What are the primary goals of creating a building model? Who are the key stakeholders?
Unlike in the past, today we can generate building models efficiently and quickly using 2D/3D design software. Particularly, the 3D feature enables architects and designers to envision the planned building before it is physically constructed. Using the model, engineers can verify during site visits whether the actual construction of the buildings aligns with their design, ensuring the correct installation of all architecture details and MEP systems. Furthermore, architects and engineers can collaborate more conveniently by exchanging their ideas for revising the models. They can also communicate their design concepts more efficiently to non-technical individuals, such as clients and stakeholders, which saves lots of time. The building models also enable engineers to perform scheduling and conduct sustainability and energy analyses.
The primary stakeholders include clients, contractors, architects, and various engineering disciplines (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.), regulatory authorities, and environmental consultants, often specializing in LEED certification.
How much detail should you include in your building model? How do you decide?
As I formulate my initial design, my first step would involve establishing the size and overall footprint of the building. Subsequently, I would consider how to judiciously allocate these spaces, taking into account their practical utilization within the building. Following that, I would proceed to create various rooms within my building models, ensuring that their dimensions adhere to construction guidelines. I would sketch out the fundamental floorplan of the building.
As I continue to iterate and develop my design, I would incorporate additional details into my model. I would add doors, windows, and assorted components into each individual room or space. Then I would modify the composition, which includes layers, materials, and thickness. Following that, I would commence the drafting of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems into my model.
The key phases include Preliminary Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documentation.
Many door and window manufacturers provide Revit families for doors and windows that you can specify for your building design.
By offering these families, manufacturers have the chance to showcase their products as architects and engineers incorporate them into their models. This can result in significantly higher profits compared to the initial cost of creating these families. These families always include comprehensive specifications, enabling designers and engineers to select from a range of options tailored to meet the specific requirements of their projects. Contractors often opt for the same components as drafted in the building model when they are constructing the physical structure, thereby potentially boosting the market share of the manufacturers. It’s also easy for them collect data on the performance and how often their products are utilized, facilitating future product development and the formulation of marketing strategies.
There are several advantages to using manufacturer-provided families. These families tend to be more up-to-date and feature specifications that are applicable in real-world scenarios. They offer a broader selection and more intricate designs to choose from. Furthermore, some of these families are available free of charge, making it exceptionally convenient for us to integrate them into our designs.