Recently, BIM Architecture Network received a letter from a friend named Ye Yuexia Feng, who is interested in BIM training but unsure whether to learn Revit or Rhino. Here, I will discuss whether BIM training is better with Revit or Rhino.
BIM software in China is predominantly based on the Revit system. While there is also the Bentley Aecosim system, it remains relatively rare in China, though some foreign consulting firms still use it. Rhino, which you mentioned, is also a well-known software, but there are many others as well, so I won’t list them all here. To answer your question, considering the many BIM software options available, it’s important to first understand your goals and working environment.
If your goal is to create simple models and import data, and the model size isn’t particularly large, learning Revit is a good choice. There are plenty of training classes and teaching resources available. On the other hand, if you want to design beautiful and unique surface structures—especially for architectural design—you might want to learn Rhino. Each software has its own strengths and specialized applications, so you should choose the one that best fits your needs.
One aspect often overlooked when learning software is the working environment. With so many different software platforms, how do you exchange files between them? Generally, the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format is widely used for this purpose. However, simply sharing BIM models is not very meaningful unless all relevant data is properly managed to ensure future applicability. Although domestic efforts to improve this process are ongoing, it will take time for the industry to fully embrace it. This includes front-end model calculations, mid-stage collision detection, and later operational management—there’s still a long road ahead, but progress is being made.
Regarding IFC, while it is widely accepted across most software, data loss can still occur during file exchanges. This remains a challenge for government agencies in China as well. The Construction Research Institute has been addressing this issue for nearly ten years, but a definitive solution has yet to emerge. Currently, Revit remains the most widely used BIM software in China, so its file formats enjoy the broadest acceptance. As for issues related to each new Revit version, that’s a separate topic we can discuss another time.
Choosing between these two software options depends heavily on your personal goals and needs. Consider carefully how much time and money you want to invest in tuition before making a decision. Additionally, if you plan to pursue a career in construction, I recommend gaining hands-on experience with on-site objects before diving deeply into BIM modeling. Without practical knowledge, many drawings may have problems that front-end designers cannot implement effectively on-site, leading to designs that are impossible to build.
That’s all for my thoughts on whether BIM training is better with Revit or Rhino. I hope this article helps everyone make a more informed decision!
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