Parametric modelling used to optimization

By using parametric modelling in manufacturing it is possible to optimize a building to be complex in its shape and use the optimal amount of material for the building The parametric design can be used in the design phase to investigate how the different parts of a product can be put together to give different kinds of solutions for the whole product. The parts can be varied to find the optimal solution. [1] One variable could e.g. be how large an overhang should be in relation to how big a window is and how much daylight is needed in a room without getting overheat. This could be investigated by running a daylight simulation connected to the programs like Rhino and Grasshopper, which connects the geometric data and the results from the simulation. It is here possible to change the size of the window and the overhang, and get the optimal sizes for the best daylight factor without the room to be overheated. In the BIM handbook chapter 2 it though said that it is not possible to link the data from a program like Rhino where the geometry is studied into the design development, because the object is not linked to the other objects. But I think that is because the book is from 2011, and with the connection to Grasshopper, it is namely possible to connect the data and use it in the design development phase. An example of how the parametric modelling can be used is described in the article “Solar analysis in Grasshopper” [2] 

It is also described in the BIM handbook that parametric modelling can be used to incorporate the knowledge from earlier designs and manufacturing processes, to find out what works and what doesn’t. It is again way optimize the products and get data that can be needed in design and production. 

I find these two examples of what parametric design can be used to very interesting. I think it a way for us engineers to be able to think more innovative and use our time more efficient. In stead of designing an overhang and a window separately, then do a daylight and a indoor climate simulation, and get a result where we have to change one parameter at a time, we can instead get the result quickly by using parametric modelling tools as Rhino and Grasshopper connected to the simulation tools. It is a way to easier do integrated design which I think will be even a bigger part of how we design our buildings in the future.  

[1] Eastman, Charles M. BIM Handbook : A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Vol. 2nd ed, Wiley, 2011.

[2] Danil Nagy, Solar analysis in Grasshopper, Feb 26 2017,  https://medium.com/generative-design/solar-analysis-in-grasshopper-5dae76c9b6cb

Alkiviadis Tsitsios: Interesting topic! I know that in Denmark BIM is integrated very much in the construction phase. A BIM tool for contractor called Dalux is very much used in Denmark. In this use it is possible to have 2D and 3D drawings, schedules, task lists, punchlists, safety reports all connected in one program on a smartphone or IPad. It think it shows that BIM is not just a tool for design, but many tools which can be used through all the phases of a building process.

Weiyi Tang: As you write in you post a newer and more efficient way of doing projects could be Intergraded Project Delivery. I do also very much like the thought of doing this kind of project instead of the traditional Design-Bid-Build delivery, but I know from an article that I once read that it is mostly the engineers how likes this method. The architects can feel that they are more limited in the design phase and that it takes too long time for them. Though I think that it is just a matter of getting used to the way of working closer together, and of course form a good team which can work together.

Jenny Fretta: By this blog post I think that it once again shows that BIM really is effective to the matter of having an overview a building and the different processes through the whole life cycle of a building. I think the way that the owner and facility manager can keep take of errors and the cost is very interesting also in terms of how a building can be more sustainable with lower energy use and thereby also lower cost.