Revit beginner guide: Building Your First Project - Part 01

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to guide you through the essential procedures and practices for building your first project in Autodesk Revit. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide covers everything from creating external and internal layouts to placing windows and doors, manipulating roofs, and designing landscapes. By following these steps, you'll establish a solid foundation for your architectural projects in Revit.

Step 1: Create the External Layout

• Open Autodesk Revit and start a new project.
• Select the appropriate wall type from the wall tool.
• Draw the external walls of your building layout:
  • Click to start the wall, drag to set the length, and click again to finish.
  • Use the properties panel to adjust wall heights and types.
• Ensure that the external layout accurately reflects your design intentions.

Step 2: Craft the Internal Layout

• Switch to the interior layout phase after establishing the external walls.
• Use the wall tool again to create internal walls:
  • Click and drag to define room spaces.
  • Adjust wall dimensions using the dimension tool for precision.
• Check for accuracy in the layout by reviewing the space functionality and flow.

Step 3: Place Unique-Sized Windows and Doors

• Select the door tool to add doors:
  • Choose from the available door types or create a custom type.
  • Click on the wall where you want to place the door.
• For windows, select the window tool:
  • Similar to doors, choose or create window types based on your design.
  • Click to place windows in the walls, ensuring they are aligned as per your layout.

Step 4: Manipulate Roofs for Different Shapes and Styles

• Navigate to the roof tool to begin roof placement.
• Choose the type of roof you wish to create (flat, gabled, hip, etc.).
• Draw the roof boundary by clicking at the corners of your building layout.
• Adjust the roof properties to manipulate its shape and style:
  • Use the properties panel to set pitch, overhangs, and other parameters.

Step 5: Design the Exterior Path and Driveway

• Use the site tools to create paths and driveways:
  • Select the appropriate tool for pathways (e.g., the floor tool).
  • Draw the path from the street to the entrance of your building.
• Refine the layout to ensure it complements the overall design.

Step 6: Landscape the Property

• Access the landscaping features in Revit.
• Choose plants, trees, and other landscaping elements from the library.
• Place these elements strategically to enhance the visual appeal of your project:
  • Use the move and rotate tools to position items effectively.

Step 7: Create a Bespoke Fence Profile

• Select the fence tool to begin designing your custom fence.
• Choose the fence type or create a new profile:
  • Use the drawing tools to define the shape and height of your fence.
• Adjust the properties to ensure it aligns with your architectural style.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to create a comprehensive project layout in Autodesk Revit, from external and internal layout design to window and door placements, roof manipulation, exterior path creation, and customized fencing. With these foundational skills, you can expand your projects further and explore more advanced features in Revit. As you progress, consider experimenting with more intricate designs and additional landscaping elements to enhance your architectural vision. Happy designing!