Final Project

Project 2: API Programming

In my final project, I failed in changing the color of curtain panels. So, I tried to find out the problem. This video is about how this problem be solved. Thank you for watching!

1. Project: Utrecht University Library
    Architect: Wiel Arets Architects

       I develop my final project based on the first project, since the major element of my first           project is the curtain panel system. So in the second project, I focus on the appearance of  curtain panels by using API programming.

2. At the beginning, I made some changes on two parameters of the component, length and materials. These two parameters will be used in the code. So it’s important to remember them.

3. Next, I upload this component into family file and combined it with my mass model.

4. Then I upload it into project.

5. Then I need to work on the code in visual studio. First, I got the family ID in project file. And replace this number with my project family ID.

6. Next, we need to edit the project in family . I selected all instances in entire project, get ID. 

7. I defined the random thickness from 1~3.

8.I changed the words in these two brackets to make sure they are the same as my parameters of the component.

9. Finally, load the curtain panel .dll into project file and run curtain panel pattern command.

10. However, as is shown is the picture, it cannot work. I checked every process from the small component to the project, also the code, but still can’t find the reason. At last, I do it again based on basic massing model.

11. At last, I do it again based on basic massing model.

12. Result

Parametric Modeling Diagram -Project 1

Project 1: Parametric Modeling

1. Introduction

Project: Utrecht University Library

Architect: Wiel Arets Architects

Location: Utrecht, The Netherlands

The library was intended to be a place where people could work in a concentrated manner, to also become the intellectual social center for the suburban university campus, where students and others can come to study and meet at all times of the day.

2. Parametric Mass Modeling

The simple rectangular massing of the library stands in stark contrast to the rich, plastic spatial complexity of the interior spaces.

To get the accurate information about dimension of my project, I first downloaded a 3D model from google earth. Then I created a new mass model based on that model. 

3. Creating Parametric Facade

Although the basic shape of my project is really simple, the facade of this project is really complicated. Basically, the facade is covered by a repeated texture, printed on the glass and carved in relief on the black concrete panels. The following pictures show the process of how a component develop from zero to what it is.

Because there are two kinds of material on this project, so I need to create another rectangular component and a glass panel on it.

4. Develop Project In Family File

I applied the facade pattern to the mass model, modified the density and size respectively to get a best form.

5. Upload It Into Project File

After loading my project from family file into project file, there are no floors in this building. I copied level reference lines in one elevation and created each floors by using these lines.

6. Add Some Details

Some details are represented. Like some circle holes on the wall, some trees and lawn.

7. Renderings