ARCH 653: Project 1

For Project 1, I chose to modify the Utrecht University Library located in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Originally founded in 1636, the new library building was completed in 2004. The new 40,000 square meter building appears as an "unassuming box" when viewed from a distance.

 

 

Source:

Utrecht University Library. Projects - Wiel Arets Architects. (n.d.). https://www.wielaretsarchitects.com/en/projects/utrecht_university_library/ 

To begin modeling, I created a simple parametric mass. By adjusting its length (X), Width (Y), and Height (Z), it was used as a template to create the building form. These values were set as instance parameters, so multiple instances can be used in the model without causing conflicts.

 

 

I chose to modify the building’s façade by creating a system of wooden louvers. Like the previous mass, I created a single louver that can be resized parametrically. Like the building mass, the louver’s Depth, Height, and Thickness can be adjusted.

 

 

I initially planned on creating an array of louvers which would allow the length and height of the system to be adjusted as needed. To automatically adjust the number of louvers in the system, the formula “Length / Spacing” would be used. However, I was unsuccessful and kept receiving the following error message: 

 

 

I am unsure if this was caused by user error or a technical problem within Revit. Regardless, I was forced to use a different approach to create my system.

 

I then created a generic curtain panel family. This uses the rhomboid pattern family.

I then created another generic model based on the cube from earlier. Like the cube, this mass’ height, length, and thickness can be adjusted. I then selected the front surface of this mass and divided it. After dividing the surface, the modified rhomboid pattern was applied. Finally, I modified the masses material, changing the pattern to “Walnut” and void spaces to “Glass”, completing the family.

 

 

 

 

This family was then loaded into the building model. When adjusting the dimensions of the new facade, the surface pattern automatically adjusted its shape. resulting in the final product. 

 

Renders

 

 

AI Generated Images

I have utilized an AI tool in generating these three images. Specifically, I used Chat-GPT and Dalle-E to generate the images. I understand that I am fully responsible for the content generated and its incorporation into my project.

Project Movie