There are many ways of modeling elements in Revit. As seen in Why use BIM? the model should answer the client needs. It is not the same to model for energy modeling, asset management or quantity measurement.

The recommendations below are for modeling a project whose deliverables will be printed at 1/50 (excluding details) and which will be used for quantities estimation.

Should the project be divided? How?

If the project is clearly divided into different volumes, it is probably a good idea to separate them into different files. The strategy varies from project to project.

Remember to define where the layouts will be done.

Example of separation:

1. File for context
2. File for landscape
3. File for Building A
4. File for Building B
5. File for layout views

Example of spatial partitioning / Buildwise

Example of more complex partitioning based on spatial division, disciplines and sub-disciplines / Buildwise

Revit Version

• A version will be defined for all projects, including internal. I reccommend to use the latest.
• If we are going to collaborate with other offices/collaborators, an agreement must be reached.

General modeling Rules

• Model as the building is constructed physically.
• In case of modification, adapt the elements rather than deleting and recreating them.
• Respect the geometry of the elements as they are available on the market, for example, the exact width of silico-calcareous blocks.
• When possible, use the correct category (do not make a ceiling with the roof tool).

Layers

Walls, floors, and roofs are tools that work with layers. Layers help simplify modeling, but this simplification can be a danger when it comes to measuring quantities. That is why we separate certain elements:

• Structural elements.
• Any layer that will not be properly accounted for.