CompuServe Messages

As a registered project architect in a design firm and co-founder of a 3D computer graphics and animation firm I can offer additional insight into some of the questions that you are discussing: Old School: The majority of principals running architectural firms are from the "old school" where everything was done by hand. Since they have not taken the time to "change-with-the-times" they are reluctant to use 3D as a design tool. Therefore, in my office, the project architects that have been out of school for ten years or less utilize the 3D capabilities built into our CAD program (we use Datacad which has an excellent and easy to use 3D modeling package) for massing studies during the schematic design phase. We then plot a hidden line removal of the appropriate view that we sketch over. Freehand Drawing: As an architect, I have no desire to let my drawing skills totally subside and believe that the sketch base mentioned above is the most intuitive way to use the current 3D CAD packages for design. Let's keep in mind that "design" is a process that requires you to get many ideas down quickly. Freehand sketching is the only way to do that. However, I look forward to the day that you can freehand sketch onto paper and a digitizer simultaneously – with a program that can convert your 2D info. automatically (or with a few simple commands) into a 3D model. Any bright programmers available? Project Type: Another issue is whether the project type requires intense 3D design. Let's face it, a warehouse doesn't require a lot of design study. On the other hand, a theater, church, museum, etc. – if it's done right – will require many hours of design sketches. Like I said earlier – a simple massing model makes for a great sketch base. Usage: Like I said, our firm primarily uses 3D design tools for bases. However, speaking as an expert from the photorealistic side of 3D (my company PARADIDM PRODUCTIONS specializes in architectural, broadcast, and game graphics) I know that I can create a more dynamic and realistic rendering and/or animation than your best architectural illustrator (you can see some of our examples in the CADKEY area or contact me at 75252,1112 or 901-685-7703 for information). As with any medium you are still going to have those that prefer the "natural" look of hand illustrations. Of course you can always run your 3D renderings through numerous paint programs to achieve that same look. Well, there you have it. That is my opinion on architectural imaging. The moral of this story is – get better commissions so you can build more 3D models (don't we all wish) and take over your firm so that you can make all decisions concerning computers. Charles T. Gaushell, NCARB, AIA Paradigm Productions FYI – at Paradigm Productions we use: Datacad for Dos – Cad and 3D modeling (architectural modeling) Imagine for Amiga – rendering and animation Lightwave 3D for Amiga – rendering and animation Numerous Paint and conversion programs for both Amiga & PC Paradigm Productions P.O. Box 770188 Memphis, Tn 38177-0188 901-685-7703 email 75252.1112@compuserve.com