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/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / MARCH 2016
3
-D animation for the visualization of archi-
tecture and interior design concepts is not a
brand-newmethodology. Utilization of these
essential communication tools has irrefutably be-
come an expected and integral part of the design
process for clients across all disciplines and sectors.
In fact, the industry is on the cusp of a fantas-
tic leap into fully immersive 3-D visualization and
its potential to architects, designers and clients is
nothing short of spectacular. Technologies are dra-
matically evolving, revolutionizing the overall design
process by allowing solutions to be more thorough-
ly and instantly communicated. Emerging trends in
real-time interfacing, virtual reality, enhanced user
control and the seamless integration of these tech-
nologies are among the most groundbreaking ad-
vancements currently being implemented.
Until recently, design visualization was delivered as
a (still) rendered image, or viewed by the end user
as a fixed video with a predetermined camera path
and overall content set by the artist. Now, real-time,
interactive deliverables are the preferred solution, al-
lowing the viewer to shift from “observer” to “partic-
ipant” status. Experiencing the design through a vir-
tual environment, the viewer can walk through the
space at his own pace, look in any direction he pre-
fers, and engage and alter the character of that space
by choosing time of day, opening windows and doors,
controlling lighting fixtures and sun shade devices,
activating electronic devices, altering settings, and
choosing finishes, video and acoustic content.
Virtual technology is changing and expanding the
design process itself, opening up creativity to new lev-
els of interaction, while accelerating exploration and
communication. Like all great shifts in technology,
this transition requires substantial computing pow-
er. A wide array of programs and devices have been
brought to market to create the design, communicate
the process live, and guarantee its user-control char-
acter is accessible to a wide variety of participants on
their various devices.
The outcome of this new ability to view the design
at anytime, anywhere and on any device is changing
our current perception of a typical design meeting.
Now, from various locations, clients, designers, archi-
tects, contractors and consultants go “into” the sim-
ulated project together, and walk to a selected area
to discuss its overall design vision, performance goals,
budget, challenges, constructability, functionality, co-
ordination and scheduling, all while standing “in” the
project.
Ultimately, all of these advancements enhance the
understanding of the proposed design for the client
by improving its development process. All stakehold-
ers are offered an experiential detailed representa-
tion, made possible by virtual visualization that en-
ables more effective communication with staff, team
members and guests. 3-D animation for the visual-
ization of architecture and interior concepts has long
been an important tool in the architectural process;
but the sophistication it has achieved through tech-
nology is clarifying design intent, improving market-
ability, and guaranteeing the realization of their proj-
ect vision like never before.
\\
Bryan Hamlin
Partner/
Chief Design
Officer,
WorthGroup
Architects
& Designers
TRENDS
in 3-D Visualization
Spa Treatment Room Concept
