Creating Architectural Designs
Before diving into workflow examples, it’s important to understand some fundamental limitations when working with building shapes and components:
Geometry imported from other software cannot be edited directly in Revit. Imported shapes and components cannot have their geometric dimensions parameterized, meaning you cannot adjust size or shape using parameter values as you would with native door and window families. Additionally, some metadata may not transfer properly.
Therefore, it is advisable to optimize the geometry before exporting from Rhino to Revit:
First, in Rhino, unify the unit system and establish the project’s coordinate origin. This makes referencing and linking much easier.
Second, if your architectural design is created in Rhino/Grasshopper, remember that Grasshopper creations must be baked before export. If the design consists of multiple surfaces, it’s best to join them prior to exporting. Closed multiple surfaces will be recognized as single entities after export.
Once the design is finalized, export it in the ACIS SAT format.
Next, in Revit, link the SAT file to the project by going to: Massing & Site > Link Mass. The advantage of this method is that if the Rhino model is updated, you can overwrite the original SAT file to reflect multiple design options. Alternatively, Rhino models can be exported and imported as loadable mass families in Revit.
After linking the SAT geometry, Revit users have two main approaches to create building components:
- Use Revit’s curtain wall tools to create panels on the imported surface.
- Use volumetric walls based on the surface geometry.
Each method has its pros and cons. Note that imported geometry contains UV mapping, but the resulting skin divided by UV may not always meet your needs. In those cases, you might want to disable the UV grid and use Revit’s Intersection Tool to manually divide faces.
Using the imported geometry, Revit users can also create mass floor slabs at specified elevations. While this looks visually appealing, how can we compare different design options effectively?
Continuing with the workflow from part two: modify the shape in Rhino or Grasshopper and export the updated SAT file with the same filename. Revit will then automatically update the linked geometry.
In Revit, the image on the left shows the original shape, while the image below displays the modified shape after reloading.
Furthermore, the volume floors and schedules are also updated to reflect the newly linked geometry.
This example illustrates how to utilize two different solutions during the schematic design and design development phases.
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