SHoP Architects 290 Mulberry Project
Since all the software conversation is really no fun unless we put it to use to build things. I figured I should post some of the latest images of the precast panels from the 290 Mulberry Project (Project description PDF) by SHoP Architects’ (just in case, that’s where i work).
The real reason this project is applicable on this site is the explorations done in parametric modeling and BIM. As i said in an earlier post this was SHoP Architects Revit pilot project. Even though SHoP has been 3d modeling their projects for a while now this was the first time the drawing sets were integrally tied to the 3d model. The building was modeled in Revit 9.0 (now in 2008), the model was used for DD and CD and is now being used full time for CA.
Through out SD and DD various modeling packages were used 3ds Max, Rhino, Generative Components, Digital Project, and Revit (a some good old fashion Autocad). 3ds Max was used early to experiment with the affect of the brick, then again much later in the process to create photo real marketing imagery; Rhino has been used though out the process for explicit modeling as well as scripting the placement of the bricks in the model (this would have been tough without RhinoScript); Generative Components and Digital Project where used to explore the patterning of the brick; Revit was used to model the building (including the panels) and critical part of the MEP systems.
Generative Components Model
Digital project model
Precast Panel
The Precast panels on the project were explored through the use of parametric modeling software, in this case Digital Project and Generative components. Thinking about the problem more like digital prototyping, the team was able to test the limits of undulating the brick. The fabricators provided the material constraints of casting brick into panels, the team then built models to find the maximum amount of projection per panel.
Revit Model
The Revit model was used to resolve issues at the building level, from showing the MTA where the buildings pilings would be located to in relation to the subway to coordinating systems coordination as well as producing the drawing set.
This post is meant to be a very (VERY!) brief over view of how BIM was used on this project. More on this project will be available though up coming publications and an eventual SHoP blog (in the works). Please feel free to post questions and I will try to answer what i can.
All Images in this post are a Copyright of SHoP Architects, PC. and should be credited as such
Why are you using so march Software?
May you answerd me what you did:
1.In Rhino
2.In Revit
3.In GC
4.Max
And in what queue did you make this building?
Thanks, sorry for my english.
At SHoP Rhino is like the swiss army knife of modeling applications so it’s used on all aspects of the project in different amounts based on things like staffing, time, and level of detail. Rhino, on this project was used though out the process for explicit modeling as well as scripting the placement of the bricks in the model (this would have been tough without RhinoScript);
Revit was used to model the building (including the panels) and critical part of the MEP systems. As well as do the drawing set and all coordination.
Generative Components and Digital Project where used to explore the patterning of the brick. The team built parametric panels in GC and DP to test the different coursing options such as running bond, stack bond and ultimately Flemish bond. Flemish bond allowed for the maximum inflection in the panels with out going beyond the material limits of casting bricks into concrete. That has to do with the key in the back of the half bricks used in the panels.
3ds Max was used early to experiment with the affect of the brick, then again much later in the process to create photo real marketing imagery. In the early stages the patterns were explicitly modeled in 3ds Max. Partly because of staffing and partly because it was the best for producing images from the model. it could have very easily been modeled in Rhino but there was a looseness that 3ds Max allows and that was needed at that stage of the design process. Something simple like an FFD box at the early design stages is a helpful tool.
Hope that answers your questions,
Dave
Thenks for answer.
You want to say that in early stage of each project SHoP’s team made a design of future building in RHino. Then make some photo real images in 3ds Max.
And then all drawings and parametric model in Revit.
If you will make some new posts, would you mind to make post about stages of making some project. What you do first, second, and so on.
This goes along with the idea of always considering the tool that you are using for the specific task at hand. The objective is NOT to be prescriptive, but instead to show examples of how different software is used in different situations. Would the staffing situation be different, there is a good chance that the software choices would also change (somewhat).
1. Was the final version of the brick facade imported (sat/dwg) in Revit or did you recreate the facade in Revit (face/wall based brick families or API numeric input)?
2. For the average student or firm that doesn’t have the resources and time to use all of these software, which software combo could get you close enough? Rhino/revit combo…. 3ds max/revit combo………GC/revit combo……DP/revit combo?
3ds max/revit combo and Rhino/revit combo.
But what chose is the best you think?
the issue here is defining what exactly IS the final version. we have a final version for fabrication, a final version for documentation and a final version for image making. we had two models running concurrently, one that was built in revit that was used for documentation (a simplified version without the brick) and then one that was in constant flux that was using other software. what i would do is think about what your end goal is and then figure out the right software combination based on that. based on our experience i would say that you would probably be most productive with the max/revit combo though i have no idea what your experience level is with the others…
The methods you have have showed looks similar to methods firms like SOM, HOK, KPF use when designing complex geometrical buildings with the use of Revit and other software. However, these firms especially SHoP are categorized as unique high end innovative firms and therefore have the obvious resources to have a multi application office and attract people to operate them.
In Europe, this architecture style is more standard en therefore these project types are not necessarily done by starchitects, but by more conventional firms. So you can have a firm of 8 employees designing free form buildings with the use of only Autocad and 3ds Max at best. The manufacturer produces the fabrication drawings. Unfortunately, there isn’t much documentation on the implementation of Revit and other supporting software when it comes to this architectural stylein a smal firm setting. Therefore I’m quite happy to have found this website that finally focuses on this aspect of the profession. I hope you can make more tutorials on creating complex geometry in Revit (in conjunction with other software if necessary).
Dave, this stuff is great! And your video tutorials are some of the most interesting out there.
I was wondering how many different panels types you created? How acceptable was the pre-cast outfit to you providing mold files? And besides design time and mold cost were the cost in line with a flat precast brick panel?
There are 2 main panel types that enclose the majority of these two facades, and then about 8 others that make up the eccentric conditions (edges, corners, etc…). They were all created from the same master mold. As for the precaster, they were sent a model, but only for reference. they rebuilt the geometry themselves to make sure it was accurate. The cost is a bit higher than flat precast. Because of the step on the brick, one has to use half bricks instead of thin. Also, the density of the brick here is an issue. FBX type was used which is quite a bit more expensive. Hope that helps.
Thanks, cant wait to see it built!!!!
Hello, I am currently studying architecture at City College. This semester we are required to design a housing project. As for precedent study I chose to study 290 Mulberry Place. This site has been the greatest help on how the facade was designed and built. Thank You very much.