Architectural Design Drafting - Concept To Construction Documentation Stage

Architectural design drafting involves a process that is essential to construction, developed into a progression of stages, namely: Concept, Design, Design Development and Construction Drawing.

It was the architect Louis Kahn from Philadelphia who said that ‘architecture is the thoughtful making of space’. The thoughts, concepts and design that drives ‘the making of space’ constitute the framework of the architectural process. Architectural design drafting, or architectural drafting, involves a process of services that are essential to the creation of structures. This process has been developed into an established progression of stages, namely: Concept, Design, Design Development and Construction Drawing.

Architecture has been both an art and science for thousands of years. It has evolved to embody certain standards of practice. Technology has contributed significantly to the development of these standards, while retaining basic principles. The prime objective is to design and construct a building that is well planned, which means that decisions will be taken, modified and changed throughout the course of the project, and CAD design services are used extensively to cater to these needs.

Examining the process and its stages helps understand its relevance to the current state of the industry.

Stage 1: Concept or Schematic

This first stage of the architectural design process is marked by information gathering and discussions. The architect and client discuss the project in detail and fully understand client requirements, such as budget, aesthetics, location and type of community. Information from the client, field surveys and other sources are assembled, discussed and contemplated in length. Architects research and analyse the site, paying attention to zoning and building codes. Programming begins and the client lists the spaces in the building. The architect then determines sizes, number of rooms, locations, construction material, sustainability and relationships between the listed spaces. All ideas are explored and considered. Generally, 3 or more design options are then provided for client consideration, based on the rooms and features required. These are presented as sketches.

A rough cost estimate may be provided for each option to help make more informed decisions. At this point, clients may ask for modified options and can even make major changes in design requirements. This stage is concluded by the selection of one of the design options. Typically, 15% of the architect’s fees and work is accounted for at this stage. The primary objective of this stage is to resolve the shape and size of the building, showing the basic plan. Also, the look and tone of the building is developed. Several sketches, plans and elevations are created and several meetings take place. Generally, the drawings are loose, hand-drawn at 1/8” = 1’-0” scale.

Stage 2: Design

In this second stage of the architectural design process, an initial design drawing is developed based on the discussions, site analysis, decisions and budget restrictions agreed on during the first stage. This design would show space provisions, planning relationships, proposed layouts based on site views, orientation and access. The design will show the intended concept and form of the building. Layouts will be developed into formal ‘sketch’ floor plans and 3D perspectives to represent the style of the building. As and when the client approves, reviews and comments on this design, further details will be added to the design, such as proposed materials, technical and functional features. For example, this could involve the representation of building sections, detailed dimensional plans showing door and window placement, proposed furniture layouts and building elevations.

Any significant services which could affect the design, such as solar panels, water tanks, etc. This process is likely to take some time, as communication will go back and forth till all parties arrive at a satisfactory outcome. Further review is made of the plans and budget and the scope of the project may be reduced. Conformity regarding rights of use and building restrictions, such as height restrictions, building lines, etc. of the site, will be reviewed. In case of larger projects, quantity surveyors can update earlier cost estimates and provide new cost estimates at this stage, depending on any changes to the initial design. These drawings can be in 2D and 3D, using computer-aided design software (such as AutoCAD).

Stage 3: Design Development

At this stage of the architectural design process, architects and clients work in collaboration to select a variety of materials, such as interior finishes, fittings, windows, doors, appliances, fixtures, etc. Drawings are revised with greater detail. Engineering plans will start, involving structure, plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation systems, energy analysis and other project-related systems. Towards the end of this stage of the design process, a significant part of the product selection and services and systems design should be completed. At the end of Design Development, both the interior and exterior design of the building is decided on by the architect and the client. A general contractor is hired.

With a fixed design in place, a permit is required. Following a series of lengthy review processes at municipalities, all required drawings for a building permit incorporating the full interior design of the project are created. Then, permit drawings and room layout drawings are produced and submitted to the relevant authorities. At this juncture, a detailed 3D model is produced to help finalise design decisions. The 3D model also helps the extensive coordination process with structural engineers, and the engineering, construction systems design and detailing of the project is completed. Changes updated at this time could include any increase or decrease of thermal protection materials, inclusion or removal of solar panels, rainwater harvesting and interior and exterior finishing. During this phase, architects generally complete 20% of their work and charge 20% of their fees.

Stage 4: Construction Documents

Once the final design is set, drawings, notes and technical specifications required for bidding, construction and permit applications are prepared. Blueprints are created. Further detailing, interior elevations and further material selection occurs during this stage. All technical and engineering design is finalised, namely structural engineering, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, plumbing, electrical, gas, energy calculations. Other items included in Construction Documents (CD) are detailed foundation plans, roofing, layouts, window and door sizes, openings, flooring, cabinets, bedroom and kitchen detailing. All fixtures and materials are selected and scheduled. Multiple drawing sets are created. Filing sets for approval and a set of construction documents are produced.

Construction Documents can be customised so that an electrician receives drawings showing only electrical work and the concrete contractor may receive drawings for foundations and concrete work, so as to reduce on-site confusion, correctly price jobs and understand work responsibilities clearly. Generally, building services, plumbing, piping, wiring and HVAC systems are finalised and represented in the design. Structural details, such as roofing, internal and external walls, ceiling, tiling, are also included in these documents. All items are attached with detailed dimensions. Façade options also feature in these documents.

On acquisition of the permit or building approvals, the remaining documents are finalised and grouped together into a set of documents to construct the building. Designs of the approved design development documents are refined with construction details. The construction documents shall are refined. Final selections of products and materials take place. This phase is typically the longest and most expensive stage of the process, since most of the detailing and coordination takes place at this point. The Construction Documents stage in a project may be long, but it is also worthwhile, because working through this stage will distinguish barely planned projects from fully customised and elegant homes. During this stage, typically 40% of the architect’s work is completed and 40% of the fees will be charged.

The methodical completion of the architectural design stages help expedite and improve the finished quality of building projects. It is critical for design team members to understand the evolution of the architectural drafting and design process. This way, when a project is ready to be constructed, most of the financial and technical issues have been taken care of and delays are reduced or eliminated.

MEP Design & MEP Coordination Benefit from One Source

MEP Design & MEP Coordination Benefit from One Source

MEP (M&E) design and MEP coordination from the same source can be delivered faster, either through the MEP designer, who also executes MEP coordination, or with the MEP contractor, who also executes MEP design. The MEP designer or contractor concerned, therefore, must have additional skills to perform both functions and complete the workflow in its entirety.

So, what are MEP design and MEP coordination outputs?

MEP Design

MEP design outputs generally include providing mechanical, electrical, public health and fire protection building services design information (also known as building engineering and architectural engineering) by building services designers and consultants for all design stages. The design is typically delivered in BIM format and includes spatially coordinated models of HVAC, electrical, water supply and sanitation and fire protection design that contractors and installation teams can use for installation.

MEP Coordination

The above individual designs are incorporated and spatially organised to be install ready in the process known as MEP coordination. With Revit MEP, MEP engineers can determine spaces and zones and can use intelligent data which provides greater detail. Parametric tools will update automatically, and calculations are fast and easily analysed when designs change. The results are reported and shared across the entire project team. MEP coordination enables the creation of spatially coordinated building services drawings for construction and engineering projects. All building services (HVAC, pipework, public health and electrical systems) are also coordinated with other disciplines (steel, concrete, false ceilings, etc.). MEP coordination ensures that there are no clashes (validated using clash-detection software tools), provides models, prevents site-based delays and disputes, facilitates ease of communication and enables faster approval/sign-off.

Benefits of One Source for MEP Design & MEP Coordination

When MEP design and MEP coordination are delivered by either one designer or one contractor, benefits include ease of installation, commission and fabrication, savings on time and cost, thereby allowing procurement and installation to become easier to manage. The end products include coordinated and ready-to-install models and drawings.

Advantages with this workflow process are:

• The BIM model is started and completed by the same firm, saving time and minimizing confusion.
• The layout strategy (plant and main distribution) is adopted first, resulting in minimum changes.
• Detailing (secondary distribution) is added after the architectural/structural designs are fixed, again saving time and minimizing errors.
• Procurement information can be incorporated early in the design stage.
• The designer/contractor can then issue a coordinated model.
• It is easier, faster and less stressful to have a one-stop shop.

Ultimately, this workflow results in saving time and cost. Whilst MEP design and coordination services being delivered by a single source is desirable, the additional design and BIM activities and responsibilities for the same may well point to the support of skilled external partners to support the process.

Architectural Design Drafting & Rendering – an Overview

Architectural design is at the heart of an efficient, liveable, man-made structure, the brain behind the brawn of building construction. One of the more important segments of architecture is the architectural design drafting process, when architectural drawings and renderings are created, which can later be developed into architectural models also. With expanding populations worldwide and growing housing and commercial requirements, there is an increased need for architectural design drafting and architectural rendering services. We take a broad look at the stages, software, concerns and profitable options.

Architectural design primarily follows a progression of stages, namely the Concept Stage, Schematic Design Stage, Design Development and Permissions Stage and the Construction Documents Stage. Here’s how they proceed:

Concept Stage

1. Parts of the design are assembled
2. Zoning and building codes are reviewed
3. Full code summaries and research design parameters are produced
4. Site research is conducted to decide solar angles and other site conditions
5. Client needs are understood in detail and sketched with proposed dimensions
6. Architects create and submit surveys, sketches, site plans, floor plans and elevations to the client

Schematic Design Stage
1. Decisions are taken on ideas for the location and to fit within budget
2. Several design options are sketched and loose drawings are made, regularly by hand.
3. Once approved, a schematic pricing set, which includes plans, sections, elevations is produced
4. Process is discussed, functions of the building are considered and diagrams are produced
5. Doors and windows are added schematically
6. Materials are discussed

Design Development and Permissions Stage
1. Schematic drawings are developed into permit or planning documents
2. Zone requirements are reviewed
3. Drawings are developed into 3D models
4. Coordination occurs with structural engineers to complete engineering work
5. Floor plans and elevations are assigned dimensions
6. Choices of wood, flooring, windows, locations of cabinets and appliances, assembly details and relevant code information is finalised
7. Trade, supplier and manufacturer recommendations are added to the drawing set and submitted to authorities for permits

Construction Documents
1. Once permits are obtained, documents for construction are finalised
2. MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) plans and foundation plans submitted by structural engineers are added
3. Increased coordination occurs
4. Drawings include extensive detail

A single software platform or a combination of platforms can be utilised for the design stages, namely:

Autodesk’s Revit BIM:

- 3D BIM models can be created from pre-construction concept stages to detailed construction stages

DIALux and Camel within the BIM format can be used for MEP engineering design, namely MEP design, MEP coordination, MEP drafting and MEP modelling.

- Mechanical, electrical, public health and fire protection building services design can be created for concept, schematic, design development, tender and construction stages.

Revit MEP and Navisworks for 3D building services coordination can be used to create:

- Coordinated Revit 3D models, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire services with other disciplines (steel, concrete, false ceilings, etc.)
- Coordinated MEP drawings of plant rooms, building risers, prefabricated corridors and ceiling modules

AutoCAD and AutoCAD MEP can help create:

- MEP CAD drawings, installation drawings and shop drawings

Revit Architecture and ArchiCAD for architectural CAD drafting services help produce:

- CAD design services, including construction drawing sets, CAD drawings
- Architectural CAD drafting, architectural CAD models, architectural photomontage creations and architectural rendering

SketchUp, 3ds Max, VRay, Lumion, Rhino 3D, Maxwell are user-friendly architectural rendering software tools that have a cache of 3D models of furniture, plants, trees, grass, etc.

-Helps develop final photo-realistic image that reflects design concepts and dimensions
- Includes shadows, shading, light sources, white model effect
- Shows depth of field, environment panel, sky setup - (sun, weather, clouds, fog, rainbow, atmosphere)
- Produces special effects, such as background panels, blend images, texture-mapping, bump-mapping, fogging/participating medium, reflection, transparency, opacity, translucency

Along with the appropriate software, certain key requisites vital for efficient architectural design are:

Right Resources

- Sufficient quantity of skilled human resources with recognised expertise using the above software tools, with the right technical qualifications, knowledge and experience
- Dedicated personnel for one project at a time

Expensive Software

- Updated software for all relevant personnel

Training

- Each contributing project member must be extensively trained on possibly different software

Overseas Options

For either part of or the entire design process, the above-mentioned requisites can be sourced overseas, or outsourced. Outsourcing generates technically efficient architectural design at competitive rates. This is due to:
1. A large number of experienced and technically well-qualified teams
2. Budget-friendly overseas firms with 5-10 years’ architectural design and drafting experience
3. Revit BIM platform popularity overseas, leading to sound experience
4. Impressive certification, generally a minimum of ISO9001:2015

Architectural design drives successful project execution, and though several different software platforms can help deliver comprehensive design, other factors also contribute to project success. These factors are significantly impacted by outsourcing. Outsourcing delivers cost-effective, technically sound architectural drawings, models, computer-generated images and construction documents.

Indian Culture – The Right Fit for Architectural Outsourcing

Indian Culture – The Right Fit for Architectural Drafting Outsourcing

Ask most people from the West about their impression of Indian culture, and most likely, you’re going to get answers ranging from cows and elephants roaming the streets, intense poverty, Bollywood and a powerful onslaught of vibrant colours, sounds and smells. But there is more to Indian culture. And the Indian work culture in particular is refreshingly professional.

One of the advantages of the Indian working class is a certain reverence for learning, in-depth technical expertise, updated training and a healthy working knowledge of the English language. On a global scale, this can be invaluable. 

Diversity in a nation of 29 states and 7 union territories, each with its own distinct flavor, means people are familiar with adapting to varied situations, circumstances, other cultures and professional needs. Add to the mix India’s increasing collaboration with Western corporate and technical entities, eagerness to adapt, and it’s no surprise that Indian work culture exudes a universal appeal. Specific to the architectural CAD outsourcing services industry, these unique Indian cultural features, and more, make India a logical destination for international firms. 

In an age of worldwide economic stress, human resources and work culture are bound to be affected. There is an increasing demand for relevant talent, and so, companies are paying keen attention to retaining and encouraging that talent. Work culture, especially in the emerging outsourced CAD services sector, is a key factor in overall economic growth. Thus, understanding the significance of the Indian work culture, what it was and how it is adapting, becomes fundamentally beneficial for Western firms. 

How the Work Cultures Compared Previously:

- In India, it was perfectly acceptable to work for 10 hours or more; in the West, it is an exception to the rule, where work hours are from 7-8 in a day.

- In India, the relationship between the boss and subordinates was very formal and hierarchical, and it is not so in the West. 

- In India, the hierarchical structure did not always focus on the individual employee but consistently placed management welfare on the top of the pyramid. In the West, the less formal practice of addressing people on a first-name basis, speaking only of work-connected issues and exhibiting less interpersonal skills is more common. 

- Accomplishing a project by a set deadline was sometimes an issue for Indian companies. In the West, it is mandatory to honour commitments and complete tasks on time. Punctuality is not a choice; it is a necessity in the Western work culture. 

- In India, being direct could easily be misunderstood to be rude or disrespectful. Direct communication is appreciated in Western countries. 

 - Indians strove to maintain flexibility and practiced it easily. They tried to adjust wherever possible and whenever required. In the West, this is not so. Professionals function according to a set process and frown on frequent changes. In particular last-minute changes are unacceptable. 

- In Indian companies, the prime focus remained on productivity, with the exclusion of almost everything else. Western nations see the work place as a place of recreation, enjoyment, innovation and creativity, with facilities such as gyms, clubs, lounges, etc. With the progressive march of globalisation, the architectural drafting industry in India quickly adapted to global requirements and certain definitive characteristics of Indian culture helped it along.

Strengths of Indian Culture 

 - Communication – Indians have a fairly good grasp of the English language compared to Asian competitors. Being able to understand building and design elements and recognising problem areas is great, but getting that message across to a customer in the clearest and most concise manner improves productivity and creates a lasting impression that breeds confidence. 

 - A skilled workforce, especially in the IT-enabled industry means that the Indian firms have access to a large amount of number of skilled architectural technicians and architectural 3D modelling resources. Indian firms focus heavily on the latest technology and infrastructure, training the workforce to use the latest technologies, with training programmes conducted on a regular basis to ensure employees are up to date with new software releases that are acquired using the latest releases of Autodesk and ArchiCAD software. 

- Indian culture tends to be biased towards politeness and keeping people happy. This trend is also seen at work – leading to greater customer satisfaction and higher levels of retention. This is really important in an industry such as architecture, where it is important to ‘learn once and apply forever’ to ensure ongoing quality, accuracy and productivity. 

- The employee-employee relationship in India is much more social. Employees are friendly, and being on good terms within an organisation generally helps processes move faster and more efficiently. In architecture support firms, this can aid retention, which is vital to build long-term relationships with client teams from homebuilding, retail and architectural practices. 

- Working hours can easily be 9-10 hours a day, increasing productivity and allowing customers to meet time scales and deadlines in an industry that is constantly seeking to deliver new construction projects on time. 

The strengths of Indian culture would best be served by adopting some of the better practices of Western culture. These include:

- Focus on delivering tasks and following set processes – A professional approach to the completion of various deadlines with quality output and adhering to set processes.

- Positive work environment – This involves a relationship with co-workers and supervisors, an organisational culture and room for personal development. 

- Transparent and open communication - Transparent and open communication lets employees feel what they say has value, makes employees feel they belong in the organisation. Work becomes meaningful, as employees know their contribution affects the company. Communication promotes trust in daily interactions between co-workers, as well as between subordinates and supervisors. Thus, employees will not be afraid to suggest ideas to improve work processes, thus benefiting everyone in the organisation in return.

- Balance between work and personal life - This sense of balance improves job satisfaction, fulfils various needs and goals in life, like of family, friends, spiritual pursuits, self-growth, etc., which increases self-confidence and better performance. Additionally, employees that are exposed to more experiences in life outside of work can use what they’ve gained and apply that to their work. In other words, work-life balance promotes creative solutions to new challenges, with out-of-the-box thinking. 

How a Western-owned culture can impact others

Generally, the Indian cultural ethos sees individuals handle technical tasks, perform simultaneously and focus on results, but previously, all on ‘Indian Standard Time’, which excused an almost karmic acceptance of delays. Also, a certain pull-back to following processes, committing to repetitive tasks and paying attention to detail were all historically practiced. Due to greater interaction and collaboration with Western firms, these laxities are changing quickly. 

Today, in India, the workforce is at ease with structure, capable of managing time, following processes, focusing on tasks and not being diverted with relationships. People and training culture in architectural design support firms in India is influenced by a number of factors, including:

- Employees keep themselves regularly updated with the rapid evolution of technology, although support and personalised CAD training programs from employers help enormously.

- Hard skills impact work productivity directly, and the importance of training is well recognised, with work study and method study applied to CAD tasks to measure productivity being welcomed by most employees.

- Soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, positively affect morale, and thus productivity. and it is common to see good architectural support firms in India investing in English language development for their teams.

- Acknowledging and rewarding employees who put in extra effort encourages similar effort by others. This includes verbal recognition and daily interaction by superiors. 

- A movement towards accepting and tolerating different perspectives and styles enhances a stronger team spirit and helps to find solutions to architectural design challenges all along the architectural design workflow. This changing scenario is heavily influenced by the working style of Western companies. 

How well an Anglo-Indo culture works in the outsourced CAD service industry

Recent years have seen a new wave of young Indians, who are dynamic and modern in their ambitions and working styles. This has led to a wealth of outsourcing options, especially in technical fields, where corporate culture has adopted the best practices of different worlds. For instance, in the architectural drafting world, where BIM outsourcing plays a key role, this change is visibly prevalent.

General practices which are becoming progressively common with architectural CAD outsourcing services in this part of the world include the following: 

- Employees plan tasks for the week, with hourly entries. This detailed plan is an estimate, but it helps project managers to monitor manpower and resources. By the weekend, each employee records their work in a database that works out how much of what was planned got completed. The data is used to monitor utilisation, which is typically targeted in excess of 80. percent. 

- A blueprint explains the content of a schematic design set of drawings, or a DD or CD set of drawings, and instructs how and when to build it, broken down into manageable phases and deliverables. 

- Each phase contains defined tasks, and projects can be viewed as checklists, detailing each employee’s progress. This way, a competitive environment is created and the workforce is encouraged to follow set guidelines. This format helps people know exactly which part of the process they are currently at.

- Other than accountability, people can function without interruptions, since everyone has access to each other’s checklist, which in turn aids project management.

- Architectural tools, such as AutoCAD, cut turnaround time. BIM has the potential to squeeze production cycles even shorter, while at the same time expand, by leaps and bounds, the quality and quantity of data in the final ‘product’. 

With these new tools and new attitudes, clients from the West are expecting, demanding and receiving more from a culture primed to adapt constantly. Industry-specific deliverables, now being processed with global professional standards, have attained a new level of expertise and quality in India – a perfect fit indeed.

Benefits of using Revit Architecture for 3D Renders

Autodesk Revit was introduced well over a decade ago, it is software for architects, designers, MEP engineers, structural engineers and contractors. Over the years, Revit adoption has progressed rapidly in the AEC industry, which in itself has seen revolutionary developments in the same period.

Revit is available in many packages, which includes, Autodesk Revit Architecture and Autodesk Revit MEP, amongst others. Autodesk Revit Architecture provides an array of tools required for projects across a range of architectural sectors, including home building and retail  along with the ability to prepare 3D renders. It is a tool extensively used by companies providing Architectural CAD Services, Architectural Drafting Service and Architectural 3D Rendering Services.

Revit architecture utilises parametric design processes which enable seamless modification of a related environment whenever an element in the adjacent environment is changed, thus maintaining continuity within a single project file. One of the more recent tools of Revit architecture is its ability to generate 3D renders, as 3D renders enable architects, consultants and associated professionals to present their design ideas and  architectural vision through 3D images to clients and associated project stakeholders. The main highlight of architectural rendering using Revit Architecture is its capability to augment visualization and facilitate the creation of 3D views.

Listed below are a few of the features and benefits of using Revit Architecture for 3D renders:

• Precise sun settings in the renders –

 Revit Architecture carries settings to produce accurate colour reproduction such as proper set up of  lighting and materials. Exterior daytime renders are created by using sun setting option, allowing to  create a precise sun angle and position relative to the building. Revit Architecture also accurately  portrays the sunlight for specific locations around the world, by just stating time and date with the  desired location in the settings.

• Accurate production of Resolution -

 Based upon client requirements and the end use of the image, the resolution of rendered images can  be selected. If the rendered image is going to be used for a large presentation board then a high  resolution setting can be selected and for a relatively small image, where the level of detail is less, a  lower resolution setting can be selected.

• Comparatively quicker than the competition -

 The majority of the competitive rendering engines utilise a high amount of CPU memory and also  require advanced GPU’s, which ultimately results in a lot of time consumption to produce high  quality renders. Revit Architecture is fine tuned to utilise less CPU memory and in most cases does  not require a GPU to handle complex scenes and lightings, improving the overall efficiency and  creating high resolution renders in significantly less time.

• Higher reliability ratio -

 Due to advanced settings that provide the best performance under varied settings,  Revit Architecture  creates renders with high resolution in much less time, where similar rendering engines fail to create  renders of lower resolution. Hence, along with providing an optimum output, Revit Architecture is a  highly reliable tool to create high quality 3D renders.

• Variety of tool options -

 Revit Architecture comes  with a variety of tool options, such as a visualisation related ‘election  tool’  in the ‘View’ panel on the ‘Modify’ tab. There are many more similar tools available on Revit  Architecture which can be useful for various tasks other than creating renders.

Revit Architecture is becoming one of the more versatile tools for overall design modeling and documentation.  The ability to generate 3D renders using an array of options has broadened the appeal and use of the tool for architects and designers.There are a variety of additional benefits of using Revit Architecture for 3D Renders other than the few listed above, which are updated in every new iteration of the software, making it a sought after tool for designers around the world..

10 Reasons to Use Revit MEP for MEP Coordination

Autodesk Revit MEP is an important component used for design by the AEC industry. Globally, AEC firms are increasingly using Revit MEP to produce 3D M&E (MEP) coordinated drawings, and Revit MEP tools to update their BIM models with MEP information, and thus, enhance their architectural and engineering design development and construction documentation process. Businesses using Revit MEP are starting to realise the potential of this technology to deliver more value to the AEC industry and also manage their own budgets and profitability at the same time. Before we look at the reasons to use Revit MEP for MEP coordination, let’s briefly cover the subject of Autodesk Revit MEP for MEP coordination.

Autodesk Revit MEP for MEP Coordination

Autodesk Revit MEP, a building information modelling (BIM) software is a leading Autodesk product that is used by users engaging in MEP engineering projects. MEP is an acronym for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing which forms the three engineering disciplines addressed by Revit MEP. Using BIM software rather than CAD (computer aided drafting), Revit MEP consists of dynamic information in the form of intelligent models, letting complex building systems to be precisely designed and documented in a shorter amount of time. Within Revit MEP there are a series of intelligent models that combine to form a complete project, all stored in a single database file. With this, the changes made in one part of the model can then be automatically propagated to other parts of the model, thus reducing the timeframe to alter designs during the design process. As far as MEP coordination is concerned, it involves coordination of all building services (HVAC, pipework, public health and electrical systems) with other disciplines making up the structure of the building, fabric and external envelope, i.e. steel, concrete, false ceilings, etc.

Having refreshed our memories with Autodesk Revit MEP, let us focus on the reasons why it is useful for MEP coordination. There are of course many reasons, however a few are listed below that will hopefully demonstrate the value of this tool for coordination.

10 Reasons to Use Revit MEP for MEP Coordination

The top 10 reasons to use Revit MEP during MEP design and coordination are summarised below:

• Revit MEP produces high end building information models that represent realistic, real time design scenarios, helping users to make more informed design decisions earlier in the process. The team working on the project can better meet goals and sustainability initiatives, execute energy analysis, examine system loads, and produce heating and cooling load reports with native integrated analysis tools
• Revit MEP software’s modelling and layout tools let engineers create mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems more easily and precisely. Also, the software’s parametric change technology means that any change to the MEP model is automatically coordinated throughout the model
• The complexities of today’s buildings require leading edge system’s and engineering tools to optimize performance in both use and efficiency. As complexities increase in the projects, communicating design changes among MEP engineers and their extended teams is critical. Revit MEP’s purpose built systems analysis and optimization tools lets team members receive feedback about their MEP designs in real time, resulting in better performing designs in the process
• Using Revit MEP, the MEP engineers can more effectively collaborate and interact based on workflow and project requirements through use of a range of compatible collaboration tools such as BIM360. The software also helps to minimize design coordination errors among the extended project team, and helps to reduce design conflicts with real time clash and interference detection.
• In Revit MEP, all model information is stored in a single, coordinated database. Revisions and modifications to information are automatically updated throughout the model, helping to significantly reduce errors and omissions. Autodesk refers to this database driven simultaneous update to file output as multi-directional associatively which explains that a change in one area manifests in all other parts of the file.
• Parametric components, also called families, are the basis for all building components designed in Revit MEP. These components provide an open graphical system for design thinking and form making and offer the opportunity to adjust and express design intent at increasingly detailed levels.
• Revit MEP software is a much more streamlined and intuitive user interface that is easier to learn and adopt. Users can thus find favourite tools and commands faster, identify tools more efficiently, and discover relevant new features easily.
• Revit MEP works holistically, treating information in terms of entire building, linking mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems with the building model - thus increasing collaborative working and a team based approach to projects.
• Revit MEP updates model views and sheets, thus helping to maintain document and project consistency. With its help MEP engineers can for example, create HVAC systems with mechanical functionality and offer 3D modelling for ductwork and piping.
• Revit MEP has built in calculators that allows MEP engineers to execute sizing and pressure loss calculations as per the industry standard methods and specifications

At XS CAD, we have developed the required expertise and extensive knowledge of providing Revit 3D BIM Modelling and MEP coordination drawings services to MEP engineers, MEP consultants and MEP trade contractors in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and India. To learn more about our Revit MEP Services, drop us an email or call us for more information.

Detailed Retail Construction Drawings Play a Key Role in Design-Bid-Build Projects

The design-build model of project delivery is one of the most used approaches, particularly for large-scale, high-end architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects. These include infrastructure projects, such as healthcare and medical research facilities, airport terminals, bridges, educational institutes, and large custom homes. Nevertheless, very few residential and retail construction/redevelopment projects, primarily with tight budgets, use the design-build delivery method. Department stores, supermarkets, warehouse stores, and shopping centres / malls which are not linked to multinational retail owners and have a limited geographical reach fall into this category.

In case of such projects, a design/architectural firm is contracted to come up with the designs, plans, drawings, and detailed specifications which clearly convey the architect's / designer's intent. After initial meetings between the owner and architect/designer, all retail construction drawings are finalised. Depending on the scope of the project, this set includes floor plans, internal& external elevations, construction plans, setting out drawings, composite plans, finishing plans, lighting plans, ceiling plans and sections.

Once all the plans and CAD drawings are in place, the project undergoes a competitive bidding process used to shortlist a general contractor (main contractor) to implement the construction work mapped out in the detailed retail construction documents. Since this design-bid-build method of project delivery involves roping in distinct teams for design/planning and construction, detailed and accurate retail construction drawing sets play a key role in ensuring that the change orders on-site are avoided. Owing to a significant reduction of change orders during construction, the time, effort, and resources that would have been wasted on rework or modification are saved.

Whilst the retail construction drawing sets are important to seek site permits and regional building licenses, the level of detail/development necessitated by the permit documents are far less than what ideally need to be passed on to the general contractors (main contractors). Moreover, in the design-bid-build method, the amount of information incorporated in the construction drawing sets determine, to a large extent, the number of change orders. Since the construction documents are made especially to seek permits from the local authorities feature less detail, the competitive bids from all the participating general contractors (main contractors) will be lower; however, the lower bids will not truly reflect the nature of project's requirements.

As a result, detailed, clear, and unambiguous retail design drawings significantly lessen the chances of unanticipated change orders on site. When the chances of change orders reduce, the project becomes more profitable and completes on time, which is precisely what all the key parties involved in the project strive for. In order to achieve this, designers/architects involved in such design-bid-build projects perform constructability review of design at regular phases during the pricing phases.

In some cases, designers/architects rope in offshore CAD services providers to prepare detailed production drawing sets for them. Experienced companies providing retail design and documentation services take basic conceptual and schematic designs or sketches from the architects and deliver detailed construction drawing sets as per requirements. This enables architects to efficiently focus on seeking client's and local council's approvals over schematic designs, manage the project effectively, and administer construction-related issues.

All things considered, detailed retail construction drawing sets and specifications not only benefit designers, architects, and contractors but also reduces construction change-orders, which effectively leads to on-time and within-budget project delivery for relatively small-scale retail construction projects using design-bid-build delivery method.