Parametric Louver System
Chabot College Library
Presented on October 13, 2022 at Facade Tectonics 2022 World Congress
Sign in and Register
Create an Account
Overview
Abstract
The Parametric Louver System is a customized tool that expedites several design iterations while embedding multiple design parameters. The ambition of this paper to provide insight and a step by step pseudocode that displays workflows and knowledge to the AEC community. HMC Architects' methodology targeted the global approach that aims to provide quantifiable design solutions based on environmental and geometric standards. Then develop the tool from a bottom up approach using the louver system specifications. Both the overall design aesthetic and functionality are critical. Our study revealed that setting up the definition must properly reflect the intent of how the script will be used. The logic and sequence of operations will be dependent on one another. This work has advanced our knowledge in-house and serves to provide detailed and effective solutions based on the design teams needs at HMC.
Authors
Noah Kelly, AIA, NCARB
Project Architect
Dreyfuss + Blackford Architects
nkelly@db-arch.com
Brittney Holmes, AIA Associate
Designer
SOM
brittney.holmes@som.com
Keywords
Introduction
Digital Practice is a group within HMC Architects that aims to support project ambitions by applying design technologies and techniques. It exists to leverage advanced digital design tools that create the best product and experience for our clients and users across multiple offices. Digital Practice is multi-faceted and prioritizes people through digital transformation, investing in state-of-the-art tools, and furthering education to improve the technical literacy of the company. The task was to create a script that could produce, analyze, and optimize façade louver geometry; while allowing for designers’ input. Digital practice started this process with a detailed tool development questionnaire developed in-house that allows the team to gather project objectives, outcomes, timeline, and other critical pieces for a successful collaboration.
As we move into this façade study, it is important to remember that there are two parallel stories here: a geometric and environmental story. The goals for the geometric story were to create a louver system that allowed for varying louver angles, density, and design input. The ambition for the environmental study was to help design a louver system that reduced the heat gain and glare within the program space. The design goal for this parametric tool envisioned the utilization of multiple iterations and flexibility within the design parameters set using the tool development questionnaire.
The Geometric Story
Digital Practice collaborated across multiple departments which interlaced different sets of skill and expertise together. The parametric louver tool was developed in a way to support the design team to
Access Restricted
The Environmental Story
The ability to conduct these environmental simulations is beneficial to provide quantifiable data to inform the design team, client, and third-party participants. Depending on the climate analysis required there are
Access Restricted
The Approach
To achieve the final scheme, it was critical to include the louver properties in the design system. The profile and span of the louver selected informed the panel width and
Access Restricted
Next Steps
The future ambition of this script is to take the native Rhino geometry and convert into the Revit for documentation and further design coordination. The script includes multiple parameters such
Access Restricted
Conclusion
The goal of this script was to efficiently explore a range of panel types and combinations to optimize interior conditions based on the defined programmatic requirements. This parametric interface allowed
Access Restricted
Acknowledgements
HMC Architects
Evan Troxel
Jennifer Wehling
Rights and Permissions
LEED 4.1
“LEED Link: LEED v4.1 Guides.” U.S. Green Building Council, www.usgbc.org/articles/leed-link-leed-v41-guides.