Ali Torabi

Digital Architecture & Technology

Pattern controller

In this video I tried to explain how to use the pattern controller to make a wall with staggered tiles. This is a response to a user’s question and here is the comment which was posted by V.T.  :

Hi, I’d like to know if there’s a way to create an array with staggered row (like a ordinary brick wall). Thanks.

I’m using PARA 2.1 and MAX 2011

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September 7, 2011 at 9:18 am Comments (0)

Introducing the Mix controller

Array on two curves
This video demonstrates use of MIX Controller in order to mix the effect of two independent curve controllers. Each of curve controllers is set to control the position of the box along a unique shape in two different dimensions. Incorporating both in one Mix controller approximate a surface which is result of translating one of the curves along the other one.
Mix controller settings

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August 22, 2011 at 1:16 am Comments (4)

Parametric array 2.1 has been released.

Bugs fixed:
  • Automatic garbage collection improved. This version is more stable on all versions of 3DS MAX
  • Nurbs selection in Surface controller.
  • Surface controller now return Utangent and Vtangent value of editable polys
  • Error in displaying Transform controller settings is fixed.
  • License control system improved.
  • Replacing the array members with a new object is possible via PICK OBJECT button from modify panel. PARA will search for possible transformation to apply on new object.
  • Multiple Variable Override controllers can be used inside one controller.
  • Magnet controller allows use of vector controller instead of magnet object.
  • Convert controller error fixed.
New items:
  • New Deform controller has been added to library.
  • Custom pattern tool has been added to SubObject controller.
  • Curve controller can now return the closest point of array to the curve
  • Property search box is added to the main interface.
  • Deselect button is added to the main interface.
  • A parametric array Layer is automatically being created to hold all the array nodes.
  • Random controller is now available for being used inside a condition controller. This controller can generate Boolean values randomly based on a percentage (chance value).
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August 13, 2011 at 1:33 am Comments (0)

Introducing Magnet Controller

Do you remember this tutorial?

One thing you may didn’t like about my Parametric Array was the SCRIPT controller. I know how it feels when you have to write some meaningless text to get something works and suddenly you face errors after errors! It happens to me many times when I was in beginning of my journey to become a programmer!
Ok, good news is you don’t have to do scripting anymore. PARA II offers zero-code environment to setups your logics and performs multiple tasks using objects (so called Controllers). Bad news is it’s too easy! So anyone else can do it!
Check out this video and see what you can do with Magnet Controller, don’t forget that you can use this controller inside other controllers and try out your own magnetic stuffs!

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June 30, 2011 at 2:11 pm Comments (2)

Curve controller and local offset

Parametric array 2.0 in action!

see how you can use controllers inside each other to create innovative designs in very short time!

in this video I show you how to use random controller to control the local offset value of the curve controller.

New Interface lets you to assign controllers to other controllers even if you have selected multiple properties.

more tutorials are coming , keep in touch !

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June 29, 2011 at 9:20 am Comments (5)

Upgrade to Parametric Array II

parametric array II BETA is ready for download. As I’m still developing this tool it may have some problem and cause some errors. Kindly share your experience with new version either in Facebook or Weblog to improve the debagging process. In order to upgrade you need to login to license manager from the link below. Please notice you may need to reactivate your license during upgrade. The upgrade is free of charge but it isn’t reversible. Please make sure that you have backed up the Parametric Array 1.0 license file ( paramarray_lic.dat ) before installing the PARAII. Thank you for your support and participation!

Upgrade link: https://www.torabiarchitect.com/license_manager/license_manager_login.php

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June 27, 2011 at 11:10 am Comments (13)

Voronoi Tessellation

let me introduce my Voronoi Chair (I) !,

Voronoi chair

You may think that I have used some special program or script. But this is simply result of combining a few modifiers on top of a NURBS geometry in 3ds MAX.  

Here is the Voronoi tessellation diagram using 3ds max modifiers. this approach is fully parametric and you can control the final result in any aspect. Just go through the stack and make your setting.

Voronoi Tessellation Diagram

Note: To keep the interactivity with geometry you need to use EditPoly modifier in animate mode!

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June 26, 2010 at 12:45 pm Comments (17)

Parametric Array & L-System

Did you know that you can produce L-systems with parametric array!

Here is some experience with parametric array of a single line. I have used getItem function to access the parent node using the method below.

getItem index:[1+int((index1-2)/4),1,1]

Denominator (4) defines the number of branches per node. the script above returns the parent of the current object in L-system. Using this trick, you can adjust the start point of the line according to the end point of its parent. Of course the end point is just a transformation of the start point which defines the production rule of L-System. In new version of parametric array this will come as new controller and much more easy to implement on any type of object.

L-Systems in Parametric Array

Users can ask for sample scene!

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June 19, 2010 at 12:14 pm Comments (7)

Animating parametric array

Level: Intermediate
In This Video:

  • Using time value to animate items in the array.
  • Offseting time value by adding index to it.
  • Use Trigonometric functions to distribute items in the array on an assuming surface.
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    April 22, 2010 at 5:15 pm Comments (12)

    Parametric brick wall.

     

    Parametric stone wall

    Level: Advanced
    In This Video:

  • Positioning items based on other items location and dimensions.
  • Randomize function inside the script controller.
  • How to use getItem function to address a specific property of an item inside the array.
  • Note: the getItem function returns the value of specific property of the specific object inside the array.
    getItem index:[index1,index2,index3] prop:property

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    April 22, 2010 at 5:01 pm Comments (13)

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