Parametric Modeling Diagram -Project 1

Project 1: Parametric Modeling

1. Parametric Mass Modeling

In this step, what I want to do is figuring out the design logic of this project and creates it by the mass model in Revit. The Seattle Central Library has a complex architectural design but also a clear logic in it: it is formed by five different functional parts that can come together as a whole volume. Each part can be defined with two different profiles both on top and bottom, which can be created using loft (create forms). The Width and Length of each profile can be controlled by parameters; Different parts’ position can be controlled by different X and Y axis Movement parameters; also the Heights parameters can control the vertical distance between functional parts.

First, using reference lines create each level. The length and width are controlled by parameters.

There are six horizontal levels in different elevations. They are defined with a parametric height value between each two of them. 

Then I moved different levels horizontally to get the slope form of the building. This slope was controlled using Distance parameter (both in X and Y axis) between different levels.

At the end, by using Create Form as one of the tools for making forms, the building model was lifted by six levels. Then I created some additional parts of the building, connecting them to the whole building also by using the Create Form button.

2. Creating Parametric Façade

Secondly, we need to create the façade pattern of the building. The façade of this project used curtain wall system with a consistent pattern throughout the whole building. The following pictures below shows the rhomboid pattern grid that I created with a rectangular frame and a glass panel on it; the width and length of the frame are controlled by different parameters.

And then, I applied the façade pattern to the mass model, modified the density and size respectively to get a best form. 

3. Creating Project file and rendering

Finally, output the mass model with the curtain wall pattern to a new Revit Project File. Creating the floors panels by using the levels’ height which created in the elevation views. Then I create the roof material and the roads and trees around the building. At last, set and modify several 3d view cameras in the building to render.