CU1703

CASEstudy
The draft structural grid drawn in Rhinoceros
Model checking in Solibri Model Checker
Simplified structural elements generated with the
Grasshopper ARCHICAD add-on
Grasshopper - Rhino - ARCHICAD live bi-directional design
envionments
As the design evolved, the custommade,
parametric solar panels were
refined with parametric object subcomponents
(spiders, nodes, etc.) and
parametric configuration options. Thus,
these location and orientation-sensitive
solar panels could individually change
their inclination on the building,
reacting to specific, external criteria like
actual sky and sun conditions.
The structural design of the building
was modelled with the help of IFC. The
simplified, load-bearing structure was
created automatically during the
Grasshopper-ARCHICAD import using
native ARCHICAD Beam elements.
Exporting a native beam (not BREP) in
IFC allowed Michele and Mario at
ArchiRADAR to list, for example, the
exact element length when they were
exported to structural software using
IFC protocols.
The structural building scheme was
created in Tekla Structures and the
completed structural model was
merged back into the architectural
model, again using the IFC format. In
Tekla, the use of native ARCHICAD
Beams allowed engineers to redefine
the beam type without needing to
redraw the entire structure.
Thanks to the small, parametric
elements the ARCHICAD file size of the
project was still only 13MB, ensuring an
extremely responsive design
environment even on average hardware.
The model was also able to be used for
reference, model checking, clash
detection with the MEP systems, and for
further collaboration purposes. Solibri
Model Viewer was used to check if the
IFC model complied with the standards.
BUILDING ENERGY ANALYSIS
Building energy analysis tools enabled
the ArchiRADAR team to simulate
algorithmic design scenarios
throughout the entire design workflow
and we used it, not only to create
astonishing forms, but also to develop
an energy-conscious design
responsive to its environment, and to
its microclimate as well.
The Rhinoceros model could also be
used for a more scientific building
energy analysis. Using the Ladybug
and Honeybee Rhino add-ons, the
design could be analysed using Energy
Plus. ARCHICAD also offers various
energy evaluation functionalities out of
the box, and provides a number of
project export capabilities for other
applications including PHPP, iSBEM,
VIP-Energy, gbXML, as well as a
dedicated 'green' IFC translator.
ABOUT ARCHIRADAR
This was an imaginative project for
ArchiRADAR, but well within the scope
of the company. which provides BIM
services that span all stages of
planning, design, construction and
management across the AEC Industry.
ArchiRADAR delivers customised
services and solutions to suit all BIM
requirements, regardless of the type
and size of a project.
www.graphisoft.com
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