Introduction to Key Plans in Revit
Key plans are essential tools used in architectural documentation, particularly in Revit, to provide a simplified overview of a building’s layout. These plans display the primary elements of the structure across different levels, ensuring that the details are easily interpretable by the reader. Understanding how to create a key plan is crucial for effective communication of design intent throughout your project.
Understanding the Structure of Key Plans
A key plan typically encompasses simplified representations of floor levels, walls, doors, windows, room numbers, and other significant architectural features. Its small scale allows viewers to quickly grasp the overall arrangement and major elements of the building as they navigate through intricate architectural documents.
Steps to Create a Key Plan in Revit
1. Set Up Your Project
Begin by opening your project in Revit. Ensure that all the necessary floor plans are finalized and accessible for reference. It’s helpful to have a good understanding of the building’s layout and design elements before starting the key plan.
2. Create a New Floor Plan View
- Go to the View tab in the main menu.
- Select Floor Plan from the dropdown menu.
- Choose the appropriate levels you wish to include in your key plan. You might want to focus on the main levels such as Ground, First, and any Roof plans.
3. Adjust the View Scale
A key plan should represent the building at a smaller scale than your detailed plans. Typically, a scale between 1:100 and 1:200 works well. To set this:
- Click on the Properties panel.
- Adjust the View Scale to the desired scale to ensure a clear overview of the building.
4. Utilize Visibility/Graphics Settings
Next, you want to optimize what elements will appear in the key plan. Go to the View menu and click Visibility/Graphics:
- Uncheck unnecessary categories like furniture and fixtures to avoid cluttering the key plan.
- Ensure primary architectural elements such as walls, doors, and windows are checked.
5. Draw the Key Plan Outline
Using the Line tool from the Annotate or Modify tab, create a basic outline representing the building’s footprint. This outline should correspond with the scope of your plan, clearly indicating the outer wall boundaries and significant interior elements.
6. Add Key Elements to Your Plan
- Walls and Openings: Trace the main walls and indicate door and window openings. Use the Wall tool to create a simplified representation.
- Room Designations: Label each room or significant area using the Text tool. This labeling helps in identifying such spaces quickly.
- Rooms and Spaces: You may also use room tags to display room numbers for a clearer overview.
7. Incorporate Annotations
To improve clarity:
- Use the Text tool for annotations, explaining different sections of the plan.
- Include directional arrows if necessary for indicating orientation.
8. Finalize and Save Your Key Plan
Review the key plan for accuracy, ensuring all critical elements have been included. After completion, save your work and consider exporting the key plan in a format that can be easily shared with collaborators or clients, such as PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What elements should be included in a key plan?
A key plan should include primary architectural features such as walls, doors, windows, and room numbers. It can also include annotations for clarity, but should avoid excessive detail that may clutter the view.
How does a key plan differ from a detailed floor plan?
A key plan presents a broad overview of major building elements at a smaller scale, while a detailed floor plan shows comprehensive details and dimensions of a specific level with greater precision.
Can I use pre-existing views to create a key plan in Revit?
Yes, utilizing existing floor plan views can significantly expedite the creation of a key plan. Adjust the scale and visibility settings as needed to consolidate the key plan effectively from the detailed views.
