autodesk ecotect analysis tutorial beginners

#Autodesk ecotect analysis tutorial beginners how to#
#Autodesk ecotect analysis tutorial beginners software#
#Autodesk ecotect analysis tutorial beginners series#

The following two images show daily and annual sun path diagram accompanying the model.

On the other hand, I do not know much about this topic, so my skepticism may come from my lack of familiarity with solar envelopes and other thermal calculations.

#Autodesk ecotect analysis tutorial beginners series#

I did have several problems calculating and creating a solar envelope, though through a long series of trials and errors arrived at one that I am highly skeptical of. Most of this the selections and changes on this deal with personal preferences, but I still found them useful. This last exploration was much more useful than I expected it would be.

In addition I tried and accomplished (some with more difficulty than others!) the following with this model: Attaining prevailing winds and climate data, finding a solar envelope, assigning materials and editing settings on the Visualisations Panel. This went about three times faster as it was my second or third time around. I continued to once again assign solar reflectors, display shadows, including shadows from and on selected objects, display a sun path and a diagram of shadow ranges. I ran through the same checklist of tasks, changing first my longitude, latitude and time zone. This is a means to a better, more sustainable, and more user friendly final product.Īfter I ran several tests on my large urban model, I opened and imported a scaled mass model of the building I designed for a particular parcel on this site this past semester. With my beginners level of knowledge in Ecotect I will readily be able to use these tools to quickly test initial designs and concepts as I go along. Not only have I developed a good understanding of the Ecotect program, but I have also been able to develop a new design process for myself. I've gone through a plethora of tutorials, some dealing with my initial concentration on shadows and daylighting and others not. It offers huge incentives for both architects, builders and building occupants alike, and I completely see it playing a larger role in the future.Īt this point I've spend a great deal of time familiarizing myself with Ecotect.

#Autodesk ecotect analysis tutorial beginners software#

Autodesk has produced a software that is capable of changing the way and process by which we design and remodel. Following and learning through Ecotect was easy and (I found it) enjoyable. For me this was a great relief, but it also turned out to be a second level of learning that I did not expect.

#Autodesk ecotect analysis tutorial beginners how to#

Ecotect shows the user the information visually, but also provides legends and clear cut text telling you what you're looking at and how to use the data. I did not know what several of the different diagrams I produced meant or how to read them. More importantly, Ecotect is able to teach and inform the user. I ended up using this suggestion and researching it outside of the program and found one that would be ideal, which I have posted below. I think the quality of some of the models I used hindered some of the processes, but in the end I was able to find a suggested type of shading and solar device. I was able to extract the major things that I was looking for with little problems and look forward to exploring the program further on my own. I found I was able to ease into the program and get comfortable with it rather than feel intimidated by it like I often do with other programs. I tend to stray from computer programs like Revit or FormZ but found that this does not need to be the case. The primary thing I have learned from this experience is to not be afraid of technology. I believe that the overall goal that I stated in the beginning of this project, to become familiar with the basics in Ectotect and couple this with other existing knowledge to produce better design projects in the future, was ultimately accomplished. Secondly, I became more interested in the process of shadows, shading, winds and climate and the sun path path and the way these factors inform design, particular design in process as opposed to a completed design. I understood firstly that the program was not going to be able to look at my building as say 'use this' or 'change this', but that through a series of answers in the forms of diagrams, graphs and numbers, the program would give me the information I needed to make these changes myself. However, as I continued my research via readings, tutorials and personal interaction with the program my goals shifted. I started this process with the intent to use Ecotect to analyze a given model or set of models and inform me as to what exterior materials I ought to use on a selected face or structure.