Embed objects in Param-O without external links?

[Rogerio M]

Hello!

I have some experience with Grasshopper and recently started using Param-O to create parametric objects. Among the objects I've developed, some only require specific parts to be parametric. In the example I’m sharing, only the mounting cable of the light fixture needs adjustable height. This was easy to achieve: I used LPM to generate the object, then loaded into Param-O, and added just the parametric cable with nodes.

The result was satisfactory. However, I noticed that the object linked in Param-O needs to be associated with a project library. I’m about to create a series of objects following the same logic, but keeping duplicate objects in the library seems unfeasible, as it could overload the system and negatively impact file performance.

My question is: is it possible to embed this object in Param-O to eliminate the need for an external link to another object?

I tried copying the 3D script of the original object directly into the node GDL format, but I ran into a character limit that prevented me from pasting the full script.

Operating system used: Windows Windows 10 - Intel Core i7-9700 3GHz - 32Gb

[cuba]

Hello Rogerio,

The 2d representation of a param-o object is always based on the projection of the 3d model. If you don't modify the gdl code, these are always lines without fills.
The strength of lpm is precisely that you can render different degrees of detail of a library element. When you use an lpm object in param-o it loses its real functionality.

You can, however, make the lpm model parametric by adding a bit of gdl code to it. Your extension is a simple cylinder (CYLIND h, r) and you need an offset of your lamp as the cylinder gets higher (add 0,0,offset). Add these two commands with some parameters to the master script of your lmp. These extra parameters don't automatically show up in your object's interface but you can find them under all parameter.

Other option is to create everything in param-o (+gdl to get to right 2d represenation)

 

Best regards,

cuba

[Rogerio M]

Hi Cuba,

Thanks for the information.

The 2D representation wasn’t really an issue for us, as our firm doesn’t need to display multiple scales. What I found particularly interesting is that the LPM model retained its 3D LOD settings even after being processed through Param-O.

I understand that with some GDL knowledge, I could achieve this, but at the moment, I lack the necessary vocabulary in GDL and don’t know how to link information in this way. I find GDL challenging to learn; I’ve tried GS’s guide, but even with it, the topic feels complex and very time-consuming—something I unfortunately can’t dedicate time to right now. On the other hand, Param-O is very user-friendly, especially if you have experience with visual coding. However, it’s quite basic and doesn’t include essential Archicad options, like embedding or transforming objects into morphs within Param-O.

Unfortunately, this tool hasn’t been updated in ages—if it ever was. It would be fantastic to have the ability to use GDL, LPM, and Param-O together in a way that preserves both information and modeling without being destructive. After all, these tools are all part of the same software and could work seamlessly together.

Sincerely,

Rog