Key terms
Chapter 2 Review of digital design tools
2.1 Review of current digital technology used in the built environment
2.1.1 Computer-aided architectural design (CAAD) tools
This section explores CAAD software programs that have been widely employed by architectural practices. In addition, they have potentials use in architectural design. Exploring software enables this thesis to analyse its effect on workflow in the design process. In addition, it helps to identify capabilities of software that can create digital media to improve communication design. This selection of software is described as follows:
ArchiCAD is software which can be used in 2D and 3D projects. It is user-friendly, and first-time designers and architects can easily maximise the
software’s potential. ArchiCAD is mostly used by architect. However, it easy exchanges BIM model with engineer. Although it has almost all the features the other applications have, it is not the most popular software package. The lack of popularity may be due to the results of its poorer rendering quality in
comparison to other software and its inability to be used with other programs,
9 AutoCAD by Autodesk can work and save as many file formats, e.g., .dfx, .dwg, can be used across other software.
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such as 3ds Max (from Autodesk). Moreover, ArchiCAD requires specific technical knowledge to be able to get the most out of the final 3D rendering.
AutoCAD is the most popular software, and architectural practitioners around the world have used this software for many years. It offers both 2D and 3D representation. However, people are likely to use the 2D feature to draw 2D plans, sections and elevations then export the files to 3D software in order to build a 3D model. This is achieved through 3ds Max, Google SketchUp, or Maya. Although AutoCAD is mostly used widely across the built environment, it does not directly support BIM because this software is not compatible with .ifc10. Therefore, it is not used as a BIM application.
Blender is used in some architectural practices. Besides its modelling features, it also has an integrated game engine. Blender has similar features to Maya and 3ds Max. Blender may not be popular because it is difficult for users who have little experience using 3D modelling. It is a free, open source 3D software product.
CINEMA 4D is a 3D modelling, animation, and rendering application developed by MAXON Computer GmbH in Germany. It has the most common features found in most 3D modelling applications. This software is good for rendering. It is used for primary 3D modelling, and architects and designers use this software to achieve a realistic result.
Maya is software for 3D animation, modelling, simulations, and rendering;
it also offers a creative toolset for artists. These tools provide a starting point to create vision in modelling, animation, and lighting. Maya has modelling features like other software. The benefit of using Maya is in creating particles and
freeform. It allows the user to manage the form of an object efficiently. It is widely used among architects and designers to create 3D animations and effects.
MicroStation has been popularised as software because of its stability.
MicroStation is used in a complex design project for architects and engineers.
10 IFC files based on the following International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) data exchange standards.
For example Revit provides .ifc import.
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The software can be used to design, visualise, analysis and document
buildings. The 3D modelling feature can perform real-world solar opening and shading analysis. This is an advantage of this software.
Navisworks is software used in engineering practices. The engineer can get a model from the architect and import it to this software in order to work on the structure. This software enables architects, engineers, and construction professionals to review integrated models and data with stakeholders to provide efficient control over project outcomes (Autodesk, 2014). It also offers links between 2D drawings and 3Dmodels which reflect changes as they are made. If a plan is changed, other plans, sections, elevations, and models will be
automatically changed. This feature is good for collaborative design.
Revit Architecture is software built for BIM, which is the key for
sustainable design. The changes that users make are automatically coordinated throughout the project. This software has significant potential in the built
environment because it offers BIM attributes.
Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino) is a NURBS-based modelling tool, and it includes annotation tools. Rhino also supports dimensions in the perspective view. In addition, analysis tools that evaluate the area, volume, and calculation are available. Rhino is commonly used by industrial designers, architects,
automotive designers, and graphic designers (Dubois et al., 2010). There are a number of Rhino add-ons and plug-ins. The new version, Grasshopper, is a graphical algorithm editor integrated with Rhino’s 3D modelling tools.
Grasshopper does not require programming or scripting knowledge, but still allows designers to build form generators (Grasshopper, 2015). Unlike other programs, it does not require programming or scripting knowledge. Therefore it is easy to use to explore a project’s design.
SketchUp is very user-friendly software. SketchUp has obvious icons to represent commands and functions. This software is of value for students to generate 3D designs in a short time and for users who are just beginning their architectural careers. SketchUp is open source software for basic modelling, but the user will need to buy a premium version to gain advance features, such as Vray, a rendering plug-in for 3D software to make a photo-realistic 3D model.
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The benefit of Google’s SketchUp is that it can be used with other 2D and 3D software packages. Users can export or import files to SketchUp to modify models.
Unity is used widely in the video game industry. It offers flexibility and powerful development platforms for creating multi-platform 3D and 2D games and interactive experiences (Unity.com, 2015). Some architectural practices use it for visualisation and creating virtual worlds. Unity can import models from Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, 3dsMax, and SketchUp Pro; it can create an engaging interactive walkthrough. Although not widely used by architects, this software has the potential for producing specific working platforms because it enables users to create content for multiple platforms, such as websites or applications, which architects can employ in a specific project.
Vectorworks is a line of industry-specific CAD and BIM solutions that allows designers to advance their ideas from concept through completion, from preliminary design to photo-realistic renderings and construction drawings. It is able to import objects that have file extensions from 3D Warehouse and
TurboSquid.com, such as .3ds and .skp. This means it works with other open source programs.
3ds Max is a program for making 3D animation, models, games, and images. It offers modelling capabilities and plug-ins for architectural designs. It is also widely used by video game developers, TV commercial studios, and architectural practices. This software has been used in most architectural practices for many years. This may be due to the fact that it is from Autodesk, so it is compatible with AutoCAD. It can also conveniently share 3D objects with other open source programs.
The reviews of these tools are used to identify the aspects that influence the research’s focus. Features such as functions, import/export, and BIM contribute to the creation of the web application. The researcher acknowledges actual users who use each of the software packages mentioned above. The functions of each software program enable the researcher to know what jobs the users perform and how they use the software. Import/ export categories are useful for this project as they help indicate the type of extension and how the files work
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co-ordinately. This allows for the proposal of a system that can sufficiently support sharing and accessing information using these files. BIM is significant as it affects the workflow. Therefore, it is useful to identify the software
programs that work directly with BIM (or have no connection with BIM).
Table 2.1: The attributes of different software packages
Software Functions Actual Users Import/Export BIM
ArchiCAD 2D/3D drawing Architect/
Engineer
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Table 2.1: The attributes of different software packages (Continued)
Software Functions Actual Users Import/
Export
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Table 2.1: The attributes of different software packages (Continued)
Software Functions Actual Users Import/
Export
Architect .jpg, .png, .tif, .tga, .pdf, .eps,
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Table 2.1: The attributes of different software packages (Continued)
Software Functions Actual Users Import/
Export
BIM
3ds Max 3D modelling 3D rendering, animation
Architect/
Designer/
Game Designer/
Engineer
.dwg, .dxf, .obj, .fbx, .wrl
Incapable
Table 2.1 shows the different attributes of various CAAD tools. These tools were reviewed in order to identify their functions, users, file formats and BIM coordination. In addition, Table 2.2 demonstrates significant attributes are identified which help to find the best characteristic for the envisaged design communication tool. Although all these attributes are significant, this research focuses on the advantages that are relevant to the experience of the
stakeholders who will be using the software.
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Table 2.2: Advantages and disadvantages of software used in CAAD
Software Advantages Disadvantage
ArchiCAD - 2D drawing and 3D model can be coordinated.
- Limited in free form creation.
- High cost.
AutoCAD
- Document can be printed in various forms for multiple users.
- Quick produce and copy.
- Training
- Expensive start up cost.
Blender - Realistic outcome.
- Free software.
- Running on large amount of hardware.
CINEMA4D
- Rendering realistic 3D images
and animation. - Running on large amount of hardware.
MAYA - 3D modelling.
- Training required.
- Running on huge amount of hardware.
MicroStation - Real-time result of changing parametric design.
- Training.
- High cost.
Navisworks
- Transferring 3D to 2D.
- 3D coordination.
- BIM feature- cost, data management.
-Widely use in the market.
- High Cost.
- Running on huge amount of hardware.
- Running on huge amount of hardware.
- High spec of computer required.
Vectorwork - Open-source. - Not suit for large project.
3dsMax - Realistic visualisation.
- Comprehensive use for 3D modelling.
- Running on huge amount of hardware.
-Training.
48 Table 2.3: List of common files types
File Extensions Architectural Presentation Types
.dwg / .dxf
.3ds / .obj / .fbx / .skp
.jpg/ .tif / .png
.mov / .avi / .QuickTime
Drawing
3D Modelling
Image
Animation/ video
Table 2.3 shows the file types that can be imported/ exported from each software program listed in Table 2.1. This result informs the design of the communication tool, which should consider all of these types in order to design architectural presentations using compatible file extension. Table 2.4 shows the architectural presentation tools users can utilise for communication. The data in Table 2.5 leads to identifying tools that different users require to perform their jobs. The researcher has identified which architectural presentation tools fit each stakeholder.
Table 2.4: Functions required for producing architectural presentations
Functions required
2D drawing
3D rendering
3D animation
Video
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Table 2.5: Architectural presentation types required by various stakeholders
Table 2.5 shows the architectural presentations categorised by the
stakeholders’ requirements. These results enable the researcher to consider types of architectural presentation in terms of the users’ requirements and show which software is able to produce these tools for each user.
This research is concerned with developing the communication in the design process and addresses architectural representation and presentation with CAAD tools. This section reviews software used in the built environment for design, presentation and collaboration. However, reviewing CAAD tools is limited because they are not compatible with a number of features (like web browsers). Only Unity offers a web-based feature. Therefore, game and graphic design software was considered since it can create a virtual environment as well as an interface design. This finding would be beneficial features for alternative architectural communication methods.
The software reviews above give examples of the tools architects and
engineers use. This PhD research acknowledges the attributes of the main tools used by architects and presents them in table 2.1. This software review
empowered the researcher to analyse issues related to communication such as Architect Engineer
Planner 2D/3D Drawing
3D Modelling/
rendering 3D Animation
2D/3D Drawing 3D Rendering 3D Animation
2D/3D Drawing 3D Rendering Users
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technological skill required, appropriate types of architectural presentation and nature of each stakeholder in the design process that may affect
communication. In addition, studying the software features and interfaces enable the researcher to find a tool for digital media creation. The application design encompasses the use of icons; the interface should be familiar to most stakeholders and allow them to efficiently navigate the work. However, sharing information is still a problem, as there are different types of software programs used across practices. Stakeholders using different types of software may not be able to open files with the programs they have. Therefore, this research investigates using digital media to share files and design information 2.1.2 Hardware tools
This section explores the hardware used in design communication and focuses on visually-augmented reality rather than basic tools such as CPU memory, smartphones, tablets, interactive displays or drafting tools, interactive pens, and microphone. A review of hardware technology allows for the design of a
communication system that supports the latest technologies. Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have changed people’s lives. Information or entertainment is readily available. People can conveniently access data. Touch screens have improved along with Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Users’ abilities are normally determined by their generation, which affects how they use devices; technological skill and the design of application also influence device usage. In architecture, users’ technological skill and knowledge are required, too. Therefore, the notion of a user-centred design is central to this PhD research. Exploration of the existing tools in order to design an application for users is required. In addition, preparing the design of the communication system to support new technology as it develops in the future is significant. This enables the system to make best use of technologies as they occur.
Various devices have emerged to encourage people to experience virtual reality in architecture. The head-mounted display (HMD) is a device worn on the head that allows a user to see a computer-generated image (CGI). In architecture, it is used for augmented reality (AR) and is used for showing a virtual place. For example, the HoloLens offers an AR experience similar to that of the Oculus for
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VR. The HoloLens is made for special components that together enable holographic computing. These components allow the user to move freely and interact with the hologram (Microsoft.com, 2015). Google Cardboard, which is made from card board supports the VR experience and it a smartphone for the experience. Although Google Cardboard is not as powerful as Oculus or
HoloLens, it is cheaper. The development of these devices helps users to
experience immersive architecture. Hardware has a developing relationship with software.
These hardware technologies have not been used widely in architectural
practices. Nevertheless, they might be ubiquitously employed in the future when they become affordable and convenient. Hardware technologies are crucial for this research because identifying trends in technology helps to develop the communication design and features which can work with suitable devices and plan for future peripheral devices.