Case Study: ArchiRADAR achieves responsive, optimized parametric sun‑shading and streamlined BIM workflows with GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD

ArchiRADAR - Customer Case Study

ArchiRADAR (Michele Calvano and Mario Sacco) faced the challenge of turning a free-form high-rise concept into a buildable, energy‑responsive façade with optimized shading panels while keeping the BIM workflow efficient and lightweight. They used Rhinoceros and Grasshopper for algorithmic modelling and GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD (via the AC‑GH connection) to integrate the design into a BIM environment, with the objective of reducing project management time, personalizing schedules, and improving manufacturability.

Using Grasshopper and Rhino to generate NURBS and a panel mesh, ArchiRADAR converted those surfaces into parametric GDL brise‑soleil elements and native ARCHICAD beams through the live, bi‑directional Grasshopper‑ARCHICAD link. GRAPHISOFT’s ARCHICAD enabled quick updates, exportable IFC data for Tekla, model checking in Solibri, and produced an extremely lightweight workflow (200 kb Grasshopper file, 13 MB ARCHICAD file); the approach improved manufacturing efficiency through grouped panel types, delivered sun‑sensitive, parametric panels, and earned first prize in the “Algorithmic Design Meets BIM” competition.

ArchiRADAR

Michele Calvano

ArchiRADAR