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

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).

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

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.

Bi-tonal Architectural Narratives Design Expressions in Manga

Abstract: Bi-tonal, or black and white architectural renderings are a common medium to present an architectural design that goes beyond factual representations of dimensions of length, width and height, materials, structure or technical details. They aim to engage their audience with visual aspects as well as emotional reactions. An architectural presentation that is based on a story-telling approach, akin to comic or manga style, adds intangible expressions, which allows communicating key elements as well as concepts, development and overall aspects of a design easily to laypersons and professional alike. This paper presents how designers develop a narrative of their architectural proposals using a bi-tonal visualization and story-telling methodology that communicates design to a wider audience.

Rethinking Architecture: A Reader in Cultural Theory

Abstract: Part 1: Modernism Part 2: Phenomenology Part 3: Structuralism Part 4: Postmodernism Part 5: Poststructuralism

Cinemas of the Mind: A Critical History of Film Theory

Abstract: Film theory is one of the most fascinating recent adventures of human thought. The compelling medium of cinema has provoked a wide range of directors, writers and thinkers to engage in vigorous debate about its relationship to art, morality, psychology, politics and philosophy. This Critical History vividly reconstructs and intervenes in that debate. It combines key extracts from the major works of film theory with in-depth analysis and trenchant critique, and argues for a revitalised understanding of the relationship of film to reality in the wake of postmodernism.