New technologies in 3D visualisation that are currently only being used by a handful of Australian architects could cut out the review process with clients and councils by allowing designs to be changed and revised on the spot.
Specialist firms are using gaming technology to produce 3D visualisations. Having licenced a games engine, programmers can spend years creating an architectural overlay that is able to create real-time 3D animations from an architect’s 2D or 3D models.
Once an architect's designs are run through the program, they are presented with a 3D real time model of their plans. This usually comes in the form of a computer box capable of running a high-performance graphics card. They can then present using a real time model at full HD or Blu Ray quality.
This means that designers can switch from one design to another at the flick of a switch during a pitch or council submission. Furthermore, visualisations can be manipulated on the spot.
James Dodd, from specialist, Brisbane-based digitalisation firm Ai3d, told Architecture & Design that this “real-time revision” can cut out much of the costly and time-consuming amends process for architects.
“It allows for real time review and a much more efficient review of a project. Clients can fly through the whole thing and become immersed. And so they have a very clear idea to what is being produced,” Dodd said.
While only “very, very few” architects are currently using this technology, Ai3d has recently worked with HBO+EMTB on a model for the interior of Brisbane City Hall. However, while the technology is only just becoming available it will become more accessible quickly, said Dodd.
“We are using the same technology that is used for the production of games, and there’s a lot of money being put into the development of games engines. Over time the quality, speed and real time visualisation is only going to get better. The architectural industry is very small compared to the games industry but we’re gaining all the benefits.”
However, the technology is unlikely to go in-house because of the expense involved in purchasing a games licence and the time it takes to create the initial program.
“There won’t be many architects who can afford to purchase a licence for a games engine and spend three to four years creating an overlay. So it will remain a specialised industry. It will be something we can add on to the architects’ service.”
Caption: Ai3d’s visualisation for a one square kilometre precinct in Tripoli is the most complex 3D real-time model ever built, containing 1,000 townhouses, various commercial buildings and 10,000 palms.
