The Dantchik Stair is a parametric model that was built to allow multiple members of the design team a quick, intuitive, and efficient means to study multiple geometric configurations under various constraints.

As a result, the digital model is composed of a number of individual controllers that drive the geometry of the composite stair. To the right is a window that contains each of the planar vertical standards that are linked to the 3d model on the left, each yellow point on the vertical standards can move freely and will update the geometry of the composite stair. Other Variables controlled by either direct manipulation in the model or by a standard slider include: the stringer geometry, the overall stair profile in plan, the tread profiles & dimensions in section, the handrail position, and the riser geometry.

3d composite model on left - vertical standard controllers on right

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Point b recently served as consultants on an architectural project with LAAB - Laboratorio de Arquitectura Alejandro Biguria. Point b was asked to develop a branching algorithm in RhinoScript that allowed LAAB to study various site strategies for the plan of an eco-resort in Puerto Rico. The branching algorithm then translates to a series of elevated footbridges that connect various parts of the resort.

The Script asks for polylines or curves as input geometry, then generates branches from those curves elevated above the topography based on a number of user input variables, including number of generations, density, height above surface, etc. Once the branches are generated, a series of vertical branches connect the footbridges to the topography. To facilitate costing estimates, the dimension of every vertical and horizontal branch is exported to excel and labeled in Rhino.

Working this way enabled the output from each iteration to be evaluated and the data to be used as feedback in successive iterations. A hallmark of the Point b methodology, this generative approach leads to a highly saturated set of potential solutions.

An Interior View of a FootBridge designed by LAAB

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