose to model as design alternatives?

• Why did you choose these building features? And what were the biggest challenges in modeling them as the design alternatives?

1. Continuity and Coordination

Using one integrated model keeps existing and new elements in the same spatial framework.

• You can see how the new design connects to the old structure — walls, floors, rooflines, and circulation paths all align accurately.
• This eliminates mismatches between models that could cause construction errors.

2. Phasing Control

Revit allows you to assign phases (like Existing, Demolition, New Construction) to every element.

• This makes it easy to visualize the building over time — before, during, and after construction — without duplicating geometry.
• You can generate views that automatically show what’s being demolished, what’s new, and what