Freeform Facade Design with Autodesk Inventor

In this lesson, you will set up the Autodesk Inventor project and link the external Excel parameter table that will control the complete spiral glass dome model.

In this lesson, you will create the main parametric dome geometry using the linked Excel parameters and establish the fundamental dimensions that control the dome’s diameter, radius and height.

In this lesson, you will build the master skeleton and create the reference levels required to control the geometry and organize the main structural elements of the spiral glass dome.

In this lesson, you will create and control the spiral mullion path using parametric geometry, equations and projected curves. This path will later be used to generate the main spiral mullion system.

In this lecture, we create a custom Content Center library in Autodesk Inventor and prepare the mullion profile for publishing. You will learn how to define the profile correctly, publish it to the Content Center, and prepare it for use as a structural member in the freeform façade model.

In this lecture, we create the complete spiral mullion structure by patterning the previously prepared mullion around the dome. You will see how the circular arrangement follows the geometry of the façade and how the repeated members form the main supporting structure.

Learn how to create and organize the transom members between the spiral mullions using the existing parametric skeleton and Frame Generator workflow. In this lesson, we define the transom paths, apply the custom structural profile, check orientation and positioning, and complete the main mullion-transom grid of the dome.

This prepares the structure for the connection and joint adjustments covered in the next lesson.

Learn how to refine the connections between the spiral mullions and transom members by adjusting and trimming the member ends. In this lesson, we use the surrounding mullion geometry as a reference, remove unwanted overlaps, check the joints from different viewing angles, and create cleaner, more controlled connections throughout the dome.

This completes the main structural frame and prepares the model for the next stage of the facade workflow.

In this lesson, you will create the first glass panel for the spiral dome using controlled reference geometry from the existing structural model.

You will learn how to define a glazing field between the surrounding mullions and transoms, create a clean surface from the reference geometry, and keep the glass connected to the parametric dome structure.

At this stage, the panel remains a surface without physical thickness. This provides a clean and reliable starting point for the glazing workflow used throughout the rest of the section.

In this lesson, you will continue directly from the glass surface created in the previous lesson.

You will first split the surface to isolate the required glazing region. Only after the surface has been prepared will you apply the glass thickness using the Thicken command.

You will also learn how to verify and reverse the Thicken direction when necessary and how to perform a second Split operation on the resulting glass body.

The final workflow is:

Split Surface → Thicken Selected Surface → Check Direction → Split Glass Body

This sequence provides a clean and predictable method for creating glass elements on the freeform dome.

In this lesson, you will apply the glazing workflow to different levels of the spiral dome.

You will see how the geometry of the glass panels changes as the structure becomes narrower toward the top opening and why one panel should not automatically be reused across different levels.

You will also learn when a Circular Component Pattern can be used efficiently for repeated glazing fields and when a separate panel should be created for a different level.

The lesson demonstrates how to maintain a consistent glazing system while adapting each panel to the changing freeform geometry.

In this lesson, you will examine the difference between a curved conceptual glass panel and a fabrication-oriented planar solution.

A four-sided freeform glazing field is not automatically planar. You will learn how to inspect the geometry and divide a quadrilateral glazing field into two triangular regions when a planar glass solution is required.

Because three points always define a plane, each triangular panel can be represented as a planar glass element.

This lesson helps connect the architectural freeform concept with a more fabrication-oriented glazing strategy.

In this final glazing lesson, you will complete the glass panel arrangement across the entire spiral dome.

You will review repeated glazing fields, check panels at different dome levels, inspect the relationship between the glass and the mullion-transom structure, and identify any missing or duplicated elements.

You will also organize the glazing components so that the assembly remains clear and manageable as the number of panels increases.

By the end of this lesson, the spiral mullions, transoms, and glass panels form one coordinated parametric facade system, ready for the next stage of the course.

In this lesson, you will complete the upper part of the freeform glass dome by creating and refining the top ring. You will learn how to position the ring concentrically, control its dimensions using parameters, and check its relationship with the spiral mullions. The lesson concludes with a detailed visual inspection of the connections, proportions, and overall dome geometry.

In this final lesson, we complete the lower area of the freeform glass dome and integrate it into a simplified roof environment. We refine the lower reference path and base transom, create the concrete roof base and circular upstand, and add the drainage gravel, circular flashing and parapet coping.

The lesson presents these elements as a clear conceptual model. Structural calculations, anchors, waterproofing, insulation, drainage outlets, expansion joints, fabrication tolerances and other project-specific details must be developed separately for a real construction project.