Is It Time For Landscape Designers To Implement BIM?

4 steps to get you started

The global transition to BIM in the AEC fields has accelerated over the past few years. Many landscape professionals know it is only a matter of time before they must start using BIM software in their daily work. While some are thrilled to hop on this train, not knowing what lies ahead, others wonder whether it’s not another software that will waste their time. Will BIM truly show all the advantages it promises?

These concerns are often justified. Learning to use a new program can be a lengthy and costly process. Transitioning to BIM requires a fundamental shift in how we perceive the planning process and its relationship to the built project.

For this reason, a dedicated team of landscape architects developed Environment for Revit, a set of tools tailored specifically to site design and environmental planning professionals.

Based on Autodesk Revit software, these Environment tools unlock all of Revit’s benefits for the numerous landscape architects looking to implement BIM.

Visit our site to learn more about Revit for Landscape.

After compiling more than three years of daily user data with numerous practicing landscape architects and students, we can confidently say that with the right efforts, BIM will deliver all these promises and more. Working with Revit and Environment tools will enable landscape architects to be more involved in the whole BIM process, and at the same time, allow their employees to spend less time on drawings, renderings, and analysis; thus, giving the users significant leverage.

You can easily plan, present, and calculate quantities of design alternatives.

4 Steps For Implementing Revit In Landscape Design

Step 1 – Learn the software

Let’s not sugar-coat it. Implementing BIM isn’t a simple mission for any of the AEC disciplines.BIM for landscape is now a few years old and professionals with both landscape architecture and Revit skills are still a scarce commodity. For this reason, it is necessary to train practicing professionals rather than wait for Revit landscape experts to emerge.

Furthermore, don’t underestimate the learning process. The workflow itself, meaning the order and technique of modeling, is crucial for creating a valuable model that communicates with other disciplines and allows for data usage. Revit is an advanced and elaborated work tool, and one should know it fluently to make it as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

Plus, regardless of the years of experience you have, there are always enhancements and changes to the software that you will need to learn in order to stay current.

Revit learning curve from our experience. Training is crucial.

Step 2 – Create a Template File

A template file basically contains all your work standards. The better this file is – the more efficient and fluent your work will be. This file can contain unit standards, font styles, line styles, and numerous different site and entourage elements commonly used. It can also include complex spreadsheets to automatically calculate quantities in your model and even different materials and graphic styles for all views of the planned project.

An office template file is usually a “live” file that is being updated and improved with the accumulated experience of the firm’s architects. After a short time of learning Revit, you can already set up the first drafts of your template file, but it is also possible to hire a professional BIM/Revit technician to create one for you. The template can be based on a set of pdf project documents to ‘translate’ your work standards from CAD to BIM so you can start your first BIM project right away.

Using templates to save documenting time. Section Elevation view.

Step 3 – Implement Revit with Environment

The best way to learn how to swim is by jumping into the water. You and your employees should start using Revit + Environment. It’s essential to practice on real projects even if there are a few bumps along the way.

When selecting the practice project, we recommend using a project that is already fully planned. This way, you don’t have any delays waiting for the planning to be completed. In this first project, you may encounter many common issues with the different elements and categories of Revit. As you face them step-by-step, you will become a BIM expert and will be able to train other team members. Not only will you be running more efficiently, but promoting learning for your entire staff.

Automating modeling process with environment tools. Placing curbs.

Another essential part of implementing BIM is having someone to support this process. In the beginning, you might need someone to assist you on your first few projects. You could choose either a professional BIM implementation firm or a Revit freelancer to provide support every now and then. You will soon be experiencing the benefits of working in the BIM method, getting better and more efficient over time.

Automating modeling process with environment tools. Stepped walls with rallings.

Step 4 – Let the CAD Go… And Don’t Look Back!

It may take you some time to learn or perhaps you will get it quickly. Whatever the case, don’t be tempted to go back to your comfort zone. You will reach a certain point in using Revit that you’ll be wondering why you didn’t take the leap from CAD even sooner.

Be patient with your own learning curve and believe that once you put in the effort to learn, you will reap the benefits of what you sow. It’s time to embrace the future and implement BIM along with Revit & Environment. So, what are you waiting for?

Visit our site to learn more about Revit for Landscape.