Chartered Architectural Technologist | MCIAT, MSc. BIM, BSc. Arch. Tech.

Moving from Planning to Tender Stage Drawings with Revit

Moving from Planning to Tender Stage Drawings with Revit

So you’ve submitted your planning drawings and received your permission from the local council. The drawings were modelled in Revit with a low level of detail, so next you want to start adding the detail of construction to your walls. The below images shows a floor plan at planning level of detail so only blank wall detail represented by purple for proposed construction. Using the Detail Level option at the bottom of the screen will change this to a detail view.

You can change the build-up of the wall to show your construction layers. Select the wall > Edit Type > Structure and then change the layers accordingly.


Revit – Graphic Display Options

Revit – Graphic Display Options

For the Concept Stage of an Architectural project, drawing presentation is a key feature. One of the most powerful tools for controlling graphics within Revit is the Graphic Display Options or “GD” keyboard shortcut.

  1. Choose your preferred Style.
  2. Ensure Smooth lines is turned on.
  3. Shadows – yes and set Ambient Shadows on also.
  4. Sketchy Lines if you like this look turn up extension points to full.
  5. Move the lighting sliders to achieve a nice looking image.

The best part is, you can save this out as a view template and reuse on Elevations, Plans or in your company-wide template.


Revit – Survey Point & Project Base Point

Revit – Survey Point & Project Base Point

The Survey Base Point is a constant location or point of origin that can be a point on your site or the national grid system if you prefer. If it is a location on your site, it should be an existing point or landmark that will not be moved as a result of the proposed construction. Consider this as a real-world point of location that constantly exists.

The Project Base Point should be a meaningful point in your building or proposal. This can be for example an intersection of gridlines or a chosen for example “Bottom left Corner” of a proposed building. The location of the Project Base Point is relative to the Survey Base Point. If you move the Project Base Point “Unclipped” then the coordinates will update. If you move it while clipped, it will move the location & buildings in your project. You can consider this a transient point in the project, as it can change if the project requires it. Building designs change constantly, therefore your Project Base Point may also too.

If available, check your BIM Execution Plan or Employers Information Requirements as these should specify the relevant points to set.

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