CHARLES ESTEPHEN

Assignment 3 Final Submission - A Reality Mash-Up

2011-02-06T14:59:00.003+11:00

For the final assignment I went through a few different stages in achieving my final product. Along the way there were a few things that needed to be resolved, I will highlight some things that I wished had turned out better at the end of the post. I ended up breaking my assignment up into three different sections. These consisting of:

- Photogrammettry
- Space Design
- Augmented Reality

These three parts used skills that I have learnt and applied over this particular elective. I felt that this would be the best way for me to mash all the aspects of the course together. My ultimate project parameter was to design spaces for a object to be placed in which could be viewed through augmented reality. Due to the fact that this technology is so new it was a constant journey of learning and understanding.

PHOTOGRAMMETTRY

Above sceenshots taken from the website photosynth.com. Here I uploaded images of my object in this case being Christ the Redeemer. The website generates point clouds which are then used to create a model mesh.

Above screenshots are taken from MeshLab. I used the photosynth toolkit to generate the point cloud from the website. After bringing the point cloud into MeshLab I then was able to create a mesh therefore giving me a 3d model object, which i can then use. I tried to apply texture to the mesh and export a texture image to use later in 3dsMax. I was able to export the texture image but when I applied it to my model in 3ds it did not come out as I expected. It was not as detailed as I would have hoped. This could be due to many factors ones which I am unaware of or don't know how to fix because of me not knowing the new technology fully.

Above is an image comparison of the the original statue and the statue generated from photogrammettry. Although the image did not come out exactly like the original it has the same scale, shape and form. I liked the abstract feel which would be relevant to a sculpture in a art museum. This particular idea is what I was going for. The ability to generate a model from images has enormous potential and I think with advancing technologies and programming that it will only become easier and more accurate. Coming from an architects point of view I can see endless opportunities in how I could apply this particular technology.

SPACE DESIGN

This part of my assignment revolved around creating spaces for my photosynthed object to be placed in. The basis for my space designs was influenced on several factors these being; how they can be viewed in augmented reality, how they are going to be placed on markers, what are they spaces trying to convey and what are some existing spaces that can be used as reference.

I started gaining ideas from looking at precedents. Here are a few below;

Art of Americas Wing at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston - Foster + Partners

Espacio de las Santa Cruz,Tenerife, Spain - Herzog&de Meuron

Mixed greens gallery NYC

Nanjing Art Museum - KSP Jurgen Engel Architekten

National Museum of Underwater Archaeology - Esttudio Vazquez Consuegra

North Carolina Museum of Art - Thomas Phifer

Queens library at Hunters Point - Steven Holl Architects

Research Library in Hradec Kralove - Projektil Architekti

The light catcher at Whatcom - Olson Kundig Architects

University of Michigan art gallery expansion

After getting some ideas from these precedents, the next stage was the sketching and design process. Below are some scans of sketches that I produced to help finalise my marker display design and some of my space designs...

After doing some sketches I then turned to modelling some of these ideas in 3dsMax. I had never used 3dsMax before undergoing this elective, I found it to be very educational and a great tool which can be used in my final year at uni. Due to the fact that I had never used this program before it took me a little while to get started and some simple things took me longer then they should have because I had never done them before. The fact that I had never used the program before limited me in my design potential slightly, but I thought of it as an excuse to learn the software as it is a very powerful program which I can certainly use in the future.

Space 1

The first space I designed was my initial attempt at creating a space in 3dsMax. The horizontal lines draws the observer into the space. I placed a light on the open face of the box to reveal the statue within.

Space 2

The second space I created I was trying to achieve a dimmer more gloomy space with light being filtered through the horizontal gaps on the boxes sides and dispersed through the set down roof. At this stage I began to add texture to some of the surfaces, the surfaces reflect the feeling of the space.

Space 3

The third space I created has an elevated statue which I have placed a light underneath, this was done to show the power the statue has in relation to the surrounding space. The glass elevated floor was created purposley so that the light could shine up at the statue. The statue is hanging from the ceiling via thin strands ironic to the original which is placed on solid ground.

Space 4

The fourth space is a contrast to the three previous as I used a green vegetation texture, giving the impression that the statue has been placed in a garden.

Spaces 5 & 6

The last two spaces I wanted to create spaces which could be opposites of each other in a long section, that will read as one long space. This will correlate with the markers which will be placed in the two sides of a halved cube. This is depicted in my earlier sketches. I applied textures that would reflect each other and placed more light on one side of the space the "bright" side. I is almost depiction of good and evil that was sought of the idea that I had in my head when creating the two spaces one side; good represent peacefulness and tranquility and the other violence and unruliness.

These spaces that I created I tried to make all different and unique portraying different feeling and emotion. The next step after creating these spaces was to export them as 3ds files so that I could bring them into BuildAR so that they could be viewed in augmented reality.

AUGMENTED REALITY

The first process of the augmented reality part is to create markers for all the individual spaces which I want to display in BuildAR. I kept the markers simple but still informative to make sure they are picked up by the camera in BuildAR and associated with the correct model. Below are the markers which I will be using..

This is for Space 5

This is for Space 6

After creating the markers the next stage was placing them according to how they are going to be displayed in BuikAR. I had decided to place them onto a cube which can be moved, rotated to view all the spaces. Below are some images of the cube and how it will work...

The next step now is to load the appropriate model files and markers into BuildAR and start viewing the model in augmented reality.

Below a screen shots of my models in BuidAR.. I uncounted some problems when bringing it into BuildAR the biggest one being the textures and lighting did not come in with the 3ds file export. I was very disappointed with the way it cam out because my models relied on their textures and lighting. This is something I definitely want to resolve with the tutors when I get back. Besides form that the models came in but I was very disappointed with the they way they cam in. I would have loved for them to have looked like the renders.

Below are some videos that I created...

Interim Submission - Assignment 3

2011-01-27T10:18:00.014+11:00

At this point of the project I have created a photosynth of the Christ the Redeemer Statue. After collecting over 80 images I then placed them onto the photosynth website, where I recieved a synthy of 100%. I then went through the process of using the Photosynth Toolkit to generate point clouds that can be put into labmesh and turned into a mesh.

This is an image of The Christ Redeemer Statue in Rio

This is after the images were put on photosynth.

This is a screenshot of the point cloud created through the synth..

This is a screenshot of the point cloud being brought into MeshLab.

This is a screenshot in MeshLab after I used the point set reconstruct surface tool to generate a solid form mesh. This is still preliminary as I want to keep working on it until it has more detail and resolution. I also want to try and apply textures onto the statue either through texture images from voxels or through projection mapping.

At this point I want to get a statue that has abstract qualities but also still have some comparative aspects to the real thing. Once the mesh is at a good quality I will then take it into 3dsMax where I will then began creating different sapces for it to displayed in. The main focus will be to play with the light and textures associated rather then the external form of the space... The will an emphasis on the internal space.



The screenshot above is out of 3dsMax. Here I have created four different internal spaces in which the statue can be displayed in. Then next step will be to create different designs for the different internal spaces, that will very in length, openings and lighting.

Below are some reference images that can be used as inspiration:


Espacio de las Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Spain - Herzog&de Meuron


Espacio de las Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Spain - Herzog&de Meuron


Queens library at Hunters Point - Steven Holl Architects


The light catcher at Whatcom - Olson Kundig Architects






Above is an attempt at creating a space for the statue. I want to work harder on the lighting aspect to create space which is complemented by lighting. The end goal will be to produce four unique spaces which the statue can be paced in and re-generated through augmented reality.








Template interior space with statue placed into BuildAR. The next step after designing the spaces will be to create individual markers that can be placed on the marker box.

At this stage of the assignment it is a matter of creating the 4-6 unique spaces the statue is to displayed in. One challenge and particular aspect that I want to focus on is the lighting and texrues of the model.... this is challenging as when the model is brought in from 3dsMax into BuildAR the materials and lighting differ form the original model and dont come in exactly as seen in the 3dsMax model. I want to also try and add some type of animation to the models but this will be done at the end if I have time left. All and all I think I am on the right track with a fair amount of work ahead it will be a learning experience which I can take a lot away from.

Assignment 3 - A Reality Mash-Up

2011-01-21T15:38:00.005+11:00

The Proposal

My final assignment is proposing a Photogrammetry/Augmented Reality Mash‐Up that utilises all of the skills that I have developed in this course so far. In this project, I am going to choose an architecture of interest, photogrametrically reconstruct the architecture (using modelling skills to help to refine your model to the most efficient printing arrangement), alter the model so that I am able to get a 3D print of my model. Using that as a basis for my project I will then go through the design process, “designing” my Architectural Intervention on my chosen architecture, and developing a range of iterative design possibilities that can be tested against my 3D printed model using Augmented Reality.

Currently I am thinking about using the 'Christ The Redeemer' statue in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, as a sculptural piece in which I want to create an architectural form or space which it can be placed and displayed in. It will be the creation of mini galleries in which it could be displayed in. I am going to try and focus on lighting and shadows to highlight sculptural aspects. The scale of the object may vary according to the particular architectural space or form. I then want to place this in BuildAR where I can create display the statue in its new architectural environments.... Ill be able to show the different spaces that I created using different makers. I would also like to try and attempt to create some form of animation which the sculpture can interact with (this I am still deciding on). Different markers will be created in order to represent the modeled sculpture in different spaces and form.

Baking to textures

Assessment Criteria
Have thought and care been invested into all aspects of the design process in context to the
technology you have experimented with throughout the course, including a noticeable attempt to
engage with the technology in a creative way.

Blog: Is your blog neatly laid out and easy to follow, with all task requirements posted to
your blog?

Images: Are your images of an acceptable quality, showing thought and consideration to
image selection and camera framing? Are all images not your own referenced
correctly?

Text: Is any text you have written concise and informative? Is the text significant to
your project, outlining aspects of your process that may not be immediately
apparent through visual material?

Installation: Does your installation work? Is there a novel approach to the interaction between
real life and digital content?

Final Submission
For the submission requirements I am going to stick with requirements outlined in the "Standard" project brief.

- Supporting sketches of my design ideas in progress. These should be a continuing exercise used to help with my design process.
- Visual References ( around 10 images/videos on blog, with references)
- Minimum of 200 words describing my project. This should read like a gallery installation text.
- Minimum of 6 high quality images, showing renders/comparisons of my photogrammettry and also of my different designed spaces.
- Physical models/system to base my AR on – could be a 3D printed model
- Minimum 1 x 30‐60 second video (polished, and with sound), showing the interactive elements of my project in a creative way.
- Minimum of 4 AR Markers – with different related models/content based on each marker.

Assignment 2 Augmented Reality – A Digital/Physical Model

2011-01-16T14:04:00.008+11:00

The building that I have chosen to use as my digital model is Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye. The reason behind choosing this building is due to the fact that I have loved this building ever since seeing it in my first year of architecture. The building offers certain characteristics which will make it a good model to de-construct eg. the column and slab construction.

The way which I have chosen to de-construct and represent the building is through four models, the first being the columns, the second the columns and slabs, third the internal walls and windows and finally the complete building. These are going to be represented on a cube that is turned on a horizontal axis which shows the reconstruction. This can be seen in the sketches at the beginning of the post.
Below are sketches of the individual aspects digitally modeled...

Columns

Columns and Slabs

Internal walls and Windows

Complete Building

These are the Markers which I am going to use to symbolise each module of the model...

Villa Savoye model in BuildAR. Screenshots were taken as the cube is rotated, taking the building from its column structure to its complete form. There were four makers created and placed on the cube in order to link in the four individual models created.

3D Print Abstract Object

2011-01-14T13:49:00.003+11:00

BuildAR

2011-01-12T13:44:00.004+11:00

T-809

Villa Savoye

Arch of Constatine Rome

Augmented Reality Gaming

2011-01-12T12:57:00.001+11:00

Awsome!

Augmented Reality used to help assemble meachnical parts on BMW

2011-01-12T12:46:00.001+11:00

Really Cool!

Assignment 1 Object of Interest - Photogrammetry and 3D Printing

2011-01-09T14:41:00.007+11:00

For my object of interest I decided to do my Asic Tiger shoe. Although it may be simple in context, it is actually quite complex and intricate especially in relation to wear and tear detail and different texture and patterns. Thinking about it now it may perhaps have been better to choose a shoe which had different colours rather then being one colour.

After photographing my shoe it was then a matter of of applying photogrammetry to provide a 3D model which I then could use to model my sculptural object to print 3D. The Photosynth website was used in combination with MeshLab tool.
Below are some images taken from MeshLab first of it with the point clouds and secondly with a mesh and texture.

These images with the textures applied to them can be compared to the original photograph taken. The similarities and accuracy of comparative detail is very impressive with an almost identical replica created as a 3D model.

In order to get inspiration for my abstract object I collected some images as reference.

Image Above- I love the idea of a city within a shoe!

After looking at some of these images of different shoe art and abstract shoe designs I did a few sketches and played with 3dsMAX to create some sought of sculptural object that could be printed as 3D.

Below are some quick renderings done in 3dsMax which are abstract applications of the sketches above. From these few different models I will select the model which I intend on using in my 3d print.

ABSTRACT OBJECT

The model which I am selecting to use as my 3D print is the first image model. This particular absrtract object I believe is depicting some sought of growth coming out of the shoe.. I wanted it to resemble a unique type of flower which has sprouted out of this shoe, giving an almost organic and natural feel to the shoe, which looks like it has been moulded from mud and evolved out. The shoe now has a sculptural element in the form of the flower coming out of the top... with the shoe looking out of place it is made to look natural with its wax like mould transition from the base which reaches up toward the flower.

3D Print

Photogrammetry

2011-01-05T17:03:00.003+11:00

Here is an attempt at my shoe!
This was my original attempt at applying photogrammetry on my shoe....
It wasn't to bad for a first attempt, although i had trouble creating a mesh over it in MeshLab because there was not enough point clouds to accurately create it.

Augmented Reality and Photogrammetry

2011-01-04T15:27:00.004+11:00

Images of Classic Milk carton applied to Photogrammetry.

Final Submission: Coogee Beach Community Centre

2008-11-06T10:12:00.004+11:00

The design of the Coogee Community Centre is centred on accommodating for not only the local community but for tourists and visitors. The Community Centre also being part of the sporting oval is designed to provide best spectacle views and direct access to facilities. Access to the oval can be achieved through three points; through the central foyer of the building; through the park at the southern end and beside the grandstand on the northern end of the subject building.

The building uses the verticality of the sky roof to symbolise the significance of the building and attract patrons, the idea is to make it a welcoming and comfortable place to visit.

The theme of water will also be introduced through water features internally and externally. This symbolic of the beach atmosphere and adds tranquillity and aesthetic appeal to the building.

There is two entry points into the gym, one through front of the building and one internally. The large gym and small gym hall spaces can be combined with partition doors between.

The design of the building with the central extruded sky roof, provides light through the central most open accessible point of the building; the foyer spaces both on the first floor and the ground floor. The floor plan of the building is based on a t-shape which provides ease of circulation and admission to all parts of the building.

The building aesthetic design is planned to be significantly different to that of the grandstand; this being based on the Burra Charter of Australia which states that any addition to an existing heritage building should be noticeably different and not detract from the cultural significance.

The building is constructed from reinforced concrete and glass, with a modern design consisting of flat parapet roofs, and straight line walls.

The central extruded sky roof acts as a “light house” literally and in a metaphorical sense in that it symbolises a light house overlooking the sea. The t-shaped plan with a central circulation point allows for easy of passage from street through the building out to the oval. The cafe is placed at the rear of the building and has an outdoor seating area. The cafe can be accessed externally from the street and also through the subject building; providing access even if the community centre is closed. To complement this, the community centre on the other side of the building adjacent to the gym hall, can also be accessed externally; providing access to patrons at the park and also at the oval.

The eastern facing facade of the building has large viewing windows placed appropriately to allow for viewing of the oval from all rooms; the oval being the centre of attention and providing a spectacle on the site. Balconies are used on the eastern facade where appropriate to again provide best viewing of the ground and provide change in environment.

Site plan & Roof Plan

Elevations

First Floor

Ground Floor

Plans

ARCH 1202 Architectural Design Studio 4 Session 2 2008

2008-08-24T15:20:00.001+10:00

ARCH1201: Architectural Design Studio Project 3 - Art Gallery, Shop/House

2008-06-13T08:23:00.004+10:00

The site that I chose to locate my Art Gallery in Newtown on King Street is located in the centre of the street in between two already existing buildings.

The building which will be removed in order for my gallery to be constructed is the Raine & Horne building. The building has an organic food store on either side. The dimensions of the site which is going to be used is approximatly 35m long by 8m wide.

Adjacent buildings are pretty similar with the heritage building theme being followed through along the street.

The part of the road that I have chosen to place the gallery is located on a curve. The curve in the road almost makes the feeling when traveling through this part of the street, one which gives the illusion that the road narrows. In my design i want the facade of my gallery to be one which will attract the attention of people passing by, and stand out from the existing facades.

To gather a greater understanding of the site in which i am going to design my gallery for, i created a simple site model 1:500. This allowed me to play around with the space and observe the sorrounding buildings in a material way. I was able to determine the way that i was going to design my facade in order to engage the sourounding area.
The gallery owner I have decide to be a single middle age male. He enjoys the works of contemporary artists and enjoys doing some of his own work.
Two kind of artists who will be displayed in the gallery is the works of Anita Austwick and Robert Hague. Austwick's paintings demonstrates the musical harmony of architecture and buildings and theirrelation ship with the counterpoint of humanity - of people and places, of the city streets and transport. Hague does modern sculptures primarily made from bronze and steel, modern abstract as well as figurative and contemporary in parts.

SITE MODEL

SITE PLAN

Site plan can be seen above. In the site plan i analyised the adjacent facades and did a 1:200 and 1:500 site plan. The location of the site chosen can be seen clearly located on the bend of the road, which emphasises the conjestion f the road and hectic environment.

PLANS 1:100

The front facade is angled in such a way that it engulfs the path way and a small margin of the road. It is made of glass in order for paintings which are being sold to be seen on the display wall. This display wall acts as a structual element as well as a divider between the commercial selling space and the gallery space.
Once passing through this front part of the space you then move into the gallery space which has a minimalised issue of direct light allowing for artwork to be displayed.

SECTIONS 1:100

The first floor and second floor are slightly offset from the boardering walls to allow for natural light to come into the space from the glazed roof. The large installation space is 5 square metres and is a central element in the design. It allows for light to come through the building acting as a space of light. the pyramid shaped roof of this space allows for the even distribution of light onto the sculpture in the viewing space.
Circulating through the building is initialised by a ramp that connects the gorund floor to the first level and another ramp located on the first floor that connects to the top floor. The living area and kitchen facilites adjacent to the private apartment is located at the rear end of the top floor.

INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE VIGNETTES

The perspective vignette above illustrates movement through the front entry to the ground floor space which has the workshop and storage rooms, through to the courtyard loated at the rear of the building.

The above perspective vignette shows movement through the middle and top floor spaces, and then finally the privste space of my gallery owner.

LARGE INSTALLATION ROOM (Plan & Section)

The space that I decided to render to show the quality of light in the room was the main large instalation space. This space is connected in all levels of the building acting as a void space with light coming in through from the cut out in the roof. This allows for quality light to come into the space in order for a central sculpture to be viewed.

MODEL IMAGES

Front facade of gallery sandwiched between adjacent buildings.

View of the rear courtyard

Sectional view of model, displaying the differing levels and movement.

ARCH1201: Architectural Design Studio Project 2: Edward Hopper 'Chair Car'

2008-05-13T20:57:00.009+10:00

The painting which i hav chosen for this project is Edward Hoppers 'Chair Car'. 1965
Chair Car- is a railroad passenger car with pairs of adjustable seats on both sides of the aisle.

The people in the painting are anonymous. This is a trademark of Hopper's work, the scene is quite, urban, serene, hermetic life that we find in city life.

Keywords associated with the painting:
segregation

- dulness

- anonymous

- engrossed

- absorbed

- urban

The character figure which description is included is the lady closest to the observer, reading a book. The lady is engrossed in her book and is anonymous ti her sorrounding environment. There is segregation between the figures in the painting.

The narrative which I have come up with is as follows:
"The women is unaware of her sorrounding environment as she is immersed in her book. There is segregation between her and the figures around her, although they are in the same space they are alienated".

ARCH1201: Architectural Design Studio Project 1: Le Corbusier Villa Savoye

2008-05-13T20:34:00.008+10:00