Lesson 2: Parametric Modeling with Design Options
Lesson Overview
You now have a basic sketch of what the building may look like, but the next step is to experiment with the form and explore many possibilities. To use all of the modeling options, parameters and design options are necessary for quick changes. In this lesson you will study variations of sizes for the residential tower and options for adding temporary units in the future.
Using Design Options
Design Options is a built-in feature for modeling and analysis in Autodesk® Project Vasari to quickly explore permutations. Start with the base model, imported CAD objects, a site model, or a blank slate.
Combining Design Options with project parameters is a great way to organize your model and works in a similar way as layers do in other 3D applications like Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design software. The primary difference here is that Project Vasari automatically categorizes all of the models components, from a conceptual mass down to the different types of glazing. This detail enables the design options feature to be a higher level group that can be turned on or off. When you create a parametric model within a design option set, it is easy to copy it, make some changes, and compare the differences between options in the Conceptual Energy Analysis environment. (See Lesson 3)
Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to:
- Create different tower options in a Conceptual Mass family
- Define Mass Floors to add scale and volume to the project
- Read direct spatial metrics in Schedules
Key Terms
| Key Term | Definition |
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Design Options |
Design Options allow for isolating discrete variations on the model to work on individually. With design options, a team can develop, evaluate, and redesign building components and rooms within a single project file. Some team members can work on specific options, such as variations of a lobby, while the rest of the team continues with the main model. |
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Project Parameters |
Project parameters are specific to a single project file. Information stored in project parameters cannot be shared with other projects. A project parameter can be used, for example, to categorize views within a project. |
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Program Organization
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The method with which you define program spaces affects energy analysis throughout the process. |
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Data-Driven
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Use numerical data to inform the design and provide strength to a conceptual design. |
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Data Feedback
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Direct, analytical results from built-in analysis tools. This can be information about the environment or your building. |
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Feedback Loops
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Like in electronics, a performance-based conceptual design process can proceed cyclically, taking the design, analyzing it, and working the results back into the design, then analyzing it again. |
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Void and Solid |
The Solid Form tool is used to create solid geometry. The Void Form tool is used to create negative shapes (voids) that cut into solid geometry. |
