Evaluation nodes

In order to help people started with their evaluation processes, I have been creating various evaluation nodes that that I have been uploading on the blog. So far, I have created the following nodes:

• Unobstructed Vision Area node for evaluating horizontal views 
• Passive Zone Proportion node for evaluating % passive floor area. This relates daylight levels inside the space.
• Sky View Factor node for evaluating % visible sky. This relates to levels of daylight and views (feeling of enclosure).
• Sun View Factor node for evaluating % of visible sun. This relates to solar radiation.

There are various other things that can be measured. I may add a few more nodes. There are also more advanced simulations using EnergyPlus and Radiance, but it is better to start with the simpler types of evaluations.

They key for you is to start thinking about how you might use such nodes in you evaluation. Also, try and figure out the process at a small scale - then, once you know what you are doing, scale it up. These evaluations can be slow, so don't just put thousands of polygons into one of these nodes and then wonder why it does not work. You will probably not be able to evaluate the whole 1 km2 in one go - you will need to break it down.

A number of people have asked about how to insert these evaluation nodes and the otl files. When I create a node, I typically create one or more otl files, and one hipnc file. The otl files contain the actual node, and the hipnc file is just an example of using the node. If you want to use one of these nodes in you file, you need to install the otls. First copy the otl's to the folder where you are working, and then in Houdini menu go to File > Install Digital Asset Library