The changing patterns of architectural design education

Digital technologies have been introduced to students of architecture for over two decades and at present it could be argued that students are producing some of the highest quality designs, and some of the most interesting forms ever to come from University Schools. The value of computer aided design (CAD) is also being demonstrated in architectural practice, with high profile, large budget, bespoke and iconic buildings designed by internationally renowned architects. The value of computer aided design (CAD) is also being demonstrated in architectural practice, with high profile, large budget, bespoke and iconic buildings designed by internationally renowned architects. This paper reviews the changing patterns of architectural design education and considers the contribution digital technologies could make to buildings with more commonplace uses. This paper reviews the changing patterns of architectural design education and considers the contribution digital technologies could make to buildings with more commonplace uses. The study offers a perspective on different kinds of buildings and considers the influence that emerging technologies are having on building form. The study offers a perspective on different kinds of buildings and considers the influence that emerging technologies are having on building form. It outlines digital technologies, alongside students application for architectural design and considers the role they could play in the future, in developing a shared architectural language. It outlines digital technologies, alongside students application for architectural design and considers the role they could play in the future, in developing a shared architectural language. It is suggested that some of the biggest opportunities for future research will be in the design of external spaces, often a neglected part of architectural design education. It is suggested that some of the biggest opportunities for future research will be in the design of external spaces, often a neglected part of architectural design education

Integration of virtual reality within the built environment curriculum

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is still perceived by many as being inaccessible and cost prohibitive with VR applications considered expensive to develop as well as challenging to operate. This paper reflects on current developments in VR technologies and describes an approach adopted for its phased integration into the academic curriculum of built environment students. The process and end results of implementing the integration are discussed and the paper illustrates the challenges of introducing VR, including the acceptance of the technology by academic staff and students, interest from industry, and issues pertaining to model development. It sets out to show that fairly sophisticated VR models can now be created by non-VR specialists using commercially available software and advocates that the implementation of VR will increase alongside industryis adoption of these tools and the emergence of a new generation of students with VR skills. The study shows that current VR technologies, if integrated appropriately within built environment academic programmes, demonstrate clear promise to provide a foundation for more widespread collaborative working environments

Extending the palette: an analysis of the heterogeneity of techniques for communicating space

This study offers an analysis of the increasing range of communication methods required by the emerging profession of the architectural technologist. It reviews the process of introducing methods of communication into the academic curriculum of undergraduate architectural technology students who have a need to select appropriate techniques in order to communicate to various stakeholders, design teams and clients. The paper reviews the integration of three-dimensional computer modelling technologies for the analysis and communication of proposed designs and considers the knowledge and skills which will be required to enable effective representation of increasingly complex buildings

Sharing 3D city models: an overview

This study describes the computing methods now available to enable the sharing of three-dimensional (3D) data between various stakeholders for the purposes of city modeling and considers the need for a seamless approach for sharing, transmitting, and maintaining 3D city models. The study offers an overview of the technologies and the issues related to remote access, collaboration, and version control. It builds upon previous research on 3D city models where issues were raised on utilizing, updating and maintaining 3D city models and providing access to various stakeholders. This paper will also describe a case study which is currently analyzing the remote access requirements for a sustainable computer model of NewcastleGateshead in England. Options available will be examined and areas of future research will be discussed

Diversity in virtual reality landscape modelling

This paper examines the range of decisions that landscape architects need to consider in communicating the future of the landscape. The objective of this research paper was to investigate the issues affecting the landscape modelling process. It also aimed to provide a better understanding of the creators of landscape visualisations and the role they play in determining what audiences, often from many disciplines, see and debate. Interviews were conducted to gather ideas from practice and academia. The paper acknowledges that this was a limited exploration with the intention of establishing a base for a further study. Issues relating to the diversity of audiences, diversity of interpretation, appropriate levels of representation and representing the passage of time in VR models and technologies currently available for VR modelling were the focus of the interviews

Virtual cities management and organisation

This paper presents a recent overview of the increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies for the simulation of urban environments. It builds on previous research conducted on the identification of three-dimensional (3D) city models and offers an analysis of the development, utilization and construction of VR city models. Issues pertaining to advantages, barriers and ownership are identified. The paper describes a case study of the development of a VR model for the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK and outlines the role that academic institutions can play in both the creation and utilization of urban models. The study offers a new approach for the creation, management and update of urban models and reflects on issues which are emerging. Areas for future research are discussed

Terrestrial laser scanning and 3D imaging: Heritage case study – The Black Gate, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This paper offers a case study on the recording of a section of wall on a complex heritage building, the Black Gate in Newcastle upon Tyne. The paper adopts case study methodology to assess the appropriateness of using a long range scanner based upon pulse technology for the recording of part of this historic structure and describes the scanning instruments adopted as well as the selection of appropriate software for the pre-processing and documentation. The study offers an overview of the survey planning stages, field operation, and processing of 3D point cloud data using the third party software adopted, including problems encountered. Issues emerging are discussed, in both the 2D and 3D modelling of detailed surfaces from point cloud data, and in the process of software selection, data preparation and export, pre-processing of point cloud data, meshing and the creation of 2D geometry and 3D animations. The paper describes the end results offered as deliverables for this project, and offers recommendations for a working method that can produce data suitable for producing stone-by-stone elevation drawings. The work processes and cost / time indicators are included in this case study and conclusions will consider whether the technique adopted could lead to an improved solution for heritage recording compared to those traditional techniques which are currently employed to produce stone-by-stone elevations. Areas for future research are identified

Virtual reality urban modelling - an overview

This paper offers an overview of the increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies for the simulation of urban environments. It provides a summary of cities worldwide where three-dimensional computer modelling is being utilised to aid urban planning. The study considers the need for a digital representation of cities and raises issues pertaining to advantages, barriers and ownership. A case study of a pilot project on the visualisation of Newcastle upon Tyne is examined to show an approach adopted for the representation of this city in North East England. The process of this visualisation is summarised and future research is outlined in relation to this city model

An overview of virtual city modelling : emerging organisational issues

This paper presents a recent overview of the increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) technologies for the simulation of urban environments. It builds on previous research conducted on the identification of three-dimensional (3D) city models and offers an analysis of the development, utilization and construction of VR city models. Issues pertaining to advantages, barriers and ownership are identified. The paper describes a case study of the development of a VR model for the city of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK and outlines the role that academic institutions can play in both the creation and utilization of urban models. The study offers a new approach for the creation, management and update of urban models and reflects on issues which are emerging. Areas for future research are discussed

Traffic simulation in 3D world

This paper is the result of more than three months of research completed at the School of the Built Environment, Virtual Environment Suite. This study focusing on measuring the impacts of a change in the infrastructure using a 3D traffic simulation model. Various aspects about the research area and the simulation model were explained. Details on technical aspects of the simulation and the modelling are also given. The focus will lay on motor traffic and thus especially on the changes in traffic circulation as a result of relocating the car access of the City Site. The impacts of the infrastructure changes will be analysed, by simulating the current situation as well as the future situation. Comparison of the different simulations will show the impacts