Revit BIM models transform initial design concepts into data-rich, detailed 3D models. This process improves collaboration and efficiency within the AEC industry. It provides a comprehensive platform to support decision-making and project management.

Revit BIM has been successfully transforming the schematics into Revit BIM models. These models instruct the professionals towards accuracy and quality. The designs alone aren’t sufficient to form the level of accuracy that is usually needed.

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What is Schematic Design ?

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Schematic design is the phase of the project during which the client’s requirements and desires determined in the pre-design phase are resolved into physical, architectural form. The purpose of this phase is to transform the results of the pre-design investigations into a concept of “what will be built.” 

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 The term also represents the important illustrative stage where architects can provide added value by using their creativity and ability to synthesise various, often competing requirements. At this stage, the architect and the client begin by agreeing on an architectural expression representing a synthesis of the following elements:

• the character of the site (including physical features, local surroundings and neighbourhood, landscape features, and regulatory restrictions);
• the space planning requirements described in the client’s functional program;
• the image or philosophical objectives that the client wants to project;
• the design approach of the architect.

Schematic design embodies the physical resolution of the key design criteria (as defined by the program’s key requirements and goals) forming the spatial/architectural/structural “scaffolding” upon which preliminary and final designs are developed.

This form should be based on a design brief or functional program developed during pre-design. The benefits and value of preparing a well-thought-out program cannot be overstated, and initiating schematic design without first completing pre-design carries the risks of delay, cost overruns and design deficiencies. The pre-design “roadmap” guides the design process along the way to the destination – construction.

Who’s Involved in Schematic Design?

Schematic designs may be developed in a variety of ways. An integrated design team (IDT) involving a multi-disciplinary team of design professionals as well as the client as a core team member is one approach of several. Sometimes a facilitator is involved to assist the team in establishing and monitoring achievable goals. One example is sustainability, considering the impacts of all design decisions on the life cycle of the building. Inevitably, there will be trade-offs, such as incorporating high performance windows (at greater capital cost), thereby reducing the size and price of mechanical equipment and future operational costs.

Throughout the schematic design phase, the assumptions made during pre-design should be tested to uncover any inconsistencies or conflicts as well as new opportunities for more effective use of space. Assumptions made earlier need to be validated so that design time and effort can be focused on solid, viable initiatives.

Now is the time to make any course corrections as the design is getting underway in earnest. The schematic design phase is an opportunity for fine-tuning elements of the client’s requirements and adjusting spatial relationships before beginning design development.

Schematic design is also the stage when the architect assembles the design team, including subconsultants who:

• become familiar with the opportunities and challenges presented by the building site;
• investigate different types of construction materials, systems and project delivery methods;
• obtain detailed site information, including services such as water, sewer, gas, power and stormwater management;
• establish the project’s technical parameters;
• review their design assumptions with the architect and the client.

This phase can make good use of intern architects in the office. They have often spent the last few years in an environment where their projects were concepts only. The critical viewpoint stressed in the academic setting transfers easily into constructive criticism of nascent designs.

 What Comes After Schematic Design?

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By the end of schematic design, your architecture team should have a fundamental understanding of the scale and the systems of the project. There should be clarity about the various consultants and engineers that will be needed in order to proceed to the design development phase.

After the SD phase, the project will move into design development, and then into the construction document phase. The schedule and the budget of a project will determine the scope of each phase of the design.

During the next design phase, you and your team will flesh out the schematic design ideas even more, in order to more fully understand how the various systems and elements of the building design are integrated into the ultimate construction project.

As architects, it is common for multiple ideas and design concepts to be explored and developed during the schematic design phase. Ultimately, only one is chosen, but it’s important not to settle on any particular option too quickly in this stage, in order to make room for creative solutions and approaches. 

But, if you do decide to explore multiple design options in schematic design, it’s necessary to choose one before moving forward into the design development phase. So everyone is on the same page when your team develops the design further.

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What is the Difference Between Concept Design and Schematic Design?

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The difference between concept design and schematic design lies in the level of resolution. Concept design can be abstract, while schematic design begins to articulate spatial and architectural elements in a way that isn’t necessary for concept design.

Your goal in schematic design should be to settle on an overall concept for the project and produce a framework through which to move forward into design development, and eventually construction. 

Concept design can be loose and diagrammatic. There is no need to address issues of scale or constructability during this process. But standard conventions of architectural drawing (plan, section, elevation) should be used in the schematic design phase to articulate space and scale.

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What is Included in Schematic Design Documents?

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Schematic design documents include:

• Project summary and narrative
• Site and code analysis
• Existing and proposed site plans
• Floor plans for every level
• Multiple building sections
• Building elevations
• Structural schematic drawings or narrative
• Mechanical schematic drawings or narrative
• Plumbing schematic drawings or narrative
• Electrical schematic drawings or narrative

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What are the Benefits one can get from developing the Revit BIM Model from the Concept Schematic ?

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Developing the Revit BIM model from the concept schematic stage offers a range of benefits that significantly contribute to the efficiency and success of architectural and construction projects. Here are key advantages:

• The accuracy of the BIM modelling is to the point which is not the same in the case of design drawings.
• The concept designs cannot be modified or changed in any way but with the models that are not the case. One can alter and make changes to the design models as per their requirements.
• BIM modelling enables the team members to have a firm grip over the project. They can execute the entire project the way they like and decide on the result variations.
• Revit BIM also makes sure that the result is safe and environment friendly. The clashes are detected in advance which makes the project much better in quality.

Hence, when a professional turns the concept schematics and designs into Revit BIM models, many advantages are guaranteed. It not only increases the quality of the output but also makes the process smoother in nature. The whole process remains systematic and the development happens organically.

FAQs

What are the typical components included in schematic design documents?
Schematic design documents typically include preliminary floor plans, elevations, sections, site plans, and basic building system layouts. They may also feature conceptual sketches, 3D renderings, and initial material selections, providing a visual and functional representation of the project's design intent.

What is the main purpose of the schematic design phase in architectural projects?
The main purpose of the schematic design phase is to develop and communicate the basic concept of a project. It establishes the project's scope, scale, and relationships between spaces, providing a foundation for client approval and guiding subsequent detailed design phases.

What phase follows the schematic design in architecture?
The phase that follows schematic design in architecture is the design development phase. During this phase, the initial design concepts are refined and detailed, with more precise drawings and specifications that further define the project's structural, mechanical, and architectural aspects.

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