Bhagya Devnani

For my generative design, I will attempt to provide an generative list of configurations for a “Figure 8 shaped” swimming pool. This is a common type of backyard pool in suburban homes outside of the rectangular shape. However, not much thought is put into what would be most effective in terms of size and cost of maintenance.

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Step 1 - Generative Design Framework

A very brief description of the design decisions from Step 1 following the Generative Design Framework.

  • Design Decision 1 - Largest Pool Size
    • Design Variables
      • Width of Pool
      • Length of Pool
      • Pool Indent (makes the curves based on the width at the middle of the figure 8)
    • Evaluators
      • Volume of the Pool in Gallons
      • Surface Area of the Walls and the Floor in SF
    • Most Important Tradeoffs to Consider
      • Larger the pool, the larger the cost of maintenance since there is more water, larger walls and a larger floor to clean.
  • Design Decision 2 - Pool with most Possible Swimming Lanes
    • Design Variables
      • Width of the Pool
      • Pool Indent
      • Location of Indent
    • Evaluators
      • No of swimming lanes (width/size of lane) at the narrowest part of the pool
    • Most Important Tradeoffs to Consider
      • The curvier the pool, the less possible number of swimming lanes can be made. A rectangular shape is most efficient for swimming lanes, however, it may not fit the aesthetics required by the client.
  • Design Decision 3 - Amount of Adequate Night Lighting
    • Design Variables
      • Width of Pool
      • Length of Pool
      • Pool Indent
      • Location of Indent
    • Evaluators
      • No of Light Fixtures Needed (Length/Width of Light Fixture’s Visibility)
    • Most Important Tradeoffs to Consider
      • Larger the length of the pool, more number of light fixtures needed.
      • As the figure 8 gets more curvier, for a given part of the pool, only (1) fixture may be needed on one side instead of (1) each on either side.

      We will proceed with a generative design study using Design Decision 1 - size of the pool.

Step 2 - Generative Design Study

  • First, we create the geometry for the Figure 8 Design. This will be done with 6 points that are used to form a closed loop.
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To dictate this geometry, there will be certain inputs that determine the size of the pool as well as the curviness as shown.

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These inputs are set as “As Input” for the Generative Design study.

Then, using the Nurb Curve function, the 6 points are used to form a closed loop in a function of degree 2.

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Then, the geometry is offset in the Z-direction using Translate function. The input for this is a Depth Slider. This will be kept constant throughout the study.

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Next, we will calculate the volume of the solid. Furthermore, we will calculate the surface area of the floor as well as the walls. These metrics are the baseline for the formulae on cost and gallons of water for the Generative Study. Using Volume and Surface Area, we are able to find the size of the pool as well as the cost to maintain the pool per year. A visualizer is used to make a teal pool in Dynamo.

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The final outputs show the Pool Size in gallons and the Cost of Maintenance ($/yr). These are set as outputs in Dynamo for the Generative Study.

Then, we run the study with the following settings:

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Step 3 - Generative Design Study Results

  • Shown below is the optimal shapes for the pool design. We will restrict our budget to $6000/year for maintenance.
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‘In terms of trade-off, we see a very linear relationship. As the pool size increases, the cost of maintenance per year increases.

We also have a size restriction in the length. The larger the circle of the scatterplot data point, the longer the pool. So, the smaller data points are preferred.

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From the available pool designs within budget, some are slightly long, while others are plain rectangular shapes (although they are efficient, they are boring! 🤢). The best figure 8 design within budget is as shown:

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Size of the pool; 13,200 gal

Cost of Maintenance: $3,760/yr