Generative Design for BIM

© KORQA, Naim

Generative Design

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Transition of CAD design to BIM was a revolution in the AEC industry. BIM increased the speed of the design,
the efficiency and the most important issue, contain the whole project information. Nonetheless, according to
Hesselgren, there is a differentiation about the use of computers in architecture. All the CADs and BIMs that were
used till now, didn’t do else but just recorded our design decisions. The computer didn’t talk to us. And record
decisions surely is not the only thing that computation can offer to us. Therefore, Generative Design is the right
solution. Generative design is not about designing a building, explain Hesselgreen, it is about designing the
system that design a building. In other words, we define rules and parameters, and ask him to generate the
solution for us.

According to Abrishami, Generative design refers to any design practice where the designer uses a system, such
as a computer program, to produce the solution to the design problem with some level of autonomy.

Generative Design proofed to be a very effective solution in several complex projects such as: National Stadium
and National Aquatic Center for Beijing 2008 Olympics. In both projects, the engineering and construction design
were aided by Generative Design, otherwise would be impossible to be done. For example, instead of depending
from a genius designer to design all the seats in National Stadium, with all the parameters as distances, view,
height; it was used Microstation to design all the 50.000 seats for us, with all the 3.000 parameters and also
generate the view that each seat will have.

Construction is becoming increasingly complex and to attend those requirements the AEC industry was followed
by many technological advances. According to Abrishami, architecture is not anymore about aesthetical
emphasis, but it is now oriented to performance based architecture. Nowadays the major projects are designed
based on simulations, structural analysis, energy analyses and environment issue. Therefore, all those parameters,
rules or algorithms define the building.

Concluding, according to the writer Jim Paul, the engineer profession gained its importance just when the
Catapult was discovered, and for the first time was possible to control a force that is superior of human force.
Similarly, the importance of Generative Design is increasing because it is possible to design and control things
that are superior to the human mind, and could never exist before. (Bentley AEC Magazine)

Reference:

– Sepehr Abrishami. Integration of bim and generative design to exploit aec conceptual design innovation.

– Changing the face of Architecture. BE-Current, Bentley AEC Megazine.

Architecture and Coding

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Today, most of the architectural design is developed virtually, so architects should learn how to efficiently use the
digital sources (software). Even though, at the moment we have several very useful architecture software,
nonetheless architects sometimes need tools that the software in use do not offer, therefore they should know how
to speak with computers. So, what is the solution?

Among several things that an architect should know by now, code seems to be the next step for several reasons.
First of all, the use of software consumes the major time of the design process, instead of that, architects should
know how to manipulate those software, so they would spend less time with software drawings and more time
with creative phases.

Secondly, each project has specific needs and solutions. None of the current softwares, offers all the tools to solve
those problems. With coding, we can create our tools for each project need and also the customize them.
Moreover, when we design and we have to do repetitive tasks, it is much better to write a code for this and let the
computer work for us.

([Link]

Design by Coding: Parametric Wave Pavilion using Python Script (source:

[Link] ([Link]

Another reason to learn code is the complexity of the project that we deal nowadays. Several programs such as
Grasshopper, Rhino, Dynamo, BIM software are used to develop complex geometries, but all of them has shown
their limitations. When it comes to design a complex structure, with thousand of connections, where each
connection has a variation, drawing manually would be extremely difficult if not impossible. Instead of that all
we need is think, make the rules and write the code.

Reference:

– Dimcic, Milos. Structural Optimization of Grid Shells. 2011, PHD thesis.

– Kilkelly, Michael. 5 Reasons Architects Should Learn to Code.

Dynamo

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Dynamo was developed by Autodesk and it is a visual programming plug-in for Revit and Vasari. It offers a
solution for the non-programmer designers which needs to customize the Revit tools to their specific needs
without writing a single code.

Firstly, Dynamo used DesignScript in an attempt to make it more graphical language, which led to the problems
with Aish mentioned previously. Now, Dynamo just as Grasshopper, works with nodes and wires, where each
node is a logical piece and it contain lines, Revit elements or mathematical functions. With Dynamo it is possible
to directly access the Revit API, through Dynamo’s Pathon node, giving the user more flexibility to work with
different methods, as well as to combine them, to achieve the final goal.

([Link]

Dynamo demo’s using a Stadium dataset (source: [Link]

([Link]

Moreover, the capacity to visually script, define nodes and script using other textual programming languages
make it a very useful tool. Once that Revit is oriented to the extraction of information (BIM), therefore it is not
such a powerful solution as a modeling tool, but now with Dynamo the process has completely changed,
expanding the limits of what Revit (BIM) now offers to us.

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One of the main feature of Dynamo is the possibility to automate processes and to customize computational
design. According to William Wang, frequently we find ourselves developing simple logical systems that link
together space, geometry and function. For example, when we have a project where the size of the office
determines the number of furniture loaded into the room, but also the type of door that is used. If this task is done
manually, it will be a tedious work and prone to human error, because we should count manually the desks and
also change the doors manually for each area. With Dynamo this task can be automated. Dynamo would count
automatically the furniture loaded, measure the areas and determine the parameters of the door.

Reference:

– William Wang. Dynamo: More Than Grasshopper Lite. Jan 26, 2015. (source: [Link]
[Link]/blog/revit-dynamo-more-than-grasshopper ([Link]
grasshopper))

– Autodesk. Dynamo: VIsual Programming for Design

– [Link] ([Link]

DesignScript

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DesignScript is a design programming tool created by Robert Aish. Since Bentley Generative Components (GC)
and McNeel Associates Rhino -Grasshopper had already their popularity, Autodesk needed a new product to
compete with them, so they hired Robert Aish, which had before developed GC, and would best identify the
market needs. The first objective of this tool was to create a textual language, but Autodesk insisted in a graphical
language to be able to compete with Grasshopper.

DesignScript is a tool that proceeded with the improvements of associative and parametric modeling of other
software. According to Aish, as an associative language, DesignScript maintains a graph of dependencies between
variables which can be values or geometry. When DesignScript is running and we change a value using this
variable graphic, it works as a propagate mechanism of changes.

As a design process, DesignScript is intended to be used by the designers that want to explore more alternatives
and performances to reach the best solutions.

According to Aish, DesignScript as a pedagogical tool is designed around the concept of a learning curve and
supports a very gradual approach to learning programming. While in other software, with direct manipulation,
associative or parametric modeling, the designer can obtain results after a little effort, in programming or
scripting, a considerable time and effort spent can still result without much evidence of success.

Design script in order to be more flexible, aims to be:

– focused on the end-user; introduce concepts that facilitate to the users that are no accustomed to design with
programming. This is achieved by permitting the user to use its logical framework in order to produce the design
models.

-multi-paradigm; introduce different programming paradigms in a single language.

-host-independent; geometry models are generated in different CAD application and also can access their
different geometries, simulations library and create a correspondence between them.

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– extensible; permits the users to add new tools and classes.

To conclude, now DesignScript is part of Dynamo and it is available both as graphical nodes and textual
language. With this integration became possible to run project in Revit (BIM) or run standalone. It is very
accessible to the new users that want to explore programming skills. For the non-programming users it offers a
direct approach with graph node diagramming similar to grasshopper, which is simple and require no
understanding of programming concepts. Therefore, the fact that DesignScript use a graphical node diagramming
similar to Grasshopper bring again the same problem of complexity and impossibility to came back and change
our product.

Reference:

– AISH, Robert. DesignScript: origins, explanation, illustration.

– AECMEGAZINE. DesignScript. Published: 08.04.2012

– [Link]
BIM AND SCRIPTING : BEIJING NATIONAL AQUATICS
CENTER

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([Link]

Water Cube (source: [Link]

([Link]

The Beijing National Aquatic Center or as it is often referred as the ‘Water Cube’, was built for the 2008 Olympic
Games. The project came as a result of an international competition in 2003 and the winning firms were PTW
architect and the OVE Arup Consulting engineer in partnership with the China State Construction and
Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).

The concept of the building is associated with water in its bubbly state and the square as the primal shape of the
house in Chinese tradition. Once that in Beijing, the water source is scarce, a building that symbolize water has a
very strong presence for the inhabitants. Moreover, the building works in duality with the complexity of
structural elements and the simplicity of the whole building form.

The Water Cube plan is a square with 177 m on each side, 31m height from the street-level and it has 17.000 seats
(11.000 temporary and 6.000 permanent). It contains five pools and an organic shape restaurant. The building
after the game served as Beijing’s premier diversion centers.
 ([Link]
[Link])

ETFE facade (source: [Link]

bubbles-wont-burst/301348
([Link]
burst/301348))

The bubble shape covers the building complex structure with 100.000 m2 of Ethylene-Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE),
a transparent envelope that weighs only 1% of glass weight. The result was 3000 irregular shapes of ETFE that
rely on a complex structure of 22.000 stainless steel and 12.000 spherical steel nodes.
 ([Link]

Sustainability issues (source: [Link]

([Link]

The building design was also concerned with the environmental issues. ETFE was chosen as the cover
material because it permits the penetration of natural light and heat inside the building. Moreover, the solar rays
that hit the building are 90% absorbed by the ETFE bubble and reused to heat the pools and interior areas.
Another important issue is the fact that the roof of the Water Cube catches 80% of the water, which is reused and
recycled for the building needs.

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The project was developed in three different phases: the design competition, the design development and the
preparation of tender documents.

In the beginning, in the phase of the competition, the model structure was built with scripts in Microstation VBA.
Then, it was exported to another CAD platform for the purpose of visualization and rapid prototyping. For
visualization, ARUP developed a virtual reality, which demanded to export files from Microstation to Rhino (via
IGES file) and then from Rhino into 3dsmax, to generate AVI files, but this didn’t work well because it generates
enormous files with 1.2 GB. Moreover, for the prototyping, these files were exported from 3d Microstation to STL
file, and then to DXF for structural analysis (Strand 7.0).
 ([Link]
/figure-1-data-transfers-at-the-competition-
[Link])

Data transfers at the competition stage (source:

BIM handbook)

In the phase of the design development, the Microstation model was exported to Strand 7.0 for structural analyzes
and optimizations. Then, this model through VBA scripting was exported to AutoCAD (dwg) and Microstation
Triforma (DGN) drawings, but also in Microsoft Excel (XLS) database.

([Link]
[Link])

Data transfers at the design development stage.(source:

BIM Handbook 1)

In the phase of Tendering, the structural dimensions were achieved by selecting sections of the Wireframe
analysis model, and importing them to Microstation. Then, with the VBA scripting were attributed section
dimensions, reference number, and property information, for each structural element. Then, those elements were
shaped by a Triforma structural elements, to achieve the correct model.

The extraction of information and structural data was facilitated by Bentley Structural, a BIM software. Bentley
Structural created an enormous library of the steel elements with their sections and their correct dimensions. The
extraction of data, with all the information related to dimension, materials, and other info, was effectively
generated by Bentley Structural. There were needed 112 sections, well detailed to document all the structural
information. The main benefits of Bentley Structural use were that it reduce the human errors in the project and
also it has the capability to automatically update in other documents such as plans, sections and schedules, all the
changes made in the project.

The fabrication of structural elements was made by on-site welding, with 3000 workers and over 100 welders.
This is a unique practice for ARUP because usually it is made with pre-fabrication to avoid time loss and
expensive cost, but that was not accepted by the client in China. As a result, it was needed to generate 15.000
drawings for this non-standard structure to be welded.
 ([Link]
[Link])

The Strand7 Finite Element model of the Water Cube. (source: [Link]
mainmenu-37/36-beijing-waterworld ([Link]
waterworld))

The biggest challenges of the Water Cube were structural design and fabrication. First of all, it was needed to
optimize the overall dimensions of steel structure, but also needed to fulfill the design requirement for the seismic
situation of Beijing. This process of optimization is followed by continuous changes to achieve the maximum
benefits. According to Abdelmohsen, this optimization was constituted of 22.000 beams, which should meet the 13
Chinese steel codes strength equations at 5 points on each beam for 190 load combinations, those variables if we
multiply will be 271.7 million design constraints to be optimized. For that reason, Arup used the Visual Basic 6.0
to write a software from the beginning, which would control all the optimization process. If this process would be
done manually, with simple software, it would be extremely laborious and would demand months (if not years)
to achieve the best structural optimization.

Then, for documentation purposes was needed a conversion program, from the analytical software to a CAD
software, and it was done by ARUP, also via scripting. This scripting method was extremely useful for several
reasons: 1. Generated the full documentation of the project (plans, sections, schedules, 3d Model), 2. Increased
the modeling speed (the whole model was built in 25 minutes), and 3. Improved visualization by exporting the
models to 3D AutoCAD (for the client and contractors).

One of the most important observations on this project is the use of scripting. According to Arup Senior 3D
Modeler Stuart Bull, the ability to use VBA scripts to create geometry, which links the analysis and engineering
model to the working 3d CAD model, was irreplaceable, because then with Bentley structural was possible to
extrude all the 2D documentation and 3D model, for contractors and fabricators.

According to Eastman, the positive impacts of BIM (Bentley structural) are related to structural optimization,
information exchange software, and interoperability. With BIM was possible to rebuild the model daily or weekly,
based on the structural analyses and optimizations, to keep updated tender documents of the project, avoid
human errors, but also resolve other issues as sustainability, fire protection, building performance.
To conclude, this complex and unique project would be impossible without the strong commencement of the
team, constant accurate collaboration and a very important issue, that was the use of sophisticated digital tools.

Bibliography:
- BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, En
- AEC MAGAZINE, source: [Link]
- [Link]

BIM FEATURES

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In this schedule is presented the main contribution of BIM on the three built case studies (Beekman Tower, One
Island East, Foundation Louis Vuitton).

([Link]

Main use of Building Information Modelling in three built case studies.

History of Building Information Modelling

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Nowadays, we are used to hear that BIM is a new paradigm of designing, modeling and building, but this
concept is not recent at all. In the earliest years of computing, in 1962, Douglas C. Englebart published the paper
Augmenting Human Intellect, with his vision about the future of architecture and some strange ideas and concepts
appeared, such as:

‘’the architect next begins to enter a series of specifications and data–a six-inch slab floor, twelve-inch concrete walls eight feet
high within the excavation, and so on. When he has finished, the revised scene appears on the screen. A structure is taking
shape. He examines it, adjusts it… These lists grow into an evermore-detailed, interlinked structure, which represents the
maturing thought behind the actual design’’ (Douglas C. Englebart)
Then in 1975, a closest concept of BIM was first documented by a working prototype called ‘’Building Description
System’’, and it was published at AIA Journal by Charles M. Eastman, where also several concepts of BIM were
mentioned, such as:

“. . . interactively defining elements . . . deriv[ing] sections, plans, isometricsor perspectives from the same description of
elements . . . Any change of arrangement would have to be made only once for all future drawings to be updated. All
drawings derived from the same arrangement of elements would automatically be consistent . . . any type of quantitative
analysis could be coupled directly to the description . . . cost estimating or material quantities could be easily generated . . .
providing a single integrated database for visual and quantitative analyses . . . automated building code checking in city hall
or the architect’s offi ce. Contractors of large projects may fi nd this representation advantageous for scheduling and materials
ordering.” (Eastman 1975)

Meanwhile, in the early 1980s, other parallel researches about BIM were conducted in Europe and in the USA.
While in Europe, this concept was named as ‘’Product Information Models’’, in the USA was described as
‘’Building Product Models’’, therefore, those two nomenclatures merged later into ‘’Building Information Model’’.

The first use of the term ‘’Building Modeling’’, in the sense of BIM was in a paper by Robert Aish in 1986. This
paper consisted of a case study where he applied Building Modeling System, illustrating arguments and concepts
of the BIM that we know today. Therefore, it was a short leap to the term ‘’Building Information Model’’, which
was first introduced in the paper ‘’Modelling Multiple Views on Buildings’’ by G.A. van Nederveenand F.
Tolman, in 1992.

In parallel with the development of the concept and nomenclature, several softwares (Brics, US-based Bausch &
Lomb modeling system, Rucaps) tended to introduce those changes into their functions, and most of them are
dimly remembered today.

But the first true BIM software was Radar CH, that later became ArchiCAD and it was developed by Gabor Bojar
in Hungary. Even though ArchiCAD was the world’s first BIM software, it was not so successful until the recent
years, due to the computing limitations of the time and also the inconvenient business situation.

After the ArchiCAD release, the Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) was established and their first
constraint based parametric software, PRO/ENGINEER was released. Thereon, two co-workers of PTC, Irwin
Jungreis and Leonid Raiz, which already owned the know-how of PRO/ENGINEER, split from PTC and
established their own software company (Charles River Software in Cambridge).

Their goal was to create software that can deal with bigger and complex projects, than the ArchiCAD does. So, in
2000 they developed a program called Revit, which utilized a parametric change engine. In 2002, the company
was sold to Autodesk, so the Revit began to be more promoted and more sophisticated.

Revit brought many innovations that revolutionized the market, such as: parametric families, construction phase
control, schedules and visual programming environment. Moreover, Autodesk invested also in collaborative
design, to increase the collaboration between large teams of architects, engineers and contractors. So by 2004, in
Revit 6 they released the Revit structural and Revit mechanical to help the communication between engineers and
architects.

Since we have different BIM software in the market, it was impossible to exchange data from different BIM
platforms. So, to combat this problem, in 1995 was developed the International Foundation Class (IFC), which still
continue adapting and improving the model exchange.

After some years of BIM development, in 2005, was hold the first industry-academic Conference on BIM (Laiserin,
2005), where a broad range of software-designers and vendors, as well as successful users where presented
showing their achievements and results.

Reference: – Quirk, Vanessa. “A Brief History of BIM / Michael S. Bergin” 07 Dec 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed 10
Mar 2015. <[Link] ([Link]

-THE BIM HANDBOOK, Chuck Eastman, Paul Teicholz, Rafael Sacks, Kathleen Liston

– AUGMENTING HUMAN INTELLECT : A Conceptual Framework. October 1962. By D. C. Engelbart –

BUILT CASE STUDY OF BIM

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Foundation Louis Vuitton

The new France Art Museum, Foundation Louis Vuitton, designed by Frank Gehry, is located on the edge of the
‘jardin d’Acclimatation’ in Paris and it is considered a masterpiece of design, art and technology.

This building is composed by several exhibition galleries of different shapes, as well as a complex modular
auditorium, allowing different configuration use. Moreover, the main hall of the building guide to the other
spaces, such as: galleries, auditorium, library, restaurant, terraces, etc.

One of the crucial elements in this project is the use of glass, which has a strong presence in Paris and a rich
th
interaction with nature and the environment, but also is a reference to historical garden structures of 19 century.

([Link]
vuitton_dezeen_ss.jpg)

Fondation Louis Vitton (source: [Link]

gehrys-fondation-louis-vuitton-set-to-open-in-paris/
([Link]
set-to-open-in-paris/))

As a high innovative project and due to its complexity, were needed advanced design tools to handle it, such as:
BIM, cloud model, advanced parametric methods and CNC process.

Due to many different curved glasses (3500 molds), was impossible to be done otherwise if not with automotive
glass. Therefore, CNC was extensively used and every extrusion was ordered from BIM model. Moreover, Digital
Project tools (BIM) allowed the calculation of each panel and the control of joint distances between them.

The core model consisted of a high performance Digital Project master model, which served as the sole basis to
support all phases of design. With the digital model the team could develop studies in 3D, manage interfaces and
directly manufacture industrial components with the geometric data of the model. Moreover BIM avoided wasted
time and errors, because of its continually updating and interacting model.
 ([Link]

BIM model (source: AIA TAP BIM Awards 2012)

The master model of the project had within integrated all the BIM information, such as: finish specification, wall
types, occupancy information, among others. The high performance BIM model was composed by different
software, interoperable through standard formats and tools, or web platform.

Since the project drew from expertise, around the world, it was needed to use a real time, centralized model
server, as a way to maintain the coherence of all authors and better communicate data between them.

Besides the 3D model, the consultants and subcontractors integrated adaptive engineering into the model. The 3D
BIM model will benefit all the maintenance trades, including the visitors and curators. Moreover, it contains
predictive information about material and facility lifecycle.

The use of BIM in this project showed that BIM can be more than just a design tool; it is also a catalyst of a
collaborative design, energy efficiency, program analysis and fabrication.

Reference:

– AIA TAP BIM Awards 2012

– Gehry Technologies Media

BUILT CASE STUDIES OF BIM

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In order to better understand how BIM can help us to design and build complex projects, this part of thesis will
describe two case studies where the use of BIM was irreplaceable. The two selected project are the Beekman tower
in 8 Spruce Street in Manhattan and One Island East in Hong Kong.

Beekman Tower
The building located in the 8 Spruce Street, Manhattan, known as the ‘’the tallest residential building in the
western hemisphere’’, was design by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. The building’s main features are the
seventy-six-story high stainless steel wavy facades, which are placed on top of a six-story edifice covered by a
brick façade. The tower was designed starting from the apartment’s layout, the elevator core and studying the
regulations of zoning envelope that New York City Department of City Planning had imposed for the site.

([Link]
[Link])

Project on the 8 Spruce street (source:

[Link]
spruce-street ([Link]
states/new-york/8-spruce-street))

The façade is 39,738 m2 and it was covered with 10,911 pre-fabricated steel stainless panels. Even though is seems
to be a very complex geometry, the design process of the panels and its fabrications were budget driven. The
responsible contracted to envelope the building was PNA (Permasteelisa North America), with which Gehry
collaborated in all stages, taking into account budget and technical constraints. PNA was chosen to be the
envelope engineering consultant because of their previous experience with Gehry on several projects and also
because PNA was familiar with CATIA, a building information modeling (BIM) tool, an alteration of which is
used in Gehry’s office and is called Digital Project.

PNA received the model in BIM with all the panels, created by Gehry’s office, which conducted in finite-element
analysis in order to reduce the number of panels with double curvature. Therefore, use of BIM enabled the
interactive substitution of double curved with single curved panels, detecting the effects of this in the façade.

According to Denis Shelden, Chief Technological Officer in Gehry Technologist, ‘’the panels were curved in a way
that a craftsman can lay them on like a sheet of paper’’, with no need for special stamping process.
 ([Link]

The analysis model of the curtain wall (Source: GOLDKLANG,

Shaul. Mass-Customization in commercial real state: how the
aviation industry can help us create beautiful buildings that add
value.)

The use of BIM in this project played a crucial role and had several advantages. As the project was followed by
continuous changes, the use of BIM enabled the automatically update of the drawings according to the 3D model,
which is not just a geometry as would be in CAD 3D, but it contains parametric attributes that allows various
simulations and climate analyses.

The BIM was also used to work collaboratively with all the involved companies in the project, to discuss changes,
to identify in advance conflicts between the various systems of the building and to revise them. Moreover, since
9,023 out of 10,911 panels had different shape, with traditional CAD would have been almost impossible to
produce thousands of 2D drawings to manufacture the panels, so with BIM was easier to accomplish by
importing the 3D model directly to Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) tool which operates with Computer
Numerical Control (CNC).

Reference:

– GOLDKLANG, Shaul. Mass-Customization in commercial real state: how the aviation industry can help us create
beautiful buildings that add value.

– MAING, VARGAS, Digital Fabrication Processes of Mass Customized Building Facades in Global Practice

One Island East

The building located in the Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, known as the tallest building in the eastern area of Hong
Kong Island, is a 308m-high skyscraper with 68 storeys above ground and two basement levels. The owner of this
building, Swire Properties Limited, identified the potential of BIM to improve quality, increase efficiency and
significant savings in time and cost. Therefore, this building became one of the first commercial buildings that
successfully implemented BIM and virtual construction to manage the financial and functional relationships
between design, management and construction.
 ([Link]
[Link])

One Island East (source: [Link]

portfolios/hong-kong-commercial/island-east/taikoo-place/one-island-
[Link] ([Link]
kong-commercial/island-east/taikoo-place/[Link]))

The project began by requiring that all the involved contractors use the same BIM technology, and Digital Project
was chosen as the right software for this building. Some of the project team members had never used BIM before
so the owner contracted as a BIM consultant GT (Gehry Technology) to implement best practices and also to train
the team members. The One Island East exposed many benefits of using BIM from the first phases of the project to
the detailing and execution. Due to the complexity of this project, were hired around 50 designers to work
collaboratively on the same Master Model, to detect and resolve clashes and to ensure fast construction. The use
of BIM during the design process solved more than 2000 clashes, before even tendering, and also enabled to
estimate the accurate cost of the building or any change on the building.

([Link]
 Complexity of One Island East (source: AIA TAP 2008 BIM Awards)

At the time of tendering, BIM tool measured automatically many of the quantities which saved time to the
contractors and also enabled to faster estimate an accurate costing. During the construction phase, virtual model
was used as a central management tool for the production process, identifying clashes and problems before they
even impacted on-site. Over 150 clashes were detected and resolved during every week of 24 months construction
period. The successful implementation of BIM in such a large and complex project, made possible the generation
of all the drawings, clash analysis, quantity take-off and integration with scheduling and construction. Moreover,
played a crucial role in different other aspects, such as, site safety and spatial requirements when moving
temporary work. As a result of successfully process of BIM and construction, this building was awarded by the
American Institute of Architects’ 2008 BIM Award for design delivery and process innovation.

References:

– Handbook for Construction Planning and Scheduling, Andrew Baldwin, David Bordoli

– Managing Construction Projects, Graham M. Winch

st
– Handbook BIM, 1 edition – American Institute of Architects, 2008 BIM Awards

Architectural Conceptual Parametric Design

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In conceptual parametric design, the shape is created by assigning different values or parameters. The main
feature of this approach is the possibility to create a high degree of shape variation with few numerical values.
Nonetheless, this new parametric approach in design, requires knowledge of scripting and mathematical
algorithms.

Scripting languages enable one to encode new functionality within the existing software. They allow the user to
access the underlying structure of existing software and embed new functionality on it (SAMMER, 2004).

Scripting tools as Autolisp, Rhinoscript and Grasshopper offers such scripts and algorithm editors for parametric
design.

AutoLISP is a programming language designed to adapt AutoCAD functionality and it was first introduced in the
mid of 1980s, as an application programming interface (API) in AutoCAD release 2.1. With AutoLISP can be
controlled every aspect of AutoCAD operations, from the appearance to the variety of menus. AutoLISP is
relatively simple to use and with a little effort can make it very useful to build complex tools that help AutoCAD
to be more productive.

An example based on an Autolisp approach is the academic work (Fig.1) of Programming and Computing for
Architecture subject (at Instituto Superior Tecnico Lisbon), where the goal was to model a building that twists in
proportion with the height, and the dimensions of the walls, windows and floors are constrained with
proportions that can be controlled or changed at any time with programming.
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Figure 1. Academic Report- Turning Torso (source: Fantainha, Santos)

Rhinoscript:

Rhinoceros is based on the command – line interface, which means that we can command all by keyboard. The
lowest form of programming in Rhino is using Macros, because it is very primitive and uses the same commands
over and over. Due to these limitations were developed the scripting languages, which are something between
macros, programs and plug-ins. One of the most popular scripting languages of Rhinoceros is Rhinoscript,
because of its high level of resources, documentation and relatively low cost. Rhinoscript is a scripting tool which
allows access to Rhino’s geometric library, procedures, and graphical user interface through the Visual Basic
scripting language, which is developed by Microsoft to create powerful tools and it is considered relatively easy
to learn and use.

An example based on a Rhinoscript approach is the built project Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (Fig. 2),
designed by Frank Gehry. This building is composed by 18.000 stainless steel shingles, each cut to unique
measurements and 199 different windows. Due to its complexity, it was needed scripting tools like Rhinoscript to
make it possible and constructible.
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Figure 2. Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health(source: [Link]

ruvo-center-for-brain-health-by-frank-gehry/ ([Link]
center-for-brain-health-by-frank-gehry/))

Grasshopper

Grasshopper 3D is a graphical programming language developed for architects as a plug-in for Rhinoceros 3D.
The origins of Grasshopper can be traced to the ‘’Record History’’ button by Rhino 3D version 4. This feature
saved the modeling procedure steps in the background. Then in 2008, David Rutten posed the question ‘’what if
we can have more explicit control over the modeling procedure history’’, and the precursor of Grasshopper,
Explicit History was born. Thereupon, Grasshopper became a graphical algorithm editor, integrated with Rhino’s
3D modeling tool and it requires no knowledge of programming. Graphical algorithm editor is a paradigm of
computer programming where the users instead of writing code, they can manipulate logic elements graphically
(Fig. 3) and the algorithms are automated then in Rhino 3D.

Grasshopper became very popular amongst architects because of its graphical language and its facility to learn.
However, this graphical language has a big disadvantage because, as the modeling grows in its complexity, the
number of connections between components makes it difficult to understand. (FIG.3)

Although Grasshopper was thought to be used only with Rhinoceros, it can be extended with plug-in to another
application like BIM. Lyrebird is a plug-in developed by LMN architects as a connection between Grasshopper
and Revit. This plu-g-in use the graphical language information to create the desired model in Revit, and then
sends that information to the BIM to indicate the intended objects with all the related information parameters, but
not all functionalities of the BIM are available in Lyrebird.
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Figure 3. Grasshopper and logic element connection (source:

[Link]
bicycle-wheel-in-grasshopper-rhino/
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bicycle-wheel-in-grasshopper-rhino/))

An example based on a Grasshopper approach is the built project developed by SCIN (a material resource center
for designers and architects in London). The objective was to produce a small cube (fig. 4) that represents their
approach to design, materiality, and technology for the London Design Festival exhibition. The cube was
designed using a network of digital cellular bodies that are first relaxed to produce a more uniform field and then
structurally differentiated in relation to their distance to the outside surface. The inner core’s cell edges are
extremely thin and fragile yet are protected by the multiple layers of increasing more robust edges closer to the
cube boundary (KUDLESS, 2012)

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Figure 4. London Design Festival, SCIN Gallery

References:
-OMURA, George. The ABCs of AutoLISP

-AUTODESK, AutoLISP Developer’s Guide

-Rutten, David, 2007: ‘Rhino Script 101’, digital version of David Rutten and Robert McNeel and Association.

-PAPALEXOPOULOS, Vassilis. Presented at ARCHTHEO ͛14. THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE CONFERENCE,

Istanbul, Turkey, November 6-8, 2014

-STAVRIC and MARINA, Parametric Modeling for Advanced Architecture

-Foundation, The Grasshopper Primer, Third Edition

-SAMEER Kashyap, DIGITAL MAKING, 2004

– MONEDERO Javier, Parametric design: a review and some experiences, 2000

– FERNANDES, Rita: Generative Design: a new stage in the design process

Parametric Design

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Design processes are characterized by change. Unfortunately, CAD tools are currently being used just as a more
efficient version of the traditional paper-based approach, an approach that does not help the designers at
handling change, particularly for the exploration of different solutions or to adapt the design to evolving
requirements. (FERNANDES, 2013)

Consequently, new design approachs that better handle with change have been introduced and parametric design
tools are one of them. The objective is not anymore a final product, but a multiple-end product.

Parametric design is based on algorithmic principles. The algorithms are an interpretation of a rule set, used by
the design team to create the parametric model and when the algorithms are translated in programming
language, constitute change and variability.

Parametric design is, in a sense, a rather restricted term; it implies the use of parameters to define a form when
what is actually in play is the use of relations. (MONEDERO, 2000)

Since about 1990 parametric design has influenced the development of digital architectural design, where we can
distinguish between: ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPTUAL PARAMETRIC DESIGN and ARCHITECTURAL
CONSTRUCTIVE PARAMETRIC DESIGN. (STAVRIC and MARINA, 2011)

HISTORY OF COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

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([Link]

The beginning of Computer aided design or CAD, can be traced back in 1950, when at Massachusetts Institute of
Technology started the discussion and the development of CAD.

CAD systems of this generation were limited to the description of geometric entities in two dimensions, the
creation and manipulation of drawings in monochrome graphic terminals. Those CAD systems were using a
combination of simple geometries, involving straight lines and circles to represent the desired shape, which did
not allow the design of more complex geometries.

In 1957, Dr. Patrick Hanratty developed the programming tool ‘’Pronto’’, which is considered as one of the first
CAD systems. Nevertheless ‘’Sketchpad’’ developer, Ivan Sutherland, in 1960 was the first to introduce a program
able to interact with a light pen, which was used to design mechanical parts.

The main purpose of the first generation of CAD software was to automate repetitive 2D drafting, so automotive
and aerospace companies were the earliest commercial users of CAD due to the high cost of computers at that
time.

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MAGI Synthavision
CAD software finally migrated into commercial use in the 1970s and the most famous 2D CAD software program
of this time was CADAM (developed by the Lockheed aircraft company). Then in 1977 they began developing a
3D CAD software program named CATIA, which survives to this day. Even though CATIA was the famous 3D
modeling software, the first 3D solid modeling program was SynthaVision from MAGI (Mathematics application
Group) in 1972, and it was a mere 3D analysis of nuclear radiation exposure.

Succeeding the fast growing of development and use of CAD software, increased the need of standardization, and
in 1979 was created IGES (Initial graphic Exchange Standard), which facilitated the transfer of 3D curves and
surfaces between different 3D Cad software programs. At a time of strong competition between different CAD
software companies, trying to capture share in the new market of CAD software, appeared several CADs as:
Auto-draft, Calma, Computervision’s, CADDS, IBM’s CADAM, M&S Computing’s IGDS, McAuto’s Unigraphics
and Auto-Trol (which first completed a public offering).

The decade of 1970s saw the major advances in CAD software, especially because the power of computers was
steadily increasing and the price was decreasing, and this made possible the increasing of software use by even
small companies. Finally, PCs appeared in early 1980s, with the first PC shipped in 1981 and Autodesk, created
the first CAD software for PCs in 1982, the AutoCAD Release 1.

Later came, Adra Systems, founded in 1983 with their CADRA 2D CAD software. In 1984, Bentley Systems was
founded and realesed MicroStation. Apple had released the first Macintosh 128 in 1984 and in 1985 was released
MiniCAD by Biehl Graphsoft which rapidly became the most used CAD software on the Mac.

In 1980s, the CAD software industry seemed to have incremental improvements taking advantage of continuing
improvements in computer hardware. A new 3D solid modeling software, UNIX workstation 3D CAD
Pro/Engineer (launched by Parametric Technology Corp.), appeared in the market and the industry would never
be the same again.

Pro/Engineer came as a revolution for CAD users, with its interface, facility of use and the speed of modeling.
Moreover, Pro/Engineer was the first CAD software to be entirely based on solid models, history based features
and constraints.

While in the past, 3D CAD software took years and millions of dollars to be developed, in 1993 it was possible to
be developed with a smaller budget and in less than a year, as did the small software company called Solid
Works.

The mid of 1990s, was marked by two great changes, the PDM systems and 3D CAD software PC explosion.
Autodesk, in pressure to improve the 3D CAD software, released Mechanical Desktop, offering to his costumer
first full function 3D solid modeling CAD software product and which rapidly became number one in the 3D
CAD software in the world.

The last marked event of 1990s, in the CAD software is the decision to standardize on Unifraphics, that also
marked a new phase for CAD development. The easy and fast growth were over and the level of differentiation
was even difficult and expensive. That way, the tough competition became as a reason of reducing the value of
CAD software sales.

Then by the end of 1990s, 3D modeling across the Web came as a new era of CAD software, where the first move
was done by Dessault Systems, with CATIA Conferencing Groupware, which enabled review and annotation of
CATIA models in the internet.

In 1999, Dessault Systems released its long waited CATIA version 5, as the first software to be fully implemented
in Windows, therefore all the leading vendors did the same (CAD software implemented in windows).

With the news of Parametric Technology acquisition of Computervision, about 37 years after Ivan Sutherland
published his SketchPad thesis, the CAD software industry clearly entered in a stable period of development.
Even though, the CADs continue being developed the improvements are very small and insignificant.

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