BEN HIGHAMDIGITAL REPRESENTATION COURSEWORK 2011/2012GROUP 2: MAPPING AND PROTOTYPING

WITH ROBERTO BOTTAZZI

EXERCISE 1: 2D MAPPINGTHE ARCHITECTURE OF GROUPS

In the 12 years since its creation Architecture for Humanity (AfH) has developed to be at the forefront of non-profit design. Drawing from its network of 50,000 to provide professional design services to the people and communities affected by humanitarian crises.In doing so, benefitting the lives of 85,000 people, to date. Undertaking activities such as: construction projects, training and outreach programs; around the globe.

The following set of maps initially explores the group AfH and its impact across the world. Then going on to compare the conception and results of their impact, to the distribution of wealth across the world. Firstly by analysing the location and size of their chapter network we can see the extents of their design professionals across the world. Then proceeding to locate the 66 completed construction projects undertaken by the group. In addition linking that project back to the professionals that made it happen (funding, design, management etc). Then finally by mapping the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - courtesy of the World Bank we can compare the previous sets of data the distribution of global wealth.

The obvious conclusion to draw before seeing the maps, is that it will be countries with high GDP coming to the rescue of the countries with low GDP. But humanitarian crises can happen in any country, regardless of wealth. Coupled with the fact that professionals can be trained in the lesser development. Means these maps will show a reverse of that presumption but those cases may very well be the minority.

1_The first slider controls the radius of each circle. The second slider controls the spacing of the circles.

2_These two sliders are for quickly defining the number of points in the x & y directions, because as the circle radius increases you need less of them.

3_When defining a grid the origin is always 0,0 these functions re-plot the grid so it is central on the map.

4_The final functions: create the grid; create the circle at each point (using the radius set before).

The image below shows what happens when the radius and spacing sliders are increased. So variations of the illustration can be quickly and easily tested.

CREATING THE GRID

Using each countrys surface and the grid of points (from previous stage), we can use an Inside Outside command to identify the points that lay within the boundary.

1_The surface needs to be extruded and then moved in the vertical down (by half its height), so that it straddles the defined surface. We then run the Inside Outside command. Which in turn gives us a list of True or False values against each point on the grid.

2_A dispatch command (using that list as the pattern) run over the original grid of points, gives us the points we require.

3_Then those points are run through a circle command (using the radius defined on the slider from the previous stage)

INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES

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1_These functions plot the geographical location of each chapter location. The .csv is inputted into Grasshopper, read, then the data strings split up. The item list function then can pick out the x co-ordinate and repeated for the y. Those two co-ordinates can then be used to create the set of points.

2_For clarity the chapter location needs to appear at the center of a land mass circle. So by running the location points through a closest point command with the grid of points, from before. They are moved to the circle centers.

3_Using those re-centered points we the size of the chapter can be indicated. The .csv is again analysed and necessary data identified. That data is then run through a multiplier with a slider controlling the other input, allowing the circle sizes to be control.

AFH CHAPTER NETWORK

1_Again these functions: analysis, split, and extract the necessary data from the .csv file, to get the geographical location of the projects. This process is repeated for each of the categories (community, housing, sport, etc). This time however there is a cull i in the definition, so erase the rows that contain the titles from the data set.

2_Again those points are re-centered to align with the grid.

3_A polygon is then used to locate the project. A different polygon is used for each category. The radius of each categorys polygon is controlled by one slider, so the correct scale can be obtained.

AFH PROJECTS

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1_Once again these functions: analysis, cull, split, and extract the necessary data from the .csv file. This time 4 sets of data need to extract, to produce 2 co-ordinates (start and end). This is repeated for each category.

2_Again those points are re-centered to align with the grid.

3_A simple line is produced making the link between the project point and the contributors point. A circle is also drawn at the contributors circle to mark it.

AFH PROJECT LINKS

Once baked into rhino and exported to Illustrator, we can define each countrys GDP.

The circles are filled with a solid colour and the opacity set to reflect the correct GDP range.

The range of GDP figures are so great that it is impossible to apply a group range that was equal. So a skewed range was used.

Using a simple excel spreadsheet the numbers were assigned to the appropriate group.

ILLUSTRATING GDP VALUES

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AFH_CHAPTER NETWORK

CHAPTER LOCATION

CHAPTER SIZE

INDIVIDUALAFH_PROJECTS

OTHER

COMMUNITY

HOUSING

SPORT

SCHOOL

I have broken down the original list of projects down into the following categories: sport, housing, community, school, and other

The maps on this page show each of those categories individually. The map on the take page compiles on 5 categories on to one.

AFH_PROJECTSCOMBINED

SPORT

SCHOOL

HOUSING COMMUNITY

OTHER

ORIGIN

WORLD GDP

0 - 25bn

25 - 50bn

50 - 100bn

100 - 300bn

100 - 500bn

NO DATA 500bn - 1tn

1 - 2tn

2 - 3tn

3 - 5tn

5 - 150tn

ALL FIGURES ARE US$

BN = BILLION TN = TRILLION

CHAPTER LOCATION

CHAPTER SIZE SPORT

SCHOOL

HOUSING COMMUNITY

OTHER

ORIGIN

0 - 25bn

25 - 50bn

50 - 100bn

100 - 300bn

100 - 500bn

NO DATA 500bn - 1tn

1 - 2tn

2 - 3tn

3 - 5tn

5 - 150tn

ALL FIGURES ARE US$

BN = BILLION TN = TRILLION

COMBINEDWORLD GDP & AFH: CHAPTERS, PROJECTS

EXERCISE 2: 3D MAPPINGTHE ARCHITECTURE OF GROUPS

By developing the final (fully combined) 2D map into a 3D visual, it will be possible to make the diagram more legible and clearer.

The main development comes from changing the way GDP is illustrated. By removing the gradated colours and instead using height to identify the countrys GDP.Due to the nature of the sliding scale of grouping the GDP map, it meant the true differences werent visible. The extrusions use the raw data as a basis, so are more accurate.

As a result of the extrusions, the markers are now distributed along the z-axis. When the markers are joined, this again will help with the clarity.

1_The centre points and polygons created for the 2D maps.

2_Drawing a line (z-axis) using the centre points as the origins. Then finding the intersection between the extruded GDP geometry and that line.

3_The unnecessary data is removed and then the remaining cleaned. Those points are then moved vertically away from the GDP geometry. That distance is easily controlled by a slider.

4_The original polygon (from the 2D maps) is then moved vertically to be in line with the points from stage 3. Then extruded, the extrusion is controlled by a slider.

This process is then repeated for the rest of the makers. The links are then redrawn. Using catenary curves, instead of the straight lines utilised in the 2D map.

REMAPPING THE MARKERS

1_The .csv files containing the GDP data and bought into grasshopper. The GDP figures are isolated then divided by the largest GDP value, so to scale the figures to a usable number. That figure is then multiple by a slider to make small tweaks.

2_Using the circles created for the 2d maps as the base geometry and isolating each countrys GDP for the data list, the circles are extruded. Then finally capped.

Stage 2 is repeated for each country in the continent group and then repeated for each continent.

EXTRUDING THE GDP

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3D MAP_VIEW 01

SPORT

SCHOOL

HOUSING

COMMUNITY

OTHER

ORIGIN

CHAPTER LOCATION

CHAPTER SIZE

3D MAP_VIEW 02

SPORT

SCHOOL

HOUSINGCOMMUNITY

OTHER

ORIGIN

CHAPTER LOCATION

CHAPTER SIZE

3D MAP_VIEW 03

SPORT

SCHOOL

HOUSINGCOMMUNITY

OTHER

ORIGIN

CHAPTER LOCATION

CHAPTER SIZE

3D MAP_VIEW 04

SPORT

SCHOOL

HOUSINGCOMMUNITY

OTHER

ORIGIN

CHAPTER LOCATION

CHAPTER SIZE

3D MAP_VIEW 05

SPORT

SCHOOL

HOUSINGCOMMUNITY

OTHER

ORIGIN

CHAPTER LOCATION

CHAPTER SIZE

EXERCISE 3: STUDIO BASED PROJECTTHE 14 PORTS OF MARSEILLES

There is no one port in Marseilles but in fact a commune of ports that come together to the make the port of Marseilles. Number 14 in total, these ports vary in scale and usage but all share a geographical tie to Marseilles. Ranging from the small little inlet, squeezed between the limestone cliffs, harbouring a small fleet of local fishing boats. To the container, of the north, with mega ships docked along its quay sides. Both a mixture of naturally and artificially created havens. Combined there capacity totals 7583 berths, making Marseilles the second largest marina in Europe.

For my prototyping project, I intend to use a diagram produced for my studio work and, with the aid of various programs and process, turn into a physical modelling. In doing so illustrating both the positioning of these ports and their size relative to each other.I will use Microstation and Rhino: to take the initial 2D contour information; edit it; make it 3D; and create a surface of the terrain.Then using Rhino and Grasshopper to prepare that terrain for laser-cutting. By: slicing up the terrain (the width of each slice will be modelled as a variable); create guides to align those pieces; and produce the linework, and notations, ready to laser cut. Then additionally model the method to representing the ports. Allowing variables to be explored and resulting in cutting lists.Then finally the laser cutter will be utilised to produce the physical terrain and the university workshops used to produce the port representations.

LargeVieux Port_4317,8N 0522,0ePort du Frioul_4616,7N O518,5ePort de lEstaque_4321N 0519,0ePort de la Pointe Rouge_4314,0N 0521,9e

SmallPort de Callelongue_43 12,7n 0512,2ePort les Croisettes_4312,9n O520,3ePort de lEscalette_4322,5n O534,8ePort de la Fausse Monnaie_4328,0n O535,3ePort des Goudes_4313,0n 520,8ePort de la Madrague de Montredon_ 4314,0n - O521,2ePort de Malmousque_4328,2n O534,8ePort de Morgiou_4321,2n O544,3ePort de Sormiou_4312,4n - O526,0ePort du Vallon des Auffes_4328,5n O535,1e

THE 14 PORTS OF MARSEILLESTo the right is the original diagram produced as part of my DS12 design portfolio.

Below is a list of the 14 ports that make up the commune of Marseilles.

Once imported into Rhino it was a simple case to moving each surface in the z-axis by the correct amount.

TRANSFORMING INTO 3D GEOMETRY

The first step was to take the original contour information and editing it so that: the contours were separated from the shoreline; and the lines were trimmed to the extent of the intended model size.

Surfaces were then created for each contour level.

EDITING LINEWORK

The draped surface was slightly bigger than needed so was cut down to match the intended extents of the model.

The transition between land and sea wasnt immediately obvious so I decided to solve this by creating an exaggerated step along the shore line. This was simply achieved my slicing the surface along the shoreline curve, moving the sea down in the z-axis, then creating a new surface to re-join the two.

Then finally the surface was extruded to create a solid terrain model

EDITING THE SURFACE

Using the drape and smooth tools, it was possible to produce a single surface that overlaid the contour information. In doing so, creating the terrain.

Some small anomalies occurred during this process. But were edited out by manipulating the control points of the surface.

DRAPED SURFACE

It was necessary to cut one notch at either end of each piece, so that a guide piece could be inserted to ensure the correct alignment in assembly.

1_Defining the boundary box of the terrain Brep and extracting the necessary edges.

2_Various: extrusions, intersections, divisions and moves; were utilised to create a rectangular where the notch should be located.

3_Both the notch rectangle and contoured slices were turned into planar surfaces.

CUTTING THE NOTCH

1_ The terrain model was inputted from Rhino into Grasshopper as a Brep

2_A Contour command was applied to the Brep. Setting the origin and axis manually but the distance between contours was defined by a slider.

The reason behind setting the distance as a slider was that at the time the thickness of the material was unknown. The slider meant the material could be decided at a later date or changed very easily.The curves created by the contour were then Baked back into Rhino so they could be cleaned up and Closed. Then returned to Grasshopper.

CONTOURING THE TERRAIN

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1_By utilising 2 of the points created previously for the notches and adding one more, a rectangle is produced that fills the notch.

2_That rectangle is then Extruded (by the distance defined by the material thickness slider); Capped; and finally are all Unioned together to create one piece.

This process is then repeated for the other side.

CREATING THE GUIDES

Both sets of Planar Surfaces were Baked back into Rhino, so a Boolean Subtraction could be undertaken.

Due to the nature and complexity of the surfaces, Grasshopper was encountering difficulty in completing the task. So it was decided it would be simpler and quicker to do it with Rhino.The new surfaces were then returned to Grasshopper.

BOOLEAN SUBTRACTION

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To make assembly much easier, each slice was assigned a number which would be etched onto the piece during the cutting process.

1_Locating the position of the number.

2_Finding the centre of the piece and using it as the origin when creating a Plane.

3_Those Planes were rotated so to be in the XY Plane (as before)

4_Each piece had its number applied.

NUMBERING EACH PIECE

The linework for each slice was still all in there correct 3D position. This next step bought them all into one plane and spaced them out. So they could be easily exported ready for laser cutting.

1_A vector was created for each slice to move it to the drawing origin (0,0)

2_The height of all of the slices was measured and the largest one isolated. This figure then used for spacing out the slices in their new plane, so none of them would overlap.

3_A series of numbers were created (the integer being the one found in step 2) and applied in the z-axis of a Move for each of the slices.

4_The edges of each slice were turned into Curves and Joined.

5_All of the Curves were rotated so to be in the XY Plane.

FLATTENING THE LINEWORK

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REPRESENTING THE PORTS Initially the concept was to use rods to define the location of the port. Then waffled spheres on the end of the rod to define the size of the port.When testing the concept in grasshopper it quickly became apparent that this wasnt going to work. The ranges of values were just too great. To make the smallest sphere visible, with a 10mm diameter, the largest sphere would have to be 1meter in diameter. Was just wasnt feasible.I try applying a logarithmic scale to the values. But the size of the spheres became too similar and the true difference in size became lost.The top render shows a quick model of the spheres using the logarithmic scale.

Instead I decided to use the rod to define both the location, size and additionally the category of the port. The port authority categorises the 14 ports as either large or small.Obviously the location of the rod would correlate with the location of the port. Then the size of the port indicated by the length of the rod. And finally horizontal members added to the large ports and string strung between the outer points, creating a mast like structure.This option was a lot more feasible and I carried it forward.The bottom render is the first test model I produced for this option.

1_Each line is divided in 4 segments. Then 1 quarter and 3 quarter points are then isolated.

2_The horizontal member is then drawn at the using the 1 quarter point. The height data is used again and run via a slider. Those figures are then used as the length of the line originating from the defined points.

3_The line is then moved half its distance in a negative x direction, so to straddle the height rod.

4_That horizontal member is then copied to the 3 quarter point.

5_The lines are then Piped and Capped

HORIZONTAL MEMBERS

As a further development, the large ports would have their rods spanning through the terrain. Then the small ports would have their rods duplicated on each side of the terrain.

1_The locations and size of the large ports are inputted into Rhino, as points and integers respectively. The points are then moved to be in the centre of the terrain.

2_The size data is then divided by a slider number to reduce the numbers to a workable size.

3_The large port points are then moved vertically by half of its forthcoming height. Then a line drawn at the correct length, in the z-axis.

4_The locations and size of the small ports are inputted into Rhino, as points and integers respectively.

5_The location points are projected to the bottom surface. The data is again divided by the slider value then the correct length line drawn from each point.

6_The lines are then Piped and Capped

SIZE OF THE PORT

The length of all the piped lines are collated and exported from Grasshopper to a .txt file to create a cutting list.

TEST RENDERS Using the completely Baked model, I produced a few test renders to gain an idea of how the final physical model will look.

FINAL OUTPUT & LASER CUTTINGThe final Baked curves and numbers, from Grasshopper, were then take into Microstation. There they were easily arranged and put on the right layers, ready for laser cutting. The diagram to the right is the file submitted to the technician.

The central image is a screengrab of the text file that was generated, from Grasshopper, as a cutting list.

The image to the right is the laser cut sheet that was returned. The material used ended up being MDF with a thickness of 3mm.

PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE

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PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE

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PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE

PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE

DIGITAL SUBMISSION

FINAL PORTFOLIO_BOUND