S01E11* - Lumion

End of another week for my work integrated learning at Focus Architecture. Today saw me work another interesting project. I was given the opportunity to do some 3D Renders for a concept recently completed by focus architecture. The task was to produce some renders as part of a marketing package for potential buyers for a residential block at Gordon Park. The Idea is to create 3D renders to bring a yet-to-be-build property to life and is popular marketing strategy to secure the right buyer for the property. This process allows buyers to visualise the potential for future developments. 

To create these images I was able to edit the already existing Archicad Model, I updated the surface textures on the roof cladding, Walls, Windows, Doors and Awnings. I also added some wall cladding to the external walls and updated some of the layer combinations to show all the relevant components and objects.

I then imported the Archicad model into Lumion to add some final materials, vegetation and objects to complete the image. Lumion is great and it produces high quality images and videos quickly and is easy program to use. I then added some final touches in Photoshop to complete the image. The trick was to do all the surface and detailing in Archicad to minimise the amount of editing needed in Lumion. This meant less work to do in Lumion and meant I would have a more complete Archicad Model for any future work

Please feel free to share, comment and let me know what you think

Before

 After

Before

After

I hope you Enjoy.
The Architect of Tomorrow..

S01E10* - Playing the Role of the Architect

Halfway through my uni work experience course and I have had the chance to get out of the office and do things i wouldn't normally do, Today I attended a meeting for a new project I have taken over which is for a set of units within Brisbane. The meeting was my first opportunity to meet the clients, town planner and project manager/compliance officer. It was interesting listening to the range of different compliance issues and town planning requirements that will need to be addressed. The clients are existing clients who understand what's required and have a clear understanding on what they're wanting. Overall not a lot of design changes but a few extra notes to be added as well as clarification on some important RL's for top of walls and concrete slabs. Also some issues with setbacks to be confirmed and updated to ensure the design complies. Focus Architecture are now getting a lot more of these types of projects, Not only is the work coming from new clients but existing clients coming back looking to start new and exciting projects.

After the meeting, I was given the opportunity to do some proposed sketches for a client

these layouts are constrained by existing walls which results in compromises to the planning which wouldn't occur if it was all new. however I prepared two different design options. It is great getting off the computer to do some hand drawing, unfortunately it's an acquired skill that will take time to refine. My main issue with hand drawing is drawing to scale to ensure accuracy, my other downfall is my lettering typically i use a cursive style of handwriting and find it rather difficult to do block lettering. Like I said, it's an acquired skill that needs refining .

I hope you Enjoy.

The Architect of Tomorrow..

S01E09* - Archicad Masterclass

Today at work I spent the day becoming much more intimate with Archicad and some key features that will help improve the performance of  my future projects and will streamline my current processes and ultimately improve my Archicad models and drawings. Currently a lot of my projects are typically residential which are usually straight forward projects but I hope to be involved in larger scale projects which will require a better understanding of what Archicad can do and if possible push it to the limits. some of these features are

- Attribute Manager - Layers Combinations - Hotlinked modules - Model view options - Schedules

Attribute Manager

Allows me to adjust, delete, overwrite a variety of different attributes found within any Archicad models Layers, Layer Combinations, Pens & Colours, Pen Sets, Line Types, Fill Types, Composite Structures, Profiles, Surfaces, Building Materials,. Archicad also allows me to import or export any or all of these attributes from my model or other models

Layer Combinations

Using layer combinations is useful to when preparing different types of drawings, typically different drawings require different information or notes, the layer combination is a named set of layer settings that can be applied to hide or show particular layers as they are needed.

Hotlinked Module

This feature will be great for larger scale projects like town house or units that allow me to insert external Archicad file into my project, this will help me manage repetitive structures. I can modify all identical structures in one step by updating the module original source file, This will save time and effort.

Model View Options

This feature is similar to the layer combination as it's a set of predefined combinations that I can adjust, delete, overwrite depending on individual views or plans depending on their purpose for example floor and ceilings plans or drafting plans for site plans.

Schedules
This is a very powerful feature in Archicad, an interactive schedule, the Interactive schedule allows me to generate schedules for anything within the model element list or components lists, From itemising any and all objects within the model as well as calculating anything from material or surface areas. The interactive Schedule also allows me to edit any items that may of been drawn incorrectly all in real time.

I hope you Enjoy.

The Architect of Tomorrow..

S01E08* - Client Meetings

Today was a new experience; usually my days are filled with sitting in front of the computer drawing up a variety of projects for a wide spectrum of clients. I do have some correspondence with clients, engineers, town planners and certifiers through either email or phone calls to discuss some of the projects and any questions or changes they may have or need. Though today I was able to shadow my employer into two different client meetings and also went on site to a project which I was involved with during the initially concept stages and early documentation.

The first meeting was a follow-up meeting with the client and the project manager presenting some CAD concept drawings to discuss some of the design options we have completed for the client. We presented the client with three different options that they had asked for. Throughout the meeting the scope of work increased along with changes to the one of the three options we had proposed to both the client and the project manager. It was an interesting experience to meet both a client and project manager and meet with them about a project I have been involved in throughout the initial concept stage.

The Second meeting was with a new client who want to extend their existing house adding extra sleeping and living spaces to accommodate their growing family. When we first arrived and after the initial meet and greet, the owners walked us through their home describing their vision. After the initial walk through the property we sat with the owners explaining what we do and the services we offer. Through this process we were able to show them previous projects along with variety of samples to clearly show them what is typically involved and included as part of the concept and documentation stages. We also answered any questions they had about the project.

It was a nice change to get out of the office and interact with both existing and new clients. I have always felt comfortable talking with people and found the whole experience enjoyable and hope to have more face time with clients and other consultants, to make me and more competent designer and drafter.

\

I hope you Enjoy.
The Architect of Tomorrow..

S01E07* - Schedule of Finishes 2.0

Back in the office today, After updating some of the company online profiles i spent today reviewing the companies schedule of finishes and standard notes which is normally issued to the builders and clients. These documents help the builder and client understand the scope of work, whats included and who is responsible. To that end I was tasked with the job to create another document that could be issued to clients that would itemize the different parts involved in both the construction and design of any project. this document would be created before construction begins and is tailored specifically for their project as a visual aid and checklist that they can refer to throughout the construction process will be a important tool for both clients and builders.

Below I have attached what the new document could look like and what it may include. 

        

       

I hope you Enjoy.
The Architect of Tomorrow..