Finally, I got to polish (well, sort-of) and present the algorithm that self-normalizes the optimum paths between a network of graphs – I’ve used this technique for my previous project, the CETg Upgrade. Scroll down for the download link.
Here’s a video of an early version:
Another (more recent but shittier quality) video:
As well, there seems to be a lot of interest around this technique recently, as Daniel Piker said so recently in his post. I now officially pledge my support towards the wooly-threads/wetgrid/whatever hype! May we live long and prosper.
This approach can improve substantially current urban parametric approaches as a way of generating basic circulation routes (road layout) as it basically “normalizes” or joins/removes connections that are close together and can be merged – thus reducing the overall routes gaining coherence and readability without sacrificing too much in terms of circulation.
It works in 3d as well. Here are some screens:
Here’s the grasshopper definition file (0.7.+ only): download it! (right-clikc, save as).
An old image from the CETg project, where you can see the differences between the initial, mathematically-optimum (?) and the self-normalized graph.
Much more sexy and, you know, organic!, isn’t’ it? But what the best part is, one that i retro-actively found while researching on CETg, is that there seems to be some sort of real-life truth to all the babble above. Here’s an image of Bucharest’s old street network. There are some striking similarities between the output of the above algorithm and the network below.
Images (c) Dana Harhoiu, Bucharest, Une ville entre Orient et Occident, ed. Simetria 1997, Bucharest.
[...] detalis here. Enjoy! « CLJ: Parametric [...]
Very nice!, and as you say, quite a striking resemblance. I wonder if there are any series of historical maps out there where you can actually see straight line paths gradually changing to these bundled ones
that would be more than revelatory (was going to write cool but though about it better). There are quite many algorithms/processes (+emergent behavior) employed at the moment in high-end architecture which provide this and that but none (as far as i know) with a real, documented background to it. as in, let’s say (i had quite a few drinks tonight), the way the laws of gravity were devised: observed behavior of moving celestial bodies then mathematical abstraction in a simple, elegant formula + the encompassing system which would describe this. i think architecture is at the moment more or less expanding forward with cool abstractions based on minimum background research/observation…
maybe i had too many drinks tonight…
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rodrigo Medina and emilio vegas ubillus, osa. osa said: Wetgrid dynamics: self-normalizes the optimum paths between a network of graphs http://j.mp/9kbC08 CETg http://j.mp/crEObE (from @idid) [...]
Hello Dimitrie / Daniel,
Please take a look at IL 39: Non-Planned Settlements. It goes quite in depth into this topic.
Best,
Luis
Hi Dimitrie,
i have a problem with your component – nothing happens with it.
can you explain the whole definition or send it to me.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Dimitrie / Daniel,
I found it extremely interesting, but I tried many times and still could not download it…
Would you please send it to my email address if possible?
Thank you very much!
Hi!
This is an amazing job, this kind of path optimization and it’s relation to real life city formations is fantastic!
I’ve downloaded the definition but I couldn’t get it to work. I’ve used both 2d and 3d proximties but the wetgrid curves always come out as null. Do I have to draw each path manually? How does it work?
Thanks!
Hi!
This path optimization tool is amazing and the relation it has with the formation of real life cities is fantastic.
I’ve downloaded the definition but I couldn’t get it to wokr. I’ve tried using it with both 2d and 3d proximity but the final curves always come back as “null”. Do I have to draw the paths myself? Am i doing anything wrong?
Thank you!
Hey Pablo,
I probably have to recheck it since it’s been done with a previous version of grasshopper, so it’s probably a bit broke. I will try to give you a notice when that happens.
Thanks! Sorry for double message!
[...] the wetgrid grasshopper experiment, only this time in processing, done with real physics and tons more [...]
I’m not getting this script to work. I have looked everywhere and have not found a more complete version of what I am trying to do. Can you give any further direction on what is needed in order for this definition to work. ie: have points and vectors already baked in the space.
Thanks.
switch to the processing one… it does the job better. it’s here: http://improved.ro/blog/2010/10/research-wetgrid-2/