3.2.3 – Model Setup

1 – Model Setup Start

In this video, I walk you through the process of setting up a model using minimal preliminary information, specifically focusing on a cadastral reference. I demonstrate how to create a new file from a template, save it, and gather necessary data from Google Earth to understand the site’s topography and boundaries. We also discuss the importance of aligning our project with true north and adjusting elevations accordingly. Please make sure to have your software set up properly before proceeding, as this will streamline the workflow. I encourage you to follow along and take notes, as I will be referring to additional resources and tutorials throughout this process.

Step 1: Create a New File 0:47

Open the software and create a new file from the template.
Ensure your software is set up correctly; if not, refer to the software setup video.

Step 2: Save the Template 1:07

Save the newly created file in a designated folder on your desktop.

Step 3: Create a Folder for the Project 2:02

Create a folder on your desktop for the project files.

Step 4: Obtain Cadastral Information 3:10

If you have a cut file, use it. If not, retrieve the aerial image from the cadastral service.

Step 5: Use Google Earth for Site Analysis 3:58

Open Google Earth to analyze the site and understand the heights and boundaries.

Step 6: Set Up Working Views 6:08

Access the working views in the software to set up the site model.

Step 7: Add Survey or BIM Master 7:01

If a survey is available, add it. If not, create a beam master file as the base for the project.

Step 8: Adjust Coordinates 8:37

Use the ID and distance commands to adjust the coordinates to millimeters.

Step 9: Rotate and Position the Model 9:24

Rotate the model to align with true north and position it at the origin.

Step 10: Edit Boundary Lines 11:04

Ensure all boundary lines are accurately represented and cover all vertices.

Step 11: Record Heights 13:39

Note the heights from Google Earth for key points on the site.

Step 12: Finalize the Model Setup 15:26

Ensure the north arrow is correctly oriented to true north and finalize the model setup.

Step 13: Save and Prepare for Next Steps 16:32

Save the file and prepare for the next phase of the project.

2 – Project and True North

In this video, I walk you through the essential steps for setting up our project model, focusing on the importance of the master file and the correct positioning of True North. We also discuss the significance of aligning our project base point with the access level, which is set at 126,000 millimeters above sea level. I emphasize the need to relocate the project to maintain the integrity of our levels while keeping the survey point intact. Please ensure you follow the outlined procedures carefully, especially when adjusting the project base point and managing the survey data. Your attention to these details will streamline our workflow and enhance our project accuracy.

1. Create the Master File 0:00

Open Revit and create a new project.
Save the project as the master file.
Ensure the master file contains only the boundary lines.

2. Set Project Base and RLs 0:19

Set the project base in a corner of the site.
Establish the RLs (Reduced Levels) at the vertex of the boundary.

3. Align North Direction 0:31

Ensure the north direction is correctly oriented in the model.
This is crucial for sun studies and other analyses.

4. Set Up Working Views 0:52

Create a working view at sea level named ‘Master’.
Edit the property type and sketch as needed.

5. Manage Survey Data 2:10

If a survey is available, import it into the master file.
Ensure the survey is flattened at Z=0 and scaled to millimeters.

6. Set Up True North 4:07

Create a view set to True North.
Rotate the property line to align with True North.

7. Adjust Project Base Point 6:08

Familiarize yourself with the project base point, survey point, and origin.
Ensure the survey point is set at sea level.

8. Relocate Project for Access Level 9:12

Move the project down to set the project base point at the desired access level (e.g., 126,000 mm above sea level).
Use the ‘Relocate Project’ tool to adjust the positioning.

9. Confirm Levels and Scope Boxes 11:03

Ensure all levels and scope boxes are correctly positioned after relocating the project.

10. Finalize Setup 12:39

Review the site setup and ensure all elements are correctly aligned and positioned.

3 – Site Setup and Topography

In this video, I walk you through the process of setting up the site, including topography, levels, and scope boxes. We start by creating a toposolid at the origin, ensuring it aligns with the boundaries of the site, and I demonstrate how to modify the terrain points to reflect accurate elevations. I also outline the levels for the building, suggesting a ground floor at 127 and two basements below it. Please ensure that you follow along and replicate these steps in your own setup. Let’s make sure we have a solid foundation before moving forward with the project.

1. Set Up Site and Topography 0:00

Begin by setting up the site, topography, and levels.
Create scope boxes as needed.

2. Create Topography at Origin 0:30

Ensure the topography is created at the internal origin, as this is the reference point for all imported elements.
Remember that the internal origin serves as the bottom of the sheet.

3. Create Toposolid 1:49

Navigate to the working view section and select ‘Existing’ and ‘Origin’.
Delete any previous topography if necessary.
Create a toposolid using the site boundary lines.

4. Modify Toposolid Elements 3:19

Modify the corners of the site as needed.
Ensure all points are at the correct height based on survey data.

5. Create Additional Topography for Context 5:52

Create a separate toposolid for context, such as roads or adjacent buildings.
Use an underlay image for reference if available.

6. Set Up Levels 8:59

Go to the model setup and access levels, mass, scope boxes, and levels.
Define levels such as basement one, basement two, and finish floor level (FFL).

4 – Massing in Revit: Step by Step Guide

In this video, I walk you through the massing process for our project, highlighting the setbacks of 5 meters in the front, 2 meters on the sides, and 4 meters in the rear, with a maximum height of 7.2 meters. I demonstrate how to create and edit the mass using Revit, including adjusting levels and manipulating the mass to fit our design criteria. I also explain the importance of the massing tool in visualizing the building’s scale and how to show or hide it in the view settings. Please ensure you follow the steps I outlined for creating the mass and adjusting the setbacks accordingly. Let’s aim to refine our design based on this initial massing exercise.

1. Set Up Project Parameters 0:00

Define front setback: 5 meters
Define side setbacks: 2 meters each
Define rear setback: 4 meters
Set maximum height: 7.2 meters

2. Create and Edit Mass 0:36

Use the massing tool in Revit to create a mass
If mass is not visible, adjust view settings to show mass
- Go to view template settings
- Ensure mass is set to show regardless of template

3. Manipulate Mass Levels 2:08

Explore options to show mass surface types, zones, and forms
Create roofs, walls, and floors based on mass surfaces

4. Set Backsets and Adjust Mass 3:07

Switch to elevation view to set offsets for setbacks
Use detail lines to mark setbacks:
- 2 meters for side setbacks
- 6 meters from the front
- 4 meters from the back

5. Edit Mass Profile 5:20

Use editing mode to adjust the mass profile
Draw lines to define the shape of the mass
Adjust the profile as needed to achieve desired form

6. Create New Mass from Scratch (if needed) 7:24

If previous edits are unsatisfactory, create a new mass
Sketch a solid form for the mass

7. Match Floors and Create Levels 8:48

Match floors to create levels for basement, ground, first floor, and roof level

8. Adjust Topography and Cut Mass 9:01

Adjust the toposolid to subtract the mass
Use the cut tool to refine the mass shape

9. Create Roof and Finalize Massing 10:08

Create a roof based on the mass
Select roof type and finalize the massing setup

10. Prepare for Design Development 10:56

Set up sheets for floor plans and sections
Begin detailed design work based on the established massing

5 – Setup a Set

In this video, I walk you through the process of setting up our building model, including defining the site, context, and levels. We quickly move into editing the predefined floor plans and scope boxes to ensure everything aligns properly for our schematic design phase. I emphasize the importance of naming conventions and organization as we create and manage our GA plans and basement levels. Please make sure to follow the steps outlined for moving views to documentation and adjusting the crop views accordingly. Your attention to these details will streamline our workflow and enhance our project documentation.

1. Initial Setup of Site and Building 0:00

Create a site and toposolid.
Define the maximum size of the building.
Set up the north direction, location, height, and sea level.

2. Import Predefined Floor Plans 0:29

Access the repository of plans (Draft).
Locate General Arrangement (GA) plans (number 10).
Ensure base points are close to the required location.

3. Edit Scope Boxes 1:20

Go to the edit view and select scope boxes.
Adjust the scope boxes for elevation and floor plans to capture the context.

4. Adjust Grids and Floor Plans 3:06

Modify grid lines to align with the building layout.
Ensure floor plans follow the adjusted scope boxes.

5. Quality Control of Views 4:48

Check elevation views to ensure all elements are visible.
Edit view templates to display scope boxes.

6. Create and Rename Basement Plans 7:54

Duplicate existing views to create basement plans.
Ensure the correct view type is selected for each plan.

7. Organize and Document Plans 10:39

Move plans from draft to documentation.
Ensure all plans are named according to the established naming conventions.

8. Align Plans for Printing 13:42

Use guide grids to ensure all plans are aligned correctly.
Adjust scope boxes and crop views as necessary.

9. Prepare for Printing 18:00

Select the views and sheets to print.
Ensure all sheets are included and set up correctly for printing.

10. Final Review and Export 19:24

Review all plans and sections for accuracy.
Export the final documents for distribution.