(article previously published in September 2017)
In the previous article, I wrote about the first models, their users and the corresponding applications.
Today I am writing about the models of the 21st century, which I would distinguish into two main groups:
The emulating techniques of the traditional model and the new paradigm.
“Emulators”
In this group I include the techniques that continue treating the model as an object.
As an object to be seen from the outside.
Holograms
There are two types: physical and projections.
Physicists
They are based on the generation of an optical effect on a physical support.
Advantages
- Transportable
- Does not deteriorate
Inconveniences
- High cost
- Poor detail and definition
- Size limitation
- They are not interactive
While I would like to see one in person, I don’t think it will succeed. It has too many limitations. One more example of a failed attempt at three-dimensional rendering.
Projections
The object represented transcends the traditional projection of the image on a plane to make it three-dimensional.
I’m sure there are other earlier examples but, in my case, the first hologram I saw was in 1977. The projector was R2D2 and the projection was Princess Leia transmitting a message of help to Obi Wan Kenobi. If you remember, you will see how the series of films of this saga was a pioneer in the use of holograms.
Advantages
- Spectators can watch the projection around it.
- The spatial understanding of what is projected is very evident.
Inconveniences
- Apart from the films, the reality is that it lacks definition and detail.
- The projection mechanism limits the size to very small holograms.
- It requires a complex creation process
- The projection mechanism has a high cost
Augmented reality
It can be understood as an intermediate technology between the classic physical model and virtual reality.
The latest attempts based on the use of graphene seem to give some hope for further development of this technology.
It looks like a hybrid between augmented and virtual reality but without interfaces.
Its success will depend primarily on the development of its own technology.
Advantages
- Does not deteriorate
- It is editable
- Highly detailed and accurate
- Textures can be defined with quality
- Can be interactive
- It is transportable
- The visualization interface is already part of our lives.
Inconveniences
- Sorry, but it does not have the physical character of the classic model.
- Requires an interface
- Internet connection required
- Everything happens in a “little window”.
Undoubtedly, its advantages place it as a substitute technology for the classic physical model. It only lacks the main advantage of the latter: its materiality.
However, apart from interactivity (undoubtedly an important factor), it is still the same concept of the classic model: looking at an object from the outside.
Advantages compared to the traditional production system:
- Compared to the traditional production method:
- It is a clean process.
- Can generate very complex shapes
- The materialization of the model is relatively fast
- Accuracy and detail is extremely high depending on the method used.
Inconveniences
- At present, it may appear to be a slow process
- Base materials are not cheap
- Durability is questionable to say the least
- They are, in general, mono-materials.
The new paradigm
The fundamental difference between the traditional methods of three-dimensional representation and the new ones is the protagonist position of the viewer. He is no longer outside the object represented, he is inside it.
That change of position is fundamental to understanding the paradigm shift. It is the fundamental difference.
How many of us, during our careers, when we were making models, didn’t want to get inside?
We tried with the camera lens but the limitations were insurmountable.
The change of perception involved in being immersed in a space has nothing to do with the exercise of imagination involved in contemplating a model. They are different mental exercises.
Virtual reality or immersive environments require less mental effort. They replace the lack of spatial comprehension with an activity that is much closer to our daily lives. Therein lies their great advantage and at the same time their great limitation today.
Virtual Reality
As I have already said, its main characteristic is that the spectator changes his role and becomes the protagonist. With his will, he interacts in the environment and makes decisions. He decides how he sees the space.
Space awaits him, it is there and he decides how to visit it. Where he looks, at what speed, how he moves and what changes the environment around him.
It seems, in principle, that the great advantage of the system is freedom.
We are not looking at an object (model) outside of us, we are inside it and we have freedom of movement and decisions.
My experiences
In 1989, in Munich, I put on VR goggles for the first time. The experience was surprising. The geometry was very primitive and the shading of it very basic. Normal, given the power of computers back then, it was the most they could render in real time. The idea was good but it was clear that we would have to wait a few years for the idea to work.
A couple of years ago, 27 years after that first time, I put on glasses again. My memories of the first time, logically, were very vague.
Undoubtedly, its advantages place it as a substitute technology for the classic physical model. It only lacks the main advantage of the latter: its materiality.
However, apart from interactivity (which is undoubtedly an important factor), it is still the same concept of the classic model: looking at an object from the outside.
We tried the experience 3 members of the team and two of them, myself first, ended up dizzy. To put it mildly, the experience was not as pleasant as we expected.
Later, a couple of weeks ago, I wore them again in the sales office of a real estate developer and, frankly, the experience was not at all satisfactory. 🙁
What is the point of making the prospective customer vomit?
The answer is obvious: you will not buy
It is likely that :
- When the cables to connect the helmet to the computer disappear (some wireless versions have already been released)
- When the system as a whole is more stable
- When glasses and their projectors improve
- When we can see scenes with more polygons and better textures and lighting….
…then, only then…
the experience will be worth it.
But note one thing: all my problems are solved with technical advances. That is, better software and hardware.
In essence, for me, this technology is a sure winner.
Simply put, the idea comes before the technique.
In this case, although the projection quality of the glasses needs to improve somewhat (it will take very little time to be optimal), the current offer of this technology seems superb to me.
We no longer have to think about environments and visualizations that have to be “cooked” in real time. We are talking about “pre-cooked” images and videos. Therefore, at least nowadays, the quality of what is projected can be infinitely superior since it does not depend on the need for immediate calculation.
360º cameras allow video recording in this format, which is directly “viewable” with the different models of glasses. Haven’t you tried it yet? Do it now!
The experience is not so interactive as you visit the space along the path that the recorder decided to take. However, you will be able to look around 360º constantly.
Of course I want to think about architecture and its applications but, after testing the 360º video glasses, there are two niches, apart from the obvious one of video games, that immediately come to mind:
Travel
It will never be comparable to being there, but it opens a door to :
People with few resources.
Physically handicapped persons.
People with little time.
Yes, I know, it’s not the same. However, between all or nothing, I prefer glasses.
If you think about it, sometimes, maybe the use of glasses is more pleasant because you don’t have to put up with the rest of the tourists. 😉
Imagine that your child has to do an assignment on the Acropolis.
What do you prefer? To be inspired by the typical photo of a lifetime or to “take a walk” around without leaving your room.
I want to fly
I want to put on the goggles with the actual recording of what an eagle sees flying, be hung from some wires and, finally, turn on a powerful fan in front of me.
Sex
I do not think it is necessary to describe the infinite possibilities offered by this field. Being aware, moreover, that this is an “industry” with a future and a budget, the success of this technology is certain.
Unfortunately, I predict the death by heart attack of many people. The police will find them and say something that will become a classic: “he died with his glasses on”.
Architecture
In relation to the visit of existing spaces, the possibilities seem endless to me.
I can imagine a whole class of architecture students wearing glasses visiting Brunelleschi’s dome of Santa Maria In Fiore.
One of the most common mistakes when entering social media with this intention is to interpret this new channel as a new invasive channel (PUSH).
It is not a new medium in which to launch our ad and hope that the 500,000,000 Facebook users collapse our lines asking for an apartment. Nothing could be further from the truth.
You have to ask yourself the key questions: the ones that are answered in the brain and in the heart.
But above all, don’t push. Let them pull you (PULL). Take the necessary steps so that they want to know more about you, about your past, about how you approach your projects. But don’t just talk about yourself.
Talk about what interests them.
The problem begins to arise when what we want to “visit” does not exist. Then, we have to calculate it with the computer. That means calculating an animation with a resolution similar to 4K and of course, that is within the reach of very few. Again we find ourselves with the bottleneck of software and hardware.
An alternative that maintains a high standard of quality is the realization of images instead of animation, but of course, that’s less cool.
My conclusions about 3D
1. Probably because of my age, every day I see with more vertigo what is happening in the world of visualization. I force myself not to put up mental resistance to new developments. But it is also true that we have all seen examples of emerging technologies that have come to nothing. For this reason, I still think that we must be cautious. That only through analysis and respect for all initiatives can conclusions be reached.
2. The generation of a three-dimensional model of the building within the computer is the first step for everything else. Although currently there is a chaos of formats and specifications for each of the technologies (the BIM model for a project has little to do with the one needed to print a model or generate an augmented reality) technology will advance to unify formats. Depending on what you need at the end of the road, you will prepare the 3D model in one way or another.
3. I don’t think it is so much a problem of the method of three-dimensional representation. For me, the success of one system or another is based more on the spatial generosity of what is represented. I will explain better with an example. If what we want is to have a full experience with virtual reality, I believe that the space to achieve it has to be ample. We will get all the benefits of the experience if we move through a train station or a square. However, if the space to be visited is a bedroom of barely 10 m2, where we can hardly move and discover everything at a glance, the experience will be disappointing.
...and the last 3
4. The ergonomics of technologies. Cell phone manufacturers were playing with a limitation linked to the proportions of the hand: either we make mobiles that can be operated with one hand, or we make the leap in size and mobiles will have to be operated with two hands.
Leaving aside the games where we can fly or drive at maximum speed, the human being, when visiting a space, moves on foot unless you are a compulsive tourist. I say this because the speed of displacement and the displacement itself are also other factors to consider. If we visit something walking, the glasses will be as important as the actual platform on which we virtually walk.
5. Speaking strictly about architecture and real estate development, I find it interesting :
The use of augmented reality to teach modifiable models.
3D printing for the daily work of the architect
Virtual reality for large spaces when the technology improves.
Surrounding environments to visit already built spaces.
6. I like to think more about what is told than how it is told.
If we use these technologies to travel or have fun, I immediately see their advantages. The freedom factor is fundamental in this type of experience.
However, if what we want is to seduce in order to sell, we should not leave that job to our client’s capacity. It will still be more effective if he does not control the process, if he is guided by where we want him to be. I believe that this purpose is best achieved through the making a video in which we show what we want and what we want “without freedom of movement”..
Let’s not be ridiculous: lack of freedom does not have to be bad.
On occasion, it is certainly advisable.