What are the primary goals of creating a building model? Who are the key stakeholders?
There are a number of factors that must be taken into account when creating a building model. First, when designing the foundational elements of a building, most of which include the walls, flooring, and roof, must be mathematically sound. Measurements are key to constructing safe buildings, so it is of utmost importance to ensure that all measurements are aligned. As for specific details, whether that be a door, window, or desk, it is important that they match the purpose of a building model. For example, if someone were to create a building intending to house a large corporation, there should a plethora of desks, walking spaces, interactive zones, and windows to let in light during the day. Companies like these typically contribute a significant amount to greenhouse gas emissions, so designing buildings that let in natural light and reduce electricity consumption would be a primary goal. The main stakeholders in the building model process include the architects designing the structure, engineers planning and constructing the building, and the client who will be using and operating out of the building.
How much detail should you include in your building model? How do you decide?
It certainly depends on the project. For one, there should be a significant amount of detail placed in the measurement side of modeling. As for aesthetic purposes, the detail can be up to one’s discretion. Buildings, however, that are more aesthetically pleasing and durable for the public are ones that are less busy and convoluted.
What are the advantages of getting the Revit component families (for furniture, equipment, and fittings) directly from the manufacturer versus from an online sharing website like RevitCity.com?
The Revit component families add to the efficiency of a building modeling process. Architects and structural designers require building modeling platforms that are easy to navigate while designing quite complex structures. Furthermore, receiving Revit features directly from the manufacturer means that the measurements and layout of the families are consistent with what the manufacturer is capable of producing. Sourcing component families from online sharing websites might be too general and not applicable enough to a certain project.