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Software created by Southampton Science Park based ICEM, was
used throughout the design and construction of the Diana, Princess of
Wales Memorial Fountain. The software, ICEM Surf, helped designers to turn
their original 2D design drawings into 3D reality. ICEM Surf is more
commonly used in automotive design and manufacturing. Its use in the
memorial fountain marked a 'first' in architectural landscape design and
construction.
"The work that has been done with ICEM Surf has
been fundamental to our ability to meet the various deadlines and design
requirements of this project," said Neil Porter of fountain designers
Gustafson Porter. "Not only have we been able to view the model on
the computer and to make changes to the design and see the results
immediately, but the accuracy of the 3D surface model and the fact that
the data generated could be used directly in the cutting of the granite
for the fountain was an enormous benefit during the construction
stage."
Once the digital surface model was complete, ICEM Surf
was used to divide it into some 550 'blocks' representing the individual
stones that make up the fountain. The resulting digital files accurately
defined the cut lines and the top and bottom surfaces of each block.
These 'virtual
stones' were supplied to the stonemasons, who used
the data to develop the paths required for cutting
the Cornish granite. As testament to the accuracy of
the digital model, all the stones were delivered
directly to the site as they were finished and then
slotted straight into their allocated positions. |
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