How can you learn and improve your parametric design skills in BIM?

1 Understand the performance issues

Identifying and diagnosing the sources of performance issues is the first step to optimizing BIM models. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as software, hardware, model size, and parametric logic. Common performance issues include slow loading and saving of the model, lagging or crashing of the software, high memory and CPU usage, long computation times for parametric operations, and difficulty in navigating and editing the model. To figure out what is causing these issues, you can use several tools and methods such as performance monitors in your BIM software, task manager in your operating system, profiling and debugging tools in your parametric software, and benchmarking and testing different scenarios and options.

2 Simplify and optimize your geometry

One of the main factors that affects the performance of your BIM models is the complexity and quantity of the geometry. Parametric design allows you to generate and manipulate geometry based on rules and parameters, but this can also lead to an abundance of unnecessary geometry that slows down your model. To simplify and optimize your geometry, you can use low-polygon or simplified versions for preview and analysis. Additionally, curves, surfaces, and solids should be used instead of meshes wherever possible. Instances or references should be used instead of copies or duplicates of the geometry. Moreover, Boolean operations, trimming, or merging can help reduce the number of elements. Finally, filters, culling, or grouping can be used to control the visibility and selection of the geometry.

4 Rationalize and modularize your logic

The performance of your BIM models can be impacted by the logic and workflow of your parametric design. This type of design allows you to define and automate the rules that govern geometry and data, such as functions, formulas, expressions, and algorithms. However, it can also lead to logic errors and inefficiencies that diminish the model's performance. To optimize your logic, you could use logic operators and conditional statements to control the flow and execution of the logic. Loops, recursion, and iteration can be used to repeat and vary the logic. Additionally, functions, modules, and components can be used to encapsulate and reuse the logic. Variables, inputs, and outputs can be used to parameterize and customize the logic. Lastly, comments, annotations, and descriptions can be used to document and clarify the logic.