Interactivity of Building and Spaces 2011
Interactivity of Buildings and Spaces
ALTERNATIVE ARCHITECTURAL VISUALISATION TECHNIQUES
Naveed Azhar
MA 3D Digital Design
TMA1115
School of Art, Design and Architecture
University of Huddersfield
January 2010
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Interactivity of Building and Spaces 2011
Table of Contents
1. Literature review ........................................................................................................ 8
The Role of Virtual Reality in Built Environment ......................................................................... 8
Producing Realistic 3D ............................................................................................................... 8
Customers Attitude towards Using 3D Modelling ..................................................................... 10
Advantages of 3D over 2D CAD ................................................................................................ 10
2. Methodology ............................................................................................................ 12
Problem statement .................................................................................................................. 12
Aims and Objectives................................................................................................................. 12
Case Study ............................................................................................................................... 13
History of CAB buildings........................................................................................................... 13
Sketching and Drawing ............................................................................................................ 14
Images and Panoramas ............................................................................................................ 14
Two Dimensional CAD Drawings .............................................................................................. 16
Three Dimensional CAD Model ................................................................................................ 17
Daylight System. ..................................................................................................................... 18
Rendering / Animation / Visualisation. ..................................................................................... 20
Online Presentation. ................................................................................................................ 20
Youtube Link to the Presentation ................................................................................................ 20
Interactive Visualisation........................................................................................................... 21
Stereoscopic 3D ....................................................................................................................... 23
3. Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 26
4. References .............................................................................................................. 27
5. Survey Results ......................................................................................................... 29
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List of Figures
Figure 1 : The Cave ........................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 2 : Handheld Scanner .............................................................................................................. 9
Figure 3 : 3D CAD Sample of a building ............................................................................................ 11
Figure 4 : 2D CAD Sample of a building ............................................................................................ 11
Figure 5 : Case Study of Creative Arts Building Uni of Hudds. ........................................................... 13
Figure 6 : Computer Generated Sketch ............................................................................................ 14
Figure 7 : Panorama Camera............................................................................................................ 14
Figure 8 : Panorama of Tower Bridge-London .................................................................................. 15
Figure 9 : ADA Panorama ................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 10 : ADA Elevation 1. .......................................................................................................... 16
Figure 11 : ADA Elevation 2. .......................................................................................................... 16
Figure 12 : Working with 3dsMax .................................................................................................... 17
Figure 13 : Working with Materials .................................................................................................. 18
Figure 14 : Daylight and Shadows .................................................................................................... 19
Figure 15 : Working with Daylight System ....................................................................................... 19
Figure 16 : 3D Scanline Render ........................................................................................................ 20
Figure 17 : Ralph Baer...................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 18 : Unity 3D........................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 19 : Interactive 3D Visualisation ............................................................................................ 23
Figure 20 : 3D Glasses...................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 21 : Vray Stereo Settings ....................................................................................................... 24
Figure 22 : Steroscopic Projection.................................................................................................... 24
Figure 23 : Steroscopic Images......................................................................................................... 25
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Interactivity of Building and Spaces 2011
Acknowledgement and Thanks
I would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Dr Ertu Unver, Ph.D. of 3D
Digital Design, University of Huddersfield. His wide knowledge and logical way of thinking have
been of great value for me. His understanding, encouraging and personal guidance have provided a
good basis for the present thesis.
I am also grateful to Mark O’Brian, MSc. Head of the Department of Design, University of
Huddersfield, for his detailed knowledge in design industry and for his important support throughout
this work.
I wish to express my warm and sincere thanks to Charles Hippisley-Cox, from the Department of
Architecture Technology, University of Huddersfield, who supported me throughout during my BSc
Architectural technology Degree, which helped me understand the Architectural technology in much
detail.
I owe my most sincere gratitude to David Swan, 3D subject area leader worked as the second
supervisor and gave some important advice during research process.
During this work I have collaborated with many colleagues for whom I have great regard, and I wish
to extend my warmest thanks to all those who have helped me with my work in the School of Art,
Design Architecture at University of Huddersfield.
I owe my loving thanks to my wife, my son Harris and daughter Anam. Without their encouragement
and understanding it would have been impossible for me to finish this work. My special gratitude is
due to my brother, my sisters and their families for their loving support.
Special thanks to the University of Huddersfield for providing the best support and facilities which is
gratefully acknowledged.
Huddersfield,
January 2011
Naveed Azhar
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Interactivity of Building and Spaces 2011
Abstract
Buildings are designed by Architects and designers, currently architects and designers, use traditional
ways in visualising their building designs to their clients. This thesis investigates the potential of 3D
visualisation in buildings. This research looks into the technology that is currently been used by
designers to convey designs, and also looks at the areas of improvements and explains what is the
future of 3D visualisation for architectures and designers. There are various ways in which the
designers can transmit their designs visually, this thesis will look at the different technologies that are
used or the ways that can be used.
Although two-dimensional (2D) have a long history and are widely accepted by the Built
Environment professionals such as Architects, Engineers and Designers, the three Dimensional (3D)
and VR applications, offering interactivity have not yet widely been accepted. This thesis attempts to
understand the values and challenges of the integrating visualisation technologies in the built
environment and investigates the challenges and the values of offerings VR.
The thesis explains previous researches work on similar fields, such as the gaming industry, as it is the
one industry that uses the up-to-date visualisation technologies. This thesis looks at the ways in which
the architectural industry can benefit from the technologies used by the gaming industry; it also
investigates the reasons why the such technologies are not commonly used in the construction
industry already.
There is a revolution underway when it comes to presenting new properties in 3D virtual reality:
Interactive 3D Walkthroughs. The next big revolution in Residential Property Marketing is to give the
ability to the users to control their own journey around a new home, using advanced 3D computer
gaming technology which will be fully realistic, fully furnished and highly immersive, and interactive.
To investigate the power of interactive 3D visualisation a case study will be presented and discussed.
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Introduction
“Architecture (is) a theatre stage setting where the leading actors are the people,
and to dramatically direct the dialogue between these people and space is the
technique of designing.- Kisho Kurokawa Its in the doing that the idea comes” –
Edmund Bacon
The use of computers in the build environment sector had a huge progress since mid 1960s after the
introduction of input device by Sunderland (Sutherland, 1968) input devices are frequently used in
programmes like AutoCAD by Autodesk are now considered as an industry standard for professionals
in the Build Environment such as Architects, Engineers, Designers and Students.
Sketching is still a major source of drawings in the Built environment but now things are moving
forward and 3D is entering the arena of build environment.
This study will research on how is it possible to get users to interact with the 3D digital model.
This thesis looks at the study of the various visualisation methods that are been used by the Architects
and designers , currently majority of Architects and designers use sketching as the initial source of
their early stage conceptual designs, and then convert those sketches in further detailed sketches and
create accurate dimensions using the 2 Dimensional computer aided designs software, the 2D
drawings shows their clients and contractors the technical details of their models, although 2D CAD
might be enough for certain projects but some projects may benefit from a three dimensional
computer aided design models.
There are various methods in which the designs can be drawn as discussed in detail in this thesis, for
example;
Sketch
2D Design
Photos – Panorama 360
3D Model
3D Web interactive model
3D Stereoscopic model
There are major differences between 2D and 3D CAD some of those differences are discussed in this
thesis, this comparison may encourage a user to select one instead of the other.
3D CAD models are very useful for new projects that are not constructed yet, the 3D models gives a
realistic view of the building that is not built yet, it gives the Architect or designer a chance to look at
the physical design and rectify any mistakes that could happen before the actual building process
takes place. It also gives them a chance to give the client a real design and get their feedback; it is a
very efficient, simple and cost effective way of communicating and transferring the design and ideas
to the clients.
Not only the newly or un built designs or buildings benefit from 3D but also the already built designs
and buildings have benefit from it. It can be used for refurbishment and renovation projects, along
with extensions and demolishment projects and again the 3D model will give the actual feel and look
of the building after the work would finish, and also help to correct the designs and mistakes in
project.
For an existing building there are various ways in which the designer can gather the model data, for
e.g. photo panorama, laser scanning.
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The latest technology in architectural visualisation is 3D online/offline interactive design; this
technology is based on how the computer games are built, where the user can navigate around the
model using their keyboard mouse or joystick. The future technology is using the 3d Stereoscopic
interactive visualisation where user can actually visualise by being inside the model and by using the
motion tracking technology they can move around the model by physically moving parts of their
body.
Figure 1 : The Cave
The CAVE is a large theatre as shown in Figure 1that sits in a larger room measured a varied size.
The walls of the CAVE are made up of rear-projection screens, and the floor is made of a down-
projection screen. High-resolution projectors display images on each of the screens by projecting the
images onto mirrors which reflect the images onto the projection screens. The user will go inside of
the CAVE wearing special glasses to allow for the 3-D graphics that are generated by the CAVE to be
seen. With these glasses, people using the CAVE can actually see objects floating in the air, and can
walk around them, getting a proper view of what the object would look like when they walk around it.
There are various methods in which the design can be visualised this thesis will analyse the reasons
i.e. cost manpower etc which will help designers decide which methods of visualisation would suit
their clients.
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1. Literature review
The Role of Virtual Reality in Built Environment
In the research by Horne, Thompson (2008) explains how 2D Cad has been integrated into the built
environment for a long time but 3D modelling and especially VR has not found the space in the
industry as it should. In their view there are various factors such as:
• Lack of main stream acceptance
• Lack of discipline specific VR enabled applications
• Challenging programming environment for non programmers
• High cost of purchase and maintenance VR facilities
But more recently because of the rapid advances in computer graphics technology the process has
become simpler and more importantly like everything else in IT the prices have come down
considerably for purchasing the hardware. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effects of
VR and 3D computer modelling in the school of built environment various academic experiences
were analysed to explore the benefits on 3D modelling in various subject areas.
Bouchlaghem et al. (2004) have researched the applications and benefits of 3D visualisation and
virtual reality in the Built environment and presented three case studies where different 3D
technologies have been implemented. The paper reviewed the use of visualisation application in
architecture, engineering and construction, it highlighted the ways it can improve aspects of their
work, by visualising the wok it helps the designers to collaborate and communicate the work more
effectively. Whatever the construction project big or small it can all benefit by visualisation, housing
development the modelling tools can be used as a marketing tool and will benefit if planning
consultations are required.
Campbell et al. (2000) explains how computer visualisation community researchers are focusing their
attention to in the use of free form object in the 3D models. Free-form objects are a key elements of
many graphical and visualisation applications such as virtual world design and environment
modelling. Graphics designing of complex objects is a very labour-intensive process, to simplify the
process the cad systems would prefer to use vision techniques to assemble multiple views of complex
objects together into a model that can be fine-tuned and completed interactively. In this paper certain
methods are surveyed that are currently used in the computer visualisation. Typically image data
registration techniques are discussed along with integration and model optimisation. The survey also
discusses the techniques used to identify the presence of free-form objects data gathered from
intensity or range image scanners, which are appearance-based and intensity contour-based and
surface feature-based techniques.
Producing Realistic 3D
The paper by Gatzidis (2007) studied the procedure of making a virtual city using the software called
virtual City Maker, The solution is achieved by using a series of aerial images, terrestrial photo-
graphic input and 2D ground maps along with a user-friendly customized interface allowing for
automatically and interactively generating accurate geo referenced textured 3D virtual city content.
This information is widely used in mobile devices, navigators the paper also explores the introduction
of an innovative mobile virtual reality visualisation engine operating on a PDA (Personal Digital
Assistant), called Virtual Navigator. Virtual Navigator can import a variety of 3D visualisation file
formats that are commonly used these days. The system is great for an outdoor map navigation system
but it will not be as useful for interior architectural visualisation as the level of detail is much lower of
the models.
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In the research K. Karner et al. (2001) explains how there is a growing interest in 3D models of cities
they may consist of building exteriors, interior spaces, vegetation, addresses and photo texture. This
paper looks at the ways to create the digital models of outdoor and analyse the ways in which the high
efficiency can be achieved and how to minimise the costs without the compromising the detail,
accuracy and photo-realism outputs.
Dedicated server sometimes is used as the model gets bigger so does that data, and it gets quite a
large, so instead of placing the model (data) on each workstation, which provides data to a number of
clients. The data structure used for storage of 3D data is crucial for efficient access, transmission, and
visualization.
R.J.Valkenburg (2003) researches on the advantages of using handheld mobile scanning devices. It
has always been difficult to scan surfaces as more often you get holes in surface meshes obtained
from scanners these holes are caused because the scanners reads incomplete data and contact range
scanners fail to detect surfaces, but the mobile scanner helps minimise the loss of data as the mobile
scanner head can follow complex trajectories to read data in the areas that are difficult to be accessed
and the orientation of the mobile scanner can be adjusted to be parallel to the surface to get data from
the surfaces that don't give a high return. With the mobile handheld scanner you can view the results
in real-time and if the quality of the data is unwanted then the reader can rescan or discard the
unwanted data.
The study by Fabio (2003) addresses all the problems of
converting a measured point cloud into a realistic 3D
polygonal model that can satisfy high modelling and
visualization demands and discusses the possible solutions to
those problems. Now 3D scanners are also becoming a
standard source for input data in many application areas,
providing for millions of points. As a consequence, the
problem of generating high quality polygonal meshes of
objects from unorganized point clouds is receiving more and
more attention. Some triangulation algorithms, modelling
methods and visualization techniques are also described and
different examples are presented. Even if the concepts and
algorithms of the modelling software are quite
straightforward, the performance of the software is strictly
related to the implementation and to the hardware. Moreover
all the existing software for modelling and visualize 3D Figure 2 : Handheld Scanner
objects is specific for certain data sets.
In this study Frank Chen (1999) researched on an overview of 3-D modelling dimensions by means of
a variety of optical technologies, it then applies prearranged light methods to a variety of optical
arrangement, image gaining techniques, data post processing and examination techniques and
advantages and restrictions are discussed. Several industrial application examples are discussed.
Important areas requiring further research are discussed. Finally it discusses a broad bibliography on
3D shape measurement.
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Customers Attitude towards Using 3D Modelling
Honiesh Nakhai (2010) states 3D modelling provides a complete view of the product to customers in
order to increase their information about the product or services, make their experience more
attractive and enjoyable, and help their decision making process easier and more convenient. Main
industries are currently using interactivity 3D modelling technology to attract customers’ attention
and deliver them full information prior to any purchase. This paper researches the customer’s attitude
towards using the 3D modelling in construction industry and evaluates customer’s attitude towards
using 3D modelling in construction industry in Iran. But, customers might still prefer buying a
property through visiting the place instead of taking a virtual tour.
Gerald Häubl (2002) researched on the consumer behaviour when buying products online the results
show that the availability of interactive 3D product presentations instead of still images may affect
some important aspects of buyer behaviour, including the amount of time spent examining products
and purchase likelihood. One of the main problems with internet shopping is that the customer cannot
physically examine the products prior to the purchase, but after experimenting it was found that web-
based interactive 3D product presentation that allows the customers to view a product on their
computer, give a simulated product experience and maybe viewed as the best alternative to physically
viewing the product.
A weakness of electronic shopping environments on the internet is that they prevent customers from
physically examining products prior to purchase. Web-based, interactive 3D product presentations,
defined as virtual reality applications that allow users to view a product on a desktop computer, permit
simulated product experiences and, thus, may be viewed as a partial substitute for the inspection of
actual products. From the point of view of interface design for e-commerce, it is critically important
to develop a deep and systematic understanding of how consumers use and interact with such
technology.
In this research Yasser Bamarouf (2010) looked at different web interaction designs used by many
commercial online organisations such as the delivery of adaptive web content, the use of various
multimedia applications, the utilisation of virtual environments and the incorporation of social
networks. Web interaction design serve as an important element as its content. Which plays an
important role in the attitude and behaviour of users, which significantly influence their buying
motivations.
Advantages of 3D over 2D CAD
Paul Richens (1993) explains why 2D CAD is commonly used in architecture as a means of generally
detailed sketches with accurate dimensions. CAD (computer aided design) is also a productive way
for manufacturers to design and tweak a prototype before production. Depending on the precise
application requirements, 2D vector-based models or 3D solid, surface models can be produced with
CAD. However, there are other major differences between 2D and 3D CAD, which may encourage a
user to select one instead of the other.
Daniel Huber (2003) explains how using 3D building models is extremely helpful throughout the
architecture, engineering and construction lifecycle. Such models let designers and architects virtually
walk through a project to get a more intuitive perspective on their work, they can also check designs
validly by running compiled simulation of energy lighting acoustics, and other characteristics and
thereby mould or adjust designs as needed before construction begins, 3D building models also have
far-reaching applications beyond AEC, suck as real estate, virtual city tours and video gaming.
However manually creating a polygonal 3D model of a set of floor plans is nontrivial and requires
skill and time.
Researchers and CAD developers have been trying to automate and accelerate conversion of 2D
drawing into 3D models, but doing so is difficult for several reasons. For most among these is the
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input form, which greatly determines how complicated it will be to extrude the model from
architectural drawings. Some systems use digital copies of computer drawn architectural workflow.
In the thesis Marinne Patera (1999) investigates the potential of 3D visualisation technology for
learning and teaching in Art and Design higher education, nowadays most interior design departments
are training students to use CAD and/or 3D modelling packages in order to create digital 3D models
of their designs. Apart from modelling and modifying the structure of a space, the software also
allows them easily to apply colour, materials and textures. After completing the 3D model they can
produce renderings (still images) and walkthrough animations.
The digital method has more
advantages: the students are able to
make modifications easily and
quickly and experiment with a
plethora of materials available
through the software. High quality
3D animations and print-outs can
demonstrate a high level of realism
with regards to colours, lighting,
textures and reflections. The
finished model can be viewed from
different angles and distances,
however the size of the visuals is
obviously limited by the size of the
Figure 3 : 3D CAD Sample of a building computer screen, the printed paper
or the projection area. Taking into
account the fact that the size of the
coloured area influences the way the colour is
perceived it becomes evident that all the
aforementioned visualisation methods, whether
2D or 3D, physical or digital, cannot fully
simulate the real visual outcome. It must be
reiterated that these methods cannot convey the
impact that a colour scheme can have on the
mood and feeling of a space primarily due to the
small scale of the visuals. With the advancement
in 3D, lots of industries have benefited from it.
The 3D visualisation can allow architects to show
their design even before the building is built
which save cost and allow room for improvement
before the built process, it gives the modeller the
Figure 4 : 2D CAD Sample of a building edge and improves their marketing computation.
3D models are easy to understand and easier for
the client to discuss and communicate as suppose
to 2d drawings, and if there are any flaws and poor scenes then they can be rectified before the
construction.
Figure 3 shows a typical 2D drawing of an elevation of a house.
Figure 4: shows a 3D prospective view of a computer generated 3D model of a house.
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2. Methodology
Problem statement
What are the various ways in which Architects Engineers and Designer companies can present their
building designs?
An architectural building model is created with the intent of design purposes and a typical
architectural model will include components such as exterior walls, roofing, windows, doors, interior
walls, flooring, ceilings, finishes, and fixtures, etc and the break down and organization of an
architectural model does not typically lack technical details the needs for that model to be used for
construction. This problem is caused by the fact that the designer typically lacks the first hand
information from contractors and suppliers required to build a model for construction, to translate the
design to builders should be simple enough for them to understand. In this research various methods
of presenting the designs are discussed in detail to help the designers in making their decisions.
Aims and Objectives
This study aims to further explore the issues of integrating interactive 3D computer visualisation and
virtual reality technologies in built environment.
The study has the following objectives:
• Learn to present the various ways of Architectural visualisation.
• Why to consider using Interactive 3d Visualisation for Architectural Models.
• Is it beneficial if so why this technology is not so greatly used?
• Identify the challenges, perceived benefits of and barriers to the use of 3D Interactive
Technology for Architectural Visualisation.
Aim is to present through the procedures of modelling and animation needed for architectural
visualisation. The contents of this study will compare the available software packages used in the
industry and will provide reader with information to model, animate and render architectural
visualisations. Through a series of exercises, research aims the reader would benefit in deciding the
method of visualisation.
There were a number of stages of work that were carried out to complete this study. The first stage
was the literature review on the 2D and 3D visualisation and related study. The literature review
helped classify the current technologies used in the industry and identify its pros and cons. To
authenticate the findings a survey would be carried out and will ask specific questions and learn the
industries requirement and finally a case study which goes through all the technical studies in order to
achieve the desired results.
To fully understand the technologies and techniques that can used to visualise the Architecture. For
this experiment the Creative Arts Building at the University of Huddersfield is used, the idea is to go
through the whole process of displaying the building in all various ways of visualisation and then
analyse each process and write a detailed review.
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There will be a full and detailed information on all the possible architectural visualisation process that
are currently been used, and with the advancement in information there are better ways in which
architectural buildings can be visualised. During the research, the traditional architectural
visualisation methods including sketch drawing and 2D drawings are discussed, and then more
advanced 3D still image visualisation and further research on the future of visualisation i.e. 3D
animation with stereoscopy and Interactive 3D visualisation.
All these processes and also the advantage are discussed, that a designer can gain by using these
technologies. There is a perception that the new 3D visualisation technologies require a lengthy and
costly process, this thesis makes an argument to prove otherwise.
Case Study
Creative Arts and Design Building (CAB)
University of Huddersfield
Creative ART Building Visualisation
Figure 5 : Case Study of Creative Arts Building Uni of Hudds.
History of CAB buildings
The University of Huddersfield is one of the best Universities in UK it was built in 1825. It has grown
from strength to strength in 1914 there were 1800 students, and latest figures in 2010 there are 24000,
there students representing 130 countries studying at this university. University has further two
Campuses in Barnsley and Oldham.
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Creative Arts Building is one of the latest buildings in the Huddersfield campus, Her Majesty the
Queen laid the foundation stone in May 2007 for the Creative Arts and Design Building and it was
built in 2008. The project cost for building was 15 Million. It was officially opened on 23 Oct by His
Royal Highness the Duke of Kent. The Building is a start of Art itself and its visually very impressive,
partial construction of the buildings contains local sandstone from Crosland Moor in Huddersfield,
The project started in 2006 and it facilities the University’s students of music and design. There are
600 students that attend the building every day.
The building itself is very eye-catching, it contains first of its kind cube shaped acoustic lab where
musicians can experiment with 3D sound spatialisation. The building is designed to minimise the
impact on environment and to maximise sustainability. In order to achieve the task natural sustainable
materials have been used throughout. A rainwater storage system put in place that is used to flush
toilets. There are also photovoltaic panels and wind turbines put in place to produce renewable
energy.
Sketching and Drawing
Long before construction begins, architects sketch their visions. From casual sketches to intricate
architectural drawings, a concept emerges. Study shows that Sketch is the initial part of most
projects; there are various ways in which designers may wish to sketch the buildings including
1. Pencil sketch
2. Computer sketch
3. Photo sketch
4. Portrait sketch
For this case study the sketches of the CAB building were drawn as shown [figure 8] these are
computer generated sketch using the sketchup software.
Figure 6 : Computer Generated Sketch
Images and Panoramas
Second way of visualisation is
photography and imaging, although
images are very useful but these are
limitations, one of which is the images can
only limited to size of the image to
overcome this size problem Panoramic
images can be produced, Panorama is a
technique for show a large image by
taking a series of pictures and stitching
them together by using editing software,
Aaland (2001) analysed the best practices Figure 7 : Panorama Camera
of using Panoramic Photography, read his
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study he describes panoramic photography is described as a technique of photography, using
specialized equipment or software that captures images with elongated fields of view. It is sometimes
known as wide format photography.
It’s relatively easy to shoot and stitch a simple panorama comprised of two or three images. Some
digital cameras even offer a panoramic shooting mode that guides you through the process and
includes basic stitching software.
Inexpensive, off-the-shelf software is also available to stitch the images together.
Once you have stitched a panoramic image, you can either display it as a
Printed stand-alone photograph or you can convert it into an interactive VR movie.
That can be published on the Internet or distributed electronically. These movies are
Viewed with a variety of Web browser plug-ins or stand-alone media players, such as
Apple’s popular QuickTime available free for both Mac and Windows Computers.
There are cameras that take a full 360 degrees in a single shot.
Figure 8 : Panorama of Tower Bridge-London
Figure 8 shows the Panorama of Tower bridge in London, showing the result of photos stitched
together to form a panorama.
Panorama images are used as an easy alternative to 3D modelling as it is less time consuming, and
less labour and cost involved.
Although impressive but there are disadvantages of using the panorama, the main disadvantage is that,
it is not interactive, the view is from one location only and even though you can perform a 360 degree
rotation but that rotation is from a single view only and it cannot rotate around particular objects
inside the image.
So although it might work on a small scale model for a larger sites it is not the ideal solution because
you can lose the depth of view of the objects in far.
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Figure 9 : Shows panorama images of the CAB building form inside and outside.
Things to consider is while taking panorama is to make sure that the exposure and brightness are same
for all the pictures, in order to achieve that a profession Sony DSR camera was used and exposure was
set to manual as suppose to automatic, two pictures were taken from same location using a tripod,
Picture one and picture two were slightly overlapping each other. Then the pictures were taken to the
software called panorma360 and placed at the right position the software stitched the photographs and
generated a larger panoramic picture as shown above.
Two Dimensional CAD Drawings
Almost all new buildings require 2D Cad drawings at some stage in order to progress in the project,
the 2D cad drawings are still the major source of communications between the designs and build
teams most technical details are presented in 2D cad, 2D drawings are useful for presenting details
such as Elevations, Floor plans, etc. Figures above are 2D elevations of the Arts and Design building
produced in AutoCAD, Producing 2D CAD are fast and easy but the output is still a 2D drawing and
most of the time 2D drawings are not sufficient enough.
Figure 10 : ADA Elevation 1.
Figure 11 : ADA Elevation 2.
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Three Dimensional CAD Model
The 3Ds Max software was used for this research, there were some extra plug-ins that were also
installed and used.
3D Processing
CAD conversion is the process of taking all the CAD drawings and sketches, and beginning the
conversion process with all the data available, also to remove the data which is not required. Process
starts with the hand drawing or sketches of various elevations and details, then moves those sketches
on to the computer and transforms them into CAD drawings with much more precise measurements.
Modelling
For creating 3D Cad model most of the time user can import the 2D CAD file straight into the 3D
modelling software with ease, Most latest software's are compatible with each other, and almost all
3D modelling software's have the ability to import AutoCAD 2D files. After importing the files the
building model process begins like in the real world, starting from the foundations, then build walls
and windows and finally move on to the roof. The 3D software's allows users to draw in 2D and get
the results in 3D as well.
Plug-ins for 3DsMax.
Vray:
Vray is optional plug-in for 3Ds Max that is mainly used by some artist and designers for renderings
as it speeds up the process, along with many other features. This task could have been completed with
Mental Ray rendering but Vray was chosen for its ability to produce stereoscopic images with ease.
Archvision:
Archvision plug-in allows user to add Real Photorealistic Contents RPC into their model. Although
3Ds Max has the ability to import people, cars and tress into the model and it is a long process
whereas Archvision has pre configured and animated RPC's.
Figure 12 : Working with 3dsMax
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Texturing
After the 3D modelling is completed the next stage is
texturing the model, using the photographs of the
building or in available image library. Most 3D
modelling software come with the material libraries
or has the option of downloading them, so if the
desired material is not available then it can be
imported from the library and adjusting it to match
the closest of the desired material. Those materials
are then applied to the objects in the model.
Lighting
Lighting is another important feature in producing a
realistic 3D model. There are various lights and
lighting methods available in modelling software Figure 13 : Working with Materials
some more advanced software include a sun lighting
system where the light changes automatically
according to the geographical position of the model and the times of the year.
Light sources are carefully placed where needed in the models, with the latest 3D software's a true
photometric lighting system can be achieved.
Daylight System.
Sun plays a vital role in designing the building; currently the architects and designers design their
building in a way that they can observe as much sunlight as possible, without compromising the shape
of the building traditionally there are compasses and sun path charts are used to determine the sun
paths, but with the advancement of 3D software, this facility is now built inside the software and there
are way now that can determine not only the sun and shadows but also can determine the daylight
during various times of days or night or even months of the year. One of the main advantage of 3Ds
Max is it’s built in Daylight system.
Figures below show the various times and how sun affects CAD building model in winter. The
following images were created in November 2010 but obviously summer i.e. June July would give
different results.
6 AM (a) 9 AM (b)
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11 AM (c) 1 PM (d)
4 PM (e) 6 PM (f)
Figure 14 : Daylight and Shadows
These readings are created by mental ray rendering in 3D studio Max, which is designed to enable
physically plausible daylight simulations and produce accurate renderings of daylight scenarios. Day
light system uses mr Sun light, which is a photometric light and is responsible for the sunlight i.e. the
direct light from the sun it simulates the real-world phenomenon of indirect light created by the
scattering of sunlight in the atmosphere. It is important to turn on Enable Final Gather when using
Sun & Sky, since the skylight is a form of indirect light, which can be rendered only with the help of
Final Gather.
3Ds Max daylight is created using Modify / Lights. Day Light system is used in mental ray rendering
and if you are using other lights in the scene then you may need to boost your other lights intensity as
when you create a daylight system, the exposure changes to logarithmic.
Should you will to get different readings at different times and dates you can change them under the
daylight setup. The Sun Position and sunlight will change accordingly.
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Figure 15 : Working with Daylight System
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Rendering / Animation / Visualisation.
Just like in the real word, cameras are placed inside the model and scenes are created for animation.
Speed of the animation and the capturing of the projects from the right angle are critical in producing
a fantastic animation. There are environment and particles options in some software's that can create a
snow or rain effect if needed. Model is then rendered with settings required for each project a better
quality rendered animation would take longer.
For this project an already created 3D model by Ertu Unver was used. The file give is a 3D max file
and using that file various 3D images and Rendering are produced.
Figure 16 : 3D Scanline Render
Online Presentation.
YouTube
You tube is the most know social networking sites are great tool for presenting the work as it attracts a
greater audience. For this experiment an online version of 3D walkthrough animation is produced and
uploaded on YouTube.
Youtube Link to the Presentation
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Interactive Visualisation
Visualisation was considered to be very difficult to use, expensive, unrealistic and entrainment
dominated industry, but things have changed, with the revolution in information technology there has
been a great increase in demand and supply for computer hardware and software, 3d visualisation is
no different, it has grown considerably with the IT boom, Although the gaming industry has benefited
the most from this revolution but Architectural visualisation has not been left either, there are more
and more software companies that are devolving software's for Architectural Visualisation and
making what seemed imposable before now possible.
The main things that user have to consider is the cost and time for any project or business,
visualisation is not different, as the software's are becoming more easier it is taking less and less time
to complete the projects and the cost is coming down as a result, the improvement in computer chips,
at the time of this research the latest computers have dual core over 4ghz processor speeds. and
memories of over 32gb for personal computers and for business users there are Blade computers
available that have much higher hardware so the rendering process takes lesser time.
Part of my research is to carry out a demo of the Interactive Visual as a case study. I choose to
develop the Arts and Design building at University of Huddersfield.
The nearest industry where this technology is mainly used is in Games, so help my make the decision
I decided to meet Mr Damian De Luca, Who is the head of the Gaming study at the University of
Huddersfield, after the discussion and seeing some examples of the work been done, I decided to do
my project in Unity 3D.
Most of the projects are completed after the animation, but in some cases clients may wish to have an
interactive 3D visualisation. The process for the interactive 3D architectural visualisation same as that
of the building video games. There are game engines which allow user to import their 3D model and
then give the ability to programme and produce an interactive 3D model
Video Games and Architecture.
Looking at it from a distance its seems Games and Buildings are two completely different things.
Building are firmly rooted in the real world, they function for the human civilisation. Games on the
other hand are quite unrealistic and exist in a world
of imagination; even the games that are out of the
imaginary world, such as sports games still get
their inspiration from the real world.
A video game is an electronic game that involves
interaction with a user interface to generate visual
feedback on a video device. Now a day's most
common games are played on personal computers,
game consoles and pc based pitiable devices i.e.
phones, Nintendo DS etc.
The first ever game console was made by German-
born television engineer Ralph Baer in 1967. Figure 17 : Ralph Baer
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Although there were more development in the game consoles but it wasn’t noticed until 1977 when
Atari 2600 VCS which became very popular, the gaming consoles started to become a bigger market
after 1980’s, and companies like Sony and Nintendo cashed in on the opportunity in 1990. Microsoft
brought their own console the Xbox in 2001; it was the first pc based console which allowed a better
performance then Sony and Nintendo at the time.
History of Video Games
Video games history goes back 1940’s but it wasn’t until 1971 when the first commercially viable
video game was introduced called Computer Space, which laid the foundation for a new entertainment
industry in the late 1970s within the United States, Japan, and Europe.
Game engines are available for game developers to help them design the game without starting from
the scratch. There are various Games engine software’s available in the market.
Some the game engines are designed for console based games such as Xbox and Sony playstation
those engines produce a heavy data. The example of such engines is UDK and Cryteck.
UDK is Unreal Engine 3 – it is has complete professional development framework. It contains all the
necessary tools that are needed to create great games, advanced visualizations and detailed 3D
simulations. Unreal Engine 3 has been used by game developers, researchers, television studios,
machinima directors, artists and students. UDK has the power, flexibility and track record of Unreal
Engine 3. These tools have been proven with countless releases and dozens of awards. UDK’s feature
set is packed with power and ease of use and is used by the world’s best game developers to create
outstanding games. Build better, build faster, and build more dynamically. Build with UDK.
Unity3D
Figure 18 : Unity 3D
Unity 3D is one of the best game engine software's available out there, although it is a relatively new
engine but there is a very active community and developers that are available for help and support. It
is a very flexible engine and even though it has very light learning techniques, but still it has all the
potentials for making a great game.
There are many 3D engines that have a long feature list, but Unity's is precise, such as Particle
systems. Animated lights that cast masks. Blob shadows. Baked lightmap support. Bones animation.
Lens flares. Reflective rippling water. Real-time script-driven geometry modification/generation (such
as terrains). Ragdolls, complete with a wizard to help assemble them. It is easy to say that Unity does
a LOT. The layout of the software is very easy to use and navigate. It all starts to make sense even for
a novice who knows nothing about the game engines.
Everything is drag and drop and you can perform the tasks even in real-time game mode, the scripting
is fairly easy short codes can perform bigger functions. and if you have to write a code for an object
you can easily copy the object as an asset and next time you paste the object the codes are
automatically added for you so you don't have to write the codes again.
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Building the game is very easy too you can choose which platform you want to build the game for
such as pc, web, Xbox, IPhone etc and click build rest is all done automatically.
The web plug-in is very light and one plug-in works for all games it is very light and downloads is
fast.
One of the objectives of the case study was to produce an interactive 3D model and allow user to
navigate the model using their keyboards.
Figure 19 : Interactive 3D Visualisation
For this purpose the software used was Unity 3D, Unity 3D is a tool for creating 3D content for games
or architectural visualisation, unity programme is developed for both windows and Mac environment.
At first a new project is prepared, and then our 3D model of art and Design building is imported
directly from 3dsMax. in order to navigate around the model a camera control is imported which is
already built in as default Assets of Unity 3D, it is called First person controller, all settings and
scripting is already setup automatically so we just drag the First Person controller and place it in the
desired location. There are certain adjustments that were made to the asset such as the Max view on
various X, Y and Z axis, we also have to enable the First person controller with Gravity and apply
Collider to 3D model so that the Camera does walkthrough walls and doors etc. We have to setup an
animation and script to allow door to open as the camera collides with the Door and the door opens, a
short script was written and applied to the First person controller and the Doors.
Similarly we created another scene inside one of the classrooms of ADA and applied same settings as
above. and at the end we created a menu for the interactive visualisation and for each menu we
applied a script which contained the function of the menu.
After completing the programming we add all our scene and menus to the game setup and build the
game, for the case study we built the game for PC and Web interface.
Stereoscopic 3D
Part of the study was to test the findings in stereoscopic 3D
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Figure 20 : 3D Glasses
Interactivity of Building and Spaces 2011
Stereoscopic 3D has really taken off in terms of popularity in recent times; Stereoscopy is derived
from stereopis which mean the ability of the brain to perceive depth and relief from stereoscopic
vision. But this is not easy to accomplish, as humans are too familiar with 2D images and use to
traditional planer displays.
Stereoscopic images depend on binocular vision, which means the 3D images
need both eyes to appear to appear three dimensional. The displacement of
images between the left and right eye is called parallax. I
Figure 22 : Steroscopic Projection
One of the objectives of the case study was to produce stereoscopic 3D
visualisation of the Arts and Design building, In order to achieve the task a in
the 3DsMax model a target camera was put in place, Vray plug-in was installed
to produce the desired results.
Vray has the option for stereoscopic rendering to activate stereoscopic render
chooses Vray Stereoscopic under Helpers. and new when render it renders two
images at a time, each image is 2.5inch or just over 6cm. Vray automatically
adjusts this distance but it can be adjusted manually if need. Once the Vray
Stereoscopic is adjusted and enabled it will automatically create 2 sets of
images from whichever viewport or camera you render.
The rendered images and animations can be played using stereoscopic players
and 3D glasses are used to watch the 3D renders.
Figure 21 : Vray Stereo Settings
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Figure 23 : Steroscopic Images
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3. Conclusion
This study gives the reader information on various ways in which Architectural buildings can be
presented; the thesis gives detailed information on how these ways of visualising are carried out.
This thesis will give the Architects and designers a better understanding of the various ways the
buildings are visualised, although 3D visualisation is been around for some time now but 2D
visualisation is still a main souse of presenting the buildings, during this study there were six different
ways in which the project was presented, sketches, picture Images, 2D Drawings, 3D drawings, 3D
animations, 3D interactive, Stereoscopic Images and Stereoscopic animations.
Sketch Drawing, Sketch drawings in Architecture are very important they are the quickest souse of
translating the concepts and ideas to someone, Sketch are done at very initial stage of the building
projects. Designers benefits from initial sketches when designing the shape of the buildings. There are
limitations to sketches, the main limitation is the detailing and practicality of the building, one cannot
carry out a full practical analysis the building only by seeing the sketches.
Images. Images come very useful if the building already exists and there is any refurbishment of
extension work that needs to carried out on the buildings, Buildings can be very large and can
sometimes not fit on a single frame, there for the Panoramic technology is used to stitch more than
one picture together to make a one larger picture. Panoramic and other imaging technology are very
useful for existing buildings but not for new buildings.
2D Cad drawings are the traditional way in which the design teams communicate with each other, the
main benefit of 2D cad is that it can be printed on the sheets and the most complex details can be
translated with ease. 2D CAD can very useful for the professionals that are involved in the Design
Process but it may not be so useful for presenting the Building to the clients.
3D CAD is the most effective way to communicate the design between the Project team as well as the
non technical personals such as the clients, it give the viewer the benefit of visualising the building
even before it is built, 3D models can be very realistic depending on the level of detail. There are
various ways in which a building can be visualised in 3D; it could be the 3D rendered images, 3D
animation or Interactive 3D visualisation as proven in the case study. 3D model can incorporate the
design changes and mistakes quite easily.
Stereoscopic 3D visualisation gives the viewer environment of believing to be inside the model and
get the feel of the model. Stereoscopic rendering can very useful for the buildings that are not built yet
as the viewer with right technology can visualise the building in a realistic 3D environment.
All the various methods are useful and there is no right or wrong way of presenting the building there
are factors which determine what way of visualisation would be used on a particular project , with the
in-depth analysis of all those methods this research would help that decision making process.
With the advancement in technology there are new and better ways of visualisation being invented
which should help bridge the gap between the traditional style Architectural visualisation and more
Advanced 3D visualisations.
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4. References
3DAS (2001). 3D CAD for Architectural Visualizations. Florida: 3D Architectural Solutions. p1-35.
AdarshAattavar (2010). Integrating advanced 3d digital techniques with conventional methods.
Huddersfield: University of Huddersfield. p1-53.
Bob Bennett (2006). Evolution of the 3D Industry. www.cgw.com: ComputerGraphicsWorld. p 1-10.
Chris Crawford (1996). The Art of Computer Game Design. Washington: Washington State
University.. p 1-89.
Christos Gatzidis (2007). Automatic Modelling, Generation And Visualisation Of Realistic 3D Virtual
Cities For Mobile Navigation. London, EC1V 0HB, UK: City University. p1-10.
Daniel Huber, (2003). Using Laser Scanners for Modelling and Analysis in Architecture, Engineering,
and Construction. USA: Carnegie Mellon
Dino Bouchlaghem*, Huiping Shang, Jennifer Whyte, Abdulkadir Ganah (2004). Visualisation in
architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). Leicestershire: Department of Civil and Building
Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough. p 1-8.
Doo Young Kwona, Mark D. Gross b, Ellen Yi-Luen Doc (2009). ArchiDNA: An interactive system for
creating 2D and 3D conceptual drawings in architectural design. Computer Graphics Laboratory, ETH
Zurich, Switzerland: Computational Design Lab, Carnegie Mellon University, United States. p 1-14.
Frank Chen (1999). Overview of three-dimensional shape measurement using optical methods.
MiChigan: Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.. p1-15.
Glenn Rosin (2002). LASER TECHNOLOGY…CHANGING DAILY LIFE, FORGING NEW OPPORTUNITIES.
London: Glenn Rosin,. p1-13.
Hohl, Michael (2009). Beyond the screen: visualizing visits to a website as an experience in physical
space. UK: University of Huddersfield. e.g. p34-56
Honiesh Nakhai (2010). Evaluating Customers Attitude towards Using 3D Modelling In Construction
Industry in Iran. Lulea-Iran: Lulea University of Technology. 1-67
HTTP ://WWW. INDEPENDENT. CO. UK /NEWS /BUSINESS /NEWS /WEAK -2010-FORECAST-FOR -
CONSTRUCTION -INDUSTRY-1892491. HTML
K. Karner, J. Bauer & A. Klaus (2001). Virtual Habitat: models of the urban outdoors. Graz, Austria:
VRVis Research Centre,. p1-10.
Maha Sabah Salman Al-Zubaidi (2007). The Sustainability Potential of Traditional Architecture in the
Arab World. Huddersfield: University of Huddersfield. p1-392.
Marc Janas (Fall-2003). In the Groove “A slot car racing simulation.
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Margaret Horne & Emine M. Thompson (2008). The Role of Virtual Reality in Built Environment
Education. Northumbria University, UK: Journal for Education in the Built Environment,. p 5-24.
Marinne Patera (1999). The Potential of 3D Visualisation. University of Glasgow: Marinne Patera. p
116.
Michael Goesele (2004). New Acquisition Techniques for Real Objects and Light Sources in Computer
Graphics. Saarbrücken: Max-Planck-Institut für Informatik. p1-175.
Mikkel Aaland (2001). Shooting Digital. Manfrotto: Squamish Media Group and IPIX. 1-21.
Nancy Diniz (2003). An Approach on 3D Digital Design. Bartlett School of Graduate Studies:
University College London. p 1-60.
Paul Richens (1993). Does Knowledge really help? – CAD Research at the Martin Centre. Cambridge:
Martin Centre for Architectural and Urban Studies. 1-12
R.J.Valkenburg (2003). Interactive Hand-held 3D Scanning. Auckland, New Zealand: N.S. Alwesh, and
G.T. Palmer Industrial Research Limited
Remondino Fabio (2003). FROM POINT CLOUD TO SURFACE: THE MODELING AND VISUALIZATION
PROBLEM. Switzerland: Institute of Geodesy and Photogrammetry. p1-11.
Richard J. Campbell and Patrick J. Flynn (2000). A Survey Of Free-Form Object Representation and
Recognition Techniques. Ohio: Computer Vision and Image Understanding. p1-45.
Sutherland, Ivan (1968). AR History - First Virtual Reality / AR System. United States: Harvard /
University of Utah. 757-764.
Terry Wohlers (1994). Rapid Prototyping – The Future. Colorado, USA: Wohlers Associates. p1-6.
Yasser Bamarouf (2009). Haptic Interaction as a Purchase Motivator. Durham: Durham University. 1-
47.
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5. Survey Results
Please specify your role.
Architect x4
Director x5
PARTNER x3
Student x 2
Technician x 1
Practice Manager x 1
Please classify the application area of your institution / company
Public 1 6%
Private 14 88%
Other 1 6%
Size of your organisation
2 or less 4 25%
5 or less 3 19%
10 or less 1 6%
11 or more 0 0%
Other 8 50%
How do you rate the importance of following in any project? - Sketch
1 6 38%
2 4 25%
3 2 13%
4 1 6%
5 3 19%
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How do you rate the importance of following in any project? - Images
1 3 19%
2 5 31%
3 4 25%
4 2 13%
5 2 13%
How do you rate the importance of following in any project? - Panorama 360
1 1 6%
2 1 6%
3 5 31%
4 4 25%
5 3 19%
How do you rate the importance of following in any project? - 2D CAD
1 6 38%
2 3 19%
3 3 19%
4 0 0%
5 3 19%
How do you rate the importance of following in any project? - 3D Model
1 3 19%
2 0 0%
3 5 31%
4 2 13%
5 6 38%
How do you rate the importance of following in any project? - 3D Interactive Model
1 0 0%
2 2 13%
3 4 25%
4 4 25%
5 6 38%
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How do you rate the importance of following in any project? - Web Interactive 3D
1 0 0%
2 3 19%
3 4 25%
4 3 19%
5 6 38%
How do you rate the importance of following in any project? - 3D Stereoscopic Model
1 1 6%
2 2 13%
3 3 19%
4 3 19%
5 7 44%
Do you outsource the 3D modelling?
Yes 5 31%
No 11 69%
What are the reasons for outsourcing 3D work? - Budget
1 2 13%
2 0 0%
3 2 13%
4 0 0%
5 3 19%
What are the reasons for outsourcing 3D work? - Complexity of IT Systems
1 1 6%
2 1 6%
3 2 13%
4 0 0%
5 3 19%
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What are the reasons for outsourcing 3D work? - Cost of Software
1 0 0%
2 3 19%
3 1 6%
4 0 0%
5 4 25%
What are the reasons for outsourcing 3D work? - Lack of Staff
1 2 13%
2 2 13%
3 0 0%
4 1 6%
5 2 13%
What are the reasons for outsourcing 3D work? - Work Overload
1 1 6%
2 2 13%
3 2 13%
4 0 0%
5 2 13%
What Software packages do you use at work?
AutoCAD 11 73%
3ds Max 5 33%
ArchiCad 2 13%
Maya 1 7%
Solidworks 1 7%
Sketchup 7 47%
Revit 1 7%
Blender 0 0%
Microstation 2 13%
Other 2 13%
People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.
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Is there current demand for 3D visualisation by clients?
Yes 13 81%
No 3 19%
If there is no current demand by clients then in your view what are the reasons?
Not beneficial 2 25%
Lack of time 0 0%
Limited finance 5 63%
Lack of awareness 2 25%
Not presented with the option 4 50%
Other 0 0%
People may select more than one checkbox, so percentages may add up to more than 100%.
Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Stand out from the crowd
1 3 19%
2 5 31%
3 2 13%
4 4 25%
5 1 6%
Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Giving clients extra options
1 4 25%
2 3 19%
3 4 25%
4 2 13%
5 2 13%
Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Getting new Contracts
1 2 13%
2 3 19%
3 6 38%
4 2 13%
5 2 13%
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Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Improve Communicating
Design
1 6 38%
2 1 6%
3 3 19%
4 2 13%
5 3 19%
Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Help reducing Design
mistakes
1 1 6%
2 0 0%
3 6 38%
4 4 25%
5 4 25%
Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Visualise Project
1 5 31%
2 0 0%
3 5 31%
4 3 19%
5 2 13%
Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Gives life to the Projects
1 2 13%
2 5 31%
3 4 25%
4 2 13%
5 2 13%
Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Moving with the Digital
Technology
1 1 6%
2 6 38%
3 4 25%
4 2 13%
5 2 13%
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Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Accuracy in fine details
1 1 6%
2 2 13%
3 4 25%
4 2 13%
5 6 38%
Please rate how 3D visualisation is helping or will help your business? - Produce Design easily
1 0 0%
2 2 13%
3 6 38%
4 3 19%
5 4 25%
What is most important when 3D modeling? - Accuracy
1 1 6%
2 1 6%
3 1 6%
4 4 25%
5 0 0%
What is most important when 3D modeling? - Realistic
1 2 13%
2 1 6%
3 2 13%
4 1 6%
5 1 6%
What is most important when 3D modeling? - Navigation
1 1 6%
2 2 13%
3 1 6%
4 2 13%
5 1 6%
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What are your thoughts on 3D Visualisation?
I'll have a think about this and reply at a later time
"3D visualisation is an important part of the design process.
However it is mostly used for final image presentation rather than testing design options. "
"A useful tool that adds value to the process of design The danger is that it can be all consuming, and
become an end in itself: it also require high levels of accuracy that may be inconsistent with the stage
of the project.
The very important point in outsourcing on that the skill sets required, backed by software and
hardware to create high quality images is not financially viable for most small/medium practices due
to lack of throughput. Therefore it is outsourced as required, including abroad where rates are low,
leaving resident staff time to get on with the real job.
Sketchup is good, universally used, so students are familiar with it before starting work. It also has the
ability to fudge the edges, requiring far less accuracy that some other software - in fact we wouldn't
bother with anything else in house."
Still quite difficult to use.
Essential.
"Presenting projects to planners most important But few people have the ability to discern if it is
accurate: it can be a sophisticated way of lying, Mirostation is the preferred CAD choice of most of
the big practices, and is second only to Autocad.
3D visualization (as opposed to 3D Building Information Modelling) is not useful for detail design or
construction, but for marketing (to clients, planners, funders, or potential clients)
Full 3D information exchange (which does not produce pretty pictures) is where real gains can be
made in reducing costs of building"
We are a small practice; most of our projects are small and fast track. Clients can generally
understand our intentions without digital visualisations, and are not willing to pay for them, although
in some cases they would actually like them.
Our creative team can work alongside you to develop your concept into a 3D visualisation campaign
that really grabs the attention it deserves, and with our proven track record we guarantee to bring
added value to your project.
none - don't use it for structural design
Excellent tool for conveying the design to clients and planners. We only use it occasionally and
usually it's our decision to use it so as to explain something to a client.
Can't function properly in the market without it. Absolutely necessary especially with corporate
clients. Helps clients understand the proposals but has a tendency to be too explicit at early stages of
design i.e. it can look like the finished article when the design is still fluid.
Tend to draw 3D on 2D p.c. package therefore no need for special software (scope of projects too
small).
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