2 units: Modeling a Parametric Structure
Modeling Approach:
The basis of the design was to create a parametric lofted surface out of three curves: two sine waves and a parabola. Once the surface was created with adjustable parameters, a UV grid was defined to create adjustable panels using “Rect_Panel with Resizable Opening - 4pt”. Straight beams were placed on the underside of the lofted surface to support the structure, such that two straight tubular beams (made from “Tube - 2pt - Tapered” stemmed from each sine wave profile curve and met in the middle at the parabolic curve. Columns with adjustable radius and height were placed at the start and end points of the sine wave curved. Sliders were used for all adjustable components of the structure.
Brief description of your design outlining the parameters that can be used to flex and dynamically change your structure
- Sine Wave Profile Curve: The number of waves (frequency) and wave height (amplitude) can be adjusted for each individual curve so that the structure may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
- Width of structure: The position of the sine waves with respect to the parabolic curve may be adjusted to change the width of the structure. May be symmetric or asymmetric.
- Parabolic Profile Curve: The length of the overall lofted surface may be adjusted by changing the x coordinates of the curve’s end points. The coordinates at the peak may be adjusted in terms of height (z coordinate) or sway (y coordinate).
- Number/Size of Panels: This may be adjusted by changing the number of U and V points that compose the UV grid.
- Number of Beams: The number of beams may be adjusted along the length of the structure.
- Columns: The columns will always update so that they are at the start and end points of the sine waves whenever the length of the overall structure changes. The height and radius of the columns may be adjusted with a slider.