Taylor Builds 3D Campus Model

After completing a model of the set for the 2024 fall musical Chicago, he turned to creating the larger, geographic project using Blender, a free and open-source 3D modeling, simulating, and animating software.

First, he obtained precise Lidar geological data from the United States Geological Survey and learned special software to view it.

“While this data is technically free, there is a sharp learning curve to implementing it in any meaningful way. It took me a few weeks to understand how I was supposed to view and interact with a Lidar Point cloud,” he said.

After encountering problems interpreting the data, including the need to manually remove all the trees and buildings to reconstruct the ground beneath them, he tried another program, TopoExport, which provided accurate data on the earth’s surface.

“The data was extremely easy to import into Blender, but it was not free,” he said. “The topographic map, measuring about .51 square kilometers, cost about $40.”

Fabrication involved cutting the 3D model into nine pieces and affixing them to a piece of wood, masking off roads and building footprints. Using Goggle Maps as a template, he cut building footprints out of polystyrene and built up the walls.

Finally, he added clump foliage for the trees and flocking for the grass, and he painted details such as the parking lots, athletic fields, and tennis courts.

Mr. Fudge observed: “While digital modeling and rapid prototyping skills are broadly useful for experimenting, iterating, and refining a design idea, Fletcher’s project speaks to the way our physical space at 6191 Park Avenue has become very personal and immediate with the construction on campus. It’s interesting to explore the world around us to find answers to our questions. What is the highest elevation spot on campus? What is the lowest? How does the landscape here impact the way we utilize the environment, the way we lay out the buildings, parking lots, and trails that we take for granted every day.”