Learn how to use Dynamo to run a generative design study or to create graphs for use with Generative Design in Revit.
In this topic
Running a study with Dynamo for Revit
You can access the functions of Generative Design from Dynamo for Revit. This access does not require a subscription to the AEC Collection.
- In Revit, open the model for which you want to run the generative design study.
- Click Manage tab
Visual Programming panelDynamo
.
- In Dynamo, under Files, click Open.
- Navigate to the location where the study types are stored, select the DYN file for the study type, and click Open.
Study types reside in this location:
C:\Users\<username>\Documents\AEC Generative Design
- To run the study, click Generative DesignCreate Study.
- Select the study type, and
define the study.
Note: In the Define Study dialog, you cannot directly select Revit elements. Instead, use selection nodes in Dynamo, and don't clear the cache on publication. You can also temporarily remove the input nodes from being "Is Input".
- Click Generate.
The outcomes display in the Explore Outcomes dialog.
Note: On the Explore Outcomes dialog, the Create Revit Elements button is not available. Instead, set the desired input values, turn on the Data.Gate node, and run the graph to create elements in the model.
Creating a Dynamo graph
As a Dynamo author, you may need to work with a Revit designer to understand details about a particular design challenge, its goals, constraints, and other specifics. For a high-level description of the workflow, see Workflow: Generative Design. If you are both a Revit designer and a Dynamo author, you can work alone. However, you may want to discuss your work with team members to make sure you have described the goals and its input and outputs appropriately.
To learn how to create graphs for Generative Design in Revit, examine the sample study types.
While developing the Dynamo graph for Generative Design, follow these rules.
- Inputs and outputs have unique names.
- Inputs are set to "Is Input".
- Outputs are set to "Is Output".
- Additional requirements are satisfied. For complete details, see Generative Design Primer: Setting up a Graph.
In addition, you can use the following two nodes, which are installed in a custom package with Generative Design in Revit.
Data.Remember node
To ensure that Generative Design executes efficiently multiple times to generate different outcomes, Revit nodes are disabled. To use current data or generate new data related to a Revit model, use the Data.Remember node.
The Data.Remember node captures the output of any node and caches the results in the DYN file when the graph is saved. It can hold non-geometric data (strings and numbers) as well as geometry (such as solids, points, meshes, and surfaces) in a serialized format. See Generative Design Primer: Using Data from Revit and succeeding topics for information about Data.Remember node inputs, how to test Revit capture data, and current limitations.
Data.Gate node
The Data.Gate node controls the flow of data after the node. It activates the Create Revit Elements button on the Explore Outcomes dialog. In Generative Design, you click Create Revit Elements to run a branch of the graph after the Data.Gate node to integrate a selected outcome.
Use the Data.Gate node to control when a branch of the graph runs. This branch creates elements, such as adding desks to a room for the Workspace Layout.
Using a graph with Generative Design in Revit
After creating and testing the graph in Dynamo for Revit, export it as described in Add a Study Type.
When you have exported the graph, open
Revit and click Manage tabGenerative Design panel
Create Study. The graph appears as a study type in the Create Study dialog. Select the study type and proceed to
define the study and
explore outcomes.