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How to set up an Analysis Grid in Grasshopper

You have been asked to create and present some design options, and you do. Intuitively, you feel that one is better than the other, but when you present it to your client, they just don't get what you see. You try to diagram the benefits on the fly, but by this point it is too late. They have gone with the other option.

When presenting options or ideas, it is always important to be prepared and come from strength. The world is becoming reliant on infographics, diagrams and visual representations of data. Wouldn't it be great if you could visualise the data that demonstrates the difference in your design options, and present that your client instead.

Even better, wouldn't it be great to embed that visual feedback into your design process - so you understand the variations whilst your designing!

Here are some sample ideas for design analysis scripts:

☀  Which areas of my floor plan are far away from a window?

⛙  What is the proximity to the nearest structural beam?

👁  How private are these rooms?

Read below to learn how to create an Analysis Grid in Grasshopper and sample and report on a range of data. Once you learn this process, you can replace the data and visualisation with what you are presenting. Don't get frustrated with your presentations. Be a confident designer and integrate Data and Analytics in your workflow today!
Quick Guide
  1. Reference Boundary Lines and create a Boundary Surface.
  2. Place a Point Grid using IDDA’s 'Surface Grid' custom user object.
  3. Create a Voronoi grid using the points on the Surface Grid to create closed polyline cells.
  4. Dispatch all cells that are inside the boundary line based on their center points.
  5. Place a boundary surface on the remaining cells.
  6. To sample some data, do a simple 'Pull Points' to the exterior boundary geometry.
  7. Use the distance data to colour the cells based on their distance to the boundary.

Step 1 Reference Geometry

Reference Boundary Lines and create a Boundary Surface.

Step 2 Setup Grids

Place a Point Grid using IDDA’s 'Surface Grid' custom user object.

Step 3 Voronoi Cells

Create a Voronoi grid using the points on the Surface Grid to create closed polyline cells.

Step 4 Dispatch

Dispatch all cells that are inside the boundary line based on their center points.

Step 5 Boundary Surfaces

Place a boundary surface on the remaining cells.

Step 6 Pull Points

To sample some data, do a simple 'Pull Points' to the exterior boundary geometry.

Step 7 Analysis Preview

Use the distance data to colour the cells based on their distance to the boundary.
Now you have the tools and techniques to setup your own analysis grids in Grasshopper. Start analysing your designs today!

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Posted on 09 Oct 2023



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