SimScale’s Engineering Leaders Webinar Series recently explored an exciting topic: Simulation for Buildings & Cities: The Latest in the Rhino® & Grasshopper Ecosystem. Hosted by Richard Szoeke-Schuller, Product Manager at SimScale, the webinar featured industry experts Jeroen Janssen, Associate Director at Thornton Tomasetti, and Joel Lopez, Computational Design Specialist and Architect at LINK Architecture.
Together, they discussed the transformative integration of simulation with computational design tools, showcasing advancements and practical applications in architecture, engineering, and urban planning. If you missed the live event, here are the Top 5 Highlights from the webinar:
On-Demand Webinar
If the above highlights caught your interest, there are many more to see. Watch the on-demand Engineering Leaders Series webinar from SimScale on Simulation for Buildings & Cities by clicking the link below.
1. Integration of Simulation in Early-Stage Design
Jeroen Janssen kicked off the discussion by highlighting how simulation is shaping the early stages of architectural and engineering design. With tools like SimScale integrated into Rhino and Grasshopper, designers can assess a range of factors, such as structural integrity and microclimate conditions, without switching platforms. This seamless workflow empowers teams to make data-driven decisions, saving time and reducing project risks.
2. Advancements in Grasshopper Plugins
SimScale unveiled significant updates to its Grasshopper plugin, tailored for microclimate assessments such as pedestrian wind comfort and solar radiation analysis. Unlike previous versions, the new plugin is fully native, requiring no additional installations or administrative privileges. Compatible with Rhino 7 and 8, it simplifies integrating computational design into large-scale organizations while maintaining high-quality outputs.
3. Pioneering Thermal Bridging Analysis
A highlight of the session was the introduction of a Grasshopper plugin developed by SimScale’s partner, Beyond Carbon, for 3D thermal bridging analysis. This tool enables architects to pinpoint thermal inefficiencies in their designs and automate detailed reporting directly within Rhino. By leveraging SimScale’s cloud-native platform as the computational backbone, this plugin enhances energy efficiency analyses and provides actionable insights for reducing heat loss.
4. Real-World Applications: Case Study from LINK Architecture
Joel Lopez presented a compelling case study from Bergen, Norway, where LINK Architecture optimized outdoor comfort for a large-scale urban district. By combining climatic data with computational tools, Joel demonstrated how his team used wind and thermal comfort analyses to design a sustainable and livable urban environment. The iterative simulation workflow enabled the team to refine their designs for maximum comfort throughout the year—a critical factor in Scandinavia’s challenging climate.
5. AI-Driven Collaboration and Future Trends
The panel delved into the role of AI in enhancing simulation workflows, with applications ranging from generative design to predictive analysis. Both speakers emphasized how AI acts as a co-pilot, enabling engineers and architects to extract actionable insights from vast datasets. The discussion also touched on AI’s potential to bridge disciplines, fostering collaboration between urban planners, architects, and engineers for more innovative and resilient designs.
Shaping the Future of Building and Urban Design
The future of architecture and urban design lies at the intersection of advanced simulation, AI, and collaborative tools like Rhino and Grasshopper. With innovations like SimScale’s native integrations and AI-powered workflows, overcoming challenges such as climate adaptation and energy efficiency is becoming more achievable. By embracing these advancements, design teams can streamline their processes, enhance sustainability, and create functional, resilient, and comfortable spaces. The path forward is clear: leveraging these technologies is essential for leading the next era of building and city innovation.
Couldn’t attend the live session? Watch the full webinar recording to explore these advancements in greater detail and see how they can transform your design workflows.
