Bridges Conference (Virtual), 2021 – Stefano Arrighi x Phillip C. Reiner

Dandelion Sphere is a layered polyhedral framework built from progressively complex wireframe shells. Developed in the Advanced Geometries Department with Stefano Arrighi, the prototype applies node-classification algorithms and automated connector generation to complex wireframe constructions. Each successive layer branches from the previous layer's vertices, increasing in geometric complexity and producing the radial, dandelion-like silhouette. The algorithms identify identical node sets across the wireframe and generate corresponding 3D joint connectors, including correct handling of chiral pairs. The work was presented at the 2021 Bridges Conference (virtual).

Research:
Node classification operates on the wireframe graph to group geometrically identical vertices. For each unique node type, the pipeline generates a 3D connector with the correct angular relationships between edges. Chiral pairs — left- and right-hand variants at mirror-symmetric positions — are distinguished automatically. The methods scale to complex layered polyhedra where large numbers of nodes repeat across the structure.