Post 3: Revit

In reference to the revit pdf file:

CAD and REVIT? What are the differences?
CAD is basically a drafting tool that stands for Computer Aided Design. It is used basically as electronic drafting where all the drafted drawings done line by line are simply that, 2D.

REVIT is a program that takes the architectural drawing and tools of drafting but being a building modeler database, it has the ability to create 3D forms. Therefore, the objects created can be seen from different angles but also compared to other objects designed. At the same time those tools are documented in forms of commands through schedules.

REVIT is prefered since as the article put it, "Designers can spend the bulk of their time designing, not transcribing."

What does Parametric Design Mean?
The designer can put constraints or parameters on the model so that when it is being designed, Revit will enforce those parameters by applying the constraints where necessary. Revit will do not only that, but show the relationship of other objects to the one being created. The constraints are also constant and repetitive throughout the whole model. The constraints are documented and can be used for later.

What's a Revit?
Revit was designed by Charles River Software, but was overtaken by Autodesk, Inc. the producers of AutoCad. Revit stands for "revise it" because it's a paramteric building moderly package that is able to design in 3D. "Revit is a non-AutoCAD based building design and documentation system with a strategic platform for software serving the building industry".

Why change from Auto Cad to Revit?
Autodesk designed to get away from the AutoCad output file and instead tried to develop Inventor which was a 3-d modeling software. Architectural desktop was a branch from Revit and from that came Softdesk software and later Auto Architect. Autodesk decided the DWG format, (output file) was a hindrence and so to further develop Inventor then decided to go ahead and purchase Revit. Revit is a change from AutoCad, but it is very versatile and what lacked in the other programs was that they were add ons of each other from basically AutoCad which all lacked or needed extra add-on packages for documentation. Revit includes that documentation and it has what the other softwares offere accept more. Autodesk was basically trying to create a new kind of Revit instead of buying it because the potential of it and the fact that DWG format put many limitations made Revit that much better.

REVIT'S STRENGTHS
*Paremeters can be added to ensure that they are followed and Revit puts the doors, windows, etc. in the best place possible according to those constraints.

*Everything is documted as it's being designed as well as dimensions.

*It can be used as a drafting tool but is not a drafting tool trying to be an add-on package of 3D. It is designed as a architectural design software application.

*Revit classifies the objects being designed to give them function and to be used properly. (Example: A wall is classified and would logically have a doorway.)

*Revit creates single files that allows teams to divide up the work and puts updates into one file of the project.

*Revit is expected to be around for a long time and not expected to be fazed out any time soon.