iar 560 assignment3

Computer graphics programs and advanced rendering programs are a key aspect of the interior architecture profession. Thanks to advanced research done by Donald P. Greenberg in the Program of Computer Graphics (PCG), many of the practical applications that are used by architects today, has been developed by Greenberg himself. His research led to the development of Lightscape, a rendering program capable of creating very realistic lighting effects by calculating the precise amount of light reflected from surfaces and materials within a scene: a very useful tool for designers and architects to use in the representation of their work.
Currently, research performed at PCG is focusing on three major areas. First, improving the user interfaces for architectural applications to make them more suitable for designers. Second, simulating the behavior of light in space and understanding the human visual perception system to refine the rendering algorithms. And third, developing methods for improving image capture and the quality of image-based rendering. For the architecture profession specifically, the PCG is concentrating on developing conceptual design tools, enabling architects to design in context, and enabling collaboration over the Internet. The development of the drawing-board sized device, which functions as both a sketchpad and display device, can be rotated and navigated in three dimensions and placed into an underlying 3D scene. This is a useful tool for designers of all types to help express design ideas to clients and help them visualize the interior space, as well as the environment in which it’s placed.
What I found interesting in the reading was the software’s unique ability to move smoothly between the realms of rough sketch, precision rendering, and real-time walkthroughs. The ability to sketch naturally and create accurate architectural drawings as well as 3D models connects the art of design directly with the science of architectural evaluation and development. Research has also allowed elaborate instrumentation to measure light within physical models as it reflects from surfaces and moves through various media such as air and glass. These measurements are then compared to the simulated light calculated by existing algorithms, which are then further refined according to the real world models. As a result, the software's ability to imitate visible reality increases in precision. This software will improve designer’s credibility when it comes to their work, and will help win over a job when there are multiple competitors.
Precision in light simulation, as in Lightscape, is important because it gives predictive credibility to the resulting renderings. For example, if an architect models an interior space that is supposed to be illuminated by a clerestory, a precise rendering will show whether the space does indeed receive enough light with that window configuration and orientation. If the space looks too dark, the architect using conventional renderers could simply modify the software settings to make the model look brighter. With a physically precise simulation, the architect must adjust the window size, shape, or the position of the glazing or the color or reflectivity of the interior surfaces to improve the quality of light in the space. In other words, the problem won't be solved until the architectural elements are correctly designed. This helps interior designers and architects to see things they may have not had the chance to see before. They can now fix problems when alarmed by the computer, instead of noticing it too far into the design process. This software will help tremendously with time constraints and also help the designer work faster.
A third area of research is in "image-based" techniques. These techniques are already familiar through currently available technologies. For example, a digital photograph of an object or material can be "texture-mapped" onto the surface of a geometric model, giving the rendering the appearance of realism without requiring much geometric complexity. Another common application is in the animation technology pioneered by Apple Computer with the QuickTime VR format. Using QuickTime VR, several still photos taken at regular intervals for 360-degrees around a stationary viewpoint can be stitched together to create a panorama. Viewers can "look" around a 360-degree space by moving the mouse. The application is becoming popular for displaying architectural spaces on the Web.
The advancements in computer software have made modeling and rendering of architectural environments more realistic and believable for the client. Having the ability to apply lighting effects that are accurate appeals to the client more, as well as helps give them a better idea of the space to be. Now being able to view the whole space in its entirety with the look around of 360 degrees helps the client feel as if they are walking through the space. Giving them the feeling of the space with these 3D renderings is a positive step toward the future.

Sources:
"Rendering 3D worlds - 3D Geometric Graphics II" by Anne Spalter, Addison Wesley Longman Inc. 1999, pp 257-293.

"Once and Future Graphics Pioneer", B.J. Novitski
http://www.architectureweek.com/2000/0913/tools_1-1.html

"Once and Future Graphics Pioneer Part II", B.J. Novitski
http://www.architectureweek.com/2000/0920/tools_1-1.html