Snake-Shaped Walkway

Revit:

Dynamo:

Modelling Steps:

• The basic shape of the structure is inspired by a snake. Hence, I used a sine function to define its geometry.
• The sine function is followed by (x_interval*Math.sin((0.5+(x_distance/WLength)*360*numberofWaves)). Here, x_interval is a fixed distance equivalent to the wave's amplitude. x_distance is the distance of a point from the x-axis. It depends on the x_interval. The number of waves can be varied using the slider and works independently. The WLength is the length of the walkway. It is also a control variable for this project and can be varied as per requirement. (x_distance, y_distance) points are used to create the wave using nurbs.curve node.

• The picture beside shows the five curves that are used to create the surface.
• All the sine curves are translated by using Geometry.translate node. The one on the ground is translated in the Y-direction.
• The line is drawn by using the mid-points of the entry and exit, elevated in the Z-direction. The x and y coordinates will be adjusted automatically when you change the length and width of the walkway, whereas the height can be changed independently on the slider.
• The other two curves are to give the structure a shape. They are designed to be symmetrical. They control the curvature of the structure and their deviation from the base curves on the ground can be changed. Their height also can be changed but an upper limit of 6 ft is set so it is below the middle line’s height.

• I used the curves generated to create the surface by using Surface.byloft node.
• To insert the adaptive panels, I created a grid on the surface of the structure by using the Surface.pointatParameter node. The number of grid points can be controlled using the sliders that are set for the X and Y axes. The number on the slider translates to the number of points along that particular dimension.
• I grouped all the grid points into groups of four to place adaptive rectangular panels with openings of glass.

Summarizing the design, the following parameters can be varied in the structure:

• The length, width and height
• Number of waves in the sine curve
• The amplitude of the wave
• The curvature
• Size of the panels (by adjusting the grid points)