Post on 28-May-2020
www.autodesk.com/edcommunity
Autodesk Conceptual Design Curriculum 2011 Student Workbook Unit 3: Component Exploration Lesson 1: Components
Overview: Components In this lesson, you learn the basic principles of component definition and instantiation for
conceptual modeling. You learn the significance of these modeling systems and when
they are appropriate for a particular design objective. In addition, you learn how these
systems are defined, what design criteria lead to their application, how they provide for
different approaches to model construction and aesthetic development, and how they
enhance the overall articulation of a base geometry.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Explain the principles of components, instantiation, variation, and top-down
versus bottom-up modeling approaches.
Describe the strengths and potential attributes of each modeling concept and
approach for conceptual design.
Demonstrate the capabilities of various Autodesk applications in respect to each
modeling approach.
The following Concept lessons refer to:
Presentation: 3-1 Component Concepts.pptx
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
2
Concepts
Components
Figure 1. Example of a hexagonal component.
Components within architectural modeling are a fundamental requirement, as buildings
are essentially large assemblies of thousands of smaller subassemblies. Therefore, the
need to breakdown or rationalize large geometric elements into component parts is a
critical aspect of architectural modeling. Many elements within architectural design are
standard repeating objects with little or no variation. The process of defining and
instantiating components becomes more challenging when the architectural intent
requires purposeful variation of these base elements. This is where an associative,
parametric application can significantly enhance the modeling and design process. These
systems often allow for the definition of custom parametric components that can be varied
either as a system or individually. Each application approaches this process differently,
depending on the industry for which it was initially designed. Revit® Architecture® software
enables the custom definition of standard architectural elements through its Family Editor.
Revit Architecture introduced a new Conceptual Mass environment that can be used to
create custom-patterned components for building enclosures. Both 3ds Max® software and
Maya® software use history-based component definition and animation tools to control
variation. AutoCAD software allows for the definition of variable components with dynamic
blocks.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
3
Instantiation
Figure 2. Image of a hexagonal grid before and after component installation.
Instantiation is the process of populating a geometric object with components. The
process of instantiation can be incredibly time consuming and tedious, unless there is
some sort of automation or associativity between base geometry and instantiated
components. Most CAD applications provide for a basic level of instantiation through
object repetition commands such as Array. These object repetition commands can be very
useful when the instantiation involves a single component that is duplicated in a regular
way. If the instantiation requires any variation of the base component or irregular
positioning, then these tools often prove to be inadequate. Numerous CAD applications
have implemented features to assist with this process, including the creation of
spreadsheet-driven components, contextually aware variable components and automated
positioning, which improve this process considerably. Even with these features, it is often
still necessary to do some manual placement or scripting to address atypical conditions,
as it is impossible to generalize these tools for all situations. Revit Architecture 2011
introduced several new tools to address component instantiation directly in the new
Conceptual Mass environment. These tools include custom patterning and parametric
component definition tools for architectural masses. In addition to history-based object
repetition tools, both 3ds Max and Maya provide tools for animation that can be adapted
for the purposes of component instantiation. AutoCAD provides some level of control and
customization of components through its Dynamic Blocks interface
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
4
Variation
Figure 3. Component application with dimensional variation.
The need for variation across architectural components can come from functional or
formal concerns. As buildings are large and complex assemblies, it is often difficult to
create solutions that only require the repetition of standard elements. Frequently, for both
performative or aesthetic reasons, it is necessary to create variation in these elements.
Therefore, the ability to control this variation purposefully and precisely is an important
requirement for architectural modeling. As described above, parametric, associative
applications can assist significantly in the creation of variation across component
elements. These applications often provide an interface for defining one instance of the
component, identifying the elements that can vary and then controlling the variation of
these elements using geometric and numeric inputs. Each application supports this
process in different ways, with some applications providing more control and
customization than others. Revit Architecture provides for the parametric variation of
individual components. These individual components can be controlled systemically using
schedules. Both 3ds Max and Maya enable you to vary components systemically using
animation tools. AutoCAD enables you to vary individual components through Dynamic
Blocks.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
5
Top-Down Versus Bottom-Up Approaches
Figure 4. Illustration of the top-down and bottom-up approaches to design.
Top-down and bottom-up are different approaches to design rationalization and
generation.
A top-down approach typically involves a process of rationalization where a global system
or geometry is broken down in order to gain further insight into its local subsystems or
components. This is the most common approach in architectural design, as projects are
typically conceived at a global level and then refined into component parts. This approach
typically requires modifications to the global system in order to address properties and
limitations of the component subsystems; for example, a complex curved enclosure
system being broken down into planar panels of a specified dimension. This approach
gives the designer more control over the global system, but limits the options of the local
system to those that meet the rationalization criteria. Therefore, top-down design
approaches should incorporate these criteria into the design of the global system as early
as possible in order to minimize changes that significantly alter the design intent. All
Autodesk applications support a top-down modeling approach, and it is the most common
modeling approach in most architectural design applications.
A bottom-up approach typically involves the piecing together of systems or components to
then generate additional systems, thus making the initial components local subsystems of
a global system. A bottom-up approach differs conversely from a top-down approach in
that the initial step involves specifying and describing the individual local components in
detail. These individual components are then linked together to formulate subsystems,
which are in turn linked to one another, frequently using multiple levels until a complete
top-level system is constructed. This approach emphasizes a high level of control and
specificity at the component level, but less control over the global system generated from
the aggregation of the local components. The challenge of this approach is that you run
the risk of defining local components without having a clear idea as to how they function
individually and/or as a part of the overall system. Bottom-up modeling approaches are
more common in mechanical design applications, like Autodesk® Inventor® software, but are
being displaced with hybrid workflows that combine both top-down and bottom-up
approaches. Bottom-up approaches in conceptual design are usually accomplished
through some form of scripting, although it is possible to replicate this process through
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
6
component instantiation and variation as described above―but this process is less
common in architectural design.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
7
Assessment
Challenge Exercise Instructors provide a challenge exercise for students based on this lesson.
Questions
1. What are the features of component-based modeling systems?
2. How is instantiation used in modeling programs?
3. Why is it beneficial to add variation to your design project?
4. Describe a bottom-up approach to design.
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages to using a top-down or bottom-up
approach?
Lesson Summary
This lesson focused on introducing component-based modeling approaches for
parametric and associative modeling. The underlying principles for component systems
were described, with an emphasis on approaches to variation and instantiation. These
approaches and their applicability for different design objectives were articulated and the
advantages and disadvantages of each were discussed. Autodesk provides a
comprehensive collection of software platforms for the generation of component-based
systems for conceptual design, each offering a distinct set of features. You focus on how
these concepts can be applied in Lesson 3-2.
www.autodesk.com/edcommunity
Autodesk Conceptual Design Curriculum 2011 Student Workbook Unit 3: Component Exploration Lesson 2: System-Based Variation
Overview: System-Based Variation In this lesson, you create a component system that uses system-based variation and
discover how this approach is useful for conceptual design. You learn how to control the
variation of this system through the modification of parameters at the global level. Through
these exercises, you learn how this approach can be used to explore and refine a design
concept.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Explain the process of a component-based approach to design modeling.
Populate components onto a surface.
Control a component system with system-based variation.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
9
Exercises The following exercises are provided in a written overview and step-by-step videos in this lesson:
6. Creating and Transforming a Surface from a Spline
7. Designing and Instantiating a Component onto a Surface
8. Modifying a Component Through System-Based Variation
Exercises 1–3 refer to:
Presentation: 3-2 System Based Variation.pptx
Video: 3-2 Components Pavilion.mov
Start File: 3-2 Components_Start.rfa
End File: 3-2 Components - v01- End.rfa
End File: 3-2 Panel - End.rfa
End File: 3-2 Components - v02- End.rfa
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
10
Exercise 1: Creating and Transforming a Surface from a Spline
In this exercise, you create a geometrical object based on a spline and adjust its surface geometry.
Figure 1. Constructed B-Splines generate a surface form.
As in Lesson 2-2, you begin the modeling process for this exercise by drawing a spline
and generating a surface from it. You create the surface geometry that references the
spline by creating a compound loft based upon profiles. To do this, you draw three
parabola shapes and use them to construct a surface that sweeps along the spline curve.
At this point, there are two ways to modify the shape of the surface you just generated: as
adjustments to the base spline curve or as adjustments to the profile parabolas. For
example, the surface can be stretched by scaling the original spline, and the height of the
middle of the surface can be increased by adjusting the middle profile parabola. This
ability gives you increased opportunity for design exploration within the system. It is also
characteristic of a top-down approach to design, as adjustments are made at a
global level, affecting the entire system at once. In addition, the interpolation parameter
can be increased or decreased to modify the surface geometry by adjusting the density of
the mesh. This interpolated mesh is used as the basis of component instantiation, which
takes place in the following exercise.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
11
Exercise 2: Designing and Instantiating a Component onto a Surface In this exercise, you apply a component to a geometric object through a process of instantiation.
Figure 2: Process and development of instantiating a component onto a surface of a parametric system
When designing a component system with system-based variation, you do not need to
worry about building parametric behavior into individual components, as they will conform
to the behavior and logic of the system that it will be applied to. This means that the
component can remain relatively loose because it will be driven by a global system, as
opposed to being driven locally. You begin by creating a simple triangular pattern using
curves that will be applied to the surface. Before it is applied, you transform the planar
curves into 3D geometry through a process of extrusion and offsetting.
A surface, similar to the one created in the previous exercise, is used as the basis for
instantiating the triangular pattern. Once the pattern has been linked to the surface, its
shape changes significantly as the pattern conforms to the geometry to which it is applied.
Also note that linking the surface and triangular pattern allows for history-based
manipulations, similar to that of the previous exercise, where the pattern can be adjusted
by modifying the base parabola profiles or the surface itself.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
12
Exercise 3: Modifying a Component Through System-Based Variation In this exercise, you adjust the properties of a component from the global level through the system.
Figure 3: Component modification at the global level through system transformations.
With system-based variation, a component is modified at the global level through
transformations to the system as a whole. Therefore, manipulations can be made to the
surface and those modifications will be reflected in the components that have been based
on the surface. This feature allows for variability at the system level and is a defining
characteristic of a parametric, top-down approach to modeling, as adjustments are made
at a global level that affect the entire system. It is also important to note, as discussed in
the preceding exercises, that there are multiple ways in which these systems, and
ultimately their components, can be modified. Not only can they be altered through
transforming the original base spline, but also through the adjustment of profile shapes
that generated the lofted surface, as well as the surface geometry itself.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
13
Assessment
Challenge Exercise Instructors provide a challenge exercise for students based on this lesson.
Questions
9. How do you create a surface based on shape profiles?
10. How are system-based components defined?
11. Which system’s attributes do the components reflect after instantiation?
12. In what ways can the components of system-based variation be manipulated?
13. How is this process characteristic of a top-down approach to design?
Lesson Summary
This lesson focused on the introduction of component-based modeling systems for
parametric design that are characterized by system-based variation. The underlying
principles of the modeling approach were described, emphasizing the global parametric
modification of the system as a whole and how these modifications affect residual levels,
down to the component entity. This methodology and its applicability and advantages for
different conceptual design objectives were described. The alternative approach would be
one based on component-based variation, which is discussed in Lesson 3-3
www.autodesk.com/edcommunity
Autodesk Conceptual Design Curriculum 2011 Student Workbook Unit 3: Component Exploration Lesson 3: Component-Based Variation
Overview: Component-Based Variation In this lesson, you create a component system that uses component-based variation and
discover how this approach is useful for conceptual design. You also control the behavior
of these systems through the modification of parameters at the component level. Through
these exercises, you learn how this approach can be used to explore and refine a design
concept.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Explain the process of a component-based approach to design modeling.
Create a customized component system.
Populate components onto a surface.
Control a component system with component-based variation.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
15
Exercises
The following exercises are provided in a written overview and step-by-step videos in this
lesson:
14. Designing a Parametric Component
15. Populating Panel Components onto a Building Mass
16. Using Quantitative Data to Inform the Design
Exercises 1–3 refer to:
Presentation: 3-3 Component Based Variation.pptx
Video: 3-3 Components Tower.mov
Start File: 3-3 Components Tower - Start.rfa
Progress File: 3-3 Components Tower - Grid.rfa
End File: 3-3 Components Tower - End.rfa
End File: 3-3 Nested Panel - Tower End.rfa
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
16
Exercise 1: Designing a Parametric Component
In this exercise, you create a parametric component that will be applied to the building
enclosure.
Figure 1: Process and development of designing and constructing a parametric component.
In Lesson 2-3, you concluded with the construction of a surface pattern that will be used
as the basis of a panelized component system. You design custom panel components to
apply to the building’s enclosure. The panel that you construct will be a faceted
component. You create each panel using parameters to demonstrate some of the
variation that can be accomplished using associative modeling techniques. For the
faceted panel, you control the width and depth of its frame, as well as the height of its
center point, using interactive parameters. To begin the model, you base the component
on a rhomboid pattern base. To create three-dimensionality, you find the center point of
the base and create a construction line segment in the base normal direction. To begin
imposing parametric constraints, you create a dimensional parameter that constrains the
height of the component to a specified value. To finish the component, you define
surfaces between the construction lines that create a solid panelized component.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
17
Exercise 2: Populating Panel Components onto a Building Mass
In this exercise, you populate the panel components you created onto the surfaces of your
building mass.
Figure 2: Beginning application of parametric component onto a patterned façade system.
The faceted panels are now applied to each face of the building mass through a process
of instantiation. Once this is completed, individual modifications, using the component's
local parameters, can then be made to the panels based on aesthetic or performative
requirements. As stated in previous lessons, the difference from system-based variation to
component-based variation is that components possess their own control mechanisms
through user-defined parameters, so they do not inherit all properties from the system to
which they are being applied. This means that some aspects remain open and individually
modifiable, as opposed to the components in system-based variation that conform
completely to the geometry to which they have been applied.
To instantiate the component, you first need to divide the surfaces of the building mass
into a pattern that matches the component base. Once the surface has been divided, you
can then instantiate the component on the surface. Once the component is instantiated, it
will be clear how the parametric logic of the panel has been retained and the form has not
changed significantly after it has been applied to the surface. At this stage, both local and
global modifications can be made. For example, individual panel offsets can be adjusted
or the underlying surface can be modified, updating the global configuration of the
components accordingly.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
18
Exercise 3: Using Quantitative Data to Inform the Design In this exercise, you use quantitative data to inform the design of your parametric tower.
Figure 3: Visualization of the waterfront tower in context to assist with real-time feedback and modifications.
Now that the panelization process has been completed, both individual modifications to
the components at a local level can be made and data extraction tools can be used to
quickly calculate quantitative information, such as the number of panels used, as well as
the surface area of each material. At this point, if you notice any modifications that you
would like to make at the local, component scale, you can simply revert back to the base
component, change any of the component parameters, and regenerate the component
instantiation to reflect these changes. This includes, but is not limited to, adjustments of
the width or depth of the base frame, changes to the height of the panel, and the addition
of new geometry and parameters.
You can use the data extraction tools to get real-time quantitative feedback as you make
modifications to your design. You can identify the metrics that have the most meaning to
you and drive your design decisions based on satisfying these metrics. These metrics can
be derived from, and design modifications made to, either the component or system
levels. The feedback loop created through real-time access to these metrics creates an
informed decision-making process that can be used to improve your design.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
19
Assessment
Challenge Exercise Instructors provide a challenge exercise for students based on this lesson.
Questions
17. How can parameters be used to drive components?
18. How do these parameters affect the components once they have been
instantiated?
19. Describe some of the uses of quantitative data within conceptual design.
20. Describe how this lesson represents a component-based approach to design.
Lesson Summary
This lesson focused on the introduction of component-based modeling systems for
parametric design that are characterized by component-based variation. The principles of
these systems were described, specifically the ability of component-based variation at a
local level, and the advantages of this approach for different design objectives. Through
the previous lessons and exercises, various Autodesk software platforms were used to
demonstrate the magnitude of possibilities for conceptual design modeling, from
geometric exploration to parametric modeling to component-based systems.
www.autodesk.com/edcommunity
Autodesk Conceptual Design Curriculum 2011 Student Workbook Unit 3: Component Exploration Lesson 4: Custom Panelization
Overview: Custom Panelization Curtain wall panelization is a significant part of contemporary architecture, and it presents
its own set of design challenges. In most cases, a default solution will be unable to solve
all of a building’s panelization requirements. Not only are customizations often necessary
to fulfill a building’s architectural conception, but the understanding of modern panelization
techniques leads to better, more functional buildings. Autodesk provides a number of tools
that can aid in the development of custom panels; in this lesson, you will learn about some
of Autodesk® Revit® software’s functionality built specifically for this purpose.
Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Create custom grid patterns for panelization
Employ adaptive components to create special custom panels
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
21
Exercises
In this lesson, you will explore the functionality that Revit offers to solve panelization
problems that require more customization. In Unit 2-4, we discussed the use of adaptive
components in solid masses; here we will cover their use in situations where a building
requires irregular or flexible panels. The lesson will also explore custom grids. The
previous lesson employed some of the default solutions that Revit provides for
panelization grids; in this lesson, you will learn how to create custom grids for additional
control or for more complex geometry.
The following exercises are provided in a written overview and step-by-step videos in this lesson:
21. Designing a Panelized Façade Pattern
22. Custom Patterning
23. Creating an Adaptive Paneling Component
Exercises 1-2 refer to:
Presentation: 3-4 Custom Patterning.pptx
Video: 3-4 Custom Patterning.mov
Model: 3-4 Custom Pattern – Start.rfa
Model: 3-4 Custom Pattern – End.rfa
Exercises 3 refer to:
Presentation: 3-4 Custom Patterning.pptx
Video: 3-4.3 Adaptive Component Panel.mov
Model: 3-4.3 Patterning – Start.rfa
Model: 3-4.3 Patterning – End.rfa
Model: 3-4.3 Adaptive Corner Panel – End.rfa
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
22
Exercise 1: Designing a Panelized Façade Pattern In this exercise, you design a pattern for a parametric panelized façade system.
Figure 7: Beginning development of a patterned façade system
Designing a parametric panelized façade begins with the definition of a pattern. In order to
test different paneling options quickly, you can divide the faces of the conceptual mass
using patterns; this will enable you to use fundamental building information modeling
(BIM) techniques to analyze the various factors relating to the design and performance of
the façade. You can, for example, transition from a single face to a triangulated pattern to
a rhomboid pattern, and so on, until you arrive at a grid that meets the design criteria. The
visibility of these patterns can be adjusted through the definition of their spacing, rotation,
and justification. These patterns form the basis of the custom components that you design
in Exercise 4-3.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
23
Exercise 2: Custom Patterning In this exercise, you customize the default panel pattern using reference lines.
Figure 8: Default patterns can be customized with additional guide lines.
In the event that the default panelization patterns are not suitable for a given project, they
can be customized further by drawing guide lines to control the façade patterning. For
example, you may desire that the panel pattern conform to the floor heights, or to follow
the contour of the building, or to suit some other criteria that may be appropriate to the
project.
This is accomplished by drawing a set of lines to replace the default U- or V- grid lines.
They need not be vertical or horizontal, or even straight lines; in this case, they are drawn
to align with a number of different floor heights.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
24
Exercise 3: Creating an Adaptive Paneling Component In this exercise, you create an adaptive component to fit an irregular façade condition.
Figure 9: Example of a hexagonal component.
Frequently, an architectural solution results in a condition that cannot be resolved cleanly
using the default panelization tools that Revit offers. In this case, for example, the
triangular grid pattern on each side of the building has left gaps at the edges. This is an
ideal situation to employ adaptive components, which can be designed to be flexible
enough to fit the irregular angles present at the building edge.
The adaptive paneling component is created as a separate family. Adaptive “placement
points” will be picked when the component is instantiated, while adaptive “shape handle
points” will act as references for the component’s geometry (in this case, the mullions and
glass). Lines can be snapped between these adaptive points, and geometry created on
them can update when the points are moved.
Once the adaptive component is created, the family is loaded into the project, and is then
instantiated: an instance of that family is placed by picking the points on the façade that
the component should snap to. This allows the corner gaps to be filled cleanly.
AUTODESK CURRICULUM
25
Assessment
Challenge Exercise Instructors provide a challenge exercise for students based on this lesson.
Questions
24. In what situations might custom panelization be necessary?
25. What are the advantages and disadvantages of custom panelization?
Lesson Summary
This lesson explored Autodesk’s tools for solving panelization problems that require
further control that offered by the default Revit tools. New to Autodesk® Revit® 2011, these
tools enable you to design custom panel grids according to your own criteria by drawing a
set of U- or V- lines. You can also create special adaptive components to fit irregular
panel conditions.
Autodesk, AutoCAD, Inventor, Maya, Revit, and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
© 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.