Kal Ng

Bio: Kal Ng is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Architecture & Narrative. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 6 citations.

Architectural Animation becomes Alive - Creating Spatial Narrative with Spatial Characters for Animations

Abstract: This paper sets up a paradigm for creative architectural animations, drawing cinematic, architectural and narrative theories together to form a ‘Spatial Character’. Based on this definition, students created architectural animations. These served as working platform of an entry to the FEIDAD-Competition that defined and placed architecture into a cinematic context.

A study of stakeholders’ experience of the architectural design process to stimulate an interactive form of communication

Abstract: The architectural design process involves the input of many stakeholders. Communication between them is crucial as it ensures an effective design process. The practice of architecture has been transformed by advances in hardware and software technologies, to the point where both the workflow and the design process are changing. These technologies have also impacted on the methods of representing and communicating design work. At present, traditional communication uses 2D and 3D drawings, as well as digital media such as animation, computer gaming or graphic design, which have impacted on architectural representations. While these tools are very useful, problems in communication between stakeholders are revealed. For instance, differences in architectural background knowledge and requirements lead to misunderstanding the design, confusion caused by working on inconsistent information, and use of incompatible software which causes difficulties in accessing work. This research project attempts to identify and analyse issues relating to communication within the design process in order to improve it. The study is undertaken using a number of key questions to guide the development and progress of the research. The extent of communication via digital media in the design process, in contemporary architectural practice, is examined, along with the perceived value of digital technology by stakeholders. Architectural design work would benefit from exploiting digital media and the Internet to provide an effective form of communication for enabling a user/stakeholder-oriented involvement in the design process. The work presented revisits the conventional methods of communication in design work, between various interested parties in any given project (stakeholders: architects, engineers, planners and clients), with a view to formulating an outline for a potential system that facilitates communication as part of a participatory design process. This study puts forward suggestions to improve communication in the design process, through a storyboard represents users’ experiences in using an interactive communication system. The suggestions are being tested through a mock-up of the web application, which is then presented to participants to receive feedback. Three guiding principles inform the development of the final system: interaction (to allow fast input and feedback); accessibility (to ensure any particular design software is able to interact with the system); and inclusivity (to allow both specialists and lay people to use the system).

Game of Renders - The Use of Game Engines for Architectural Visualization

Abstract: Good visualization mechanisms offer architects, and their clients, a better grasp of how their designs are going to turn out when built, and the experience one might have inside the constructions. This also helps the architect orient the design in a more informed manner. However, typically used modeling tools do not offer satisfactory visualization solutions. The operations available to view and navigate through the 3D space are flawed in terms of speed, interactivity, and real-time rendering quality. To solve this issue, we propose the coupling of a portable algorithmic design framework with a Game Engine (GE) to support interactive visualization of architectural models and increase the rendering performance of the framework. We explain in detail this integration, and we evaluate this workflow by implementing a case study and comparing the performance of the GE to architectural modeling tools.

Cinematographic techniques in architectural animations and their effects on viewers' judgment

Abstract: Computer-generated animations have become a commonly employed medium to communicate architectural designs and projects. Because designers of animations are not constrained by real-world conditions and do not share the rich history of film, they do not readily benefit from the body of cinematographic techniques that filmmakers can draw upon. Specialists argue that this results in unappealing, lackluster animations that could be vastly improved by the application of filmmakers’ craft knowledge. The aim of this study was to identify which aspects of film craft show the most promise by systematically examining the use of cinematographic techniques in animations and their effects on viewers’ evaluations. Our analysis of award-winning architectural animations established average shot length as a reliable and valid predictor for determining participants’ judgments of salience, vividness, and diversity. A shorter average shot length resulted in more favorable ratings, while longer shot rates led to the opposite outcome. We consider these findings from a broader filmic perspective and discuss them in light of their usefulness for designers and the field.

The architectural image: space, movement and myth

Abstract: of human figures Persuasive human figures Performing human figures

In praise of orthographic projections: Cinematic plans, history and application

Abstract: This article offers insights for architectural and design educators that teach emerging cinematic and filmmaking practices. Due to its interdisciplinary nature and its practice-based methodology, this article presents the research, pedagogy and practice for educators in the field of architecture and spatial design as well as other creative disciplines such as film, animation and digital media. The argument is substantiated by empirical observations and qualitative analysis of student filmmaking projects and first-hand experiments in a design studio environment. Direct observations made from experiments in a design studio environment in which more than 50 students were trained and numerous internationally awarded architectural films and animations were produced. The research outcomes illustrate how traditional orthographic drawing techniques can operate as highly useful instruments in the process of designing narrative pieces of digital media, animation and film about architectural projects. The pedagogical approach has the potential to have implications on the discourse, practice and pedagogy of the emerging common ground between architecture, spatial design principles, digital media and filmmaking.