Creating a New Area Type in Revit: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a new area type in Revit is essential for customizing area measurements according to project requirements. An area type allows you to define how specific spaces are measured and categorized within your building design. Fortunately, the process is straightforward. Follow the steps below to set up your new area type effectively.
Step 1: Access Area and Volume Computations
Begin by navigating to the Ribbon interface. Locate the ‘Home’ tab and look for the ‘Room & Area’ options. Click on the drop-down arrow next to it to reveal additional selections. From the list that appears, choose the “Area and Volume Computations” option. This action will open a dialog box where various area scheme settings can be modified.
Step 2: Open the Area Schemes Tab
Within the dialog box that appears, you will see different tabs. Click on the ‘Area Schemes’ tab to access the existing area types. Here, you’ll get an overview of the area schemes currently used in your project, allowing you to identify where you need to make changes.
Step 3: Create a New Area Scheme
In the upper right corner of the ‘Area Schemes’ tab, you will find a “New” button. Click this button to initiate the creation of a new area scheme. A new entry will appear in the list, where you can now define your area type.
Step 4: Define the New Area Type
After clicking “New,” you will be prompted to enter the name for your new area type. Choose a name that is descriptive and reflective of the area it will measure. This clarity will assist other project members in understanding the purpose of this area type.
Step 5: Specify Measurement Rules
Once your area type is created, you can specify the measurement rules associated with it. These rules dictate how the area will be computed based on its boundaries. Adjust the parameters according to your project’s needs, considering factors like inclusion of common spaces, corridors, and service areas.
Step 6: Confirm Your Changes
After you have configured your new area type, ensure that you thoroughly review all settings and rules applied. Double-check the selected parameters and make any necessary adjustments. Once everything appears satisfactory, click the “OK” button to save your new area type and exit the dialog.
Step 7: Assign the Area Type to Spaces
To utilize your newly created area type, you need to assign it to the relevant spaces within your project. Go to the properties of the spaces or rooms you wish to categorize using this new area type. Select it from the dropdown menu that appears in the area type setting.
FAQ
What are area types in Revit?
Area types refer to the various classifications used for measuring spaces within a building model. These classifications determine how the dimensions of different areas are calculated, such as gross building areas or specific rented spaces.
Can I modify an existing area type?
Yes, existing area types can be modified by accessing the area computations settings. You can edit the rules, change the name, or delete unused area types as necessary.
Are there limitations to creating new area types?
While Revit allows flexibility in creating new area types, ensure that the measurement rules you specify are aligned with industry standards and relevant regulations, as these may affect how the space is perceived in compliance inspections or by stakeholders.
