Non-rectangular spaces, multiple spaces, and skp imports

[Umesh Atre]

Hi,

I have a few questions, and would appreciate some advise. 

I understand that an user can only model one space in SPOT at one time. Is this accurate? Or is there a method to model multiple spaces and floors at once? 

Is there a way to model non-rectangular footprints, say something that is circular, for example?

Also, is there any way to import a 3-d model from other programs like SketchUp or CAD?

I would like to use SPOT on a LEED project, however am not sure how to proceed, given the fact that my project has over 20+ unique spaces across various floors.

Thanks for your help!

[Zack Rogers]

Hi Umesh,

Answers to your questions below:

On Mon, Jul 25, 2016 at 8:24 PM, Umesh Atre <umes...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi,

I have a few questions, and would appreciate some advise. 

I understand that an user can only model one space in SPOT at one time. Is this accurate?

Yes for the most part.  You have up to 4 "zones" for each model and so this can represent up to 4 different spaces.  As an example, I'm attaching a rendering from SPOT of a 4 zone model done in the LightFair workshop this year . You can see an open office zone, a cubicle zone, two enclosed offices, and an entry zone all analyzed in one SPOT model.

 

Or is there a method to model multiple spaces and floors at once? 

See above.  No other method for doing a whole floorplan.  I would be very skeptical of any single daylight results of an entire floorplate - often the accuracy, particularly using raytracing, is not at all good for these whole building daylight models.  I use SPOT often to document daylight performance on an entire building level by finding the often 4-10 typical and unique spaces and analyzing those individually.

Is there a way to model non-rectangular footprints, say something that is circular, for example?

No curved surfaces are supported in the SPOT interface.  However, you can import from Sketchup behind the scenes which has no geometry limitations.  This feature will be automated in future SPOT Pro versions.

 

Also, is there any way to import a 3-d model from other programs like SketchUp or CAD?

From Sketchup behind the scenes.  With a CAD to Radiance converter (like DWF2RAD), you could also likely import from CAD behind the scenes with a couple more steps.

 

I would like to use SPOT on a LEED project, however am not sure how to proceed, given the fact that my project has over 20+ unique spaces across various floors.

Thanks for your help!

I have used SPOT on daylighting and LEED projects for 10 years.  20+ unique spaces is on the high end but certainly doable.  Often, there will be spaces that you might be able to pass just by association.  For example,  if one space has 3 windows and passes, then one next to it with similar size and orientation and 4 windows will certainly pass.   SPOT should reduce the analysis time for each space to 30min or so.

Regards,

Zack

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Zack Rogers, P.E., LEED AP BD+C    

Daylighting Innovations, LLC

808 S. Public Road, Suite 200

Lafayette, CO 80026
(303)946-2310

www.daylightinginnovations.com