Conceptual Energy Analysis & CFD Overview – The Sustainable Design Toolbox

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Sean

In case this missed your notice, there’s a newly released WhitePaper on how to get started using Autodesk tools to complete early conceptual energy analysis. Fear not, this is really a bit of fun once you get started.

It has been said, most important decisions affecting energy use happen in the earliest part of design. Comparative analysis of design iterations in a – “this one is 10% better or worse than the other option” can go a long way toward responding to climate in ways you may have previously thought would require months and an energy consultant. Not that you don’t, however, testing intuition against tangible results can help you have more meaningful conversations with those specialists. Your HVAC engineer will thank you for designing a more efficient building, so they don’t have to throw (as much) equipment at an inefficient building layout to meet your client’s energy goals.

Read on: Conceptual Energy Analysis & CFD Overview – The Sustainable Design Toolbox.

Let’s Talk Vasari

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Sean

Coffee with Revit - just because, you know you want it. Image credit: RevitFamiliesOnline.com

Been looking for some way to learn more about conceptual modeling in Revit / Vasari? You can join the Vasari development team for some live sessions on specific topics. Join Vasari Talk every Wednesday, bring your own coffee. The announcement is here.

Back already? Good. I must admit after reading that announcement, I’m feeling a little verklempt. Talk amongst yourselves… as Steve pointed out, this slipped some of our notice, as three sessions have already happened (and luckily recorded as part of the Wiki). Read his post for more…

via: Revit OpEd: Vasari Update.

Vision Without Obstruction: What We Learn From Steve Jobs

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Sean

I’ve had this as a draft for a few weeks now, and feel it’s worth sharing as is, without commentary.

Vision Without Obstruction: What We Learn From Steve Jobs :: Articles :: The 99 Percent.

The story behind (and inside) The Revit Cow

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Sean

Caution: What you are about to see may be shocking. To those just beginning to build Revit families, this is way beyond and outside the boundaries of “best practices”. I present to you: The Revit Cow. I just wish I’d thought of it first. This is not your average efficient 2.5D family. This is so crazy, even a window manufacturer wouldn’t go to this level of detail. I wondered why that burger I ate this afternoon seemed a little heavy.

And the section. Vegetarians can take solace in the fact that all cows are in fact made with brick, mortar and patience. Yes, that is in fact a wall, wrapping the cow massing family. Remember Reviteers, just because you can, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t – cause when it’s this cool, how can you resist?

Read on for the full story, behind and inside the cow:

Simply Complex: The Revit Cow

If you’ve been out of the loop, and this is news, you might wish to continue your journey of bewilderment below.

Similar stories – courtesy of David Light:

Star Wars meets Revit part 1

Star Wars meets Revit part 2

..which leads me to an announcement: I plan to build another, slightly more complex spaceship in the coming months. If you see me at AU this year, I will have something more to share then. All will be revealed when the moment is right. Of course, it will be rendered in the cloud.

Design Computation – Part I

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Sean

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

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Sean

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

Installing IronPython with Vasari – Nathan Miller

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Sean

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

designby: Cut and Paste

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Sean

Looking for architectural design problems that need solutions, or solutions to common problems. Look no further than:

Already a whiz in Revit, 3dsMax, or Rhino/Grasshopper? Respond to a challenge, so others may benefit.

Still learning how to solve a geometry problem or build a parametric component? Whether you need a component family, Revit project, GH definition, or other 3D model, sift through the various challenges or projects and their responses, and download to your heart’s content.

Be sure to post a new challenge if you have this idea that you want to crowd-source for a solution. Reward that respondent well when you find modeling Nirvana.

So the next time someone tells you that software ‘X’ cannot do ‘Y’, or ‘Z’, call their bluff and open up an example from some amazingly talented contributors. When you are ready, young padawan, you too can share your brilliance. Click for the latest activity, or search the archives. latest activity | designbymany.

How a Culture of Collaboration & Technology Enables Design Excellence at NBBJ

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Sean

Note, previous versions of this video were without slides, and this version has been improved to show the visuals accompanying Steve’s very engaging and inspiring talk. I hope you all enjoy it!

At the 2010 Design Futures Council Leadership Summit on Sustainable Design, Steve McConnell, Managing Partner of NBBJ spoke about new technologies that are driving innovative sustainable design solutions at NBBJ. Using two projects currently under construction, Steve discusses the need for new models of collaboration to enable paradigm shifts in our industry. For more information on NBBJ, visit nbbj.com.

Click through for the iOS friendly version: How a Culture of Collaboration & Technology Enables Design Excellence at NBBJ – Steve McConnell, Managing Partner, NBBJ

It is both an honor and joy to work with such talented and visionary leaders. There are nine other wonderful presentations from other industry leaders (including one by the also eloquent speaker Phil Bernstein) also found at Design Intelligence on Vimeo.

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