Template:Maya introduction
Why using 3D digital models in architecture? Technical drawings are the main form of communication of the design in the design process. As the design and construction environment is highly fragmented, the 2D technical drawing will provide a means of transferring data between the different specialists and actors in the design process. Due to the continuing specialization, legislation and industrialisation of the design and construction process the drawing load is growing. The large amount of data required to construct a building generates however its own problems. Due to the effect that the design is described as a set 2D drawings representing a 3 dimensional shape alterations of the 3D object will have to be implemented in a variety of 2D drawings. With the importance of the 2D drawing in the building process these processes of checking drawings and alter them will increase with the complexity of the design. This method of representation however depends on the accuracy and completeness of the 2D description of the 3D object. Known issues of missed alterations in one part of the set of drawings and incomplete sets cause major problems in the building process adding to the building costs. Defining the design in 3D avoids a major part of these problems. As the representation is as it is, misinterpretation decreases and adjustments take place in context of the rest of the design model thereby enhancing the insight in the whole design and the effect of design decisions. Although the majority of the projects still are defined by the 2D drawing the use of 3D models are more and more implemented.
It is not only implemented as a way of communication however. The most known application of the 3D architectural model is the visualisation of the design. Not only can this application be used for acquisition, but also as a tool for simulating architectural design decisions, for example the choice of a cladding material. Depending on the accuracy the 3D model can be used as a basis for simulation and analysis. With the design 3D digitally defined it becomes possible to tap in the vast array of digital visualisation, simulation and analysis tools in order to support the design process. The application of 3D digital models can extend beyond the design process and enter the manufacturing process with the possibility of digital manufacturing of building components or rapid prototyping of design solutions. Much of the described techniques are already commonplace in other industries.
With this access to a range of tools based on 3D digital information this form of representation will gain in importance in architecture like in other industries.
We use Maya for a number of reasons. As the software is used in a variety of courses the flexibility, power of model engines and structure makes it an effective tool for design and communication. History based modelling will effectively support the concept design phase, where the different geometry types can support a range of different architectural forms. With the option of animation and dynamics more advanced conceptual architectural design approaches can be supported based on time and complex relations of design propositions. Flexibility of the applied tool is a main asset in design. Not only for the designer to explore a range of concepts and forms but also to go beyond the capabilities of the offered program by scripting ( programming) customized tools. This customization enhances the design freedom and give the designer a powerful tool in the process of search and exploration.
So what is Maya?
Simply put, it's a computer program that enables you to create advanced virtual 3d models.
But to be more precise, Maya software is an open and integrated 3D modelling, animation, effects and rendering application.
This means that with Maya you can:
- Create virtual 3D objects (modelling)
- Animate objects (animation)
- Add effects to the 3d model (effects)
- Calculate light behaviour (rendering)
- Customize tools (scripting)
- Export the data to another program or machine (communication)
Although the program originated from the film industry, the companies who originally designed the software have a strong relation with advanced design software as they also produce Studio and AutoStudio software which are the standard in industrial and car design.
To get an idea what Maya can do, just look at the special effects in recent movies like 'The Chronicles of Narnia', 'War of the Worlds' and 'King Kong'.
Besides movies, Maya is also widely used as a modelling and rendering tool by artists, designers and architects.
