Revit vs other software capabilities

[magdalena3EKWF]

Dear Revit users,

I would like to ask you for an advice. I’ve decided to post in in Revit Architecture as it seems to be the most popular forum. We are starting our journey with Revit and we have some general questions about efficient way of working and compatible software.   

We are developing urban farm shop, it's standardized greenhouse (32x56m) with retail part. It's a steel construction with aluminium roof. Covered with sandwich panels - walls and polycarbonate panels - roof. Inside we need to place a lot of climate equipment to keep proper conditions for plants. Our goal is to get detailed BIM model and workshop documentations for steel structure. Is Revit suitable software from which we can get all we need (BIM model, workshop documentation for steel as well as model for all MEP elements). Or is it more efficient to use another software on the certain moment of the design process, like Advance Steel, because it will be more efficient in the workflow? The same question for MEP. Is Revit sufficient to create all models and documents or we will need another software and if yes, which one would be the best choice?  

All advices are welcome. 

Kind regards,

Magdalena

[HVAC-Novice]

Are you also involved in production/fabrication of those greenhouses or just design? 

for MEP I don't see why it wouldn't work. The only caveat being that for the HVAC load calculation you need a more dedicated software. If we assume different climates and seasonal uses, HVAC load would differ from project to project. 

for detailed lighting design you need a plugin like "elum tools" or use a standalone software (less efficient). I assume on you can create some good rules of thumb how to illuminate those very similar buildings. 

[magdalena3EKWF]

@HVAC-Novice  Thank you for your reply. 

Yes, we are involved in all the stages of the project.

Climate load calculations are already in progress and yes, we are not going to use Revit for it. And if I understand you correctly preparing models and drawings for MEP, Revit will work and we don't need additional software.  

I'm not sure how capable is Revit in preparing 2D drawings of steel elements. Wouldn't be easier to prepare it in Advance Steel? 

Kind regards,

Magdalena