Autodesk Revit — Introduction to BIM and Architectural Modeling

Course Description

ETD 1390C is a 3-credit-hour introductory course in the Engineering Design Drafting taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course uses Autodesk Revit architectural software to produce three-dimensional (3-D) designs and details of buildings. Topics encompass the techniques and methods needed to create full architectural building models, including site plans, floor plans, roof design, 3-D photo-realistic rendering, and the creation of two-dimensional (2-D) architectural drawings from a construction document set of structural drawings. The course is hands-on and project-based, providing practical experience in modeling, detailing, and documenting real-world architectural projects aligned with current industry practice in Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Navigate the Autodesk Revit user interface, including the ribbon, properties palette, project browser, and view controls.
• Explain core Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts and describe how project information is interrelated throughout a Revit model.
• Create a complete 3-D building model incorporating walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, stairs, and roofs.
• Generate and manage coordinated 2-D documentation views — including floor plans, elevations, building sections, and site plans — directly from the BIM model.
• Apply Revit Families (system families, loadable families, and in-place families) and modify type properties to customize building components.
• Produce a set of construction documents by placing views on title-block sheets and printing or exporting to PDF.
• Create schedules and material take-offs that automatically extract and organize building data from the model.
• Generate photo-realistic 3-D renderings of architectural models for design presentation purposes.

Optional Outcomes

Institutions and instructors may also address the following outcomes depending on available time and program emphasis:

• Utilize design options to present and compare multiple design scenarios within a single project file.
• Import and reference AutoCAD (DWG) files as underlays or to enhance construction details.
• Apply basic worksharing and collaboration techniques using Revit Cloud Worksharing or worksets.
• Create and modify 2-D and 3-D parametric families using the Revit Family Editor.
• Build topography and develop site models incorporating hardscape and landscaping elements.
• Prepare for and attempt the Autodesk Certified User (ACU) — Revit Architecture credentialing exam.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered at all Florida institutions offering ETD 1390C:

1. Introduction to BIM and the Revit Environment
   • BIM concepts and Revit's role in the AEC industry
   • Revit interface: ribbon, quick access toolbar, properties palette, project browser
   • Project templates, levels, grids, and project setup
   • Basic navigation: pan, zoom, orbit, view cube
2. Walls, Doors, and Windows
   • Creating and editing basic and compound walls
   • Placing and modifying doors and windows using Revit families
   • Wall openings, curtain walls, and storefront systems
3. Floors, Ceilings, and Roofs
   • Floor slab modeling and editing boundaries
   • Ceiling grids and soffits
   • Roof by footprint, by extrusion, and gable/hip roof configurations
4. Stairs, Railings, and Ramps
   • Straight-run and landing-based stair assemblies
   • Railing families and guardrail configurations
5. Site Plans and Topography
   • Creating toposurface/toposolid site models
   • Site components (parking, trees, site furniture)
   • Site plan view configuration and annotation
6. Views and Documentation
   • Floor plan, reflected ceiling plan, elevation, section, detail, and 3-D views
   • View range, visibility/graphic overrides, and view templates
   • Annotation: dimensions, text, tags, keynotes, and symbols
7. Schedules and Material Take-Offs
   • Room and area schedules
   • Door, window, and material schedules
   • Exporting schedule data
8. Sheets and Construction Document Sets
   • Title block families and sheet setup
   • Placing and aligning views on sheets
   • Printing and exporting to PDF
9. 3-D Rendering and Visualization
   • Materials, textures, and appearance assets
   • Camera views and walkthroughs
   • Photo-realistic rendering (local and/or cloud rendering)
10. Revit Families and Type Properties
    • System vs. loadable vs. in-place families
    • Loading families from the Revit library
    • Modifying type and instance parameters

Optional Topics

The following topics may be introduced depending on course scope and instructor discretion:

• Importing and linking DWG/CAD files as reference underlays
• Revit Family Editor: creating custom parametric 2-D and 3-D components
• Design Options for comparing alternate design scenarios
• Phasing: distinguishing existing, demolished, and new construction elements
• Basic worksharing concepts and cloud collaboration (Autodesk Construction Cloud / BIM Collaborate)
• Introduction to Revit MEP or Structural disciplines as complementary awareness topics
• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) exam review and practice questions

Resources & Tools

• Software: Autodesk Revit (current academic year version). Free student/educator licenses are available through the Autodesk Education Plan for qualifying students enrolled at accredited institutions.
• Textbook (typical): Autodesk Revit: Architecture — commercial titles aligned to the current Revit release (e.g., editions published by SDC Publications or Autodesk Press); confirm required text with your institution's bookstore.
• Autodesk Learning Resources: Autodesk's official on-demand skill-builder courses, Quick Start Guide, and help documentation available at autodesk.com/learn.
• Hardware: A workstation with a dedicated GPU, minimum 16 GB RAM, and a three-button scroll-wheel mouse is strongly recommended for smooth 3-D model navigation.
• Special Fee: An additional lab/software fee may be assessed by the institution. Confirm current fee amounts at registration.

Career Pathways

Proficiency in Autodesk Revit is a core competency across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Completion of ETD 1390C supports entry into and advancement within the following roles:

• Architectural Drafter / BIM Technician — Producing construction documents and coordinated BIM models under the direction of licensed architects.
• Revit Designer / CAD Technician — Supporting design teams in residential, commercial, and institutional project delivery.
• Construction Document Specialist — Developing permit and bid drawing sets for contractors and developers.
• Interior Designer — Creating space-planning models and finish schedules for commercial interiors.
• MEP / Structural BIM Coordinator (with additional Revit MEP or Structure coursework) — Coordinating mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems within a federated BIM environment.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager (with experience) — Overseeing BIM execution plans, standards, and model quality on large capital projects.

This course also provides a foundation toward the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Engineering Design/Drafting Technology at Florida state colleges.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course is aligned with the objectives of the Autodesk Certified User (ACU) — Revit Architecture examination, the industry-standard entry-level credential validating foundational BIM and Revit skills. Students who complete all required topics and optional certification-prep content will have covered the knowledge domains tested on the ACU exam. Some Florida institutions (e.g., Miami Dade College, Eastern Florida State College) coordinate exam proctoring on-campus through their assessment centers. Students interested in sitting for the exam should confirm availability and fees with their program director.

Program Context

ETD 1390C is typically offered within the Engineering Design Drafting A.S. degree or related technical certificate programs at Florida state colleges. It builds directly upon prerequisite CAD and engineering drawing courses and prepares students for advanced coursework in parametric modeling, civil/structural drafting, or construction management. A lab-based ("C" suffix) course format requires hands-on computer lab time each week.