Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007 - (Page 16)

TECHNOLOGY sketches on paper then take them to the 3-D guys and ask them to rough them out in 3-D images so I can get proportions, heights, widths, what it looks like,” he said. By taking it to three dimensions, the designer can look at all angles. “It forces you to think of what it looks like from every side and really think it through from all angles.” Foster also said the animations can be invaluable even before the design phase. “We’re actually using that technology to do some rough grading plans to see where we may have issues. We’ve had the 3-D guys create a terrain model before grading Creating a terrain model during the design phase identifies potential problem areas early in the process before construction drawings begin. and after it is all graded out,” Foster said, which will expose cut or fill challenges that may not have been immediately evident. “We’re actually using that to show issues that need to be addressed before it gets to construction drawings.” The technology has had its impacts on the project. Reichle said he had a concept for the project’s 8,700 square foot community center that differed from initial concepts. He was able to use the animations to make his idea clearer. “I don’t know if I had relied on a one dimensional floor plan or line perspective that I would have gotten that plan approved,” he said. “It was radically different than the initial drawing. Because I was able to use that 3-dimensional piece, and show them the building in more detail, it made the decision on their part very easy.” The animations also came into play with some critical neighbors who were concerned over the project. “When they realized that it wasn’t what they thought, it made it much easier for them to digest and be comfortable with. They were able to see it exactly how it related to them,” he said. Myers says the keys to success in this use of animation are insight, understanding and creativity. “What separates us, one our knowledge of the development process, what developers have to go through, and two, understanding how to tell a story,” he said. “You need to understand who your audience is. We’re visual communicators.” SLDT About the author: Rob Kundert is a veteran reporter and frequent contributor to Sustainable Land Development Today. ® Sustainable Balancing the needs of people, planet, and profit. TODAY 16 October 2007 Sustainable Land Development Today http://www.labash08.com http://www.labash08.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007

Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007 Contents Our Voice Your Voice Editorial Board Mapping the Development Process Looking at a New Dimension The Environmental Liability Continuum GPS System Makes the Grade Regulations: Reactions Mixed Trends: Communications Easements Business Management: Recycling Sustainable Practices: LEED-ND Energy: Community Propane Systems Transportation: Mountain Solutions Recommended Reading Calendar Products/Services Showcase Classifieds Advertiser Index The Last Word

Sustainable Land Development Today - October 2007

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.