We present today one of our models developed by Kehinde Ayobade, one of Kalisode Network Associates. This BIM model-based project speaks a lot about the possibilities in design automation and generative design with Dynamo for Revit.
A combination of Dynamo for Revit Design Script programming language and Python scripts were utilized to create the model’s geometry and to evaluate a huge number of building parameters that resulted in the eye-catching view of the 45-floor skyscraper. Gherk heights as it is called emanates takes a queue from the iconic Gherkin building in the USA.
Both Architectural and Structural 3D models were developed via design automation with Dynamo for Revit. A special feature of the structural design is the twisting structural columns and supporting trusses at the facade of the building model. It adopts an outrigger and hollow core structural framing system that manages load distribution at the top and bottom level of the structural not excluding the rigidity that the core structural shear walls give to the building.
After successfully coming up with a consistent 3D model of the 45-floor skyscraper, a further check for integrity was carried out on the model via structural analysis done with SoFisTik analysis and design suite.
Structural sub-systems were created at critical sections of the structural model to optimize the model performance and response to temporal and permanent loads by modifying the model’s structural sectional sizes and strengths.
We would walk through the automation process in Dynamo step by step. It’s good to note that every component in the model was automated including the façade curtain panels, structural floors, beams and raking columns.
STEP 1: The process started off with creating the base profile for the building’s façade. It’s apparent that the building takes its shape from a circular geometry and hence was formed as such
STEP 2: The Façade surface was created by lofting through the circular base profile. Points were populated at parameters on the surfaces and isolines were created on the surface to serve as basis for creating the raking column
STEP 3: Polycurves were created around the surface based on desired number of floors, floor heights and column placement points. These polycurves are to serve as outline curves for creating the floor elements on each level in Revit.
STEP 4: Elevations for each Polycurve was extracted and used to create Levels in Revit. These levels were then used to drive the creation of the floors in Revit using the polygon outlines in dynamo.
STEP 5: Floor outline curves were offset to create column placement points. These points were used to drive the parts of the building that would have slanted/raking columns and other parts with vertical columns. Hence, columns that were made slant had a generic rotation applied to them. Vertical columns were located at other areas of the building like near shear walls and in between internal columns.
STEP 6: Here comes the part where elements are being created automatically in Revit based on the specified parameters inside dynamo. Core walls, vertical and slanted columns were elements first created in Revit by specifying the outline curves that drives their location and length, and also by specifying floor levels and element family types.
STEP 7: Another special feature that was automated in Revit with Dynamo was the Steel trusses which served as the basis for the outrigger structural system. These trusses are located at the crown and belly of the skyscraper. Lunchbox package V2015 was used to achieve the creation of the 3D spatial truss based on parameters such as the start and end floor levels, floor heights, the quantity of truss members, depth of truss, and structural steel section type.
STEP 8: Exterior façade adaptive panels were placed based on the surface profile of the skyscraper. The adaptive panel families were first created as a Revit adaptive family which can take any shape based on point parameters. These panels put together served as the covering façade of the skyscraper. Two adaptive panels were developed in Revit; triangular and quadrilateral panels; each having specific locations on the façade.