The increasingly popular and powerful computer technology known as three-dimensional visualization can help architects meet two of their perennial challenges: Working with clients to select a design that addresses their specific needs and moving that design quickly through the appropriate government agency approval process.

Architects now can use three-dimensional technology to create lifelike still images, animations, and panoramic views of building (interior and exterior) and site designs. It enables viewers to feel as though they are walking through, driving by, or flying over the proposed buildings. Three-dimensional technology also offers an opportunity to make design adjustments in response to client needs quickly and easily.

Many uses
In addition to facilitating design development with the client and speeding up the project approval process, common uses for this tool include:
• Portraying lines of sight
• Offering back-up to secure financing
• As a marketing and project leasing tool for the client.

From our experience, it appears that there is an increasing demand for this technology in both the public and private sectors throughout the country. Some municipalities, in fact, are beginning to recommend strongly and even require the use of three-dimensional visualization on larger proposed developments. Project types that have benefited from this technology include colleges/universities, regional malls, "big box" grocery and department stores, banks, wholesale club developments, restaurant franchises, residential developments, and retirement communities.

An outline of the process
The process begins with collecting data: architectural floor plans and elevations, site and grading plans, landscape plans, signage details, and even building material samples and colors. Next, a 3D model of the building and site are created in a CAD program, such as AutoCAD Architectural Desktop. Because line of light is so important for many projects, the site should be modeled on an actual grading plan for line-of-sight accuracy.

Once the model is created, the designer adds lifelike landscaping and textures using programs such as 3D Studio Viz and 3D Studio Max. Next, the designer defines paths along which the camera will move to create a walk-through, drive-by, or fly-over. The path is then rendered to create the animation. Finally, the designer works with post-processing software—such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects-to touch up images and digital compositing.

A three-dimensional animation can be prepared by a professional who specializes in this technology in as little as one to two weeks at an average fee of $3,000 to $7,500 for small to midsize developments (in the range of 1-40 acres).

Is it right for my firm?
Architecture firms thinking about providing these services in-house should consider:
• Software and hardware investment. To produce quality work, expect to invest approximately $5,000 for a high-end personal computer and approximately $10,000 for software.
• Network management. When creating lengthy animations, network rendering is a must. Animation professionals use "rendering farms" to expedite this creation process. Depending on the size of the farm, costs for implementing this solution often exceed $100,000.
• File management. CAD files used to create the animations typically require 25 to 50 megabytes of storage each, and movie files often exceed several gigabytes each. It is important to make sure that your computers and your internal network can effectively process and store this amount of data.
• Technology issues. Users will want to stay current with technological advancements, because capabilities are constantly evolving and rapidly changing.

Three-dimensional visualization is a powerful emerging computer technology that brings design concepts to life and can significantly reduce municipal approval time. The cost and the time it takes may be well worth the investment.

Case studies

National Survey & Engineering, a division of R.A. Smith & Associates, Inc., Brookfield, Wis., used 3-D visual imagery to help speed the municipal approval process for a proposed Kohl's Department Store and Jewel Osco in Muskego, Wis., by architect Schroeder & Holt Architects of Milwaukee. The images and animations showed the visual impact of the buildings from certain vantage points, helping gain approval for the development in one planning commission meeting.

National Survey & Engineering also used 3-D visualization for Discover Mills, a proposed shopping mall near Atlanta by architect MSTSD, Inc., of Atlanta. The engineering firm created a three-dimensional CAD model of the site and a series of animations to simulate driving a car in and around the site. The animation helped the design team procure a signage variance permit and evaluate other line-of-sight issues.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.