Specification of an Operator for the Design of Architectural Forms: “Pleating”
During the creative phase, the architect introduces hypotheses and validates them by trying out various adjustments during the process of conception. The use of existing CAD tools during the conception phase is not compatible with the iterative aspect of this process. So the challenge is to define a model that takes into account the entire creative process in a trial and error framework during the conceptual phase. In this article we will define the “pleating” operator.
Specification and Implementation of a Folding Parametric Operator to Assist Architectural Conception at the Drafting Stage
In the early stage of creation, the architect tests his work hypotheses by making many adjustments while designing. During the sketching phase, the existing modeling tools are not compatible with the iterative nature of this process. So the challenge lies in the definition of a model which will allow the whole creative process with its various trying and going back during the phase of conception. We will illustrate this model by implementing a parametric operator allowing the action of folding. Its parametric specificity will enable the architect, in the design phase, to make the numerous moves and returns required to obtain an optimal shape.
Assessment of some agro-technological parameters of cactus pear fruit ( Opuntia ficus-indica Mill . ) in Morocco cultivars
Cactaceae had always attracted attention by their strange shapes and important adaptability supporting extreme conditions. For this reasons, Fruit traits were measured on 13 cultivars growing in different locations in Morocco. Results show significant differences between the cultivars. The source of this variation was probably genetic without excluding the geographic effects. The Tamri, Berkan, Ait Baha cultivars showed small fruit dimensions and weight. In contrast, Sidi-Ifni M, Nador, Mohammedia and Ben Guerir were greater than 100 g by fruit. Sidi-Ifni M, Hoceima, Mohammedia and Nador, although larger, contained few seeds, about 200 seeds per fruit; while Tamri, Ait Baha, Safi, Meknes and Tafraout contained over than 230 seeds per fruit. High levels of juice about 62 ml/100 g pulp were obtained with Sidi-Ifni M, Nador, Mohammedia and Ben Guerir cultivars. Total sugars of the 13 cultivars were quite similar and pH was low in Tamri and close to neutrality in the rest of cultivars. Therefore, oil extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica seeds constituted 13.6% of the whole seed. Thin-layer chromatography in conjunction with gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed a relatively high degree of unsaturation, 83.32% and 16% for saturated fatty acid, with a linoleic acid content of 63.66% followed by oleic 18.34%, palmitic 12.84% and stearic acid 2.81%. Based on these results, O. ficus-indica seed oil appears to be a good potential source of edible oil for human and (or) animal consumption. Our investigation describes that Tamri and Tafraout cultivars are not really a commercial viable fruit due to low total soluble solids value and highest seeds number per fruit. Against Mohammedia, Sidi Ifni M and Nador cultivars proved to have the highest fruit weight, very good total soluble solids value and low number of seeds, these cultivars can therefore be planted for both fruit production and for harvesting of cladodes for animal feed.