With the big switch of 2D sketches to 3-dimensional models in the world of AEC, there has also been the emergence of tools and technologies which have come to aid in designing, testing, and visualizing the construction project with ease. Unlike the traditional methods, the errors have become easier to identify and rectify before they cost a big hole in the budget. Thanks to these advanced multi-featured designing software tools, even iterations and rework do not look mundane for an experienced professional. While there is a range of software products and packages available in the market for the architects and engineering firms, the biggest task is to identify which is the most suitable tool for deriving the best result. Sometimes even the dedicated professionals might get baffled when it comes to selecting the right software due to the abundance of many varieties, then what to blame a beginner. So, it is highly essential to know some of the popular software with their features and uses before making a huge investment for purchasing that licensed software or getting ahead on that big project of Scan to BIM services.
In this article we summarize some of the good and not so good points of three main popular software for BIM services:
REVIT:
It is one of the most popular tools among interior designers, engineers, and architects which is best suitable for complex projects. It is a mighty, multidisciplinary BIM software that helps visualize the project, analyze different design solutions, and create construction documentation. One can render appealing and realistic models faster and precisely with the help of the Autodesk Raytracer rendering engine. Being an Autodesk set up it brings about a pack of options supporting 3D printing, collaboration, analytics, etc.
Revit comes with a broad component library that has almost all types of construction elements needed for the project. It is seen by experts as the most ideal for structural BIM services and fabrication projects. With Revit, one can benefit from the centralized process of information which means any changes done will be reflected automatically and will not call for repetition or inconsistency. Other than being a great designing tool, it also has the option to create energy-efficient buildings. Since buildings cause around 31% of greenhouse gas emissions this becomes one of the most advantageous features. It has analytical tools that help with measuring the environmental impact of the different models designed using Revit.
While this software is a big boon it becomes a pain if the design people are not comfortable with the concept of BIM. Even though it is great for generating construction documentation the tool has some limitations when it comes to designing possibilities. Modern Designers whose emphasis is on the aesthetics of the building or project might not find it user-friendly. Further, this software does not allow us to save the data to the formats of older versions which can become a big hindrance to the project on the whole.
RHINO:
Rhino, Rhinoceros is an excellent tool for generating accurate 3D models which are quite easy to learn. It is not only simple and versatile but is a very flexible design tool for architects and designers under Architectural BIM services. While Interoperability is the need of the hour for successful BIM modeling services, Rhino is that software that is compatible with most of the drafting, designing, engineering, animation, and analysis software tools available on the market.
Rhino follows the Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) mathematical model which helps to outline any 2D or 3D model with a high level of accuracy and details. When a project needs smooth curves or conceptual design, Rhino becomes the best go-to tool. Since this software provides high value and does not cost a great amount it has become an ideal tool for small designing houses or individuals who do not prefer to invest in their initial stages. This tool also comes with a free trial for its users to get hands-on before being sure of purchasing.
While known for being a great value designing tool some argue that Rhino is not the best option for architectural design, since it is not best suitable for real-time rendering and animations.
SKETCHUP:
Formerly a Google product, SketchUp is a 3D modeling CAD software that can be used by professionals as well as amateurs of the AEC industry. This tool is quite easy to learn and has become a good pick for interior designers due to the majestic 3D visualization tools. It has an OpenGL renderer that helps in generating realistic 3D models. This package allows for the creation of many 3D models and is apt for creating bigger architectural projects like the landscape designs.
This software also provides excellent customer support and always comes in aid if a user gets stuck with a technical glitch. All one needs to do is connect with their support team and soon one is out with an ideal solution. Apart from being one of the smart tools available in the market for 3D modeling projects across architectural designs, interior design, and landscape design it has a patented ‘Pull and Push’ tool that aids designers to emit any of their 2D design to a 3D design.
While the amateurs and hobby designers might love the SketchUp experience the professionals of BIM outsourcing companies in India do have complaints like lacking the ability to communicate with other popular tools like Canva and AutoCAD. Some even say that customizing sketch or complex modeling with SketchUp becomes extremely tedious and that it lacks some of the vital architectural tools like house wizard.
Having seen the three different tools we can conclude that they might have a huge number of similarities and differences but selecting one among them depends on different factors that are specific to the users or the organization. Since comfort is of high importance to many, switching from one software to another might need a lot of thinking and pattern shift for a designer so understanding the project type and the user is essential. Some of the primary touchstones for selecting the most suitable software are project size, functionalities, budget, skill sets, and flexibility or a client suggesting a particular software for a project like a Scan to BIM services overall. While it is essential to pick the best suitable software for your firm, it is important to analyze when a combination of this software will prove to be the best possible solution.