Altair Case Studies Innovative Architectural Design: Zaha Hadid Architects Leverages 3D Printing and Topology Optimization

	Innovative Architectural Design: Zaha Hadid Architects Leverages 3D Printing and Topology Optimization Altair

Innovative Architectural Design: Zaha Hadid Architects Leverages 3D Printing and Topology Optimization

Altair

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation
Applicable Industries	Construction & Infrastructure Equipment & Machinery
Applicable Functions	Product Research & Development
Use Cases	Additive Manufacturing Rapid Prototyping Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing
Services	System Integration
Challenge	In 2016, Zaha Hadid Architects and its Computation and Design research group (Zaha Hadid co\|de) sought to explore the potential of 3D printing and topology optimization for their projects. They collaborated with Stratasys, a renowned 3D printing company, to conduct a study for the design and fabrication of a 3D printed chair. The challenge was to optimize and ensure the feasibility of their design. The team aimed to integrate advanced optimization techniques into their workflow, which required a software suite for computer-aided engineering. The goal was to make complex shapes feasible and drive innovation in architectural processes. The design atelier of Zaha Hadid, founded in 1979, is one of the world’s most innovative architecture studios and an early pioneer of innovative design. The Computation and Design research group (co\|de) of the company investigates new design and construction methods to solve architectural problems, exploring various simulation and design techniques as well as software. Read More
About Customer	Zaha Hadid Architects, founded in 1979, is one of the world’s most innovative architecture studios. The firm is known for its pioneering approach to design and its exploration of new design and construction methods to solve architectural problems. The Computation and Design research group (co\|de) of the company, consisting of 10 people, investigates various simulation and design techniques as well as software. They have deep knowledge of advanced simulation and design tools. At Zaha Hadid, innovation combines three key aspects: geometry, structure, and fabrication. The firm uses state-of-the-art form-finding tools and technologies and continuously works on integrating these tools and methods into their design language. Read More
Solution	To address the challenge, Zaha Hadid co\|de used Altair HyperWorks, a software suite for computer-aided engineering, and worked with Altair Engineering to integrate advanced optimization techniques into their workflow. They also used Altair HyperMesh™ and Altair OptiStruct™ to integrate topology optimization into their design processes. The primary goal with topology optimization was to eliminate material where it was not required, and as a result, reduce the weight of the structure. The design process followed a two-step optimization process with an iterative workflow: First, a geometrical model was generated in the design tool. Then, the meshing and optimization was set up in a custom workflow plug-in. Subsequently, a topology optimization analysis in Altair OptiStruct was performed. In the next step, the geometry was rationalized and re-meshed to produce a structurally efficient geometry. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation

Applicable Industries

Construction & Infrastructure

Equipment & Machinery

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Additive Manufacturing

Rapid Prototyping

Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing

Services

System Integration

Challenge

In 2016, Zaha Hadid Architects and its Computation and Design research group (Zaha Hadid co|de) sought to explore the potential of 3D printing and topology optimization for their projects. They collaborated with Stratasys, a renowned 3D printing company, to conduct a study for the design and fabrication of a 3D printed chair. The challenge was to optimize and ensure the feasibility of their design. The team aimed to integrate advanced optimization techniques into their workflow, which required a software suite for computer-aided engineering. The goal was to make complex shapes feasible and drive innovation in architectural processes. The design atelier of Zaha Hadid, founded in 1979, is one of the world’s most innovative architecture studios and an early pioneer of innovative design. The Computation and Design research group (co|de) of the company investigates new design and construction methods to solve architectural problems, exploring various simulation and design techniques as well as software.

About Customer

Zaha Hadid Architects, founded in 1979, is one of the world’s most innovative architecture studios. The firm is known for its pioneering approach to design and its exploration of new design and construction methods to solve architectural problems. The Computation and Design research group (co|de) of the company, consisting of 10 people, investigates various simulation and design techniques as well as software. They have deep knowledge of advanced simulation and design tools. At Zaha Hadid, innovation combines three key aspects: geometry, structure, and fabrication. The firm uses state-of-the-art form-finding tools and technologies and continuously works on integrating these tools and methods into their design language.

Solution

To address the challenge, Zaha Hadid co|de used Altair HyperWorks, a software suite for computer-aided engineering, and worked with Altair Engineering to integrate advanced optimization techniques into their workflow. They also used Altair HyperMesh™ and Altair OptiStruct™ to integrate topology optimization into their design processes. The primary goal with topology optimization was to eliminate material where it was not required, and as a result, reduce the weight of the structure. The design process followed a two-step optimization process with an iterative workflow: First, a geometrical model was generated in the design tool. Then, the meshing and optimization was set up in a custom workflow plug-in. Subsequently, a topology optimization analysis in Altair OptiStruct was performed. In the next step, the geometry was rationalized and re-meshed to produce a structurally efficient geometry.

Impact #1	The successful integration of 3D printing and topology optimization into Zaha Hadid's design workflow has driven innovation and form-finding. The new special workflow and custom plugin allowed the designers to fully benefit from OptiStruct topology optimization analyses very early in the design process without having to leave their design interface. This has reduced the risk of structural inefficiency and costs. The topology optimization results obtained with Altair OptiStruct now form the basis for the design, just like a blueprint. Once an initial design has been finalized, it is verified by a structural engineer before moving forward into fabrication. With the help from Altair, Zaha Hadid improved their CAE knowledge and integrated optimization into their workflow. The team is now planning to use the Altair HyperWorks platform and methods such as topology optimizations and 3D printing in larger scale projects and throughout its architectural offices, driving innovation even further.

Impact #1

The successful integration of 3D printing and topology optimization into Zaha Hadid's design workflow has driven innovation and form-finding. The new special workflow and custom plugin allowed the designers to fully benefit from OptiStruct topology optimization analyses very early in the design process without having to leave their design interface. This has reduced the risk of structural inefficiency and costs. The topology optimization results obtained with Altair OptiStruct now form the basis for the design, just like a blueprint. Once an initial design has been finalized, it is verified by a structural engineer before moving forward into fabrication. With the help from Altair, Zaha Hadid improved their CAE knowledge and integrated optimization into their workflow. The team is now planning to use the Altair HyperWorks platform and methods such as topology optimizations and 3D printing in larger scale projects and throughout its architectural offices, driving innovation even further.

Benefit #1	The optimized design geometry was more functional and stable
Benefit #2	Material requirements were cut down
Benefit #3	The overall weight of the chair was reduced by 50 percent

Benefit #1

The optimized design geometry was more functional and stable

Benefit #2

Material requirements were cut down

Benefit #3

The overall weight of the chair was reduced by 50 percent

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Overview

Innovative Architectural Design: Zaha Hadid Architects Leverages 3D Printing and Topology Optimization

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit