One of the most challenging aspects of architecture is getting everyone involved in a project on the same page.
Blueprints and even renderings can only go so far in helping someone truly understand certain conditions, a design intention and the impact of that design. But recently, solutions to this problem are beginning to be addressed through 3D scanning, which has moved forward in leaps and bounds particularly in the design industry.
A few years ago we invested in the technology and manpower to build out our 3D Point Cloud Scanning services. It’s clear to those of us at Design Develop how powerful and impactful tools like this can be to help gather information, collaborate with colleagues and keep our clients informed.
The projects we work on vary widely in scope, style and industry. We may simultaneously be working on a residential renovation, a commercial structure overhaul, or a large-scale institutional upgrade. What’s consistent across all of these projects is that everyone involved needs to be on the same page not just about what our design should look like at the end of the day, but the conditions we’re starting with and what we need to do to get to that ideal design. In other words, what is the reality of our situation, and what does a realistic plan look like to move toward our shared goal?
The hardware technology of 3D Point Cloud Scanning does an amazing job of quickly collecting millions, sometimes even billions, of points of data that are then able to be rendered into visualizations. But it requires the right type of software to present that data in a way that is helpful and robust. And here, not all software programs are created equal.
The 3D rendering software that we use, Cintoo, has been a game changer for us and our clients because of its high level of detail for as-built scenarios. After scanning a structure, we are able to input that data into the software program, where it converts each data point into a visualization that gives the most accurate representation possible, including colors, textures and fine detail. You are then able to virtually walk through the space, seeing every detail as if you were there in person.
So why does this matter?
This scan creates a common ground between architects, contractors, subcontractors, designers, owners and even realtors or property managers. When everyone is accessing and referencing the same, highly accurate representation of a space, far fewer miscommunications and mistakes are likely to occur.
Cintoo gives anyone who has access to a project the ability to measure any given space, reference current conditions, and dive deeply into subsections of a building. This also means far fewer site visits and time spent doing manual measurements and specs.
Since the software is hosted in the cloud, it’s also accessible from anywhere with internet access through a shared, private link. We are able to “walk through” a space with a client from completely different parts of the globe if needed with no one actually on site.
We’re excited about what this technology is bringing to our services, and the benefits it will have for everyone involved in a project. In tandem with other software we use to visualize design concepts in three dimensions, we’re able to give a more impactful presentation to clients so they can feel comfortable and confident in design decisions before making those big steps and investments to move forward.