Shape Evolution With Structural and Topological Changes Using Blending

This paper describes a framework for the estimation of shape from sparse or incomplete range data. It uses a shape representation called blending, which allows for the geometric combination of shapes into a unified model— selected regions of the component shapes are cut-out and glued together. Estimation of shape using this representation is realized using a physics-based framework, and also includes a process for deciding how to adapt the structure and topology of the model to improve the fit. The blending representation helps avoid abrupt changes in model geometry during fitting by allowing the smooth evolution of the shape, which improves the robustness of the technique. We demonstrate this framework with a series of experiments showing its ability to automatically extract structured representations from range data given both structurally and topologically complex objects

First anatomical network analysis of fore- and hindlimb musculoskeletal modularity in bonobos, common chimpanzees, and humans

Studies of morphological integration and modularity, and of anatomical complexity in human evolution typically focus on skeletal tissues. Here we provide the first network analysis of the musculoskeletal anatomy of both the fore- and hindlimbs of the two species of chimpanzee and humans. Contra long-accepted ideas, network analysis reveals that the hindlimb displays a pattern opposite to that of the forelimb: Pan big toe is typically seen as more independently mobile, but humans are actually the ones that have a separate module exclusively related to its movements. Different fore- vs hindlimb patterns are also seen for anatomical network complexity (i.e., complexity in the arrangement of bones and muscles). For instance, the human hindlimb is as complex as that of chimpanzees but the human forelimb is less complex than in Pan. Importantly, in contrast to the analysis of morphological integration using morphometric approaches, network analyses do not support the prediction that forelimb and hindlimb are more dissimilar in species with functionally divergent limbs such as bipedal humans

Topological inversions

Architecture is stagnant. Once a design is implemented, executed, and constructed, the building or structure is inherently immovable and non-reactionary to its environment. Patterns are stagnant. Patterns are applied to a surface and become motionless and unchanging. We live in a world where technology and our environment is ever-changing. People react to their surroundings and, therefore, architecture must also become a field that reflects the environment. The thesis is as a critique and a reevaluation on the stagnancy of architectural design that we see today. The following experiments begin to manifest an ideology of architectural design and patterns that are generated from existing conditions. The form of a design is further investigated by exploring the latency of a singular pattern into a design that reflects that of its environmental constraints, inevitably creating an architectural and morphological language that results in reactionary interstitial spaces.Thesis (B.?)Honors Colleg