Modeling the Al Bahar Towers’ Adaptive Facade in Revit

 Part 1: Setting Up the Parametric Grid in Revit

1. Project Setup

We begin by creating a new conceptual mass in Revit, which will serve as the foundation for the adaptive façade. Since the Al Bahar Towers are large, I set the units to meters with two decimal places for precise adjustments.

2. Dividing the Surface

The next step involves dividing the surface into a grid using Revit’s divide surface tool. This is essential because it allows us to break the large surface into smaller, manageable sections. I used a flat triangular pattern for this, which is key to replicating the unique design of the Al Bahar Towers’ facade.

To ensure flexibility, I switched the grid’s layout from a fixed number of divisions to fixed distances, allowing us to control the spacing between triangles. I then introduced parameters for both the U grid (horizontal) and V grid (vertical) to define their respective distances. These instance-based parameters ensure that the grid adapts easily to varying facade dimensions.

3. Adjusting Parametric Controls for the Grid

To keep the triangles equilateral, I introduced additional parametric controls. Using Revit’s Family Parameters, I created a formula for the U grid based on the height of an equilateral triangle, calculated as √3/2 * Base. This ensures that the triangles remain proportional across the facade.

By making the V grid half the base and controlling the U grid height using the classic triangle height formula, I created a grid of equal-sided triangles that are fully parametric, allowing easy adjustments as needed.

Part 2: Building the Parametric Panels and Adding Movement

With the grid established, we can now move on to creating the actual adaptive panels.

1. Adding Reference Lines for Panel Movement

The next task was to introduce reference lines that would guide the movement of the triangular panels. These reference lines allow the panels to open and close in response to sunlight. I connected the midpoints of the triangle edges with spline through points, establishing a framework that would allow the triangular panels to move while maintaining their shape.

2. Defining Parametric Controls for Movement

The Normalized Curve Parameter (NCP) plays a crucial role in controlling how much each panel opens or closes. The NCP essentially defines the position of the panels, ranging from 0 (fully closed) to 1 (fully open). By setting up an L H parameter that calculates the distance between two points on the triangle based on NCP, we ensure that the movement is smooth and proportional.

Additionally, I calculated the hypotenuse of the triangles using √(H² — L H²) to ensure that the sides of the triangles remain consistent as they move. This was critical to maintaining the structural integrity of the façade elements.

3. Creating the Triangular Panels

With the geometry in place, the next step was to build the triangular panels. I used spline through points to connect key points along the hypotenuse, which served as the basis for the parametric triangular panels. Once the reference geometry was set, I used the Create Form tool to generate the panels themselves.

To add flexibility, I introduced a panel thickness parameter, allowing me to control the thickness of each triangle. This adds depth and realism to the facade, making it look more like the real Al Bahar Towers.

4. Testing the Parametric Model

Once the panels were built, I tested the model by adjusting the NCP values to simulate different levels of sunlight. At NCP = 0.75, the panels opened, providing maximum shading, and at NCP = 0.15, they retracted to allow sunlight in. This flexing process confirmed that the parametric model was functioning correctly.

5. Finalizing the Model

After creating one panel, I duplicated it across the façade surface, ensuring consistency.

This approach shows how Revit can be used to model complex architectural features that respond to environmental changes. The parametric controls make it easy to adjust the facade in response to different design requirements or environmental conditions, making this an ideal solution for sustainable, responsive architecture.

This model was built by following a few video tutorials. The links are provided below:

https://youtu.be/WKyYpjY5dIw?si=Cj-AqsNVrsS_EvTO

https://youtu.be/gfpBkZf5QFI?si=wJKVapx9qeqgNlSZ