Introduction
As cities grow denser and architectural ambitions soar, the need for efficient, scalable, and optimized structural systems becomes paramount. The HyperB Structural Team has developed an advanced collaborative workflow that leverages automation, computational design, and data-driven optimization to enhance the efficiency and feasibility of hyper-building structures. This article delves into the HyperB Structural Team’s workflow, detailing the key strategies, automation processes, and technological innovations that are shaping the future of high-rise and mixed-use developments.
The Role of the Structural Team in HyperB
Core Responsibilities:
The structural team is responsible for developing a cohesive structural system that integrates:
- Core & Outrigger Systems
- Columns, Beams, and Diagrids
- Bridges and Podium Structures
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
To measure the effectiveness of the structural system, the team focuses on two primary KPIs:
- Percentage of Displacement – Ensuring structural stability by minimizing movement under external forces.
- Percentage of Material Reduction – Optimizing material use to balance cost, weight, and environmental impact.
Automated Structural Workflow
One of the major innovations introduced by the HyperB Structural Team is an automated structural generator/checker, which streamlines input-to-output processes within an integrated digital ecosystem. The workflow follows these stages:
1. Data Inputs and Processing:
- Building Massing Data is analyzed to determine key structural elements such as tower floors, bridge braces, and podium masses.
- Automated structural models are generated using computational design tools, minimizing the need for manual intervention.
2. Automated Structural Analysis & Adjustments:
- The workflow uses Grasshopper and Speckle to compute and refine structural elements dynamically.
- Real-time displacement calculations adjust element thickness based on load-bearing analysis.
- A feedback loop enables iterative optimization, ensuring that structural stability is maintained while reducing material use.
3. Optimization through Computational Design:
- Karamba and Rhino-Grasshopper scripts refine cross-sections and structural layouts.
- Data-driven insights help improve wind load resistance and lateral load distribution.
4. Final Structural Model & Dashboard Integration:
- The optimized structural model is shared with design teams via Speckle, allowing for seamless collaboration.
- Results are visualized in Power BI Dashboards, providing actionable insights into structural integrity and material efficiency.
External & Internal Collaboration
Collaboration is a critical component of the HyperB Structural Team’s workflow. The structural team interacts with various teams, including facade, industrial, services, and residential teams, ensuring an integrated design approach.
External Collaboration:
- Facade and Structural Integration: Diagrid panels and facade systems are optimized in conjunction with the core structure.
- Bridge and Podium Systems: The structural and architectural teams coordinate load distribution across bridges and podiums.
Internal Collaboration:
- Form Refinement & Load Analysis: The team refines the structural form based on tapering, lateral loads, and displacement calculations.
- Material Efficiency: Continuous optimization ensures reduced material usage while maintaining strength and flexibility.
Challenges and Solutions
Problem Statement:
Traditional structural workflows involve manual recalculations, increased processing loads, and high dependency on human intervention, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Automation as a Solution:
- The new workflow automates displacement recalculations, reducing processing time and improving accuracy.
- Speckle integration ensures seamless object transfer between Rhino, Grasshopper, and external dashboards.
- Optimization tools help balance load distribution, structural thickness, and material efficiency dynamically.
Conclusion: The Future of Structural Collaboration
The HyperB Structural Team’s collaborative workflow represents a significant leap in computational structural design. By leveraging automation, data-driven analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the team ensures that high-rise structures are efficient, sustainable, and resilient. This workflow is a benchmark for future hyper-building developments, paving the way for smarter, more adaptive architecture in the 21st century.
