Virtual Building Design for Engineers Using Autodesk Revit from edX

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has initiated a sea change in the way that engineers approach the design and construction of buildings. Autocad, and 2D-centric methods in general, have been pushed aside to make way for 3D-centric workflows and design processes rooted in parametric modeling, interoperability, visualization, Work-sharing, and automation that leverage the latest advancements in computing technology. Advanced 3D modeling programs (including Autodesk Revit and others), simulations, augmented reality, virtual reality, and other technologies have presented design professionals and project teams with new opportunities to maximize design the efficiency, functionality, and performance of buildings, to streamline and optimize design and construction operations, to study building lifecycles, and to help mitigate the impact of buildings on the environment.

However, as the AEC industry rapidly evolves by adopting BIM workflows, the educational system has been slow to respond. There is an ever-widening gap between the traditional engineering curriculum and the skills that students need when they graduate. This course will fill that gap by not only broadly introducing students to Virtual Design and BIM, but will introduce students to Autodesk Revit with future courses developed specifically for Structural Engineers, MEP Engineers, Fire Protection Engineers, and Construction Engineers.

What you'll learn

This introductory course will include the following:

Introduction to basic BIM Theory and 3D modeling and parametric modeling
Discussing the benefits of visualization, and basic Revit workflows
Introduction to the Revit UI, basic Revit modeling tools, and general Revit functionality
Tutorials on how to start a new Revit project and use Revit templates
Tutorials on how to model simple building components in Revit, and how to create basic building views, including 3D views, elevations, plans, sections, and details.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Introduction to basic bim theory and 3d modeling and parametric modeling
Discussing the benefits of visualization, and basic revit workflows
Introduction to the revit ui, basic revit modeling tools, and general revit functionality

Tutorials on how to start a new revit project and use revit templates
Tutorials on how to model simple building components in revit, and how to create basic building views, including 3d views, elevations, plans, sections, and details.

Introduction to basic bim theory and 3d modeling and parametric modeling
Discussing the benefits of visualization, and basic revit workflows
Introduction to the revit ui, basic revit modeling tools, and general revit functionality
Tutorials on how to start a new revit project and use revit templates
Tutorials on how to model simple building components in revit, and how to create basic building views, including 3d views, elevations, plans, sections, and details.

Syllabus

Week 1: BIM and VDC: What are they and why are they important?

Week 2: Basic Revit modeling concepts

Week 3: Basic Revit modeling - simple vertical building components

Week 4: Basic Revit modeling - simple horizontal building elements

Week 5: Documentation in Revit and Future Courses

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Ideal for beginners who want an introduction to Virtual Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Builds a strong foundation for students in structural engineering, MEP engineering, fire protection engineering, and construction engineering

Provides hands-on tutorials on how to use Autodesk Revit, a leading BIM software

Covers essential BIM concepts such as 3D modeling, parametric modeling, and interoperability

Emphasizes the benefits of visualization and collaboration in BIM workflows

Taught by Jason Dreher, an experienced instructor in BIM and construction management

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Virtual Building Design for Engineers Using Autodesk Revit with these activities:

Review Basic Computer Architecture Concepts

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Reviewing key concepts will make understanding course materials easier.

Browse courses on Computer Architecture

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Read textbooks or articles.
Complete practice problems or exercises.

Practice Creating Simple Architectural Models in Revit

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Gaining proficiency in modeling simple architectural structures will ease complexity of modeling more intricate designs.

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Complete online tutorials or exercises.
Attempt practice problems or projects.

Develop an Overview Presentation on Revit's Collaboration Tools

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Creating a presentation will force you to synthesize your understanding of Revit's collaboration tools and enhance your ability to articulate the concepts.

Browse courses on Project Collaboration

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Gather information and resources.
Develop an outline and structure.
Create slides and visual aids.
Practice and refine the presentation.

One other activity

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Develop a Comprehensive BIM Execution Plan for a Building Project

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Creating a BIM execution plan will demonstrate your understanding of the entire BIM process and its real-world application.

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Establish project scope and objectives.
Define roles and responsibilities.
Develop a communication and coordination plan.
Establish technology and software requirements.
Create a quality assurance and control plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Virtual Building Design for Engineers Using Autodesk Revit will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Building Information Modeler (BIM) Specialist

**BIM Specialists** create and manage BIM models for buildings and other structures. This course would help develop the skills needed for this role, as it covers the basics of BIM theory, Revit software, and how to create 3D models of buildings. An advanced degree is usually required for a BIM Specialist position.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Information Modeler (BIM) Specialist

Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Manager

**VDC Managers** oversee the use of BIM and other technologies in the design and construction of buildings. This course would help build a foundation in BIM and Revit, which are essential tools for VDC Managers. The course would help one understand how to use Revit to create 3D models of buildings, manage project data, and collaborate with other team members.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Manager

Architectural Drafter

**Architectural Drafters** create detailed technical drawings of buildings and other structures using computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as Autodesk Revit. This course would help build a foundation in Revit, enabling one to create 3D models and produce construction documents. While an associate's degree is typically required to get an entry-level position in this field, taking this course may also help qualify an individual to apply for such roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Drafter

Structural Engineer

**Structural Engineers** design and analyze the structural integrity of buildings and other structures. This course would help build a foundation in Revit, which is widely used in the structural engineering field. The course would help one create 3D models of buildings and analyze the structural integrity of buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer

MEP Engineer

**MEP Engineers** design and build mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for buildings. This course would help build a foundation in Revit, which is widely used in the MEP engineering field. The course would help one create 3D models of buildings and design and document MEP systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for MEP Engineer

Civil Engineer

**Civil Engineers** design and build infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and dams. This course may be of particular value to Civil Engineers who wish to specialize in building design and construction. Revit is widely used in the field of civil engineering, and this course could help build a foundation in using the software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Project Manager

**Project Managers** plan and manage construction projects. This course would help build a foundation in BIM and Revit, which are essential tools for project managers in the construction industry. The course would help one understand how to use Revit to create 3D models of buildings, track project progress, and manage project costs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sustainability Consultant

**Sustainability Consultants** help businesses and organizations reduce their environmental impact. This course would help build a foundation in BIM and Revit, which are increasingly being used to design and build sustainable buildings. The course could help one understand how to use Revit to create 3D models of buildings and analyze their environmental impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Construction Inspector

**Construction Inspectors** ensure that building projects comply with building codes and regulations. This course would help one understand basic BIM theory and how to use Revit to create 3D models of buildings. This knowledge could be valuable in helping to identify and resolve construction issues.

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Design-Build Project Manager

**Design-Build Project Managers** oversee all aspects of a construction project, from design to construction. This course could be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this career path, as it would help one understand the basics of BIM and Revit, which are essential tools for Design-Build Project Managers. An advanced degree is typically required for this role.

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Facilities Manager

**Facilities Managers** oversee the maintenance and operation of buildings and other facilities. This course could be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this career path, as it would help one understand the basics of BIM and Revit, which are increasingly being used to manage facilities. An advanced degree is sometimes required for this role.

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Landscape Architect

**Landscape Architects** design and build outdoor spaces. This course could be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this career path, as it would help one understand the basics of BIM and Revit, which are increasingly being used to design and build outdoor spaces. An advanced degree is usually required for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Real Estate Developer

**Real Estate Developers** plan and develop real estate projects. This course could be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this career path, as it would help one understand the basics of BIM and Revit, which are increasingly being used to design and build real estate projects. An advanced degree is sometimes required for this role.

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Urban Planner

**Urban Planners** plan and develop urban areas. This course could be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this career path, as it would help one understand the basics of BIM and Revit, which are increasingly being used to design and build urban areas. An advanced degree is usually required for this role.

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Zoning Administrator

**Zoning Administrators** administer zoning laws and regulations. This course could be helpful for someone who wants to pursue this career path, as it would help one understand the basics of BIM and Revit, which are increasingly being used to manage zoning and land use. An advanced degree is sometimes required for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Zoning Administrator