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gart
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Behavior
Structure
Biological role model
Polyrhachis dives ant nest
The construction behavior of the ant involves the use of natural fibers of foliage and twigs in conjunction with silk. The search and collection process of the nest-building materials is of particular interest in this project, the abstraction of which is one of the goals.
The nest structures have a particular, non-uniform geometry. The emergent quality of these forms is a primary inspiration for this project. Specifically, the relationship between surface and volume, and the subdivision of the enclosure to create apertures
https://www.ameisenforum.de/topic46192.html Institute for Computational Design Institut fĂźr Computerbasiertes Entwerfen
Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
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Surface & Aperture The surface of the P. dives nest demonstrates an underlying framework of order within a seemingly disorderly array. At the fundamental level, the nest structure is composed of volumetric surfaces and apertures, which become the basic building elements of the system.
Topographical Subdivision While the elemental component of the nest does not conform to the typical idea of a modular block, there seems to be a logical relationship between “unit” and growth of the surface-aperture construction process. The edges of these so called units, however, are blurred due to the material properties and fabrication method of the ants. The result is a unique, continuous subdivided topography.
Emergence The boundary condition of the nest structure is ambiguous due to its amorphous nature. In addition, there is no clear epicenter. At a zoomed out scale, the emergent quality of the nest becomes apparent. The communication network and behavior of the ants allows for this process of coming into being, whereby the nest could conceivably continue to grow and take on new forms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTyU_lCc0Ak Institute for Computational Design Institut für Computerbasiertes Entwerfen
Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
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gart
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Behavior
Structure
Abstraction
The conceptual framework for investigating and abstracting the nestbuilding behavior of the ant is a 3D-Walker script. Using object oriented programming in Python for Rhino and Grasshopper, a simple “walker” definition begins to define the parameters for more complex behavior seen in the role model.
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The geometry of the ant nest is explored through a Mesh Subdivision script. The goal is to investigate the emergent nature of the nest structure and implement a dynamic modeling technique, which can begin to interpret the resulting built structure of the biological role model.
Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
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gart
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Scripting Workflow
1. Walker points
2. Interpolate
3. Mesh Pipe
4. Randomized Vertices
5. Mesh Subdivision
Grasshopper Definition
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Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
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Mesh Subdivision Workflow 1. Quad mesh
2. Find vertices
3. Move vertices
4. Create a new quad mesh
5. Four new quad meshes
6. Subdivide again (recursion)
7. Recursion step 1
8. Recursion step 2
8. Recursion step 3
Institute for Computational Design Institut fĂźr Computerbasiertes Entwerfen
Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
Inspiration
gart
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Mesh Subdivision
Walker Implementation
Institute for Computational Design Institut fĂźr Computerbasiertes Entwerfen
Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
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gart
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Mesh Subdivision Sphere Analysis
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Institute for Computational Design Institut fĂźr Computerbasiertes Entwerfen
Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
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gart
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Scripts Walker
This 3D-Walker script is intended to be the starting point for the development of an algorithm that investigates and abstracts the nest-building behavior of the ant, P. dives. We began with a simple “walker” definition using object oriented programming. The progress thus far illustrates the basic movement of the walker. The walker is then used to generate the underlying structure of our abstracted nest geometry. Our goal is to further reconcile our understanding of the ant construction behavior with the logic-based geometric implications of the nest form by developing various classes of walkers, which could have different functionalities related to the creation of mesh geometries. For example, walkers could be “foragers” or “builders” and either interact with existing geometry or create new geometry, sharing information and resources through interaction (i.e. linear or radial proximities/gradients). This family of behaviorally-oriented agents will be the basis of our continual research.
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Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
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gart
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Scripts
Mesh Subdivision This Mesh Subdivision script is intended to be the starting point for the development of an algorithm that investigates and abstracts the nest structure of the ant, P. dives. We began with a simple quad mesh. The vertices of the mesh are found and then offset inward, creating a new quad mesh with an aperture made by the new vertices. The remaining mesh surface is subdivided along the lines of the vertex offset vector. This process is then repeated for each mesh subdivision, creating a recursive process. The goal is to investigate the emergent nature of the ant nest structure and implement a dynamic geometric modeling technique, which can, in conjunction with the 3D-Walker script, begin to simulate or approximate the construction behavior and resulting built structure of the biological role model.
Randomization
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Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
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Model
Physical
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Axonometric
Plan
Elevation
Detail
Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
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Next Steps
Walker & Geometry
In the next phase, the walker script will be developed to integrate higher levels of control and diversity in behavior. A typology or family of walkers will demonstrate unique behavioral logics based on attractors and geometric inputs.
In the next phase, the mesh subdivision script will be fine-tuned with more specific interdependency with the walker behavior. In addition, the geometry will be refined to consider the implications of 3D printing fabrication methods.
Institute for Computational Design Institut fĂźr Computerbasiertes Entwerfen
Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo
Inspiration
gart
Concept
Development
Code
Outlook
References
Biological role model - Polyrhachis dives
https://www.ameisenforum.de/topic46192.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTyU_lCc0Ak Mesh Subdivision
http://code.algorithmicdesign.net/Recursive-Subdivision-Mesh
Institute for Computational Design Institut fĂźr Computerbasiertes Entwerfen
Daniel Mazur | Jacob Russo