Modeling - Essential Skill

Learn how the changes you make to elements in one view are visible in all other views.

The Revit model is a virtual version of the building design. The model describes not only the geometry of the model elements, but also captures the design intent and logical relationships between the elements in the model. You can think of the 2D model views (plans, sections, elevations, and so on) as slices of the 3D model. Changes made to one view are instantly visible in all other views of the model, keeping the views in sync at all times. The 3D model is used to create the 2D views that make up the printed document set.

Terms and Concepts

Term/Concept Definition
Model Creates a 3D virtual representation of the design. The views of the project are slices of the model at a particular position. Every view of the model is a live view of the elements. If an element is moved in one view, then the position of that element in all of the views is instantly changed. The model also encodes design intent with constraints.
Constraint Establishes relationships between elements, so when an element is altered, the elements it is constrained to will also be changed to maintain the design intent of the model. For example, the tops of the walls may be constrained to the roof. When the roof is raised or lowered, or changes slope, the walls respond and stay connected to the roof element because of the constraint.
Sketch Defines the boundary of an element, such as a roof or a floor. In most cases, a sketch for an element must form a closed loop of lines for it to be valid. Sketch lines can be constrained to other elements to ensure that the boundary of the element will retain important relationships to other elements in the model.
View Shows the model from a specific viewpoint, such as a floor plan or section of the model. All views are live and changes to an element in one view will be instantly propagated to the other views of the model, keeping all views in sync. Views also establish where model elements are positioned when they are placed. For example, a roof plan view establishes the workplane for placing a roof, so that it is positioned at the correct height.

Video

In this video, you will learn how to:
  • Place a roof element.
  • Move elements in the model.
  • Constrain a roof sketch to walls.