Generative Design Primer
  • Welcome
  • Introduction to Generative Design
    • Computational Design
    • Generative Design
      • What is Generative Design?
      • Why should I use Generative Design?
      • What goes into a Generative Design Process?
        • Anatomy of each stage
      • Examples of Generative Design
        • MaRs Innovation District of Toronto
        • Furniture Design
        • A Further Analogy
      • Anatomy of a Good Generative Design Process
    • Visual Programming
    • Dynamo
    • Generative Design for Revit and Dynamo
  • Deeper Dive to Generative Design
    • Algorithms
      • What are Algorithms?
      • Generators
      • Evaluators
      • Solvers
    • Optioneering
    • Optimization
      • What is Optimization?
      • Objective Function
      • Constraints
      • Data
      • Defining Goals
    • Genetic Algorithms
      • What is a Genetic Algorithm?
      • Initialization phase
      • Evaluation Phase
      • Selection Phase
      • Crossover Phase
      • Mutation Phase
    • Other Techniques
    • Genetic Algorithm Q&A
  • Hello Generative Design for Revit and Dynamo!
    • Installing Generative Design
    • Setting up a Graph for Generative Design
    • Running Generative Design
    • Visualizing Results in Generative Design
    • Refinery Toolkit
      • Installing the Refinery Toolkit from the Dynamo Package Manager
      • Using the Refinery Toolkit
    • Space Analysis for Dynamo
      • Installing the Space Analysis for Dynamo package from the Dynamo Package Manager
      • Using the Space Analysis Package
    • Using Revit alongside Generative Design
      • Using Data from Revit
      • Remember Node Inputs
      • How to Test Revit Data Capture
      • Detailed Example Workflow
      • Sharing Logic and Results
      • Current Limitations
      • Accessing Generative Design Directly From Revit
  • Sample Workflows
    • Getting Started Workflows
      • Highest Point of a Surface
      • Minimum Volume and Maximum Surface
    • Architectural Workflows
      • Building Mass Generator
      • Building Positioning based on Solar Analysis
      • Office Layout
      • Grid Object Placement in a Room
      • Entourage Placement Exploration
    • MEP Workflows
      • Distributing Spotlights in an Office Space
    • Structural Workflows
    • BIM Workflows
      • Placement of views on sheets
    • Community Examples
      • Guidelines
      • List Of Examples
  • Generative Design in Your Office
    • What Generative Design Can Be Used For?
    • What Generative Design Can’t Be Used For?
    • How to Convince Senior Stakeholders of Using Generative Design?
    • The Role of a Generative Designer
    • Hiring a Generative Designer
  • Next Steps
    • Machine Learning
      • What is Machine Learning?
      • Is Generative Design Machine Learning?
      • Can Machine Learning and Generative Design Work Together?
  • Appendix
    • Glossary
    • Reference Material
    • Need Professional Help?
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  1. Sample Workflows
  2. Getting Started Workflows

Highest Point of a Surface

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Last updated 2 months ago

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The 01-01_EvaluateSurface.dyn graph in the examples uses a single objective optimization approach to find the highest Z point on a sinuous surface.

The objective of the graph is to get the orange sphere to the highest peak of the surface.

U and V Point values are used to move the sphere across the surface. Because these values are the driving inputs, they need to be marked as IsInput for the Create Study dialog to recognize them.

In order to know when the sphere is at the highest peak, a measure of the Z value is made every time the sphere moves - this represents the fitness value.

When creating a study of this graph, follow these steps:

  1. Use the 'Optimize' generation method.

  2. Under 'Inputs', make sure that all inputs are checked.

  3. Under 'Outputs', set the 'Z Point Value' to 'Maximize' . If you want the lowest point, set it to 'Minimize' .

  4. Under 'Settings', input your 'Population Size' and the number of 'Generations' you want.

  5. Under 'Issues', resolve any items.

  6. Click 'Generate' to run the optimization process.

As this is a single optimization problem, the system will return only one, global optimum result - in this case, the highest peak on the surface.

Workflow files for Revit 2023
Workflow files for Revit 2024
Workflow files for Revit 2025