An app where the user can design and produce a 3D model of a unique igloo shaped pergola/s. the interface let the user choose the amount of domes, then move them around and change their size to achieve the desired configuration. The result can then be downloaded as a 3d model which can be used to create documentation for construction.
The Aim
To create a quick and user friendly web application that provides an engaging user experience with infinite customization potential and attractive geometry.
The domes are formed by a metaballs algorithm, so they can be joined into a single volume, or separated into multiple combinations of volumes. The entrance is adaptable to the number of volumes and its position can be specified by the user along the perimeter.
Grasshopper Script Optimization
It was important to to optimize grasshopper script for the fastest processing possible to provide an enjoyable real time user experience.
One way was to switch between processing the geometry curves and processing the meshing of the curves, not only to hide the meshes, but to switch them completely off so that they are not consume processing power. The part of the script below shows how this was done with Hops.
Additionally, the method for creating meshes from the geometry curves makes a significant difference in the computing time. The image below shows the difference between the originally used script for creating the meshes, and the final script after trying different combinations of components. On the right side are the processing speeds for each option.
The Final Product
The web app starts with an initial geometry consisting of 3 domes. The user then can manipulate the inputs on the left side of the page to customize the
The allowed inputs are:
- Number of domes from 1 to 5.
- Minimum height, since the domes have variable sizes.
- Entrance location.
- Toggle between quick view (curves), and visualizing the final geometry (meshes).
The outputs are:
- The total floor area.
- The total length of wooden pieces that make up the louvers.
- Downloading the 3D model in 3dm format.
Demonstration
