2025-09-22 3D Modelling Practical (Modelling the Foundation)

Quick recap

In this meeting, Brian addressed attendance issues and provided feedback on Checkpoint 1 submissions while introducing the next steps for Checkpoint 2, which focuses on modeling the foundation and simplifying designs. The session included detailed demonstrations on using Revit for 3D modeling, including creating and managing levels, columns, and structural elements, with emphasis on proper organization and planning. Technical difficulties were encountered during the session, but Brian continued to explain key concepts and tools while announcing incentives for timely foundation model submissions.

Next steps

Students: Start building their foundation design in Revit

• Students: Continue working in the same Revit file used for the previous checkpoint submission

• Students: Set up levels in their Revit models before starting the foundation modeling

• Students: Check comments section in the grading page for specific feedback on their submissions

• Students: Plan out their levels and grid references before starting the 3D modeling

• Students with designs larger than 20x20 feet: Reduce their designs to meet the 6.5 x 6.5 meter requirement

• Students with curved or slanted walls: Consider simplifying their designs

• Students with curved or slanted walls: Seek additional guidance from Brian

• Students with complex designs: Simplify their designs to avoid getting hung up on design aspects in the 3D Modeling module

• Students with split-level designs: Follow Brian's demonstration closely

• Thuran and other students with split-level designs: Follow Brian's specific demonstration for split-level modeling

• Students who want to completely change their designs: Notify Brian

• Students who want to modify their models: Make practical adjustments as needed

• Students who want to modify their models: Notify Brian if making significant design changes

• All students: Complete foundation modeling following the demonstrated workflow

Summary

Checkpoint 2 Design Feedback Session

Brian began the session by addressing attendance issues and reminding students to update their profile pictures. He praised those who submitted work for Checkpoint 1 and provided feedback on areas for improvement, including ensuring designs fit the specified 20x20-foot (6.5x6.5-meter) building footprint. Brian emphasized the importance of checking grades and comments on the class website for feedback. He then introduced the next steps for Checkpoint 2, focusing on modeling the foundation and simplifying designs to avoid complexity. Brian also mentioned that modifications to designs are acceptable if practical issues arise, but students must notify him of any significant changes. The session concluded with a plan to cover the site in the next class, marking Checkpoint 2, and to focus on walls in the subsequent major task.

3D Modeling Level Structure Basics

Brian led a discussion on structuring levels in 3D modeling, focusing on organizing reference points for ground floors, upper floors, and water levels. He demonstrated how to create and label levels in Revit, emphasizing the importance of planning levels and grids before modeling. Brian also explained the concept of datums as reference points and provided tips for navigating Revit's interface using categories. Participants were encouraged to follow along with the demonstration in their existing Revit files.

Revit Level Modeling Demonstration

Brian demonstrated how to create and modify levels in Revit, including changing their properties and aligning them with reference points. He showed how to draw a foundation slab based on a sketch, and explained that the thickness of the slab could be adjusted according to construction needs. Brian also mentioned that while architectural representation details would be covered in a later module, the focus of this session was on modeling. The session encountered some technical difficulties with audio, but Brian continued to explain how to navigate Revit's interface and access 3D views.

Revit Family Duplication and Customization

Brian explained the concept of duplicating and modifying Revit families to avoid altering the original template settings. He clarified that while it's possible to edit the type directly, duplicating the type allows for changes without affecting other instances of the same type in the project. Brian also mentioned that family editing is a significant aspect of Revit, with professionals often specializing in creating custom families for manufacturers. He advised against using masses for modeling and encouraged students to follow class tutorials. Brian concluded by reminding students to ask questions during lecture sessions and emphasized the importance of understanding Revit's tools for successful project completion.

Revit Foundation Design Techniques

Brian demonstrated how to use Revit to design a building's foundation and structure, focusing on creating columns and adjusting their placement. He showed how to use grids to plan column locations and modify the design as needed. Brian emphasized the importance of drawing first and then revising the design, rather than trying to get everything perfect from the start. He also explained the difference between architectural and structural columns in Revit and how to use them effectively.

Revit Column Family Management Basics

Brian demonstrated how to create and manage column families in Revit, emphasizing the importance of naming and organizing families for clarity. He explained the process of duplicating, editing, and saving families, as well as using grids to align and organize columns in a project. Brian also covered the use of structural framing elements, such as beams, and highlighted the importance of using the correct family types for accuracy and collaboration with other disciplines.

Revit View Range Adjustment Demo

Brian demonstrated how to adjust view ranges in Revit to properly see and manipulate beams and other elements below the zero plane. He explained the concept of cut planes and view depth, showing how to modify these settings to reveal hidden columns and other structural elements. Brian also covered how to change the detail level from coarse to medium to show more detailed representations of beams and other elements.

Revit Structural Editing Techniques

Brian demonstrated how to modify structural elements in Revit, focusing on adjusting beam levels and floor slab thickness. He explained the difference between reference levels and constraints for structural members, and showed how to edit work planes and floor types to achieve the desired 2-inch thick timber floor finish. Ansel had some difficulty deleting structural boundary elements, which Brian helped resolve by explaining how core boundaries work in different construction contexts.

Revit Structural Foundation Design Basics

Brian demonstrated how to create and adjust structural members and levels in Revit, focusing on creating a structurally reasonable foundation. He showed how to use various tools like Align, Copy, and Edit Reference Plane to position members accurately. Brian emphasized the importance of using multiple levels for better flexibility in design adjustments. He also introduced a new feature called "Summary" that provides a concise overview of class recordings. Brian announced that students who submit their foundation models by the end of the day will receive double participation points. The class will focus on building the foundation and adding terrain in the next session.

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