Category Archives: Computational Design

Because, he can!

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What is impossible? Go ahead and name something. Now prove it. Ah, It is much easier to prove something is possible. I am simply tired of the haters out there saying Revit can’t do “X”, or Revit isn’t a design tool, etc… Just because you can’t, don’t prove nothin’. (Double negatives are tasty when the teacher’s not listening). Heck, even I can’t create this crazy form called a Möbius Band (sometimes called a Möbius Strip), but he can. I am only showing the construction points as teaser.

Behold:
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Revit awaits you on a journey of limitless possibilities through mathematical formulas. With the notebook beginning to unfold, even us mere mortals can start building complex geometry with code. I owe Nathan another beer!

Source: Revit API: Parametric Forms – THE PROVING GROUND

Performance-Based Design… Matt and Zach

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The NYC Revit Users Group is just an outstanding resource… James does a superb job of lining up great speakers, and December was no exception. Hot off the heals of Autodesk University, and building on what may have been one of the best classes in recent memory, you will not want to miss this. Even though you may not have been at the NYC RUG meeting, you too can experience the awesomeness, brought to your screen over the inter-tubes.

This video features Matt Jezyk and Zach Kron from Autodesk speaking about using Revit and Vasari to implement ‘performance-based design’ techniques. Are you a pre-rational or post-rational modeler? Find out by watching:

Performance-Based Design with Revit from James Vandezande on Vimeo.

Note: I have been trying to convince the Seattle Revit Users Group to follow their lead and make videos public, rather than just members only. That is all I want in my stocking this year. Happy Holidays, everyone!

Via: What Revit Wants: Dont miss out on this! Matt Jezyk and Zach Kron on Performance-Based Design …

Design Computation – Part I

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Recently, I attended an internal discussion on identifying key trends regarding digital fabrication. It was discussed that together with the use of computational design tools like Vasari, Rhino/Grasshopper, and others, this approach will open some new opportunities for the AEC industry.

This reminded me to get my act together to finally sign up for Autodesk University – I better show, if I am to lead my full class on BIM Leadership. And I am getting off topic.

The following were part of the Design Computation Symposium which was a conference within the Autodesk University conference last December. The moderator was Dr. Robert Aish, the creator of GenerativeComponents – now with Autodesk Research, he is creating some new advanced parametric tools which we may soon be seeing inside actual design software. If you can attend AU2011, make sure this is on your agenda before it fills up like all great classes. What might you expect?

At the symposium, there were some impressive TED-style presentations from the following researchers and designers – I don’t have recordings of the actual presentations, but attempted to provide links that would elicit a deeper review. Much has been said about the impressive stone bench with a cheeky name designed by Carl Bass himself.

Nick Callicott | Stahlbogen GmbH/sixteen*(makers) – A Manufactured Architecture in a Manufactured Landscape: http://www.sixteenmakers.com

 

Gregory Epps | RoboFold – Robotic Metal Folding in Façade Fabrication: www.RoboFold.com

Shajay Bhooshan | Zaha Hadid Architects – Form, Structure and Design Intuition - Note: ultimately this research was integrated in Autodesk Vasari

 

Shrikant Sharma | Buro Happold SMART Solutions – Engineering the Complex Architecture: Smart_Solutions, Louvre, Abu Dhabi

Matthias Kohler | Gramazio & Kohler – Digital Materiality in Architecture Using Robotic Construction: gramaziokohler.com

 

Mathias Höbinger | Evolute – Enabling Free-Form: evolute.at

René Ziegler | Waagner-Biro Stahlbau AG – Finding Repetition in Complexity: Design and Construction of Free-Form Building Envelopes in Steel and Glass (Case Study on the Yas Island Marina Hotel)

The Proving Ground by Nathan Miller: NBBJ Design Computation – Job Opening

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Re-post:

The Proving Ground by Nathan Miller: NBBJ Design Computation – Job Opening.

Dear Computation Community,
I am happy to announce that NBBJ is expanding its efforts in the field of Design Computation. We have officially opened a search for an additional expertise to work with me on a firm-wide effort based out of the Los Angeles studio. Please review the job description below.

If you are interested in this position, apply through the NBBJ website!

NBBJ Los Angeles is seeking an expert in Design Computation who will be placed in a co-leadership position with a collaborative team of experts. The Designer we are seeking must have a proven track-record for pushing the boundaries of design by drawing upon a deep interest in science, mathematics and computing. This individual should possess experience in applying technology driven methodologies in the context of real-world design problems.

The individual will have responsibilities which include collaborating on the design of architecture projects, working with teams to develop innovative computational design tools, and mentoring design teams in computational methods. The position will offer the candidate opportunities to grow within the firm and exposure to an innovative, fast-paced and highly collaborative environment.


• 4-year degree in related field required; Architectural degree a plus
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in leveraging computational methods for architectural design
• Advanced knowledge of parametric design software and generative design techniques (software may include Grasshopper, Generative Components, Catia, and/or Inventor)
• Working knowledge of common computer programming languages (VB.NET, C#, Python)
• Familiarity with scripting and application programming interfaces (API) for tools such as Revit, Rhino and/or AutoCAD
• Comfortable working in common 2D and 3D design environments including Revit, Rhino, and/or AutoCAD
• Proven experience teaching design computation
• Strong critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to travel and lead team training seminars in all of NBBJ’s office locations

 

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Installing IronPython with Vasari – Nathan Miller

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Nathan, often shows off some incredibly impressive chops when exploring application integration. Here we see an interesting use of a relatively little known technique for scripting in Vasari/Revit.

Revit application developers take note, IronPython will allow you to fluidly test your code without recompiling and initializing Revit. However, if you are doing heavy parameter pushing, be prepared to wait.

Read on: The Proving Ground by Nathan Miller: Installing IronPython with Vasari