Computational waves shaping immersive form.
Challenge
For the VRT building we were asked to design a parametric ceiling for the auditorium. The auditoriums ceiling was medium height and had structural beams and lights running under the upper slab. The aim was to develop an acoustic panalled ceiling which would span through the auditiorium maintaining a sufficient clear height, adding volume and depth to the space and hiding the structure above and be manufacturable. Instead of modeling everything manually in Revit, we used Rhino.Inside Revit so we could pull the auditorium geometry directly into Grasshopper. This gave us control over ripple logic, let us test multiple iterations, and made it easier to adjust the design live with the team. Material fabrication acquired from a separate vendor.
Process
Design rule: The pattern of the ripple needs to be kept in mind. Its origin and focal point and thus its propagation towards the outside. The cieling had subtle and gradual holding volume and depth however maintaining a natural path of eye movement towards the audience. It should not break the flow and movement. A minimum clearance should be maintained.
Matrix
- Ceiling corresponds to auditorium boundary imported from Revit.
- Ripple originates at focal point above stage with strongest amplitude at origin and then fading outward.
- Maintain a minimum head clearance for audience seating.
- Account for service interruptions (structural beams, lighting).
- Panels must be cleanly subdivided for fabrication.
- Workflow remains connected to Revit for coordination purposes.
Features
- Explored multiple ripple logics such as single, rotated, merged Also experimented with intersecting ripples
- Make amplitude, frequency, and fade values to be adjustable.
- Creating masking around structural beams and lights.
- Produce a clear panelization logic for accurate customization. .
- Maintain a Direct Grasshopper to Revit link so design updates stay live.
The workflow was built in steps. First ripple generation, then masking, then panelization. Each round of testing added new constraints (clearances, beams, lights) and thus the script adapted quickly. This iterative approach meant we didn’t have to restart the model every time a new requirement came in.
Design:
Process:
- Model Overview: Revit inside rhino
- Keeping note of clearances
- Ripple generation logic and iterations. Ripples convergence.
- 4 ripple convergence
- 2 ripple convergence
Final Design:
Grasshopper Script
Solution
The final ceiling was based on a single-origin ripple: high amplitude at the stage and fading toward the edges. The panels hid structural and lighting elements, maintained head clearance, and ready for CNC/Laser cut fabrication. Each panel geometry was arranged, documented and then sent to the manufacturer. The workflow gave us flexibility to regenerate options while staying inside project constraints.
Impact
RippledLogic shows how parametric systems can turn a ceiling into a responsive component rather than static geometry. The system is very scalable and iterative. It could apply to other ceilings, pavilions, or installations. Since the script is modular, it can also adapt to new requirements, whether that’s fabrication methods, acoustic tuning, or service integration.