Template:Maya architectural
How you use Maya in the design process is very much dependent on your project and personal preference. You can start to use Maya at the very beginning of your design process by creating a mass study, or you can start out with sketching and then taking the next step in Maya. To save time, it's often a good idea to use Maya in conjunction with other programs. For instance using AutoCAD and Maya to link 2D and 3D design with each other is a good example. It's even possible to write our own program's within Maya called 'scripts' that can aid you in your design process. Of course Maya is also a great tool for architects to convey their ideas, with the possibility to create almost life like representations of their designs. As described in the previous section the computer can be applied in various stages of the design process. From the first stages of design, till the production stage of the construction process.
Mass study
Maya can be used as a 3 dimensional sketch tool, generating volumes for a Mass Study. With the option of generating very fast multiple variations to explore, the mass study can be further enhanced by placing it in a 3d digital model of the surrounding buildings, placing the design in the context of its environment. To get a good impression of scale, it usually best to add some basic shapes representing people and trees.
Conceptual design
When you are further along in the design process, the accurate and realistic visual feedback of the design starts getting more and more important. As the design becomes more accurately defined the visual impact of the design becomes increasingly apparent. With the option of not only rapidly changing the geometry but also other properties of the design like materials and lighting and realistically simulate the visual consequence of the design decisions the 3D model can support the design process in a flexible manner. Further more the adding of light's and materials to your 3D model will greatly improve it's readability. At this point integration of 2D and 3D design will help you to find sore spots in your design and save allot of time.
Preliminary design
The design process is a complex environment where a multitude of specialists work together to design the building. Communication is paramount between the actors of the design process. This has not only relevance regarding the design intent of the architect but also the communication and feedback of the specialists and the client are crucial. The visual simulation of the design can support this communication process. The 3D model however also can be used by the specialist to apply their specialized software in support of simulation and analyses of the design. Here the advantage of a digital environment becomes apparent as it will make it possible to tap in the vast array of available digital design simulation and analysis tools. The implementation of these simulation and analysis software in the design process can enhance the design decisions made due to the quality of data available of the design. The communication of the 3D data and in what phase the data is communicated plays in this case an important role on the design process.
Final design
Depending on the accuracy of the 3D model it can be used for a variety of applications. Not only to visually simulate the final design but also support the manufacturing of building elements and components. This application is for example used effectively in the construction of more organic shaped buildings where traditional building techniques aren’t capable of supporting the construction of complex shapes. In some cases the extremely large accurate 3D digital model of complex buildings where used to completely replace the traditional 2D technical drawing. These so called Master Models formed not only a basis for manufacturing and construction but also functioned as the legal document describing the design. Although this extreme example of application in architecture is still quite rare, the use of complete highly complex 3D digital models are common place in the aerospace, shipbuilding and automotive industry.
