VIRTUAL ARCHITECTURE

Computer Aided Design (CAD) and new methods in design presentation

INTRODUCTION

Architectural schemes today are conceived and presented as a complete package. The process of design conception and production for the architect is always best when his vision for a scheme can be swiftly translated into a visible, tangible concept (Giambruno, 2000).Computer Aided Design (CAD), which is the use of a wide range of computer-based tools that assist architects, engineers and other design professionals (Wikkepedia, 2005) has direct relevance in the development of these designs by the architect. The concept of computer graphics developed in the early 1950s basically for military, manufacturing and aviation industries and was hardly ever applied to the visual creativity industry. The 1980s were the period when computers became more practical and useful (Kerlow, 2000) with a significant number of visual creators now interested in using computers in their fields. Applications such as Autocad, Archicad,Minicad,Form Z etc, all help to give  architectural concepts compositions  greater clarity.  The relationship between a proposed scheme and the site (in terms of environmental impact), the extent of successful incorporation of client requirements and realistic adherence to budgets are some of the vital deductions that some of these applications allow the architect.

In presenting schemes to clients, success is achieved only when the harmony of spaces and their relationships are fully communicated to the observer (Pask, 1968). CAD allows this to be achieved successfully as very little is left to the imagination. The client is always fully in the picture of what the project would turn out to be.

THE NEW APPROACH

The whole principle of modern design presentation trends is based on the application of Virtual Reality. Virtual reality relates to experiencing a place or feeling without actually being there (Ahearn, 2001). Its application in architecture comes in many forms and can be displayed as photographs, CD, DVD, on the internet and with 3D goggles. For the architect, being able to experience a proposed scheme and to appreciate the space relationships is a primary aim towards his clients. Clearly, if a client can be introduced to a scheme in a way that takes him into what seem to be built spaces, with color, sound and a physical environment, it guarantees a successful presentation. Indeed, as Salisu (2006) points out, opportunities offered by CAD will provide parameters for testing hypotheses and make architecture testable.

Virtual reality can be achieved in many ways. These include architectural visualization, stereoscopic 3D presentations, virtual touring, photographic virtual reality, 3D virtual reality, 3D animated virtual reality, real time virtual reality and holographic virtual reality.

Architectural Visualization: The conception of any architectural scheme today can be quickly translated from its 2D form using any of the software applications to a 3D visualization. Using AutoCAD, for instance, 3D plans can be generated and a broad range of digital media can be further employed to develop the scheme. The idea of architectural visualization can be broken into certain categories namely:

a.                   Architectural Renderings

Rendering is the process of generating an image from a model by means of software programs. It gives photorealistic images which display bitmapped and transparent materials. Volumetric and mapped shadows also contribute to this realism.

The process of architectural rendering broadly involves the use of software tools to give various elements of a design identity and character. Walls, floors, windows, frames, furniture etc are assigned colors, textures and material types with the result that the fully rendered image has a photo-perfect look.

b.                  Floor plan generation and architectural illustration

Completed floor plans are treated using video editing software to show the suitability of spaces for movement, functions and proposed domestic fittings. Door and window swings are simulated and the adequacy of natural lighting and other site considerations can be factored in.

c.         Basic Movie Editing

Animations need to be "polished", so basic editing is needed. Basic editing eliminates flaws in flaws in picture quality, lighting and color. It allows a playback of views, images and motion pictures. Presentations can therefore be easily complemented with commentaries and music.

2.         Stereoscopic 3D presentations

Presentation can also take the form of stereoscopic presentations where picture and sound transport the viewer into the projected scene. By wearing 3D glasses, the images appear to pop out of the screen and make to viewer inclined to physically avoid them. This is particularly graphic when showing external landscaping and moving into rooms as curtains and doors swing open.

3.            Photographic Virtual Reality

This was one of the first forms of web and CD based virtual reality techniques. It involves multiple photographs being taken looking out from one point. These are "stitched" together to create one picture that looks in all directions. Software is then used to display this image to a person, who can then navigate left right, up or down to see everything from that viewpoint. The scene has perfect realism as it is created from real photographs. The downside is that the view cannot move from that point unless he or she jumps to another "node". However, the beauty of this technique is that actual pictures of proposed sites can be taken creating a virtual panoramic viewpoint. The technique is to then wrap this virtual viewpoint around our 3D models to create the illusion of actually being there. This technique usually involves us creating virtual reality panoramas from a few locations to accommodate the need to move through the property.

4.         3D Animated Virtual Reality

This is the best way to portray computer generated 3D virtual reality. It involves setting the path the viewer will travel and the computers create the video footage to match. This gives exact control over what the viewer sees and allows true movement. This technique also allows addition of a live presenter to the project.

5.         Real Time Virtual Reality

This is one of the latest techniques. It uses 3D models, but it creates the imagery in real time. On the face of it you may think it is the perfect solution, but it is far from ready for the market today. The quality of real time rendering is based on many factors such as the speed of the computer, the quality of the 3D model and the size of the file needed to contain the data. This leads to the following hurdles:

·         Computers are no-where near fast enough to display the quality that the marketplace demands in real time.

·         The files are too big to download.

There are ways to improve the viewing quality and reduce file size. It’s possible to create a simplified model that has had all the lighting and quality "baked" into it. Instead of the software trying to calculate an exact representation of lighting conditions it uses a solution that is pre-made. This technique isn't visually perfect but it is close enough. The largest problem with this technique is that the time required to set it up far exceeds that of normal 3D rendered virtual reality. There are also limitations to the size of the file needed for extensive scenery, especially those with lush landscaping.

For now, real time virtual reality in the architectural marketing field is still a long way from ready, but is eagerly anticipated.

6.            Holographic Virtual Reality

This is even further away than real time virtual reality and we can only try to predict what may come from this field. When available it will be perfect for scale model presentations and has the ability to replace physical architectural scale models.

3D DESIGN SOFTWARE

Below are some popular 3D design and presentation software that are in the market:

No.	Application	No.	Application
1	Sketch Up	2	Cybermotion 3d Designer
3	Decotech 3D Design	4	3D Max8
5	Autodesk Maya	6	Lightwave 3D
7	Abvent Artlantis	8	Carrara Studio
9	Easypano Tourweaver	10	Xara 3d
11	Poser 5.0 Win	12	Corel Bryce
13	Chief Architect	14	Punch! Home Design
15	Abracadata Design	16	Arch T Architectural
17	Vector Works	18	ArchiCAD
19	Triforma	20	Design Workshop

CHOICES BEFORE THE PROFESSION

Anunobi (2006) argues eloquently that architecture is inseparably tied to technology and must adapt not only to modern technological trends but also create appropriate technology of its own commensurate with the circumstances of its environment.

Every situation and human condition responds to change. Studies show that by his nature, man will explore, discover and explain his surroundings and will strive for innovative and cohesive operations (Pask, 1968). The stated aim of the architecture profession towards its practitioners is the same as that of the general purpose of education as put forward by Ojo (1991), which is to prepare people to improve the society in which they live and to perpetuate it. The Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) which is crucial to architectural education and training in the country along with the federal government have to be involved totally in the quest to bring awareness and education to all architects. Some of the ways this can be achieved include:

i)                    Synchronizing all syllabus for schools of architecture in tertiary institutions to include teaching and mastering of CAD applications

ii)                   Linking accreditation of schools of architecture by both the NUC and NBTE to the availability of fully equipped CAD laboratories and qualified lecturers to handle them

iii)                 Instituting laws compelling all architects in public service to be computer literate and competent in using CAD software as a pre-requisite for promotions.

iv)                 Making all categories of NIA examinations include practical tests in the use and application of CAD.

v)                  Requiring firms an d individuals to be proficient in CAD as conditions for registration and granting of licenses by ARCON

CONCLUSION

The future of architecture and architects is being determined now. Technology has brought about a revolution into the profession that sheds totally new light on previously accepted processes of design development and delivery. All architects have to accept that CAD and modern tools of technology are now integral parts of the tools of the trade. As the possibilities continue to be realized, it is not an exaggeration to say that architecture today is in a modern day renaissance. Architects, educators and related professionals today have opportunities not previously available to earlier professionals and as technology continues to develop, so will new ideas, concepts and schools of thought.