One of the most challenging aspects of any design process is ensuring clients, investors and even individuals from the same team have a clear vision of how a project is going to look once finished.
3D graphics are often used to promote major developments such as the 2012 London Olympic stadium. “However”, Stuart explained “3D graphics are an important tool in the international oil and gas industry – more and more companies are benefiting from investing in new presentation techniques which make it easier to visualise the end result whether it is a building, a new piece of technology or an exhibition stand.
“Still images are often just not enough to allow people to fully understand a design concept. If the client isn’t used to reading technical drawings it can be difficult to paint an accurate picture in their minds.”
Â
A significant benefit to working with computer generated graphical representations is having the flexibility to integrate video and photography. Once a 3D model is created it can be rendered as point-of-view images or as interactive ‘fly-arounds’ where you can view the scene from all angles.
“In a recent project for the health and safety department of leading international energy services company, Wood Group, our design team created a 3D representation of the client’s building and outlined the route staff would take to exit the building in the event of a fire. By presenting the information in the form of a virtual tour we were able to clearly illustrate the emergency exit routes and assembly points in an interesting and memorable way.
“This kind of practical HR resource can be developed for training purposes to be more interactive, almost like a video game, to show how incidents can affect exit plans. 3D simulations can safely show and test emergency strategies, and train staff in a safe environment,” Smith added.
