Here is a list of tutorials I had used to reference to develop my coral forms.

http://www.grasshopper3d.com/video/video/listForContributor?screenName=2buhcnca8l6oy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZaw6z-w8RA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2WJkN1ew4Q&feature=related

MAIN SCRIPT

Below is the main script I used to create the coral.
What this basically does is that it connects a geometry to a surface of another.
The surface is divided into sections, so one of the geometries are duplicated on each division.
"Morphing" tool was the main button that connects the two geometries.

FINAL POSTER AND FILES

FINAL INTERACTIVE POSTER
(hover over pictures seem to lag until around 1-2 minutes pdf works fine)
http://www.gamefront.com/files/20172682/FINAL.pdf

GRASSHOPPER FILE:
http://www.gamefront.com/files/20172857/final.ghx

RHINO FILE:
http://www.gamefront.com/files/20172855/FINAL.3dm

Renders

Grasshopper

Here I used points, which were placed with the sin tool to make that wave like effect. I played around with its axis, and designed this type. Again I had used the morph tool to morph the spikes onto the lofted shape.


This was pretty much the same thing just using a different shape.


Here it shows the lofted parts, and circles inserted in each division.

This was a tutorial I had followed with the inspiration of twisty towers. This was basically used with a 2d ellipse, rotated and angled a few times, and lofted to form the outside skin.

The sphere here shows the Subdivision boxes, in which a geometry can be placed inside each.



Here is the sphere divided in parts with the division tool.
Number sliders can control how many parts it can be divided into

DRAFT POSTER

WEEK 2

I had found this tutorial which seems quite helpful to form the shape of coral, although there is not much information or instructions, I will have to find a way how to do that properly.

The concept I will be basing my model on will be on CORAL.
I have chosen coral because, I am fascinated about its creative shapes and patterns. I also am a fan of organic looking structures, because they show a natural relationship with its surrounding.

FACTS ON CORAL

Coral may look like a plant, or a rock, but they are actual living animals, that breathe, need food, water and air.They are made of tiny, fragile animals called coral polyps which leave behind their skeletons when they die.
Their are a range of different species of corals, but are mainly in 2 types. Hard coral and soft coral.

Hard coral grow in colonies including species as brain coral and elkhorn coral. Hard coral create skeletons out of calcium carbonate aka limestone, which become hard and turn into rock.

Soft coral are the more fragile type such as sea fingers and sea whips.
They are easily bended and are soft in touch. Soft coral do not have stony skeletons but grow wood like cores for support. They are mainly found in both tropical seas and in cool dark regions.

SHAPE OF CORAL

The shape of coral depends on the species and the water temperature it lives in.
Some corals form hard and pointed shapes while others are soft and round.
Shapes are also formed by the strength of wavs which make corals grow into flatter shapes.
In more softer waves and calmer waters, the same species may grow into so many different looking shapes with delicate branching patterns.
Coral formations may look like branching trees, large domes, small irregular crusts, or even like tiny organ pipes. The living coral forming animals color the formation in beautiful shades of tan, orange, yellow, purple and green.
The shapes that I think are very creative for my model is from the form of a lace coral:


This type of coral to me looks like it has a purpose. The holes in its body is like a trap for food. It reminds me of lungs, for breath symbolising life. I want to incorporate this type of pattern and structure in my model, looks gentle, and free.



This is the Pillar coral. It is interesting and simple, with gentle looking bristles all over its body. This type of structure stands tall and also are grouped like a family.


This type of coral has an amazing pattern on it. I would like to also add a lace of this pattern maybe around the surface of my model. It has a maze like effect, and looks similar to tree branches.

SOURCES

http://www.coral.org/resources/about_coral_reefs/coral_overview

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/photos/corals/#/reef_3322_600x450.jpg

http://www.coexploration.org/bbsr/coral/html/body_life_cycle_story.html

Concepts & Ideas

The 3 concepts I have chosen are:

-Coral -Feathers -Fire

CORAL

I have chosen coral, because I am fascinated about its different forms and patterns that make them individually unique. Coral also have a wide range of shapes, colours and sizes, and what really interests me is that they are also alive, like humans, having the necessity of air, food and water.

FEATHERS

I had the idea of feathers because, feathers also have different patterns which also make them unique. The shape and size and colours range from different breeds of birds, and also match how birds also survive in their habitat.
Feathers also help birds do what they are best at, fly.

FIRE

Fire can be many things.
It can be used as light, heat food and even generate electricity.
The way the fire moves show amazing sharp and flowy patterns. It comes in many shades of red, blue, green as well.