In the early 1970s the Architecture Research Laboratory at The University of Michigan developed two computer applications in architecture. The first, ARCH:MODEL, was a geometric modeling, computer graphics program written in Fortran running on the university's large mainframe computer and used locally via a cathode ray tube terminal such as a Comptek or Tektronix. The program allowed groups of transformed geometries to be drawn in parallel, perspective and stereo projections. It also allowed 2D geometries to be interactively sketched. Movies, as a sequence of perspective images, was also available. Off-line plotting on the university's Calcomp plotter was available.
The other project was the creation of a 2D geometric database of university medical buildings through the digitizing of floor plans. Software was created to allow interactive querying of the attribute database to produce tabular and graphic output. Ironically, since no color graphic displays or plotters were available, a plexiglass physical model was created for the entire complex. The digitizing process produced sets of keypunch cards for the selected points with no graphic feedback.
The plexiglass model under construction.
Graphic results of a query - all rooms satisfying a set of criteria are displayed.
In the mid 1970s and early 1980s, the ARL produced a relational database and geometric modeling system called ARCH:MODEL. It allowed for sophisticated database queries and produced tabular and graphics reports. The software was used in a variety of sponsored research projects such as the modeling and analysis of a proposed nuclear power plant. Modeling tools such as found in today's commercial solid modelers were available (set operations, extrusions, interference detection, ..).
A section of the reactor vessel.
Another section of the reactor vessel (very thick concrete).
Office wing.
In the late 1980s, the ARL was asked to model a proposed outdoor, open air auditorium which was to be used for many types of performances. The roof was to be a large fabric structure supported by large towers.
The model was built using ARCH:MODEL and used for both rendering and acoustical analysis. The following is output from the analysis drawn in ARCH:MODEL.
Chart showing time of initial direct ray at each seat. Drawn using ARCH:MODEL.
View from the stage. Rendering using same model that was used for the acoustical analysis.
The stage.
