Extract

The requirement to document the component and structure designed by architects is essential not just the form of writing but for the function of design as well. The Autodesk Revit is an excellent Building Information Modeling (BIM) documentation tool for describing the buildings and structures in the numerical and analytical form. The meta-data provides critical information to aid the function of building such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and so much more. However, there is no native tools to visually simulate these data how they actively affect the function of the building which intended by the designer. The traditional way is to use numeric analysis to determine if the design is reasonably fulfill the intended functions.

Even since CG and video games becomes popular, many have tried to use CG tools such like Autodesk 3D Studios Max, Photoshop, and Unity3D Engine to achieve the illustration and simulation of the design. The popular approach to achieve real-time simulation is to export the Revit files to a native 3D application file format which supported by certain game engines or graphics rendering applications. The resulting files are then processed and transferred to a rendering engine for the visualization purpose. The process can be time consuming and complex, and error-prone. This illustration process usually happens during the completion of the project cycle due to the fact of change the design would cause the repeat of the lengthy workflow process. This type of workflow greatly reduces the desire of changing component and design due to the time constraint.

We have created the technology that enables everyone to visualize their designs and specifications in the real time. More importantly, the actual function of each component, material or numeric specifications can be simulated and displayed to show their effect and or efficiency to the overall design. Furthermore, the designer can instantaneously incorporate the user experience feedback to the design without any processing of data. This promotes more creative and robust process and results far more superior design in a much shorter timeframe.