Proper way to do Architectural Programming in Revit?

[Anonymous]

Is there an easy way to do architectural programming in Revit? This is a very hard problem to research, since the word "programming" is associated with computer science programs, also available in Revit.

I've come across some Affinity Trelligence, but it seems clunky, expensive and buggy.

The old solution from LMN (https://lmnarchitects.com/tech-studio/parametrics/grasshopper-space-planner/). But it seems to rely on Grasshopper and other external software and it does not seem to be up to date.

Programming is a crucial part of any architectural workflow and it seems like Revit has not provided a good solution to the issue yet. Working with rooms early on is clumsy, they all move around.

I'm wondering if anyone found a logical and useful way to integrate architectural programming workflows into their Revit work? Thanks!

[ToanDN]

You can either use Area, or Room by separation lines for programming.  Each comes with their own pros and cons so it really depends on personal preference.

Area plans are quite independent from the model so messing around with the model does not affect their content and graphics.  But you have to manage two things when changes happen.

Rooms with separation lines method is more organic but also require an extra level of data management such as storing the programming area in a separate parameter for comparison with actual area during design process.  Alternatively, you can store the initial program in a separate Phase, or a separate Level for overlaying comparison if needed.

If the program required not only area but also volume or vertical arrangement, you can use in-place mass.

[RDAOU]

@Anonymous

Nothing much has changed since then. You can use some of Revit's internal tools (example: what @ToanDN has suggested) but I personally find it a bit cumbersome, lacks creativity and has lots of limitations. On the other hand (relative to grasshopper) Dynamo does a pretty nice, neat and impressive job with project programming and project dashboards.

some including your good self might or could say yeah but Dynamo is an external software which require also certain scripting skills; however, it is a fact that Dynamo is becoming or has become an integrated solution for countless tasks and is now an inseparable limb of Revit.

[Anonymous]

Thanks @RDAOU, I do plan to start using Dynamo in the long term, despite needing a short term solution like Toan suggested.

Do you have any leads on good Dynamo plugins for this task? I've seen some work on Fractal, but it's not something that I can start using on projects without some prior research and testing time.

http://insidethefactory.typepad.com/thebuildinglab/2016/03/project-fractal-practice-partners.html

[FGPerraudin]

Hi @Anonymous,

In our practice, beginners with revit use filled regions to develop basic layouts before developping proper buildings, 

As they have an area property.

With a bit of training and basic tools  (two types of basic walls: partition and structural, generic room) set properly (attach walls to level, top and bottom), you can achieve layout studies as well while starting a proper model.

But still, As an Architect, nothing replaces a good piece of paper and a pencil at first!

PROS of revit method:

• instant surfaces calculations and scheduling (for comparison with brief),
• options are pretty useful as well
• get to 3D volume very fast

CONS:

• clumsy to use at first
• not romantic!

François-Gabriel

[Anonymous]

As an update, this is the best guide I found so far:

https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Advanced-Techniques-Managing-Building-Data-Revit-...

and this Dynamo Workflow:

http://www.martinportfolio.com/blog/2016/11/29/space-planning-update

This service also seems pretty adapted:

https://www.drofus.no/en/

Much better than Trelligence Affinity, which is kind of a disaster of a software. To be avoided as much as possible.

[Anonymous]

This team also has  a very interesting tool to do the programming process in VR. Not tested yet:

https://scenarion.io/spaceplan