Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Web2MemeMap
Found on the web. Highly descriptive of the http:\\www.reasonate.co.nz underlying web technologies.http://www.flickr.com/photos/timoreilly/44349798/18th September, 2005timoreilly
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Lecture 10 - Rendering
Lecture today covered the radiosity and light studio and mental ray renders.
I ran through some example tutorials on The VizDepot on radiosity and mental ray.
I noted the length of time renders can take and the need to test setting before embarking on a full render.
I pointed out that a radiosity solution is calculated before a render is done. In the example file a radiosity solution took 43 minutes and the render on top of it took anoth 23 seconds!
The process of 'baking' textures was introduced. With baked textures the lighting solution can be exported to an interative power point 3D model...
Also mentioned was the use of Light Studio materials - for the first time in 15 years, relatively easy - notes on the rendering tutorial on architecture-onlineteaching
I ran through some example tutorials on The VizDepot on radiosity and mental ray.
I noted the length of time renders can take and the need to test setting before embarking on a full render.
I pointed out that a radiosity solution is calculated before a render is done. In the example file a radiosity solution took 43 minutes and the render on top of it took anoth 23 seconds!
The process of 'baking' textures was introduced. With baked textures the lighting solution can be exported to an interative power point 3D model...
Also mentioned was the use of Light Studio materials - for the first time in 15 years, relatively easy - notes on the rendering tutorial on architecture-onlineteaching
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
BBSc 303 - Web Page Tutorial
BBSc 303 - Web Page Tutorial: "This tutorial will show you the basics of how to
set up a web site. Not just one or two web pages, but the philosophy
and thinking behind the organisation and presentation of information
on the web."
This was also the topic of half of the Lecture on May 16, 2006. Follow through / work through the site creation / publish options
set up a web site. Not just one or two web pages, but the philosophy
and thinking behind the organisation and presentation of information
on the web."
This was also the topic of half of the Lecture on May 16, 2006. Follow through / work through the site creation / publish options
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Photoshop Luminance Equalization Tutorial
Photoshop Luminance Equalization Tutorial
Photoshop Luminance Equalization Tutorial for tiling maps
These two links to content from Jeremy Birn's web site related to his excellent book Digital Lighting and rendering
The second is really important for setting up and rendering your own materials and ensuring that when the material is tiled across a facade that the map assigned as a material does not show seam or join lines...
Photoshop Luminance Equalization Tutorial for tiling maps
These two links to content from Jeremy Birn's web site related to his excellent book Digital Lighting and rendering
The second is really important for setting up and rendering your own materials and ensuring that when the material is tiled across a facade that the map assigned as a material does not show seam or join lines...
Saturday, May 06, 2006
yaledailynews.com - Learning to love archi-torture
yaledailynews.com - Learning to love archi-torture
How architecture school work looks to people doing other undergrad degrees!
How architecture school work looks to people doing other undergrad degrees!
Movie: Sketches of Frank Gehry at news views and analysis
Coming to a cinema near you (released in USA May 12 2006):
Movie: Sketches of Frank Gehry at news views and analysis
Movie: Sketches of Frank Gehry at news views and analysis
"Frank Gehry one of the greatest architects known to man, and arguably a giant of his field today, is going to star in a documentary by his name.
The documentary releases in NYC on May 12. Check out the trailer on their website."
pdf Press Kit about Sydney Pollack's film offers an intriguing hope for a potential blockbuster at this years NZ Annual Film Festival along the lines of Concert of Wills etc.Environmental Valuation & Cost-Benefit News - America's Top 10 Green Schools
Environmental Valuation & Cost-Benefit News - America's Top 10 Green Schools: "The early-American school kids swaddled with scarves to within a breath of suffocating as they hiked to the little red school house didn't know that their classrooms suffered from faulty insulation and bad air. But that's because no one thought much about the coal fire's smoke, the oil lantern's lung-clogging potential, the dank air's capacity to promote mildew and molds, or the contaminated water from the well."
Green schools - finally!
Green schools - finally!
Avant-garde architecture in Spain - WMMN Blog
yet ab=nother blog entry about the MOMA NY exhibition 2006 on Spanish Architecture
we make money not art: Avant-garde architecture in Spain (1)
we make money not art: Avant-garde architecture in Spain (1)
DOE: High Performance Buildings - Design Approach
DOE: High Performance Buildings - Design Approach: "A high-performance commercial building is a building with energy, economic, and environmental performance that is substantially better than standard practice. It's energy efficient, so it saves money and natural resources. It's a healthy place to live and work for its occupants and has relatively low impact on the environment. All this is achieved through a process called whole-building design."
Renzo Piano Building Workshop Official Site - The New York Times Building, New York City (NY), USA
Renzo Piano Building Workshop Official Site - The New York Times Building, New York City (NY), USA
One of the hundreds of references to this innovative 'sustainable' building.
One of the hundreds of references to this innovative 'sustainable' building.
"How architects build brands". 'The golden Age of the Skyscraper" Articles byWitold Rybczynski
How architects build brands. By Witold Rybczynski: "How architects market themselves."
Check out also Slate's Slide Show related to Witold's article 'The golden Age of the Skyscraper"
Make for interesting reading.
Check out also Slate's Slide Show related to Witold's article 'The golden Age of the Skyscraper"
Make for interesting reading.
optics.org
optics.org: "Light transmitting concrete is set to go on sale later this year."
Found this today. Date is 11 March 2004, and I don't see evidence for the widespread sale of this stuff yet - but who knows? I wonder what the optical properties are and how one might therefore model them?
Found this today. Date is 11 March 2004, and I don't see evidence for the widespread sale of this stuff yet - but who knows? I wonder what the optical properties are and how one might therefore model them?
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
BBSC 303 Digital Craft Lecture 7 - 2 May 2006
We watched an 18 minute 1995 video James Burke
. He described the problems of communication between Architecture and Building Science computer programs. He also described the beginning of what has become a programme of 10 years in length developing the Building Information Model (BIM). The pros and cons of the idea and what exactly the concept might lead to were the major themes of this presentation.
David Harrison then presented his paper that he presented in early April to the CAADRIA conference in Kumamoto in Japan. He described his research project and thus the background to Reasonate. He also showed how to use a number of the enhanced features of Reasonate, including a first introduction to how to use the new 'Web Page' feature to make and publish the web pages that will be a core part of the hand in of Assignment 1 and Assignment 2.
. He described the problems of communication between Architecture and Building Science computer programs. He also described the beginning of what has become a programme of 10 years in length developing the Building Information Model (BIM). The pros and cons of the idea and what exactly the concept might lead to were the major themes of this presentation.
David Harrison then presented his paper that he presented in early April to the CAADRIA conference in Kumamoto in Japan. He described his research project and thus the background to Reasonate. He also showed how to use a number of the enhanced features of Reasonate, including a first introduction to how to use the new 'Web Page' feature to make and publish the web pages that will be a core part of the hand in of Assignment 1 and Assignment 2.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Planet PDF - Review: Adobe Acrobat 3D
Planet PDF - Review: Adobe Acrobat 3D: "With Acrobat 3D, its newest addition to the Acrobat family, Adobe pushed the envelope of PDF capabilities. Adobe Acrobat 3D expands next-generation PDF workflow into the 3D worlds of Manufacturing and AEC (architecture, engineering and construction)."
Now this looks like a logical and exciting extensions to the Right Hemisphere 3D pdf expoert options we already have ...
Now this looks like a logical and exciting extensions to the Right Hemisphere 3D pdf expoert options we already have ...
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Google SketchUp (free) SUD
Google SketchUp (free) SUD: "The person who says it can't be done shouldn't interrupt the person who is doing it."
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Daylighting for the 21st Century
Daylighting for the 21st Century
Two years ago, but not yet out-of-date. An article in 'Architectural Lighting' on the issues in daylighting. James points out that unlike Victoria, there are many schools in the USA who "... have faculty with genuine daylighting expertise; and even fewer have artificial skies, helidons, and other systems for scale modeling and measuring daylighting performance. There is a tenuous acceptance of computer analysis and an unfortunate scale-modeling-versus-computer-modeling controversy brewing." The work that is being done by the IEA is a step towards improving this situation.
Two years ago, but not yet out-of-date. An article in 'Architectural Lighting' on the issues in daylighting. James points out that unlike Victoria, there are many schools in the USA who "... have faculty with genuine daylighting expertise; and even fewer have artificial skies, helidons, and other systems for scale modeling and measuring daylighting performance. There is a tenuous acceptance of computer analysis and an unfortunate scale-modeling-versus-computer-modeling controversy brewing." The work that is being done by the IEA is a step towards improving this situation.
3D Collaboration Spaces: What Future Ahead? - Online Collaboration and Web Conferencing Breaking News - Kolabora.com
3D Collaboration Spaces: What Future Ahead? - Online Collaboration and Web Conferencing Breaking News - Kolabora.com
"3D immersive virtual reality spaces in which people can meet, talk, present, and exchange documents and files have been around for over two years now." - Now, what about applications where architects, interior designers and buuilding scientists collaborate on modelling reality which is creative and challenging, not merely a decoration of the net environment?
"3D immersive virtual reality spaces in which people can meet, talk, present, and exchange documents and files have been around for over two years now." - Now, what about applications where architects, interior designers and buuilding scientists collaborate on modelling reality which is creative and challenging, not merely a decoration of the net environment?
Maturing Visualization Tools Make Ideas Look Real - Construction Industry, News Articles, Business Conditions
Maturing Visualization Tools Make Ideas Look Real - Construction Industry, News Articles, Business Conditions
Learn a little bit about what 4D might mean to people involved in construction...
Learn a little bit about what 4D might mean to people involved in construction...
CADwire.net - Articles > Avoiding Mistakes, Saving Money: The Case for Virtual Design and Construction
CADwire.net - Articles > Avoiding Mistakes, Saving Money: The Case for Virtual Design and Construction
A corporate AIA view of the things that can be done with true 3D models - 'virtual' or ebuildings.
A corporate AIA view of the things that can be done with true 3D models - 'virtual' or ebuildings.
Ellen’s Knowledge blog » Blog Archive » The Fish Story, or reduction of the nonessential
Ellen’s Knowledge blog » Blog Archive » The Fish Story, or reduction of the nonessential
Ellen Finkelstein has some really interesting things to say about effective communication. Here is a link of great use in the upcoming weeks as we get onto designing our own web pages - writing web pages that communicate well
Modern building rises in heart of ancient Rome - Yahoo! News
Modern building rises in heart of ancient Rome - Yahoo! News
"ROME (Reuters) - After years of controversy, Rome on Friday unveiled the first modern building to rise in its ancient centre since dictator Benito Mussolini ruled Italy more than half a century ago.
Renowned U.S. architect Richard Meier was on hand for the inauguration of the Ara Pacis museum, a steel, glass and marble structure that has fired Roman passions with one critic comparing it to a giant petrol station."
An article of interest for two reasons - another building for the list of buildings for future Digital Craft classes - and a description of the new buildings under construction or planned for Rome.
ArchitectureWeek - Tools - Digital Physical Mashup - 2006.0419
ArchitectureWeek - Tools - Digital Physical Mashup - 2006.0419
A digital design studio - not unlike the second year project we have been running at Victoria for the past 10 years or so -
A digital design studio - not unlike the second year project we have been running at Victoria for the past 10 years or so -
Aura :: 601 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, California, United States :: Glass Steel and Stone
Aura :: 601 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, California, United States :: Glass Steel and Stone
Check this out for a lesson in how a very simple block can be dressed up with a 3D 'skin' that alters our perception of the blockiness... A far cry for Daniel Libeskind from the V&A spiral or the Denver art meseum addition...
Check this out for a lesson in how a very simple block can be dressed up with a 3D 'skin' that alters our perception of the blockiness... A far cry for Daniel Libeskind from the V&A spiral or the Denver art meseum addition...
New Orleans woman runs for mayor of Disneyland | The Register
New Orleans woman runs for mayor of Disneyland | The Register
Is this waht Baudrillard was writing about - the virtual becomes the reality in some sense? The article raises an interesting possibility that the 'restoration' of New Orleans will become a gentrification / ersatz 'safe' and 'cleaned up' version of what used to be there... And then is it any longer New Orleans?
Is this waht Baudrillard was writing about - the virtual becomes the reality in some sense? The article raises an interesting possibility that the 'restoration' of New Orleans will become a gentrification / ersatz 'safe' and 'cleaned up' version of what used to be there... And then is it any longer New Orleans?
Friday, April 14, 2006
Illuminated Tiles facilitate emergency egress., Steuler Fliesen GmbH
Check out this story at the Thomasnet 'Industrial Newsroom". A European company has developed a ceramic tile with embedded LED lighting. Now all you have to do is develop a use for them! They suggest there are 'endless opportunities for luxurious design...' I presume luxurious is the usual code word for expensive. Still, wonder where I can get the IES format file for including them in a render?
Illuminated Tiles facilitate emergency egress., Steuler Fliesen GmbH
Illuminated Tiles facilitate emergency egress., Steuler Fliesen GmbH
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
BBSC 303 Digital Craft Lecture 6 April 4 2006
Merete talked today about the light flow meter that will be an integral part of the rendering assignment. She explained its origins in lighting history and theory and described the purposes of its components. The background papers for this talk are available on the School of Architecture intranet ("the R drive" ). Of particular note was the requirement that each student place an array of light flow meters (using the 3DS Viz array command) after merging the meter into their model. The meter comprises a flat white sphere, a shiny black sphere and a flat white plate with a peg or shadow casting gnomon on each side. Merete described the three aspects of light distribution that each part of the meter is intended to describe.
My talk was about the craft skills involved in using the Light Studio interface to Radiance. I showed:
My talk was about the craft skills involved in using the Light Studio interface to Radiance. I showed:
- the light studio material generator, including a small demonstration of the material script editor
- the light studio render interface, including switching on and off ambient and geometry files for efficient rendering
- high dynamic range images of the type you are required to produce, and how you might use these .pic format images to explore the view that the eye rather than the camera 'sees'
Friday, March 31, 2006
Peak copper?
Salon: Tech & Business: "Forget about oil. Copper is getting pretty pricey, too."
Salon: Tech & Business: "Forget about oil. Copper is getting pretty pricey, too."
Just to add to your digital worries - if you are a worrier.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Academic Research in Architectural Computing: AECbytes "Building the Future" Article
One person's view of some interesting developments in architectural research. Some interesting ideas and some interesting folks actually doing the work. A limited overview of some people who have been to the same conferences as the author?
Academic Research in Architectural Computing: AECbytes "Building the Future" Article
Personally, I'd add Madhavi and his team at TU Wien (Vienna), and the work of the other people (like 'Fried Augenbro who is referred to in this article) who regularly present at the IBPSA conferences on Building Performance Simulation. Thermal Performance, Lighting Performance and Aural performance are equally important aspects of the study of digital architecture - ebuildings.
Academic Research in Architectural Computing: AECbytes "Building the Future" Article
Personally, I'd add Madhavi and his team at TU Wien (Vienna), and the work of the other people (like 'Fried Augenbro who is referred to in this article) who regularly present at the IBPSA conferences on Building Performance Simulation. Thermal Performance, Lighting Performance and Aural performance are equally important aspects of the study of digital architecture - ebuildings.
AEC/Architecture Features - the BIM
Check out this link for reading around the whole world of interoperability in preaparation for the LECTURE on 2 May
AEC/Architecture Features
AEC/Architecture Features
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Rem Koolhaas on 'Junkspace'
So, I am trawling for new and interesting museum buildings to model in the Digital Craft course and I encounter this densely presented and dense prose.
It reminds me of a doco I saw following Derrida around for some months. You need to understand the person to understand their philosophical writings. I'm still trying to understand the person - that's what still challenges in these 'writings' whether they are text or buildings. A link / person to watch.
But, what's much more interesting in the end is the conference that Rem was presenting to. A conference on the interdisciplinary. A quote on their introduction page places them in the area of research / endeavour theat we have been exploring at Victoria for the life of our school:
"What is interesting is that, in America right now, you cannot pick up any educational document without the word interdisciplinarity. And yet, if you look for interdisciplinarity, you can't find it. . I have not been able to find philosophical or epistemological writings that really talk about what interdisciplinarity really is and how you can have standards, that sort of thing. So, there is a big disjunction between the buzzword aspect and our understanding. My position has been that just as you wouldn't want to call somebody bilingual unless they knew more than one language, you wouldn't want to call someone interdisciplinary unless they know more than one discipline." (Howard Gardner)
It reminds me of a doco I saw following Derrida around for some months. You need to understand the person to understand their philosophical writings. I'm still trying to understand the person - that's what still challenges in these 'writings' whether they are text or buildings. A link / person to watch.
But, what's much more interesting in the end is the conference that Rem was presenting to. A conference on the interdisciplinary. A quote on their introduction page places them in the area of research / endeavour theat we have been exploring at Victoria for the life of our school:
"What is interesting is that, in America right now, you cannot pick up any educational document without the word interdisciplinarity. And yet, if you look for interdisciplinarity, you can't find it. . I have not been able to find philosophical or epistemological writings that really talk about what interdisciplinarity really is and how you can have standards, that sort of thing. So, there is a big disjunction between the buzzword aspect and our understanding. My position has been that just as you wouldn't want to call somebody bilingual unless they knew more than one language, you wouldn't want to call someone interdisciplinary unless they know more than one discipline." (Howard Gardner)
Edward_ Winkleman writing about 'The Digital Facade'
the Digital Facade on the blog Edward_Winkelman shows a building in Graz that would be diabolical to try to model, but would be absolutely fascinating to model. Anyone care to try?
Edward_ Winkleman writing about 'The Digital Facade'
the Digital Facade on the blog Edward_Winkelman shows a building in Graz that would be diabolical to try to model, but would be absolutely fascinating to model. Anyone care to try?
bvs_theblogproject: > architecture archives
Blue Vertical Studio's (BVS) architecture blog topics over recent times...
A potential mine of recent museum building references.
bvs_theblogproject: > architecture archives
A potential mine of recent museum building references.
bvs_theblogproject: > architecture archives
A personal architectual comment on Renzo Piano's Paul Klee Centre
A personal architectual comment on Renzo Piano's Paul Klee Centre...
Another interesting building to model.
Another interesting building to model.
Hello,I'm Michael Qu, welcome !: A personal architectual comment on Renzo Piano's Paul Klee Centre
Hello,I'm Michael Qu, welcome !: A personal architectual comment on Renzo Piano's Paul Klee Centre
Another building that would be interesting to model.
Another building that would be interesting to model.
TechCrunch - tracking Web 2.0
TechCrunch look like they could be providing the 15 minutes of fame that web 2.0 is receiving at present. Whether 2.0 will continue or not doesn't matter so long as interesting applications keep turning up. What this particular techcrunch article describes is an interesting add-on product for Skype.
Another site to link an RSS feed to.
Another site to link an RSS feed to.
You Tube videos - a fascinating place to spend time
This is from that dictinoary where spend time can feel like it means waste time because it is so much fun. If, as we do in NZ you pay through the nose for bandwidth, it can also be expensive.
However, here are some interesting links:
This youtube site is another site using tagging. Try it. Search for tags. The above is a selection from the 'architecture' tag. There will be many others of interest to the Digital Craft practitioner.
However, here are some interesting links:
- Zaha Hadid, Coop Himmelblau and others - architecture presentation
- Architectural Visualisation
- An architecture student's mix of video and animation to describe a design proposal
- Yet another of the 'enhanced or augmented reality' ideas like the Hitlab at Canterbury Uni
- Frank Gehry speaking in Toronto
- Art Gallery in Ontario display of Frank Gehry models
- Richard Feynman - one of the 'heros of modern physics' talking about symmetry in nature and relating this to architecture of the Nikko gate in Japan.
- And to quote from the description of the next video: "A short video about showing the current state of four of Beijing's new mega buildings:
- Rem Koolhaas' new CCTV building
- Paul Andreu's National Theater
- The National Swimming Center or 'Water Cube' designed by PTW
- The Olympic Stadium designed Herzog & de Meuron
This youtube site is another site using tagging. Try it. Search for tags. The above is a selection from the 'architecture' tag. There will be many others of interest to the Digital Craft practitioner.
A List Apart: Articles: “Forgiving” Browsers Considered Harmful
A List Apart: Articles: “Forgiving” Browsers Considered Harmful
Looking ahead to when we start creating web pages, this article talks about the ideas that are at the heart of our use of html in the Digital Craft Assignment: how to move enthusiastic and hard working students from an enthusiasm for playing with the presentation technic to an understanding of the underlying principles.
Looking ahead to when we start creating web pages, this article talks about the ideas that are at the heart of our use of html in the Digital Craft Assignment: how to move enthusiastic and hard working students from an enthusiasm for playing with the presentation technic to an understanding of the underlying principles.
The oil is going, the oil is going! | Salon.com News
The oil is going, the oil is going! | Salon.com News
Slightly to the left of the Digital Craft Focus of this blog - but this primer on the current debate is well worth reading. It is also a tidy example of how well self-documenting the web can be. Links to others' work, to evidence for one's conclusions are easily provided and just as easily followed by the reader.
Slightly to the left of the Digital Craft Focus of this blog - but this primer on the current debate is well worth reading. It is also a tidy example of how well self-documenting the web can be. Links to others' work, to evidence for one's conclusions are easily provided and just as easily followed by the reader.
Burj Dubai
Glass Steel and Stone: "When completed, this building is intended to be the tallest in the world. Originally, it was in the running with the Freedom Tower in New York, however, the Burj Dubai has the advantage of actually having begun construction while the New York project has been bogged down in political and sentimental interests.
Just how tall the tower will be remains to be seen. With any skyscraper, th..."
From the school of thought that suggests bigger is better - a USA architect builds in Dubai. 124th floor observation deck! Apartments from levels 52 to 108.Gives a whole new meaning to doing your sports training by running up and down the front steps at home...
Glass Steel and Stone: "When completed, this building is intended to be the tallest in the world. Originally, it was in the running with the Freedom Tower in New York, however, the Burj Dubai has the advantage of actually having begun construction while the New York project has been bogged down in political and sentimental interests.
Just how tall the tower will be remains to be seen. With any skyscraper, th..."
From the school of thought that suggests bigger is better - a USA architect builds in Dubai. 124th floor observation deck! Apartments from levels 52 to 108.Gives a whole new meaning to doing your sports training by running up and down the front steps at home...
Google Buys @Last Software (upFront.eZine)
CADwire.net: Articles: "
Now this is what Rachel Ryan (Tuesday tutor in 303) has been saying about her thesis project for some time: just think of the possibilities if one can place models anywhere in the world! Although the notes and references here were all canvassed in her honours research last year, it seems like things are just getting started ! A Blog for that research might be a very interesting option...
CADwire.net: Articles: "
Google Buys @Last Software
Source: upFront.eZine
by Ralph Grabowski
- But Why? - Here's Why - The Impact of KML on KAD - The Danger for SketchUp - On Another Matter...
"Now this is what Rachel Ryan (Tuesday tutor in 303) has been saying about her thesis project for some time: just think of the possibilities if one can place models anywhere in the world! Although the notes and references here were all canvassed in her honours research last year, it seems like things are just getting started ! A Blog for that research might be a very interesting option...
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
BBSC 303 Digital Craft Lecture 4 March 21 2006
Topics: Planning the 3D model for assignment 1 - what to document on the Reasonate web site for assignment 2 about the process.
On the topic list from the timetable were: CAD shootout. AutoCAD: geometry modeller with Architectural Desktop overlay; ArchiCAD: Architectural paradigm; Revit: Parametric Modeller Different approaches.
Discussed at length were the principles of making a model in tandem with another person. Examples were given of occluding surfaces; computer efficiencies when making materials; object / layer naming systems; testing ideas with small objects combined from two modellers; assigning object names so object exclusions, material assignments etc are efficient.
At the end of the session we covered a range of topics:
On the topic list from the timetable were: CAD shootout. AutoCAD: geometry modeller with Architectural Desktop overlay; ArchiCAD: Architectural paradigm; Revit: Parametric Modeller Different approaches.
Discussed at length were the principles of making a model in tandem with another person. Examples were given of occluding surfaces; computer efficiencies when making materials; object / layer naming systems; testing ideas with small objects combined from two modellers; assigning object names so object exclusions, material assignments etc are efficient.
At the end of the session we covered a range of topics:
- the hand in dates for ALL the assignments are flexible around the dates in the timetable
- the hand in date for the Exercise, because of the delays due to the room closure (319) is 22 March 23:00pm
- email contact with the architects of your building - offering them something in return (by showing them examples from past years of what 303 students are capable of) - and asking for references to information not already found in library / Avery searches
- finding partners for the assignments is clearly becoming an issue and we are working on a partner finding solution
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Google Earth Spins Into Revit
CADwire.net: Blurbs: "Google Earth Spins Into Revit"
And now for a lead to something you might like to try in the exercise just before you finish next week!
CADwire.net: Blurbs: "Google Earth Spins Into Revit"
And now for a lead to something you might like to try in the exercise just before you finish next week!
Google Acquired @Last Software - FAQ
CADwire.net: Blurbs: "Google Acquired @Last Software - FAQ"
Well, well, well. Shades of Autodesk's acquisition of Revit in the past - seems like we discover and start using an intereting product and the big boys and girls also notice and acquire the product. Watch this space. Let's just hope they do more with Google Sketchup than they have done with Google Earth in the past 12 months. Google Earth is an extremely frustrating an promising product because of the unrealised promise....
Check out the GE file on our R:\drive in the BBSC 401 folder some time from Rachel Ryan's work last year in BBSc Honours.
CADwire.net: Blurbs: "Google Acquired @Last Software - FAQ"
Well, well, well. Shades of Autodesk's acquisition of Revit in the past - seems like we discover and start using an intereting product and the big boys and girls also notice and acquire the product. Watch this space. Let's just hope they do more with Google Sketchup than they have done with Google Earth in the past 12 months. Google Earth is an extremely frustrating an promising product because of the unrealised promise....
Check out the GE file on our R:\drive in the BBSC 401 folder some time from Rachel Ryan's work last year in BBSc Honours.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
BBSC 303 Digital Craft Lecture 3 March 14 2006
Topics: RSS feeds; Global Illumination; an expert's view of Archicad
David came in and presented the RSS feeds he has set up, plus the Sage plugin/extension that can be entered into the Firefox (recommended) web browser for subscribing to feeds.
I presented information on the two Global Illumination render options in 3DS Viz that are required tools for rendering the models currently being constructed in the tutorial exercises and are required in the Render assignment as well. These two are Radiosity based photon tracking and Radiance based photon tracking. They each have pros and cons.
Andrew Johnston then presented a personal view of how he would approach the use of Archicad to model buildings for the assigned work in the course.
David came in and presented the RSS feeds he has set up, plus the Sage plugin/extension that can be entered into the Firefox (recommended) web browser for subscribing to feeds.
I presented information on the two Global Illumination render options in 3DS Viz that are required tools for rendering the models currently being constructed in the tutorial exercises and are required in the Render assignment as well. These two are Radiosity based photon tracking and Radiance based photon tracking. They each have pros and cons.
Andrew Johnston then presented a personal view of how he would approach the use of Archicad to model buildings for the assigned work in the course.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Great Uses for RSS
AutoCAD Tips Newsletter: "Basement.org has done a great job of putting together a list of great things that you can track with RSS feeds. You�re sure to find one that will hold your life together.
Part One
http://www.basement.org/archives/2006/02/taking_rss_beyond_headlines_pa_1.html">Part Two"
A preview of what David has to tell us on Tuesday 14 March - RSS feeds and what you can do with them.... Another of Ellen Finkelstein's interesting blog references.
AutoCAD Tips Newsletter: "Basement.org has done a great job of putting together a list of great things that you can track with RSS feeds. You�re sure to find one that will hold your life together.
Part One
http://www.basement.org/archives/2006/02/taking_rss_beyond_headlines_pa_1.html">Part Two"
A preview of what David has to tell us on Tuesday 14 March - RSS feeds and what you can do with them.... Another of Ellen Finkelstein's interesting blog references.
AutoCAD 2007 new features! (EllenFinkelstein.com)
CADwire.net: Reviews: "
Finally we might have some 3D objects in AutoCAD that mean something in terms of genuine 3D modelling - making objects that follow the imagination, rather than the strictures that have been imposed in the past. Now, all we need is access to the parametric tree of objects that created the final product - so we can change the (design) 'rules' AND the ability to 'declare' free-form solid objects as actual building components with all the normal properties of 'roof'/'wall'/'floor'...
CADwire.net: Reviews: "
AutoCAD 2007 new features!
Source: EllenFinkelstein.com
by Ellen Finkelstein
Beta sites have been released from their non-disclosure agreement, so now I can tell you all about it! As you may have heard,...
"Finally we might have some 3D objects in AutoCAD that mean something in terms of genuine 3D modelling - making objects that follow the imagination, rather than the strictures that have been imposed in the past. Now, all we need is access to the parametric tree of objects that created the final product - so we can change the (design) 'rules' AND the ability to 'declare' free-form solid objects as actual building components with all the normal properties of 'roof'/'wall'/'floor'...
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Eyesore of the Month by James Howard Kunstler
Eyesore of the Month by James Howard Kunstler
Found this web site today - on the basis of this page alone, this is a site worth keeping an eye on. Checking the previous two months does not reveal the same trenchant commentary but rather much eaier targets. Nevertheless, promising.
Found this web site today - on the basis of this page alone, this is a site worth keeping an eye on. Checking the previous two months does not reveal the same trenchant commentary but rather much eaier targets. Nevertheless, promising.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Preview of AutoCAD 2007
Finally, an AutoCAD for the 21st Century (AECnews.com)
CADwire.net: Reviews: "
WE are just installing and dealing with the operational characteristics of AutoCAD 2006 and they are announcing the imminent release of 2007, and at least this guy is raving about its potential.
CADwire.net: Reviews: "
Finally, an AutoCAD for the 21st Century
Source: AECnews.com
by Randall S. Newton
The AutoCAD competitive landscape of the last few years can be summarized as encroachment from all sides. Tools like SketchUp...
"WE are just installing and dealing with the operational characteristics of AutoCAD 2006 and they are announcing the imminent release of 2007, and at least this guy is raving about its potential.
BBSC 303 Digital Craft Lecture 2 March 7 2006
Topics covered today:
The importance of file management: a file naming system - to ensure file name reflect file content to enable easy searches; a file archiving system - to keep track of versions and dates of creation; a file backup system - to ensure no data loss if the coffee gremlin attacks a keyboard / hard disk drive; checking regularly that the backup medium can be read - to insure against disappointment when a backup is needed; never reading directly into the program off the backup - to ensure that the process that corrupted the working copy cannot attack the backup. .
Right Hemisphere's Deep Exploration a file management browser available on SoA computers for 3D file browsing and conversion and simplification. The sibling software package that permits the insertion of 3D models into Powerpoint, Word and Internet Explorer - Deep Publish - was also examined. A tutorial
on creating a web page in which a 3D model is embedded has been written for this course. This will be used for Part A of the modelling assignment. It should also be trialed for the exercise. If you are using Internet Explorer, the an interactive copy of the School of Architecture building can be viewed here. )Please note this is a large file and should only be viewed IF you have broadband access.)
The minimum requirements for passing the course were also explained a second time: complete the exercises AND Part A of the modelling assignment, otherwise the grades for the modelling assignment and for the drawing documentation assignment will not be able to be awarded.
We made an abortive attempt to show off Rachel Ryan's Google Earth model of the Wellington CBD. Some incompatibilities between the laptop screen and the projector would seem to be the cause. We will return to this as the Modelling Assignment will require everyone to export their model into Google Earth, to allow the museums to be viewed in context.
David Harrison came in to show the stage II rollout of the blog system with the addition of tags. He showed examples from flickr and from deli.cio.us. Then showed how to tag the blogs that had already been posted.
The importance of file management: a file naming system - to ensure file name reflect file content to enable easy searches; a file archiving system - to keep track of versions and dates of creation; a file backup system - to ensure no data loss if the coffee gremlin attacks a keyboard / hard disk drive; checking regularly that the backup medium can be read - to insure against disappointment when a backup is needed; never reading directly into the program off the backup - to ensure that the process that corrupted the working copy cannot attack the backup. .
Right Hemisphere's Deep Exploration a file management browser available on SoA computers for 3D file browsing and conversion and simplification. The sibling software package that permits the insertion of 3D models into Powerpoint, Word and Internet Explorer - Deep Publish - was also examined. A tutorial
on creating a web page in which a 3D model is embedded has been written for this course. This will be used for Part A of the modelling assignment. It should also be trialed for the exercise. If you are using Internet Explorer, the an interactive copy of the School of Architecture building can be viewed here. )Please note this is a large file and should only be viewed IF you have broadband access.)
The minimum requirements for passing the course were also explained a second time: complete the exercises AND Part A of the modelling assignment, otherwise the grades for the modelling assignment and for the drawing documentation assignment will not be able to be awarded.
We made an abortive attempt to show off Rachel Ryan's Google Earth model of the Wellington CBD. Some incompatibilities between the laptop screen and the projector would seem to be the cause. We will return to this as the Modelling Assignment will require everyone to export their model into Google Earth, to allow the museums to be viewed in context.
David Harrison came in to show the stage II rollout of the blog system with the addition of tags. He showed examples from flickr and from deli.cio.us. Then showed how to tag the blogs that had already been posted.
This simulator is for real: 'Every physical product should be made with our software' (The Independent)
CADwire.net: Articles: "
Test / demo in class - loaded because the link looked good when I was showing people how to use the news is free service. On second thoughts, it is one of those teaser offerings that are becoming more and more common. The article is from the independent newspaper web site. The first ~200 words are visible. To see the whole article one needs to pay real money.
CADwire.net: Articles: "
This simulator is for real: 'Every physical product should be made with our software'
Source: The Independent
by Stella Shamoon
Never knowingly understated, the boss of a French powerhouse urges the world to look through his 3D glasses...
"Test / demo in class - loaded because the link looked good when I was showing people how to use the news is free service. On second thoughts, it is one of those teaser offerings that are becoming more and more common. The article is from the independent newspaper web site. The first ~200 words are visible. To see the whole article one needs to pay real money.
The smart revolution (AEC Magazine)
CADwire.net: Articles: "
Check this out! The revolution is (slowly) happening. It is already a couple of years at least since Robert Aish of Bentley (Microstation) presented this concept in a presentation on his research at Victoria University while on a trip to NZ. Then it seemed a revolutionary re-think of what is CAD. What is good to see is the idea gaining momentum.
CADwire.net: Articles: "
The smart revolution
Source: AEC Magazine
by Martyn Day
This month�s Cambridge-based workshop and conference, held at the British Museum in London, demonstrated that the momentum be...
"Check this out! The revolution is (slowly) happening. It is already a couple of years at least since Robert Aish of Bentley (Microstation) presented this concept in a presentation on his research at Victoria University while on a trip to NZ. Then it seemed a revolutionary re-think of what is CAD. What is good to see is the idea gaining momentum.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Blogs vs. The New York Times: Who Will Win?
AutoCAD Tips Newsletter: "Is the New York Times becoming irrelevant? Will more people start getting their news from blogs than from the mainstream media? It�s a $1000 bet! Wired reports, �Wired 10.05: Long Bets,� on a bet on whether or not weblogs will outrank the New York Times Web site by 2007. The test will be a Google [...]"
Another highly relevant think piece referenced by Autodesk
AutoCAD Tips Newsletter: "Is the New York Times becoming irrelevant? Will more people start getting their news from blogs than from the mainstream media? It�s a $1000 bet! Wired reports, �Wired 10.05: Long Bets,� on a bet on whether or not weblogs will outrank the New York Times Web site by 2007. The test will be a Google [...]"
Another highly relevant think piece referenced by Autodesk
2nd generation knowledge management
AutoCAD Tips Newsletter: "Dave Pollard explains his ideas about why the old knowledge management didn�t work very well and why a new approach is better in �Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration 2015.�
Basically, it�s about people rather than software.
He also updates his list of information behaviors which explain why people don�t share knowledge well. It�s amazing how much of this [...]"
AutoDesk referencing thought provoking stuff in their newsletter. There's hope in the old firm yet.
AutoCAD Tips Newsletter: "Dave Pollard explains his ideas about why the old knowledge management didn�t work very well and why a new approach is better in �Knowledge Sharing & Collaboration 2015.�
Basically, it�s about people rather than software.
He also updates his list of information behaviors which explain why people don�t share knowledge well. It�s amazing how much of this [...]"
AutoDesk referencing thought provoking stuff in their newsletter. There's hope in the old firm yet.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Housewrap and Roof Underlayment optimize home building.
Industrial News Room: Architectural and Civil Engineering Products: "Gorilla Wrap(TM) non-perforated, nonwoven, polymeric housewrap minimizes air infiltration, resulting in energy efficiency and moisture control. Translucent material offers tear resistance and enables contractors to see studs, nails, and windows on home's frame. Employing asphalt with nonwoven polyester reinforcement, DuraBase(TM) underlayment provides puncture resistance and waterproofing as it seals around nails. It can be exposed to sun for 6 months without performance deterioration."
The wonders of new materials - but how to know what is available? What google search would turn up this particular gem?
Industrial News Room: Architectural and Civil Engineering Products: "Gorilla Wrap(TM) non-perforated, nonwoven, polymeric housewrap minimizes air infiltration, resulting in energy efficiency and moisture control. Translucent material offers tear resistance and enables contractors to see studs, nails, and windows on home's frame. Employing asphalt with nonwoven polyester reinforcement, DuraBase(TM) underlayment provides puncture resistance and waterproofing as it seals around nails. It can be exposed to sun for 6 months without performance deterioration."
The wonders of new materials - but how to know what is available? What google search would turn up this particular gem?
Saturday, February 11, 2006
A Daily Dose of Architecture: Nelsons-Atkins Bloch
A Daily Dose of Architecture: Nelsons-Atkins Bloch The Daily Dose reference to 'Steven Holl's design for the Bloch Building addition to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO' - a great example of why blogs are so useful. Now all I need is the time to find all the relevant ones about architecture...
Friday, February 10, 2006
Autodesk completes acquisition of Alias
BSEE: "Autodesk has completed the acquisition of Alias� a leading developer of 3D graphics technology. This acquisition extends Autodesk�s 3D software leadership in the manufacturing and media and entertainment industries."
May and 3DS Max produced by the same firm? Where does that leave the consumer? Where is the competition regulatory commission in the software industry?
BSEE: "Autodesk has completed the acquisition of Alias� a leading developer of 3D graphics technology. This acquisition extends Autodesk�s 3D software leadership in the manufacturing and media and entertainment industries."
May and 3DS Max produced by the same firm? Where does that leave the consumer? Where is the competition regulatory commission in the software industry?
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Fulbright Tower
Glass Steel and Stone: "This building is often overlooked in the city's skyline. This is partially because of its location, near the fringes of the business core, and because of the number of taller buildings shadowing it. The Fulbright Tower should get more attention as the area around it is redeveloped with a new baseball stadium, a new basketball and ice hockey arena, new hotel, and the assorted shops, restaurants and..."
Glass Steel and Stone: "This building is often overlooked in the city's skyline. This is partially because of its location, near the fringes of the business core, and because of the number of taller buildings shadowing it. The Fulbright Tower should get more attention as the area around it is redeveloped with a new baseball stadium, a new basketball and ice hockey arena, new hotel, and the assorted shops, restaurants and..."