Sunday, August 28, 2011

Energy Modeling with Grasshopper (Proof-of-Concept)

Grasshopper users have all kinds of simulation tools at their disposal... however, I have yet to see an attempt at integrating energy simulation tools with Grasshopper... so here is a 'weekend warrior' study which links Grasshopper to EnergyPlus.

I wrote a few custom components which automate the formatting of Grasshopper geometry into a simulation-ready model that can be read directly by EnergyPlus. The colorful visualizations show a simple box structure going through an hourly analysis on a specified design day. The analysis results are streamed back into Grasshopper after the energy analysis is run

There is much potential here (and work to be done before I can put this into a full release!)... I would also like to consult with the experts first before I release this as a plug-in. I am not an MEP expert, after all...

We have just about everything else: solar (DIVA, Geco), structures (Karamba, StructDraw), physics (Kangaroo).... What other simulation tools will we see in Grasshopper's future?



Sunday, August 14, 2011

An Energy Model... of Earth? ASHRAE + Slingshot!

What do all of those ASHRAE Climactic Design Conditions look like?

Using some CSV file parsing, I translated the ASHRAE 2009 Design Conditions into a MySQL relational database. Location, heating, cooling, and extreme conditions for 5564 stations are stored in tables and can be dynamically searched. Using Slingshot!, I can query information and load it into Grasshopper for visualization...

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

NBBJ Design Computation - Job Opening


Dear Computation Community,
I am happy to announce that NBBJ is expanding its efforts in the field of Design Computation. We have officially opened a search for an additional expertise to work with me on a firm-wide effort based out of the Los Angeles studio. Please review the job description below.

If you are interested in this position, apply through the NBBJ website!

NBBJ Los Angeles is seeking an expert in Design Computation who will be placed in a co-leadership position with a collaborative team of experts. The Designer we are seeking must have a proven track-record for pushing the boundaries of design by drawing upon a deep interest in science, mathematics and computing. This individual should possess experience in applying technology driven methodologies in the context of real-world design problems.

The individual will have responsibilities which include collaborating on the design of architecture projects, working with teams to develop innovative computational design tools, and mentoring design teams in computational methods. The position will offer the candidate opportunities to grow within the firm and exposure to an innovative, fast-paced and highly collaborative environment.

• 4-year degree in related field required; Architectural degree a plus
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in leveraging computational methods for architectural design
• Advanced knowledge of parametric design software and generative design techniques (software may include Grasshopper, Generative Components, Catia, and/or Inventor)
• Working knowledge of common computer programming languages (VB.NET, C#, Python)
• Familiarity with scripting and application programming interfaces (API) for tools such as Revit, Rhino and/or AutoCAD
• Comfortable working in common 2D and 3D design environments including Revit, Rhino, and/or AutoCAD
• Proven experience teaching design computation
• Strong critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to travel and lead team training seminars in all of NBBJ’s office locations