ARCH 689 Final Project
Professor Wei Yan

Controlling the Visibility of the Shading Elements Regarding Daylight 

Introduction

Digital modeling and visualization of architectural buildings has become the benchmark in the work of architects and is inevitable in architectural education (Pun, 2010). From the unique 2-D programs used for drawing architectural designs, the software used for computer-assisted design has now turned into smart 3-D software packages based on parametric modeling. These new potentials have led to new activities in architecture and illustrated the field of nonstandard architecture (Stavric, 2011). Linking the parametric modeling to scientific issues in architecture such as sustainability can help designers to utilize software more practically. 

The Concept

This project aims to link grasshopper parametric model to day-lighting based on an adoptable facade  The parametric model has a shading element which is parametric in geometry itself. In this phase of modeling, sun direction linked to the skin of building to control the shading elements visibility. The idea is to make the panels which are on the direction of sun completely shaded. The openness of panels are adaptable based on their angle from sun.

Figure 1. Quick render, controlling the visibility of panels

Figure 2. Quick render, controlling the visibility of panels

The Implication of the Idea, Using Grasshopper and Python 

Figure 3. I have started with the loft from the project one which was a parametric model. 

Figure 4. Firs of all I have defined a curve and a point on it. 

Figure 5. The points from four vertexes of square divided mesh will be averaged by the python codes.

Figure 6. The python code will help to define the direction of the line from sun to the center of each surface.




Figure 7. The code in this step occlude the surfaces that are on the back side of shape.




Figure 8. In this phase the script make a unique list from all points.



Figure 9. This part visualize all the panels which their normal on the direction of sun. In addition, this script make panels which have close angle factor to the sun direction half open.




Figure 10. This set of nodes illustrate some horizontal lines to make the sense of division in high-rise building more visual.

Figure 11. Quick render, controlling the visibility of panels

Figure 12. Quick render, controlling the visibility of panels

Figure 13. Quick render, controlling the visibility of panels

References: 

Pun, Siu-Kay (2010)  Facilitate Learning of Visual Language Skills in Engineering Students, 9th WSEAS International Conference on Education and Education technology ( EDU ’10) in Secected Topic in Education Educational Technology, Ed. Fujita, H., Sasaki J.,  pp.77-82

Stavric, M., & Marina, O. (2011) . Parametric modeling for advanced architecture. International Journal of Applied Mathematics and Informatic. 5. 9-16.