Parametric Building Design Using Autodesk Maya

Due to its comprehensive tool-set and great potential for 3D modeling, more and more architectural design and interior design firms are adapting Autodesk Maya and integrating it into their practice. There has been no book aimed at architects and designers who wish to harness the opportunities presented by this software, until now..... The book promotes parametric design. It integrates the theoretical research of computational design and Maya non-linear modeling techniques associated with simulation, animation, digital fabrication and form-finding within 2D & 3D design. Readers will learn: How to use Maya polygon and NURBS modeling tools to create non-linear procedural model. How to use Maya driver keys and relationship tools to generate parametrically negotiable solutions across various design professions. The design logic and generative processes, as well as the potential of parametric thinking as a resourceful tool for achieving diversity and complexity in form generation and fabrication. How to use Maya to prepare files for rapid prototyping and the integration of Maya into various fabrication techniques such as laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing. How to create a digital simulation to simulate all aspects of surface properties and dynamic forces with Maya physics engine. How to use Maya skeleton system and animation tools to control complex architectural forms. How to create photo-realistic renderings with Maya lighting, material and texture mapping. Using several real projects as examples, the book will go through the entire rendering process step by step. How to combine Maya with various CAD/BIM tools to create an efficient design pipeline. How to use Maya MEL script to create customized tools and interface. The book includes case studies from Zaha Hadid Architects, Greg Lynn Form, Gage Clemenceau Architects, Tang & Yang Architects, as well as step by step exercises, demonstration projects and crucially a fantastic online resource which includes video tutorials, scripts, and Maya source files.

Foreword Preface Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 1.1 Parametric Design in Architecture 1.2 Computational and Nonlinear Thinking 1.3 Performance Based Design (PBD) 1.4 Using Autodesk Maya for Parametric Design 1.5 Objective of the Book 1.6 Tutorials 2. Maya Modeling 2.1 Polygon Modeling 2.2 NURBS Model 2.3 Choosing the Right Modeling Technique 2.4 Conversion between Polygon Model and NURBS Model 2.5 Tutorials 3. Parametric Relationship 3.1 Morphing and Blending 3.2 Tutorial: Hybrid House 3.3 Driven Key 4. Maya Skeleton 4.1 Architectural Application of Maya Skeleton 4.2 Tutorials 5. Simulation 5.1 Simulation for Performance Based Design and Form Seeking 5.2 Physics Simulation as an Artistic Design Approach 5.3 Maya Dynamics Simulation 5.4 Maya Particle System and Form Making 5.5 Tutorials 6. Visualization 6.1 Camera 6.2 Lighting 6.3 Material 6.4 Special Render Notes 6.5 Projection 6.6 Rendering 7. Animation 7.1 Animation as Visualization Tool 7.2 Animation as a Modeling Tool 7.3 Tutorials 8. Digital Fabrication 8.1 CAD and CAM 8.2 Laser Cutting 8.3 CNC 8.4 3-D Print 8.5 Case Study 8.6 Future of CAD and CAM 8.7 Tutorial: Tool Path Making 9. Scripting 9.1 MEL Script 9.2 Tutorials 10. In/Out Interfacing of 3D Programs 10.1 Transfer Data Across Programs 10.2 Import Data into Maya 10.3 Export Data from Maya 10.4 Tutorials Notes Project Credits References Index

Ming Tang is an Assistant Professor at School of Architecture and Interior Design, University of Cincinnati. He is also the founding partner of Tang & Yang Architects, which has won design awards in China, Spain, Mexico, U.K. and United States, including the first prize of d3 Natural System, the first place of Cities with Soul, the first place of IAAC self-sufficient housing contest, and the first place of Chichen Itza lodge museum design.