We used Rhino + Grasshopper to develop the geometry of the Memory Cloud.  Beyond qualitative spatial and aesthetic criteria the tools were used for developing quantitative data sets for the lighting purchase orders and assembly inventories.  The waffle structure of the diagrid canopy was developed using FEA software at Insight Structures and feedback from that analysis drove the varying depth of the profiles.  The notches were calibrated based on a full scale prototype that tested the material welding.  We especially benefited from the use of the Lunchbox plugin for Grasshopper developed by Nathan Miller of CASE, Inc.  The diagonal structure tools created clean data structures that retained their organization as the geometry was projected into the cloud.

Some progress images of the Discus lights showing prototypes tested at Ameresco Solar delivered from Philips Hadco.  Installation will commence this summer at the Greater East End.  Some will be in the Navigation Esplanade next to the Mercade Picado structures.  Renderings of the solar generators illustrate the cluster concept of decoupling power source from the lights with underground conduiting.  The generators come in three models: 4 panel, 2 panel and 1 panel.  

Updated images of Mercado Picado fabrication drawings and siting of the market kiosks for the Greater East End on the Navigation Blvd Esplanade

Some installation photos of Memory Cloud

We are developing custom patterns and colors for the Market Kiosks currently under development for the Greater East End Navigation Blvd. Esplanade.  The traditional technique of die-cutting stacks of colored paper with cultural icons is scaled up and rendered in powder-coated sheet metal.  The shelters will provide dappled light to the public space below.  The units are paired with a version of the pattern as a gradient perforation in the adjacent kiosk.

Memory Cloud finite element analysis model from Insite Structures, Brad Dougherty and Justin Smith.

16 hrs, a dead winch, chain hoist and a bent pully later...

Each tube assembly is made up of a different quantity of modules determined by the algorithm that originally shaped the cloud.  Disk luminaires starting to go in.

After a pause to reset the winch we lifted the canopy, installed the first LED tube modules and tested for power and data continuity.