Issue creating Surface for Mass

[18967889]

Hi All,

Fairly new to Revit and my first post. I have a query regarding a structure I am trying to model which I was hoping someone might be able to help with.

I am trying to create a structure which will be similar to the Pavilion images attached. I have been able to model the basis overall structure shape as seen in the attached 'Foraging Structure Frame' image which has a central 'funnel' opening in the middle. From this basis structure I can then manipulate the nodes to create a more organic shape. I have also had some success in creating one of the smaller 'funnel' openings as seen in the attached 'Foraging Structure Frame_1 & _2' screenshots. However, I am having trouble finishing off the funnel and getting it to twist around and join the main roof structure shape. I have gone about creating the overall structure by drawing several surface profiles in the Massing environment to match the curved shape of the structure and joining them together. It seems to be a lot of trial and error in trying to create the correct profile to finish off the funnel. What I think is correct Revit doesn't seem to understand or accept and keeps saying 'Can't create form element'. I have attached my Revit file for reference.

Therefore, is anyone able to see what might be causing the problem ? Is there a better way I could create the structure instead of a series of surface profiles joined together ? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

Armand

[barthbradley]

What about subtractive modeling?  That is, edit and cut the Solid Mass with Void Masses.

[18967889]

Hi barthbradley,

Thanks very much for your reply. Doing the subtractive modelling as you have shown is a good idea and what I was considering for the perimeter archway openings. However, the issue I am trying to sort out is creating the internal 'funnel' shapes that the trees seen in the pavilion images are growing in.

Would I be better off doing something like:

1. Creating a grid of points for the overall structure shape.

2. Dragging down some of the points to create the initial funnel shape.

3. Using a cylindrical void to cut through the bottom of each funnel shape and create an opening at ground level.

4. Modify the points around the opening to make it straight and circular.

5. Manipulate the points in between each funnel to raise and lower the surface to make it look more organic.

Thanks

Armand

[barthbradley]

This is the approach I would use:

Haydar Center by Zaha Hadid Modeled in Revit - Bing video

[barthbradley]

.

[barthbradley]

You know, you can create surfaces from your linework by selecting two lines at a time and pressing Create Surface.  Give it a try. Maybe that approach would be the way to go since you already got a handle on creating the linework.   

...I would suggest checking the "Is Reference Line" checkbox in the Properties of each line prior to creating form from them.