[Nettime-bold] Fwd: Constructor

[Heath Row <heath@fastcompany.com>]

http://www.soda.co.uk/soda/constructor/

c o n s t r u c t o r

what is constructor?

constructor animates and edits two dimensional models made out of masses and springs
springs can be controlled by a wave to make pulsing muscles
models can be constructed that bounce, roll, walk etc, try some of the ready made models or try to build your own

how to load a model

select a model name from the "load model..." drop down menu
the simulation will start automatically
press "clear" to erase the model

how to build your own models

select "construct" mode from drop down menu
select free mass or fixed mass (fixed masses can be dragged but do not move due to other forces)
click in main window to create masses or points
click once on a mass to start drawing a line, click on a second mass to make a link
to cancel drawing a link right-click or click on the origin of the link (=double click)
drag to move masses
to delete masses or links select "delete" from drop down menu and click on masses or links

how to animate models

select "simulate" from drop down menu
you can drag masses while the simulation is running
modify gravity, friction and strength of springs using the G, F & K sliders

how to use muscles (see key to the right)

select the link you want to turn into a muscle by clicking on it in the main window (a black blob on its mid point shows if it is selected)
its correspond muscle control bar in the control panel will go black
drag this bar up to the wave portion to make it expand and contract according to its position on the wave
to make the wave move select "forward" "reverse" or "auto reverse" from the drop down menu while in "simulate" mode
by placing muscles at different points along on the wave you can make walking models (it's rather tricky though)
Drag the wave to the left to reduce its amplitude

constructor control panel key
constructor news

we like you too. constructor has had an explosion of hits lately, soda <../../index.htm> sends out a big thankyou to all the folks who have been mailing us with nice things to say, we think you're lovely and will reply to you all eventually
warning! constructor can seriously damage your productivity! it seems that some of you have been playing with constructor for hours. we regret that soda <../../index.htm> can accept no liabilty for loss of earnings incurred while building constructor creatures
the campaign to save constructor. lots of you have asked us if you can save your constructor models. we're working on it, but be patient, soda <../../index.htm> likes to play, but we can't play all day! we hope to have an update for you sometime next month

last updated 29.03.00, stay tuned for more constructor updates