Parametric Analysis and Synthesis

Challenge:  An array of west-facing windows provide much-needed natural light into conference rooms, offices, and corridors.  However, mitigating low-altitude solar glare and late-day heat gain is necessary to insure user comfort and minimize the building’s cooling load.  A perforated screen cantilevered several feet from the windows and building façade can address these issues.  But knowing what specific perforation pattern and scale will be needed, panel size and shape, as well as mounting angles cannot be solved intuitively.

Solution:  Parametric design and analysis software was used to iteratively develop a 3D BIM model that led to an optimized west façade screen design.  Computational Design programming modules were coded to analyze the afternoon seasonal sun path, daylight factor, and glare reduction.   Geometry generation modules optimized the size of panel perforations, bend angles, and rationalized the fewest number of panel types needed for fabrication.

Benefit: Data-driven analysis generated a design and construction solution that is both practical and aesthetically appealing.  Furthermore, the specific electronic documentation required for CADD/CAM fabrication was thoroughly generated with the software.  As a result, accurate pricing based on actual fabrication scope and installation could be reliably generated.