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Mark,<br><br>
What you are describing is similar to our current plans. I created a
program called Virtus Walkthrough a number of years back that was focused
on architectural and set design. What I have planned for Croquet can be
considered the next logical steps in the development. Hope to have
something interesting to show soon...<br><br>
Thanks for your interest,<br><br>
David A. Smith<br><br>
<br>
At 06:06 PM 7/11/2003 -1000, you wrote:<br><br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite><font face="arial" size=2>Aloha
All, <br>
</font><br>
<font face="arial" size=2> <br>
</font><br>
<font face="arial" size=2>I am an architect deeply enmeshed in CAD work
particularly 3D modeling and using 3D models directly in documentation of
design work, primarily in the architectural or engineering genres. The
process is somewhat analogous to building a scale model (the scale being
1:1) and then taking pictures of that model, carefully selecting the
viewpoints to match the traditional orthagonal views, then overlaying the
pictures with notations as to materials, assemblies and dimensions. I
have been working on the notion of a digital design suite that extends
from a fully interactive 3D environment accessible collaboratively over
the internet or some other network, through a fully effective 3D modeling
system to documentation in the field with interactive side branches to
various engineering disciplines for analysis and design input and beyond
to facilities management post construction including perhaps full
interface with the facility users. A good example of this would be a
museum or cultural center, the concept is discussed interactively over
the network, with the site fully modeled in walk around 3d, including
views out from the site, maybe even active views from web cams set up on
the site, the designers would generate model solutions for review and
comment, refinements tried out while the design models are analyzed by
engineering programs, eventually a design is selected and scanned for
construction documents, perhaps even made available to hand held
computers used by the workers in the field, upon completion of
construction, the model is used for facilities management and populated
with the exhibits for review by students, researchers and potential
visitors who can also bring their handheld (or rent one at the facility,
downloading their personal tour) to assist with their visit. Sort of like
the vision in the Squeak Book for a Theme Park. <br>
</font><br>
<font face="arial" size=2> <br>
</font><br>
<font face="arial" size=2>I was introduced to Croquet last Fall and
because of that have gained an interest in Squeak, which it seems will be
the natural operating environment for Croquet. I believe Croquet/Squeak
could be capable of realizing the above scenarios but there will need to
be the various methods and morphs, classes and so on specifically
designed for that purpose. I would like to work with someone more adept
and knowledgeable of Squeak/Croquet than I to develop these. I know what
they need to be and have to do, I just am not very clear on how to
develop them. I see this could become a primary means of public input to
large scale development as well as a wonderfully intuitive way to design
ones own environments as well as those of others. It could also become a
great way to introduce the public to the many facilities that abound,
from museums and galleries, to public facilities of any kind, to parks
and monuments, even to cruise ships and other mass transit. I see
something akin to the vision in William Gibsons Virtual Light where there
exists a cyber duplicate to the real world, but with all the related data
linked in and accessible. <br>
</font><br>
<font face="arial" size=2> <br>
</font><br>
<font face="arial" size=2>So, if there is anyone out there thats
interested in this idea, please contact me. At this point in time, there
isnt any significant funding for this effort, but I am working on that. I
believe that a successful result would be commercially viable, indeed, it
could well become a paradigm for the
design/engineering/construction/facilities management and use industries.
I also believe the effort would be of great benefit to Squeak/Croquet,
regardless of any commercial viability. <br>
</font><br>
<font face="arial" size=2> <br>
</font><br>
<font face="arial" size=2>Mark Sundberg. <br>
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