Rhino Solar Envelopes User Guide

Rhino Solar Envelopes

Specifications

• Required Software: Rhino, Grasshopper
• Additional Requirements: Grasshopper Plug-ins
• File Type: Rhino file with primitive building footprint curves
• Functionality: Guaranteeing one hour of sunlight per day throughout the year

part 01_Solar Envelopes

TO START THIS EXERCISE YOU WILL NEED

• Rhino and Grasshopper installed.
• some Grasshopper Plugins installed (please refer to the installation video in the starter pack)
• a Rhino file with primitive building footprint curves: simple closed polylines

grasshopper file structure overview

• guaranteeing one hour of sunlight per day throughout the year
• part 1_scenario 1_all buildings have solar access from the ground level
• part 1_scenario 1step 1 import any curve as the test building curve (right-click on the test building curve component in Grasshopper/ “set one curve” / select the chosen curve in Rhino
• part 1_scenario 1step 2 import the REST of the curves as the test building context (right-click on the “other buildings” component in Grasshopper/ “set Multiple curves” / select ALL THE CURVES except the test building curve in Rhino
• part 1_scenario 1step 3 Double click in the toggle to turn from FALSE to TRUE (let it run for a couple of seconds)
• part 1_scenario 1step 4 To BAKE into Rhino, click on the button. The geometry will appear in Rhino. Try to create new layers as you bake to save different scenarios in different layers.
• now that the first solar envelope is done, we repeat these steps for all the other curves. Remember to always import one curve as the test building curve and THE REST of the curves as “other buildings”, for the results to be faithful.
• Once all the solar envelopes are baked, it will look something like this

Step 1: Prepare Software and Files
Ensure Rhino and Grasshopper are installed. Install any necessary Grasshopper Plug-ins. Refer to the installation video in the starter pack for guidance.

Step 2: Import Test Building Curve

• In Grasshopper, right-click on the test building curve component.
• Set one curve by selecting the desired curve in Rhino.

Step 3: Import Other Building Curves

• In Grasshopper, right-click on the other buildings component.
• Set Multiple curves by selecting all curves except the test-building curve in Rhino.

Step 4: Generate Solar Envelopes

• Double-click the toggle to switch from FALSE to TRUE and let it run for a few seconds.
• Click on the button to BAKE into Rhino. The geometry will appear in Rhino.
• Create new layers during baking to save different scenarios in separate layers.

Step 5: Repeat for Other Curves
Repeat the above steps for all other curves. Always import one curve as the test building curve and the rest as other buildings for accurate results.

FAQs

Q: How do I ensure one hour of sunlight daily throughout the year?
A: By following the steps outlined in the user manual and ensuring that each building curve is imported correctly, you can guarantee the desired sunlight exposure.

Q: Can I customize the settings for sunlight exposure?
A: Yes, you can adjust parameters within Grasshopper to tailor the sunlight exposure based on your specific requirements.

Q: What should I do if the baked geometry does not appear correctly in Rhino?
A: Check that all steps were followed accurately, and ensure proper selection of curves during the import process. You may need to troubleshoot by reviewing each step.

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