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Augmented Reality Designs Your House With IKEA Furniture
You think about changing the decor of your house and the first thing that comes to your mind is IKEA.
You sit down with that big IKEA catalog at night after work, flip through the pages and try to imagine how the pieces you're eyeing would actually fit in your home. You even start measuring with a ruler, doing calculations hoping your favorite piece of decor would fit into your space.
You love the armchairs and bookcases but somehow they never look as perfect in your cramped apartment as they do in the aptly decorated showrooms.
This demotivates you to even take a look at the catalog leave alone visiting the store.
But now you’ll look forward to pick up that decor book and re-design your house.
IKEA's 2014 catalog aims to ease some of that angst by letting you plan ahead with its augmented reality feature.
This new feature, which will be available on August 25 and uses an augmented reality technology, allows you to see what the furniture would really look like in your own home.
How to go about it.
All you have to do is scan the pages of catalog with the augmented reality app on your mobile device, place the printed catalog wherever you'd like in the spot where you're considering adding a new piece of furniture.With the camera on the phone or tablet, the app captures an image of the room, using the catalog as a size guide, for the virtual furniture that you can place in the room. After this step you can select the desired item with a 3-D model view of the piece in your room on your phone or tablet.
Since the app uses the front cover of the catalog as a reference, it is likely you can use a printed copy of the Ikea catalog cover instead of having to bring along an entire book.
Ikea is actually transporting its products into your house, associating your living room with its showroom through a sort of digital test drive. So you needn’t visit the store, of course.
The 2014 catalog will be available in print, as well as on iPhone, iPad and Android.
You can also look forward to several highly anticipated new releases, such as the Lövbacken table, a revival of the company's original flat-pack table produced in 1956.
Watch the video above to see how it works:
A Plea to Photographers
It's long been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Other sources say put the worth at ten thousand.
A character in Ivan S.Turgenev's novel Fathers and Sons said: ""The drawing shows me at one glance what might be spread over ten pages in a book.""
(Unfortunately we're not sure whether the character is referring to 10 pages in a university post graduate textbook or "Green Eggs and Ham" so it's hard to map on the ""picture worth x"" continuum) No matter; it's clear to everyone that pictures are worth a lot of words...more so as GenX, GenY and Millenials are eclipsed by ""GenA.D.D.""
But what about words AND pictures? Might the worth be exponentially greater? Alan Shapiro believes their value together goes far beyond either individually and will share his point of view on why photographers should seriously consider evolving their written storytelling ability especially now as social media experiences like Google+ are more important than ever.
Bio:
Alan Shapiro has been a creative storyteller his entire life. He took up photography a few years back to relieve the stress of his day job as an advertising Chief Creative Officer and to give himself a bit of a daily ""creative exercise regimen"". It took off beyond his wildest dreams and he is now published, shooting assignments for clients (including Scholastic, Lockheed Martin and General Motors) and his work is in galleries and private collections. He is currently the 4th most followed photographer in the world (with huge thanks to Google+) with 2 careers that he loves (both of which involve his passion for storytelling).
Website:
AlanShapiroPhotography.com
Who Needs 3-D Design?
In the world of architectural design things have evolved rather rapidly in the past few years in what regards the visualization of the project before the actual building. This is due to the amazing softwares available that allow the designer to turn their 2-D sketches and plans into illustrated and rendered 3-D images. A 3-D design helps the client see how the building will look like months before the actual building of it, and it also helps them make any changes if they sense something isn’t quite as they’ve imagined.
Although architects and designers have an excellent sense of 3-D visualizing of a building just by looking at a 2-D plan, the ordinary people don’t have this ability; hence 3-D design has come to their rescue. But let’s see who needs 3-D design and mostly why and how it can draw the line between an architectural success and a total failure. Are you ready?
1. Visualizing 2-D Design is Difficult
As we were saying, for the client, who isn't knowledgeable in most cases, visualizing a 2-D plan is rather difficult and in the end not that satisfactory. What does this mean? You’ll deal with a lot of changes and adjustments of the plans (meaning extra work) or even worse, it won’t meet the needs and expectations of your clients, and they’ll either reject it or refuse funding it, depending on the case.
2. Instant Changes
A 3-D design and rendering helps the client see how the building will look like until the very last details. Also, the software programs allow you to make instant changes during the board meeting presentation so that, at the end of the meeting everybody’s 100% happy with how things will work out. Isn't this a giant plus?
3. 3-D Design Presentations to Impress
A 3-D design illustration is clearly the best way to impress a board of investors right from the very start. The project will look astonishing due to the rendering and the 3-D illustration on one hand, and on the other you will look like a professional (that you are). This is the message you will convey to your audience and in the end things will work out your way.
4. Fewer Changes during Construction
Another giant plus, when it comes to 3-D rendering, is the fact that there will be fewer changes during the actual construction of the building that you've projected. This means fewer headaches and moving back and forth with the work. In the end, this will save, time, money and stress on both parts.
5. Reduce Extra Charges
We all know that extra work means extra costs and still no one wants it, especially not the clients who in most cases run on a tight budget. 3-D design and rendering saves you from spending far beyond the budget you’ve allocated this is why it’s so critical. Next time you ask yourself “who needs 3-D design” you’ll know the answer already: everybody!
Minnesota University 2013 (HD) - Autodesk Discussion Panel
This is a panel of representatives from Autodesk who discuss questions from Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) customers about Autodesk software, and where the industry is going.
Minnesota University is a regional professional development event where attendees learn about new and emerging technologies, new features of Autodesk software, tools and techniques that keep architects and building engineering firms competitive.
Everything about Photo-Real Architectural Rendering
For those of you who aren’t familiar with photo-real architectural rendering and want to learn more about it you’ve landed on the right side of the web.
Also called architectural illustration, architectural rendering is the art that refers to the creation of 2D and 3D images or animations in order to highlight the most important attributes and facets of the given architectural design.
While architectural rendering has been used in the construction and design industry for decades now, its more modern form uses computer-generated renderings, also known as photo-real renderings.
What is the main use of photo-real architectural renderings?
Well, the combination of 3D drawing art and software technology has led to a variety of uses of these renderings. First and foremost, architectural renderings are used for presentation of new architectural and design purposes, as well as for marketing and advertisement. Another use of architectural rendering is the design analysis purpose.
Still, one of the most powerful uses it has is to help people see how their house or property will look when it will be done constructed and decorated. Nowadays more and more architect bureaus and construction companies use photo-real architectural rendering in order to show their clients the final product and make sure that this is what they want.
Moreover, architectural renderings we see today are to the right proportion, scale and even use real life textures or materials and even color and finishes.
Another important use of these types of renderings are in real estate sales because they facilitate the possibility to make slight changes in design well before the house or property is actually built.
Are there more types of photo-real architectural renderings?
The answer is yes. And this depends on what the client wants and needs. Hence, architectural renderings can refer to still renderings, animations, virtual tours, renovation renderings, as well as 3D and panoramic renderings.
Depending on the purpose of the rendering, a professional architectural illustrator can help you with the exact type of rendering that you need. Basically, the job of the architectural illustrator is to put complex concepts or objects into reality and elaborate photo-real or non-realistic 3D images or animations. The renderings are used to communicate design ideas to clients, customers, to the general public or to owners and committees.
What does it take to be a professional architectural illustrator?
Although there are very many softwares and technologies that architectural illustrators use to create this type of artwork, not everybody can create a photo-real rendering. You need to have the knowhow in order to operate the special softwares and create the final version of this architectural art.
All of the professional architectural illustrators are artists at their core and they know a vast deal about proportions, sections, parameters and the architecture of buildings, besides having a tremendous imagination and creativity. Besides, a professional render knows all about the psychology of color, he understands how light and shadow works in other words, he sees like an artist, and this is visible it the final product.
Last but not least, in order to deliver spectacular art pieces such as design renderings, a pro needs to be passionate of his work. Every great man in the history of mankind has been passionate of his work to the point in which he managed to revolutionize the world.
How does a photo-real rendering come to life?
If you’ve ever wondered how one can “bring to life” such abstract concepts in a sheer visual manner, you’ll find the answer right away. Well, an architectural rendering is the direct result of combining the fundamentals of art with the latest software technology.
A render engine is included with every major 3D software suite nowadays, and it depends on the artist on which software he uses. Due to the evolution of technology, the softwares available today come with easy to use and understand parameters that help a whole lot the illustrator editing his art in order to come out as realistic and complete as possible. The material and lighting packages that come with most rendering softwares help even more with achieving that over the top level of realism.
Some of the most used software in architectural rendering to get that photo-real feel to the final product are 3D MAX Design Studio, ArchiCad, Revit, Maya, AutoCad Architecture, Google Sketch Up as well as Rhinoceros.
The architectural illustrator uses one of these softwares, adds texturing, transparency, shadows as well as radiosity and caustics for the finishing touches. With a bit of magic, a lot of knowhow and an artistic touch, the photo-real architectural rendering comes to life and is ready to use.
Why do we need photo-real architectural renderings?
We live in a world where taking risks, especially when it comes to constructing or renovating a property, is not worth it, in fact, is quite risky. Photo-real renderings come to help those who face difficulty in choosing among the infinite options when building, designing or decorating their place.
We need photo-real architectural rendering because it eases our imaginative work and it shows exactly how things will look after completion. Architectural rendering excludes all the unexpected and unpleasant surprises that could come along and shows to the client the final look and design of their property.
In the world, we live in today we can take no more risks. We work all of our lives to purchase the home of our dreams, and we don’t want that moment to turn into a nightmare. This is why photo-real architectural rendering is the answer to designing and decorating a house before taking action and completing the construction.
Keynote: BIM Adoption in North America
This is the first keynote address for Minnesota University 2013, as presented by Dan Hamilton from Autodesk. It provides information about BIM adoption in North America.
Minnesota University is a regional professional development event where attendees learn about new and emerging technologies, new features of Autodesk software, tools and techniques that keep architects and building engineering firms competitive.
See Like An Artist
Check critical proportions and locations while using "transparent mode", which creates a virtual projection onto your work surface.
Simplify your subject into its basic value patterns. Train your eye to see the lights and darks before you get into the detail of color and modeling.
Throughout the history of art, artists have searched for ways to produce their work more quickly and more accurately. Research has been written that argues that even the old masters - people like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Caravaggio likely used innovations like the camera lucida and camera obscura. Artist's Eye re-imagine's these devices using the power of modern technology!
Vray 3.0 renderer with Vladimir Koylazov
Chaos Group, have published an online magazine covering a preview of their upcoming Vray 3.0 renderer with Vladimir Koylazov, (Vlado, creator of Vray), plus some great interviews with artists from studios like Blur and Factory Fifteen. You can download or read the magazine online via the Chaos Group website.
Teaching to See
One of the best presents of art education, designer and educator Inge Druckrey says, is "to enjoy seeing. Suddenly you begin to see things in your daily life that you never noticed." In this acclaimed video, Inge explains how she teaches design students to see.
It's a long, 38-minute video (bookmark it if you don't have time now), but it contains many lessons on creativity, such as how limitations can be a structure for finding creative solutions and why just staring can help you see what's possible. It's also a beautifully made film.
Whether you're an aspiring artist or not, the video can teach you how to really look, notice and appreciate design details, and become more critical and curious in the process.
The World Needs All Kinds Of Minds
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I'm an Architect Rap
"Yo, Where my red lines at?"
I picture Frank Lloyd Wright, while you think I'm Mike Brady
And engineers devour our work and call us crazy
We got rounded specs, but they ain't for looks
It's from staring at our screens and all those history books
We turn an empty space, into a world of possibility
Maintaining privacy, and tranquility
Graduate from school, about to change the world,
But I'm stuck designing thrones with a clockwise swirl
CHORUS
We're architects oh! With creative flair
Re-designing the world, from buildings to chairs
It's a daily grind, but we love what we do
A satisfying job giving you a better view
Lord of the Elmer's, and king of scraps
Making models our of paper, and plastic bottle caps
I'm a master of BIM, making lines with dashes,
Except I'll lose my mind, if Revit *bleep* crashes
GREEN is gold, and LEED is big,
Know the golden triangle, and learn your trig
Challenge the formula, push the envelope,
Put more glazing over here. That looks really dope!
CHORUS
Crank the A/C in the office just to stay awake,
Espresso and Red Bull till I got a stomach ache.
With our cotton blazers high, we have a sense of style,
But to the rest of the world we just point and smile
I read code books, while I'm on vacation
Take pictures of, my latest creation
We wear black and gray, with no logos on our threads
So many sleepless nights we're like the walking dead
CHORUS
Got so many scales, myswell (might as well) call me a fish
Does your lawn look boring? I'll design you a dish
Starchitects, no!, call them Hollywood actors,
Cause they can't deal with general contractors
Spec book wasn't clear so I got these RFI's
Clients making changes that we all despise.
We got better FORM, than Jordan's jump shot
And designs that function like a million dollar yacht.
CHORUS
I'm an architect, "Oh you mean like Ted Mosby?"
Understanding How Light Works
Understanding how light works are essential to creating dimension in your architectural rendering—there’s no way around it.
Let there be light!
Think about it, without the contrast of light and dark there is no way to show depth or dimension, everything would just be flat and lifeless. You’ve probably seen examples of this with flash photography. When the flash is used improperly it can blast light into every crack and crevice, completely eliminating the contrast created by the shadow areas. When this happens, your subject goes flat, and you lose the dimension that brings life to your work.
Whether you think you understand how light works or not, your brain does. I know that probably sounds a little creepy—your brain has a mind of it’s own—but it’s the truth. If you look at a rendering where light hasn’t been used properly, you’re brain is going to know that something isn’t right. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to harness the power of light in your architectural renderings!
When Is Noise In A Rendering Okay?
Noise and grain are not necessarily bad. Architectural illustrators sometimes intentionally generate this texture for interesting, creative effects. For one thing, it can add to the mood of a rendering. Think of the kind of image you often see on jazz or rock album covers (remember those?). The photographers who create these images often go for as much noise and distortion as they can, because it seems to best suit the subject matter and environment.
Generally though, most people want a rendering with rich colors and sharp, smooth detail.
SolidRocks V1.2.4 is out !!
SolidRocks V1.2.4 is out !!
SolidRocks adjusts and optimise all needed Vray parameters to reach the best rendertime/quality ratio.
Learn Vray progressively, see in realtime changes made by SolidRocks when you change resolution/quality.
SR V1.2.4 includes new tools for both VrayMasters and Beginners:
- Works with V-Ray 2.4 ;) and max 2014
- New RT button (Max 2013 and 2014 only) for easy one clic RT launch !
- Now Includes MOA Wizard (animation wizard) - More info here !
- New DR and BB buttons for network rendering
- FlyThrough animation Wizard !
- Compatible with SigerShaders
- 1 click process for complete Vray setup !
- Modular and small interface (GUI)
- mini preview for fast feedback
- auto Exposure and Auto White balance tools
- friendly and Very simple usage
- Full LWF gamma correction with useful options
- modifiable presets : exterior, interior...
- learn Vray watching SolidRocks at work !
- shareLightcache tool to speedup slaves warmup
- materials and lights optimisation for best rendertimes
- switch from draft to production settings in one click !
- gain time... Lot of time !!
New Vray users can also learn essential rules of Vray, observing changes made by SolidRocks when resolution and/or quality are changed.
Vray Masters can customise SR and presets and use SolidRocks as a custom settings automator.
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Copying Rendering Techniques
Copying rendering techniques is one of the most challenging and revealing ways for, 3D artists to test themselves and further their abilities.
Copying the 3D artwork of the masters are something every 3D artist can relate to. Copying is a form of inquiry that can bring significant understanding to an artist. And the practice is not just for beginners; even master 3D artists have returned to copying for their own edification.
The practice of copying drawings dates as far back as the 14th century and has long been considered one of the best ways to learn.
