Generative Components palm tree modeller by Martin Rohan

After trying to find some useful low polygon palm tree 3D models on the internet (failed) I made the decision to use Generative components and make my own, fully controlled models.

Generative Components offers endless possibilities, e.g. creating sets of 10 palm trees, each one unique. This could be done manually, creating basic models and modifying it one by one…or, branches and trunks could be modelled in GC using the Random Points function which creates various orientations, lengths, branches and trunks with variable widths.

All parameters are controlled within a defined tolerance: palm tree height +/-, tree crown diameter +/-, branches elevation angle +/-…etc

This script took me about one hour to get done, so if I needed to create 10 palm trees: 6min per tree. Some people might model this manually in any 3D CAD application (some endless CAD enthusiasts could use Google Sketchup and spend hours trying to model something similar to freeform surface) but the beauty of parametrically driven design is the endless flexibility as each model could be changed within seconds by any of parameters modification.

Render enclosed was done in microstation V8i rendering engine.