Model maker Lisa Gemmiti discusses the topographic model of SLAC with Neil Calder (COM). The model is now on display in the Panofsky Auditorium Lobby.

By Adrienne Higashi

What does SLAC have in common with Donald Trump’s Florida golf course, the Stanford University campus, and the City of San Jose? All have been modeled in 3-D topographical format. SLAC’s new model, on display in the Panofsky Auditorium Lobby, goes further than most, representing possible future developments at the Lab.

In order to help decision-makers visualize how various short- and long-range planning ideas will fit together, SLAC’s Business Services Division (BSD) teamed with Stanford University’s Architect and Planning Office to create this modeling tool. The project took about 350 hours to complete. The result is a 150-pound, 144" x 35" model at a 1" = 100’ scale.

"Things are brought to life when they are transformed into three dimensional models," said Lisa Gemmiti, model maker and owner of the San Francisco studio that produced the model.

SLAC, as it exists now, is reflected in the model, as are the 10- and 20-year plans for the Lab. Existing structures at SLAC are modeled in light grey, the 10-year plan in brown, and the 20-year plan in white. Buildings proposed for the years 2010 and 2020 are pinned in place, allowing design flexibility without modifications to the model. New research buildings, a parking structure, pedestrian walkways and plazas are represented.

To create the model, SLAC’s topographic contour map was traced with a custom-made router-type machine mounted on a tripod. Directly below an overhead cutter head, a stylus is mounted between the legs of the tripod. The stylus is used to manually trace the contours, step by step. As the modeler moves around the table, using the stylus to trace the undulating circumference of each of the hundreds or thousands of topographical lines on the map, the overhead router precisely mirrors the stylus’ movements and cuts away succeeding layers of the polyurethane block suspended below.

In addition to being a planning tool for the people at SLAC and the Stanford architects, it is also a public presentation tool for SLAC visitors. The model is now permanently displayed in the Lobby so visitors to SLAC can begin their site tour by viewing the model and orienting themselves to the ‘big picture’.