MSP VISIONS

USING INTERACTIVE 3D SOFTWARE TO CREATE A CLIENT'S VISION	Sep/Oct 2009

A Revolution in Concept Design
Interactive 3-D software is revolutionizing the way architects and designers create the visions of their clients.

In the past, two-dimensional sketches and renderings were the only way to communicate concepts for projects. Although these traditional mediums are useful, they can take weeks to produce and are limited in their depictions. In recent years, advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has become available, but the sophisticated representations it can produce are often expensive and time-consuming.

Now, state-of-the-art software allows designers to create3D depictions of building and site projects much more efficiently. With this tool, a project can be viewed from any perspective or direction,giving the designer an opportunity to create a much more comprehensive depiction. Detail can be added (or altered) easily, allowing the user to experiment with various colors, materials, and design options instantly.

“(3-D software) helps us to design better. It allows us to look at the concept design holistically,” explains Randal Merrill, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President of Architecture at MSP. “It gives us the ability to share with our clients what the design really looks like, and get their input.”

3-D software also allows for an unprecedented level of interaction between the designer and the client. For the first time, designers can work live with clients, experimenting with project details or addressing concerns in real time. “It makes clients involved in a way they never have been before,” affirms Merrill.

Raising the Bar for Presentations
Beyond its usefulness in design and client buy-in, interactive 3-D software is also a valuable tool in the critical process of zoning approval.

MSP has been involved with the development of Long Cove Pointe, providing master planning and architectural design for this new, mixed-use development in Deerfield Township, Ohio. In order to fully illustrate the vision of this development with a distinct “Town Center” character, the MSP design team prepared an animated fly-through that was then used by the developer to show Deerfield Township officials what the project would really be like. It helped to convey the character and vision of the project, which included elements such as office/retail buildings, streetscapes, plaza areas, an assisted living facility, and links to the surrounding community.

The result of the presentation with the animated fly-through was a unanimous zoning approval, which is allowing the project to move forward. 

“You have raised the bar on future presentations,” praised one Deerfield Township official.

To view the Long Cove Pointe fly-through, click here:

An invaluable Fundraising Tool
Along with client buy-in and zoning approvals, another crucial component of projects that interactive 3D software can help with is fundraising. During the master planning process for the Voice of America (VOA) Park, the idea came up to include an amphitheatre. MSP developed an animated fly-through that showed how this would fit into the park, while incorporating new elements such as a boardwalk and concession area. (See top photo.)

The animation helped generate enthusiasm for the project, and is now being used to help raise funds through both private and public sources in order to make it a reality.

To view the VOA amphitheatre fly-through, click here:


For more information, visit the following links:

Links:
SketchUcation
http://www.sketchucation.com/

Render Plus
http://www.renderplus.com/

SketchUpdate Blog
http://sketchupdate.blogspot.com

For more information about how interactive 3D software can help create and sell project concepts, please call Randal Merrill, MSP Vice President of Architecture, at 513-759-0004.