BuildScape is a parametric building generator developed in Grasshopper, adapted from the “Shifted Floors” definition by Parametric House. The project restructures the original script into a modular system and deploys it through Hops, enabling real-time interaction via a web interface.
The Grasshopper definition is organized into three computational stages:
1. Solid Generation (Base Geometry + Massing)
The system begins with a planar curve that is parametrically extended using the “Extend Curve” slider. This curve is used as the base profile to generate floor plates through extrusion and vertical translation. The “Number Floors” parameter controls the iteration of this operation, producing a stacked series of slabs. Each level maintains parametric dependency on the base curve, ensuring global updates when inputs change.
2. Slab and Roof Thickness (Brep Definition)
Floor plates are converted from surfaces into closed Breps by applying a thickness operation (extrusion along the Z-axis). The roof is generated as the final slab in the sequence, maintaining consistency in thickness logic. This step introduces material depth and ensures the model transitions from surface geometry to volumetric elements suitable for downstream processing.
3. Façade System (Openings + Frames)
The façade is generated by subdividing the vertical faces of the mass according to parametric rules:
- “Windows Length” controls the horizontal scaling of openings
- “Window Divisions” defines the subdivision grid and repetition logic
- “Window Frames” acts as a discrete switch to generate alternative frame geometries
Openings are created through Boolean operations on the façade surfaces, while frames are generated as secondary geometries extracted and offset from window boundaries. Outputs are separated as “WindowGeo” and “Frames Geo” for independent visualization and control.
Data Flow and Deployment
The parametric definition is exposed to a front-end interface via Hops, where each Grasshopper input is mapped to a slider:
- Extend Curve (0–6)
- Number Floors (3–12)
- Windows Length (0.10–2.00)
- Window Frames (1–2)
- Window Divisions (1–3)
Geometry is processed using Weaverbird for mesh subdivision and smoothing, and Mesh+ for mesh manipulation and optimization, enabling efficient data transfer and real-time visualization in the browser.Outcome
BuildScape operates as a parametric system that maintains relational constraints between massing, structure, and façade. By exposing a limited but interdependent set of parameters, the tool generates controlled variations of shifted multi-storey buildings, supporting rapid iteration and evaluation during early design stages.
