Uniquely Shaped Spaces: 3D Shelving Generator

Creates efficient and visually interesting layouts for irregularly shaped objects

Project Overview

Uniquely Shaped Spaces is a 3D shelving generator that uses Simulated Annealing and Cellular Automata algorithms to optimize the placement of irregularly shaped objects.

Key Features

• Simulated Annealing: Optimizes the placement of irregular objects on a grid
• Cellular Automata: Generates dynamic shelving between objects
• p5.js: Utilizes p5.js canvas for rendering and interaction

Object Representation

Objects are represented as grid-based outlines with padding, allowing for flexible and efficient storage arrangements.

Simulated Annealing Process

Cellular Automata Process

Cellular Automata is used to grow shelving between objects

1. Setup Phase

   • Precalculate all path scores and store in an array
   • Initialize cells with growth options: Left, Up, and Right
   • Each cell retrieves scores for potential growth paths

2. Step 1: Merge and Die Rules

   • Merging occurs when two alive cells meet or pass by each other
   • An alive cell dies when it meets a dead cell (simulating crowding)

3. Step 2: Eliminate Invalid Options

   • Prevent backtracking
   • Avoid growing through existing shapes
   • Respect boundary buffer constraints

4. Step 3: Choose Growth Direction

   • If only one valid option remains, select it
   • Cells are attracted to dead cells of a different strain (prevents parallel paths)
   • Preference given to easy paths (low values)
   • Cells tend to maintain their current growth direction