Item: Revit
Rating: 8
Author: Marta Inama

Overall Satisfaction with Revit

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use Revit quite often as an architect since it's one of the most used BIM process based software. It is not as intuitive as other ones but it permits to do many things. As a restoration-oriented researcher in the field of architecture it also permits a very easy interface with point clouds acquired by laser scanner technologies.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Creation of 3D models with a BIM process
Upload of point clouds and their management in the software
Creation of parametric families (that is to say parametric objects)
Integrated Rendering (with powerful rendering machines)
Real time co-working

Cons

H-BIM: Revit has high potentialities for this purpose, since it already allows a good interaction with point clouds. Nevertheless a BIM based software for cultural heritage still consists of a great challenge. The BIM process is specifically designed to create projects from scratch. We need to consider the perspective of those who need to create models based on reality. These are models that do not have objects that are all perfectly identical, objects that are strictly parametric. If this logic remains unchanged, then it should be easier to change individual instances and reproduce the defects of the existing building.
Creation of parameterized objects: the process can be sometimes not really intuitive. The lockers which characterise the creation of parameterized objects interface may be not easy to manage when there are many solids one next to the others.
Interaction between different Revit versions should be easier

Return on Investment

-50% of time spent creating 3D models based on point clouds
- 40% of time spent creating 3D models of objects that are identical or nearly identical (thanks to parametric families)
- 30% time creating renders

Usability

Revit is not as intuitive as other BIM-based software, mainly due to the possibility of creating parametric families. However, this is also one of the main advantages of this programme. Its lack of intuitiveness is therefore offset by other benefits. Furthermore, once you understand how it works, the programme is very useful for a variety of purposes. In general, it is not that different from other BIM software.

Alternatives Considered

ARCHICAD, SketchUp and Rhino 3D

First and foremost, Revit is BIM-based software, which in itself offers significant advantages over 3D modelling programmes such as Rhino or SketchUp. Project management takes place on several levels as well as in different time phases (for example, it is also possible to create models of the various historical phases of an existing building). Compared to Archiad software, which is also BIM, Revit allows parametric modelling of elements. This has enormous advantages in terms of time savings, even if at the expense of slightly more cumbersome modelling (you need to be skilled in managing parameters and the interaction between the various parts of the parametric family). Furthermore, the ability to work remotely on the same model at the same time is an advantage that is difficult to find in other software.

Key Insights

Do you think Revit delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Revit's feature set?

Yes

Did Revit live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Revit go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Revit again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Blender, AutoCAD, ARCHICAD, Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator CC, ArcGIS, Agisoft Metashape

Likelihood to Recommend

Revit is a highly effective programme for creating BIM models. It allows for effective management and interaction with point clouds, and its strong point is undoubtedly the creation of parametric families. It also has a function that allows users to work on a project simultaneously, even remotely, and enables the creation of realistic renderings thanks to the possibility of connecting very powerful rendering engines. Equally important is the fact that students, teachers and researchers can access free versions.

Revit Feature Ratings

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