CLIENT:
COMPUTATIONAL FABRICATION
YEAR:
2023
EXPERIENCE:
RHINO | GRASSHOPPER | FABRICATION
TopoMaps
about.
Topographical Maps Translated to 3D Structures using grasshopper and rhino
For my project I’m creating 3D structures based on topographical maps, taking the geographic variability and turning that into a 3D model. This project includes two deliverables, the first being the 3D model with topo variability, and the second being a laser-cut template for the model to be contained within.
challenge.
GH Process
Steps from TL to BR. Lay out a grid of points, use image sampler along with swatches to compare color values and sort by nearest RGB value based on swatch order. Using the length of the swatch and given parameters, extrude cylinders to relative heights. Take the topmost point of each cylinder and apply a Delaunay mesh to the grid of points. Smooth the mesh, turn it into a Brep solid object, and union with a cube underneath to turn it into a solid object.
result.
I finished this project by creating custom coasters with the related topography for my family. I’m quite happy with how they turned out, my one change would probably be to have 3D printed the models with a color such as white so the shadows and contours are more visible. Many of my biggest problems came with scope creep and attempting to do more work than was feasibly possible. GH also gave me lots of trouble with list ordering, causing me lots of trouble.
