What is Revit?

The Autodesk^® Revit^® program is used for the creation of three dimensional models, views, details, and construction documents for architectural projects. In order to really know what Revit is it helps to understand the larger concept of BIM (Building Informational Modeling). Like other programs of this type, this program is considered a BIM program.

According to Autodesk, BIM is...

...a process that involves creating and using an intelligent 3D model to inform and communicate project decisions. Design, visualization, simulation, and collaboration enabled by Autodesk BIM solutions provide greater clarity for all stakeholders across the project lifecycle. BIM makes it easier to achieve project and business goals.

Because of this BIM capability, Revit will allow you to create a 2D layout of a structure where the walls, doors, and windows may appear to be flat 2D elements but also have a third dimension as well. As soon as the structure is rotated into an elevation these same elements will appear as having height.

For those of you that have created architectural drawings using other methods such as Traditional (TRAD) or 2D CAD (AutoCAD^®, Microstation^®, VersaCAD, etc...), you know that the individual drawings, views, and sheets are not related to one another. If you change something in a 2D environment - such as moving a window, it will also need to be changed in other drawings where that same window appears. In a BIM environment such as Revit, these types of changes occur over the entire project instantly.

There is of course much more to this program than just these few things that have been mentioned. Anyone who has struggled with the design, rendering, and construction document phase of an architectural project will almost immediately see the value of Revit^®.

I hope that you will enjoy the process of learning this software and that it will help you

to achieve your goals in the study of Architecture!