ARCH 689-Final Project

ARCH 689-Final Project

ARCH 689-Final Project

Spring 2014

Xiaoxi Bi

Final project: Parametric Modeling and Genetic Algorithm Optimization Design

1.     Parametric form for the curved design

The final project is based on the project 1. First, based on the project 1’s grid, draw points at the intersections. Then, in Grasshopper, I draw 11 parallels curves along the x vector on the grid. Each curve has 7 control points. Based on the real project, the control points could be moved on z vector by different parameters. Then, loft these curves to make the surface.

   First, using rhino to draw a grid. The points are located at the intersections of the grid

   Eleven parallel curves are created in GH based on the control points which are set from the grid    in Rhino. These control points could be moved on z vector by different parameters

2.    Ecotect Analysis (by using Geco) 

Secondly, I use Geco (a grasshopper plugin) to analyze the roof surface solar radiation levels. To prepare for Ecotect analysis, the base surface need to be converted to a mesh in grasshopper. The mesh was imported into Ecotect where the radiation analysis was conducted. As the legend shows, the yellow areas are where heat loss is minimal, while blue is where heat loss is greatest. Then add a mesh color component in grasshopper, let the model in Rhino show the same colors as which are in Ecotect. 

The base surface is converted to a mesh.

The mesh was imported into Ecotect where the radiation analysis was conducted

   Set a mesh color component in grasshopper, let the model in Rhino show the same colors as      which are in Ecotect

3.    Optimization Design

Finally, using Galapagos (a grasshopper plugin) to optimize the design. The move distances on z vector of the control points on the original surface are the variables. The solar radiation is the fitness parameter. By using the Galapagos, the grasshopper will try to calculate the maximum solar radiation on the surface by changing the shape of the surface. As we can see at the end, the surface which is almost flat has the maximum radiation.

   Using Galapagos to optimize the design. The move distances on z vector of the control points    on the original surface are the variables. The solar radiation is the fitness parameter.

Galapagos is calculating the maximum solar radiation on the surface by changing the shape of the surface