How to Alter Area Types in Revit
Revit, the powerful Building Information Modeling (BIM) software from Autodesk, provides users with a wide range of tools to design, document, and manage building projects. One of the key features of Revit is the ability to create and manage various types of areas within a project. These areas can represent different zones, such as rooms, open spaces, or outdoor areas. However, there may be instances where you need to alter these area types to better suit your project requirements. In this article, we will discuss how to alter area types in Revit, ensuring that your project accurately reflects the intended design.
Understanding Area Types in Revit
Before diving into the process of altering area types, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what they are. In Revit, an area type is a family that defines the geometry and properties of an area. These properties include the area’s shape, dimensions, and other parameters that can be used to calculate areas, volumes, or other metrics. By default, Revit comes with several predefined area types, such as rectangular, circular, and freeform areas. However, you can create custom area types to suit your specific needs.
Creating a Custom Area Type
To alter an existing area type or create a new one, you must first create a custom area type family. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Revit and navigate to the “Family” tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on “New” and select “Family” from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose the “Area” category and click “OK” to open the “New Family” dialog box.
4. Enter a name for your area type and select the appropriate units of measurement.
5. Click “OK” to create a new area type family.
Modifying the Area Type Family
Once you have created a new area type family, you can start modifying its properties. Here are the steps to follow:
1. In the family editor, select the “Geometry” tab.
2. Use the “Shape” panel to define the area’s shape, such as rectangular, circular, or freeform.
3. Use the “Dimensions” panel to set the area’s size and orientation.
4. You can also add parameters to the area type to control its behavior, such as a parameter for the area’s width or height.
5. Once you have defined the area type’s properties, click “OK” to exit the family editor.
Applying the Area Type to a Project
After creating or modifying an area type, you can apply it to your Revit project. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open your Revit project and navigate to the “Place” tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on “Area” and select the custom area type you created or modified.
3. Click on the location in your project where you want to place the area.
4. Revit will automatically place the area at the specified location with the defined properties.
Conclusion
Altering area types in Revit is a straightforward process that allows you to tailor your BIM models to meet your project’s specific requirements. By creating custom area types or modifying existing ones, you can ensure that your project accurately represents the intended design. Whether you are a seasoned Revit user or just starting out, mastering the art of altering area types will undoubtedly enhance your BIM workflow and improve the quality of your projects.
