Aloha
Any and All,
I am
not sure if this is the correct venue for this inquiry, but here goes. If not,
maybe someone can direct me to a better one.
I am
an architect deeply enmeshed in CAD work particularly 3D modeling and using 3D
models directly in documentation of work. 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
runs 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 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 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 just made available to hand held computers in the field,
upon completion of construction, the model is used for facilities management
and also 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.
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 will 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 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 one’s
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
Gibson’s Virtual Light where there exists a cyber duplicate to the real
world, but with all the related data linked in.
So,
if there is anyone out there that’s interested in this idea, please
contact me.
Mark
Sundberg, Architect