Vianney Nguyen

// software developer
// calgary, ab, canada
// --- ---

3D render of the Zipper sculpture

software info

name The Zipper
technologies used JavaScript, Three.js, Blender, HTML, CSS
completion date 2020-05-14
links Online

controls

Click and Drag on the screen to rotate the Zipper.

background

The Zipper is a piece of art at the University of Calgary, located in the middle of the Science Theatres main hallway.

According to legend, students that give the Zipper a spin prior to an exam will receive good luck; however, this is not the case for engineering students1. It is believed that an engineering student had fractured their arm while attempting to spin the Zipper. Consequently, it is said that engineering students will receive bad luck when the zipper is spun prior to an exam.

To this day, engineering students continue to avoid touching the Zipper prior to an exam.

motivation

I developed a virtual 3D model of the Zipper during lockdown due to COVID-19. The motivation comes from reading a post about how another student wishes to have access to the Zipper without being present at the University of Calgary. Eight hours later, the first version of the Zipper was introduced.

changelog

1.3 (2023-06-08): Disabled scrolling on mobile touch devices
1.2 (2020-05-14): Adjusted colors and added a flying light orb
1.1 (2020-05-14): Implemented a moving camera
1.0 (2020-05-14): Initial release of the zipper. Includes the following:
  • Interactive zipper with momentum and rotational damping
  • Ambient and point light source