Altair Case Studies SOM Achieves Sustainability Objectives through Innovative Design

	SOM Achieves Sustainability Objectives through Innovative Design Altair

SOM Achieves Sustainability Objectives through Innovative Design

Altair

Applicable Industries	Buildings Cement
Applicable Functions	Product Research & Development
Use Cases	Building Automation & Control Structural Health Monitoring
Services	System Integration
Challenge	Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), a globally recognized architectural, urban planning, and engineering firm, was tasked with designing the New United States Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles. The challenge was to create an open and transparent public space that complied with the General Services Administration’s (GSA) 2020 sustainability objectives. The building had to incorporate numerous sustainable design features, and SOM’s structural engineering team had to devise a creative structural system that would suspend the building's perimeter above the civic plaza while maintaining the required setbacks from the street. The challenge was not only to meet these stringent requirements but also to do so in a timely manner. Read More
About Customer	Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a globally recognized architectural, urban planning, and engineering firm. Known for designing some of the world’s most technically and environmentally advanced buildings, SOM applies creativity and emerging technologies to design buildings for the future. The firm has won more design awards than any other architectural practice and is known for iconic buildings such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Willis Tower in Chicago. With a strong commitment to sustainability, SOM is at the forefront of creating innovative and sustainable architectural designs. Read More
Solution	SOM's solution was to incorporate Altair OptiStruct™ into their design workflow. This software allowed the team to consider the materials used in the project and aim for designs that used fewer materials, thus reducing cost and environmental footprint. Starting from scratch, SOM improved the roof’s structural design using advanced optimization techniques in a two-phase approach. The team first used OptiStruct Topology Optimization to create design options by applying loads and constraints, generating an initial organic-like optimal load path. In the second stage, they used beam optimization to identify the best type of steel sections. This combination of OptiStruct technology and SOM’s expertise allowed the team to create the best iteration for the final design. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Applicable Industries

Buildings

Cement

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Building Automation & Control

Structural Health Monitoring

Services

System Integration

Challenge

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), a globally recognized architectural, urban planning, and engineering firm, was tasked with designing the New United States Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles. The challenge was to create an open and transparent public space that complied with the General Services Administration’s (GSA) 2020 sustainability objectives. The building had to incorporate numerous sustainable design features, and SOM’s structural engineering team had to devise a creative structural system that would suspend the building's perimeter above the civic plaza while maintaining the required setbacks from the street. The challenge was not only to meet these stringent requirements but also to do so in a timely manner.

About Customer

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a globally recognized architectural, urban planning, and engineering firm. Known for designing some of the world’s most technically and environmentally advanced buildings, SOM applies creativity and emerging technologies to design buildings for the future. The firm has won more design awards than any other architectural practice and is known for iconic buildings such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Willis Tower in Chicago. With a strong commitment to sustainability, SOM is at the forefront of creating innovative and sustainable architectural designs.

Solution

SOM's solution was to incorporate Altair OptiStruct™ into their design workflow. This software allowed the team to consider the materials used in the project and aim for designs that used fewer materials, thus reducing cost and environmental footprint. Starting from scratch, SOM improved the roof’s structural design using advanced optimization techniques in a two-phase approach. The team first used OptiStruct Topology Optimization to create design options by applying loads and constraints, generating an initial organic-like optimal load path. In the second stage, they used beam optimization to identify the best type of steel sections. This combination of OptiStruct technology and SOM’s expertise allowed the team to create the best iteration for the final design.

Impact #1	The use of Altair OptiStruct™ allowed SOM to generate an ideal project plan that considered sustainable regulations and manufacturing constraints. This resulted in a unique design that minimized the weight of the building and used fewer materials, leading to cost savings for both the client and contractor. The building not only met but exceeded sustainability standards, earning a LEED® Platinum certification and meeting the GSA’s 2020 energy objective. The innovative design has been recognized with over 35 awards, demonstrating the successful integration of creativity, sustainability, and structural integrity.

Impact #1

The use of Altair OptiStruct™ allowed SOM to generate an ideal project plan that considered sustainable regulations and manufacturing constraints. This resulted in a unique design that minimized the weight of the building and used fewer materials, leading to cost savings for both the client and contractor. The building not only met but exceeded sustainability standards, earning a LEED® Platinum certification and meeting the GSA’s 2020 energy objective. The innovative design has been recognized with over 35 awards, demonstrating the successful integration of creativity, sustainability, and structural integrity.

Benefit #1	Reduced the steel needed by 10 percent
Benefit #2	Improved the global performance of the structural system
Benefit #3	Achieved LEED® Platinum certification

Benefit #1

Reduced the steel needed by 10 percent

Benefit #2

Improved the global performance of the structural system

Benefit #3

Achieved LEED® Platinum certification

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Overview

SOM Achieves Sustainability Objectives through Innovative Design

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit