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Information Through Color


In this assignment, the powercopy (smart cell) that we have been working with for the past three week is explored differently. Each powercopy post presents a unique character when using it, as for this post we will use an approach to display visual information; the behavior of the cell through its geometry and, given constraints and parameters. The visual information will be illustrated through color. The range color shades, and correspondence to the set of parameters are controlled through a rule (script). The powercopy used in this assignment is also presented in an earlier post "Unfolding" (http://dtbyemad.blogspot.com/2013/11/unfolding-from-digital-to-physical.html), but as mentioned, each assignment deals with a different approach to control and explore the powercopy's qualities. 



Image 1: at the start of every powercopy, the framework is set, and then the powercopy is generated. In this assignment, there are couple of steps to be made before the cell is created. First, a parameter is created. This parameter is set to calculate the surface area of the geometry; the "filled" area (in ft2). Another parameter is then the made of the same type, but is sued to determine the value for when the cells is to change its shade, and is called the "cut" parameter. The title of the parameter is not of significance in the the overall operation, it only functions as a title that we could refer back to. The area parameter is used a locally, within the geometrical set of the powercopy. As for the cut parameter, it is used as a globally to control the first and all other generated cells. 


Image 2: the second step is to set a rule (script) that controls the color shade of the cell through the information given in the parameters. 


Image 3: shows the rule, and how it helps to establish a controlled relationship between the geometry and the parameters.


Image 4: shows how the change in geometry is related to the color change. The color shade can be set differently; and what drives the color change is the rule. When the cell's area exceeds the range defined in the parameter, the rule operates and illustrates this information through the change of color. 


Image 5: shows another view of the cells, and how the change in geometry (area) signals in a color change. 
  




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Location: Department of Architecture, University of Michigan - North Campus, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

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