LEGO Architecture meets BIM – Part 03: Visualisation and animation

Introduction

As we saw in the last post we can generate both 2D and 3D views of the models. The 3D model approach offers more than a ‘traditional’ approach as the model can be used to also generate visualisations (some prefer to call these Computer Generated Images (CGI for short) or Renders). Visualisations can be created from a model from any angle with geometry switched on or off as required.

Visualisations can be created using a variety of techniques and this offers the opportunity to create a different feel to convey the design. The outputted visualisations can also be enhanced further in software such as Adobe Photoshop.

Visualisations can be created directly in a BIM authoring tool or can be exported to a programme specifically designed for visualisation. The visualisations below were all produced directly from our model authoring tool Graphisoft ARCHICAD but we also use Autodesk 3DS Max and Lumion for visualisations depending on what we want/are required to provide.

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Visualisations

The following visualisations are all generated from the same view of the model and use different settings to show some of the possibilities that can be applied to create different visualisation outputs. These are just samples of the types of visualisations that can be exported. The settings that are available are almost endless.

Image: Full colour visualisation

Image: White card visualisation

Image: Cardboard visualisation

Image: Night time visualisation

Image: Full colour visualisation of the model during construction

Image: Sketch visualisation (using Graphisoft ARCHICAD Koh_I_Noor preset sketch render settings)

Image: Sketch visualisation

Image: Sketch visualisation combined with colour visualisation (using Adobe Photoshop to produce the combined image)

Image: Ground Floor visualisation with transparent First Floor and Roof level (using Adobe Photoshop to produce the combined image)

Image: Sketch visualisation combined with white model visualisation (using Adobe Photoshop to produce the combined image)

Animation

The above represent still images of the project but animated versions of the model can also be created.

These animations follow a specific path but they are another way to communicate the design of the project to stakeholders before the design reaches site. This allows stakeholders to comment on the emerging design.

Many of these animations can be further enhanced with things such as moving people, flying birds etc etc. This animation is kept as simple as possible just to demonstrate the type of output.

 

Conclusion

Visualisations provide a way of producing static images that can be used to ‘sell’ and explain a design to other stakeholders. These are often used for specific points in the design process. For example they can be used to develop a design with end users/clients/planning authorities, for a stage report or for a planning submission. In the past visualisations were our primary output of producing a 3D model (since 1994) but now they are simply another benefit of adopting a modelling approach.

Rob Jackson, Associate Director, Bond Bryan Digital

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