DYNAMO NOTES – CHAPTER 6 (EXPANDED EDITION)
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Chapter 6: Geometry Essentials in Dynamo — Points, Vectors, Curves & Solids
INTRODUCTION
Geometry is one of the most powerful and visually exciting parts of Dynamo. Even if you use
Dynamo mainly for Revit automation, understanding geometry is essential because many
workflows—such as façades, adaptive components, parametric modeling, and spatial
analysis—depend on geometric operations.
This chapter introduces the complete foundation of Dynamo geometry: points, vectors, curves,
surfaces, and solids, as well as transformations and parametric modeling principles.
SECTION 1: THE GEOMETRY ENGINE
Dynamo uses a robust geometry engine called DesignScript, originally developed for computational
design tasks.
Key characteristics:
• Parametric
• Fully scriptable
• Supports generative workflows
• Highly flexible
• Works independently of Revit geometry
Dynamo geometry exists in its own workspace and does not modify the Revit model unless “baked”
or used to drive adaptive components.
SECTION 2: POINTS — THE ATOMIC UNIT OF GEOMETRY
Points are the basic building blocks of all geometry.
1. Creating Points
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
2D points only use X and Y; 3D points include Z.
Use cases:
• Grid generation
• Façade subdivision
• Control points for curves and surfaces
SECTION 3: VECTORS — DIRECTION & MAGNITUDE
Vectors are not geometry but mathematical constructs representing direction.
Create vectors using:
• [Link]
• [Link] / YAxis / ZAxis
• [Link] / Subtract
• [Link]
Vectors are essential for:
• Orienting elements
• Offsetting geometry
• Generating normals on surfaces
SECTION 4: CURVES — LINES, ARCS & SPLINES
Curves define edges and paths in Dynamo.
1. Lines
• [Link]
• [Link]
2. Arcs
• [Link]
• [Link]
3. Nurbs Curves
• [Link]
• [Link]
Use cases:
• Path-based modeling
• Adaptive component generation
• Panelization studies
SECTION 5: SURFACES — THE BASIS OF PARAMETRIC FAÇADES
Surface creation methods:
1. [Link]
2. [Link]
3. [Link]
4. [Link]
Surfaces allow:
• Façade development
• Conceptual massing
• Panelization workflows
SECTION 6: SOLIDS — MASSING & VOLUMETRIC MODELING
Solids represent 3D geometry with volume.
Create solids using:
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link] / Difference / Intersect
Uses:
• Massing
• Spatial analysis
• Early-stage conceptual design
SECTION 7: TRANSFORMATIONS — MOVES, ROTATIONS & MIRRORS
Transformations change geometry without altering its definition.
Common transformations:
1. Translate
• [Link]
2. Rotate
• [Link]
3. Mirror
• [Link]
4. Scale
• [Link]
Transformation workflows are essential for parametric arrays and pattern creation.
SECTION 8: PARAMETRIC MODELING PRINCIPLES
Geometry in Dynamo is inherently parametric.
Principles:
1. Input drives geometry
2. Geometry drives further geometry
3. Modify input → full graph updates
4. Lists allow multi-instance geometry
Example:
A surface divided into a grid creates points → curves → panels → offsets → adaptive components.
SECTION 9: WORKFLOW EXAMPLES
Example 1: Parametric Grid
1. Input X and Y counts
2. Generate point arrays
3. Connect points with lines
4. Extrude lines or build surfaces
Example 2: Façade Panelization
1. Create surface
2. Divide surface into UV grid
3. Extract panel centers
4. Apply geometric logic (extrusions, rotation)
Example 3: Tunnel/Bridge Curves
1. Generate centerline spline
2. Offset vectors along curve
3. Sweep profiles to create solids
SECTION 10: LINKING GEOMETRY TO REVIT
Geometry does not modify Revit directly, but can be:
• Converted to direct shapes
• Used to place adaptive components
• Used as reference for Revit families
DirectShape creation:
[Link]
Caution:
• Heavy geometry can slow down Revit
• Maintain clean, lightweight forms
CONCLUSION OF CHAPTER 6
Geometry is a core pillar of Dynamo, enabling conceptual modeling, computational design, and
advanced pattern generation. Mastering points, curves, surfaces, solids, and transformations
empowers you to build complex workflows that go beyond traditional modeling tools. The next
chapters expand this foundation with Python scripting, packages, and advanced automation
strategies.
End of Expanded Chapter 6.