Twitter!

Follow Architecture4D on twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/architecture4d

Also a big shout out to some very useful people to follow:
@subutcher
@newsarch
@wacommunity
@architectsjrnal

Thats all for now! :p

long time no see (well... blog!)

Hello everyone!

Yep, as the title suggests it has been a long time since I last blogged (just over 6 months to be exact!) and the reason is a mixture of uni work, uni work, relaxing, getting married, and then a tiny bit more relaxing! Yes you read correctly I got married - and was in Paris during graduation lol. (if you'd like to see some photos from the second part of my honeymoon in the Maldives, click here)

So what about your thesis project??

The good news is I successfully passed my Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture so part 2 is complete (*i smile smugly while typing this*). I'll do a separate write up of my project in the next week or so and i'll attach some pretty images too.

The bad news is the recession, meaning its going to be difficult to find a practice where I can continue my development and complete my second year of work. In fact the firm which sponsored me for my Part 2, Bond Bryan Architects based in Sheffield (an amazingly awesome firm by the way) has had to let a lot of full time staff go, so obviously it wouldnt make sense to keep a student on board let alone offer him a job after his part 2! Im not too worried tho, as I have a few other business ideas i'd like to pursue while the recession has us architects with our pants down..

The first of my ideas (as many of you already know) is Architecture4d - I just need to get the ball rolling a tiny bit (anyone reading this know a firm wanting 3D visualisations doing?lol :) All in good time...

Thats all for now,
Stay tuned for an in-depth review of my thesis project, Holbeck Urban Agriculture Centre.

Sunny :p

Best 3D/CAD Software?..

Hello everyone..!

I get asked all the time about which 3D software and CAD packages are 'best' to use. There isnt really a specific answer. Its just whatever works best for you! I use Cinema 4D for any 3D modelling and Archicad for detailed CAD work because they both work (excellently mind you) on my Mac. They also work on the PC too and have no incompatibility issues with any other software packages at all. Plus the layout and GUI of Cinema 4D is much appealing compared with almost any other 3D app out there. For my needs (architecture, design and motion graphics) this coupling of software is brilliant. Oh I also use Sketchup now and then for quick and easy models.

Should platform dictate what software you choose? Well in short.. no, not really.

Macs and PCs both have their pros and cons. However most creative industries (especially film and design) tend to use Macs because of their superior stability (in terms of OS and 'hanging') beside the fact that the top end Macs are generally better priced than comparable machines from different manufacturers. In fact not only was my Mac Pro significantly cheaper than an equivalent Dell at the time of purchase, it was surprisingly better spec'd! Plus with Boot Camp (click here for more info) there really isn't a need to buy a Windows based computer any more IMHO. 

PCs do have a strong advantage for 3D/CAD users, though, as AutoCAD and 3DStudio Max are industry standards and to this date only run on the Windows. (but obviously if I were required to use any Windows based software i'd just boot up into Vista/7 and go right ahead!) So in short, if you have an Intel Mac (post 2006/7) then well done. If not, I guess you're lumbered with Windows! (only kidding, Windows 7 isnt too bad!) Ok i'll quit with the Mac vs PC stuff now...

But which software?..

Going back to what I was saying about software... 

3D packages are generally very similar. A Maya or Cinema 4D user will be able to use Blender (a FREE application you should get if you want to get started!), Lightwave, 3DS Max and vice versa. The fundamental aspects of 3D software are interchangeable with any other 3D software - the only problem is learning the interface/command structure. When I first learnt how to use 3D Studio Viz, I found the layout and interface quite tedious and a bit too 'Windows' for my liking. The same went for 3D Studio Max. Plus having bought a new PowerMac G5 I wasn't able to use either. Thats what helped me make my decision to learn Cinema 4D. At that time Sketchup was in early development and (I think) only just came out! Again, it wasnt for Mac. I still had a Windows PC so I learnt both C4D and Max in parallel. 

My conclusion was that for me personally, C4D was a clear winner in the 3D category due to its easy(er) learning curve, instant results and cross platform compatibility. For CAD, namely plans/sections/elevations etc, Archicad is my decided software of choice. The top three reasons are, 1) cross platform compatibility, 2) numerous plugins/export options for rendering/3D software, 3) you can build in 3D at the same time as drawing plans - and often a LOT quicker than doing plans in AutoCAD. For me its all about workflow and ease of use. This combination works for me but it might not for you.

For the majority of architectural practices, however, the Autodesk suite of applications will tend to dominate - with few practices using less expensive software such as MicroGDS (which isnt too bad!) and perhaps Allplan or Vectorworks. Following closely will be Google Sketchup - as many practices will simply download the free version and will still be able to produce excellent results via render plugins such as VRay (industry standard), Podium and Maxwell Render to name a few. 

The bottom line...

I strongly recommend using Sketchup if you haven't used any 3D software before, it is simple to use and you can generate excellent results. If you want better renders (for free) check out the trial version of Podium; a plugin for sketchup, or try Blender 3D - it will help you develop transferable skills that you can then pass on to any other 3D app you may choose to use in the future - and you dont need to find a 'crack' copy either. Its strictly legit. 

Sunny

Facebook Group

Twitter

Blog

Posted via email from architecture4d's posterous

Global Warming report used by Governments based on a telephone call?

So now its come out that the 2035 prediction of the Himalayan glaciers melting was based entirely on speculation of one man, 8 years prior to when the IPCC issued their report in 2007...  It was a phone call made by New Scientist magazine interviewed Syed Hasnain, Indian scientist, over the phone in 1999 for an article on the subject - he merely speculated that the Himalayan glaciers could melt by 2035. A few years later, the IPCC base a report which was based on another report, based on the New Scientist article, and say that the chance of it happening is greater than 90%. 

Insert foot firmly in mouth.

Oh scientific community, how are the mainstream media going to take this now?.. Not to mention Global Warming activists around the world! I was looking forward to increased taxes and turning my computer/tv off at night in order to combat this (fake) man-made global warming.

Looks like the global warming fiasco has yet another dent in its highly bullshined exterior. 

Read this article for more info: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6991177.ece

Any comments? 

Sunny

Posted via email from architecture4d's posterous

Boston Gets a Boa?

"Boa is a floating city within a city, and is technically feasible..."

This seems like a very interesting endeavour to build a floating city.  Although it wont solve the overpopulation crisis (predicted to be very apparent mid-century) the design aspirations are nonetheless quite interesting. Golden rectangle proportions, plentiful green spaces and the use of 'floating concrete' make this project somewhat aesthetically pleasing as well as technically challenging. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

Click this link for more info! 

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from architecture4d's posterous

Hot and Cold

This has nothing to do with Katie Perry, but more the current 'climate change' issue.

It has come out over the past few months that weather and climate data from many global scientists had been skewed beyond belief in order to allow a hysteria of man-made 'global warming', there are actually many who believe the Earth is cooling. Obviously they arent just picking a fight for no reason - they have statistics that contradict even Al Gore's panic-inducing global warming data. Apparently, not only is the Earth cooling, but it is doing so just as it would if man didnt even exist. Some would argue that because of man-made Co2 the Earth has avoided a mini-ice age for many years.. however, that time could well and truely be upon us.

As more people wake up to the idea that governments and mainstream media are feeding us one sided stories mixed with exaggeration and a side of BS, there will be people who stand up and argue for the truth.

Like this guy..



What has this to do with Architecture I hear you ask? Quite a lot really.. a eff-word-load. The northern hemisphere has seen temperatures at the lowest they have been for decades - in some places for over 100years. This is the year 2010 and our meteorologists didnt even see it coming. Whos to say there wont be a continuation of this extreme 'arctic' weather? For all we know this could continue, it could get worse, or maybe it was just a blip. Either way the architecture we currently have may or may not sustain these kinds of conditions.

My project, Holbeck Urban Village Urban Agriculture Centre, looks at how food can be grown via alternative and futuristic methods. A sector focuses on climate, hot and cold, where research is carried out on GM foods which can sustain subzero temperatures, blisteringly hot climates and even areas of low or poor water concentrations. This type of research is undoubtedly a key area not only for local produce, but also to avert a global food crisis.

The research done in one area would be carried out in practice in another - even in other countries. My scheme would facilitate such research and provide a practical means of testing, growing and advancing agriculture for generations to come. Who knows, maybe one day it will serve as a test bed for food growth on another planet?

Over and out,

Sundeep Osahn, Leeds Met PostGraduate 2 Student.

Posterous.. the beginning..

This is my very first post using Posterous! :)Just making sure all my settings are right and it updates my blog as well as my facebook.
Here's a pic to start it off from one of my 'slowmo' vids.

Sunny :p

Posted via email from SunnyPhotography's posterous

brilliant website!

http://www.dailytonic.com/

check it out!

Sunny :p

What is Architecture?

a very well made video answering the age old question, "what is architecture?"

Architecture from MAYAnMAYA on Vimeo.

...and here are the plans!

if you squint your eyes hard enough not only will it hurt, but you just might be able to read it!

Sunny :p

a few more images.....!

hey guys, here are a few more external and a few internal images of my latest project - the Urban Retreat.

You'll notice quite a difference between these images and ones produced for my 3rd year schemes (The Cinema and Turkish Bath). Here I have tried to use a more 'graphic' representation of spaces etc instead of pristine photo-real renders. Although, I just couldnt help myself with the 'bath/pool' image. The reflections and radiating luminosity is an effect which simply cannot be done with sketches (or at least I cant!).

As part of my personal lust for gorgeous 3D images and (sur)realistic walkthru vids, i just might make one for this project - IF i get the time to. It isnt exactly going to improve my grade/mark for this year and i kind of get the impression that photo-real renders and walkthru vids are frowned upon in post-grad. If anything i'd get shot down for doing one! (my skills have improved quite a bit but i dont want it to look like i'm showing off either!) So i might just make one during the summer - i want to experiment more with 3D matchmoving and tweeking my Vray skills anyway!

Thats it for now.. enjoy! and please leave some comments!

Sunny

Section A-A

section C-C

Flower garden
Multi-use/exhibition space

Shallow relaxation bath/pool

Main circulation space

Portfolio hand-in day (today!)

Its portfolio hand-in day today and everything is sat snugly in my portfolio ready to make its way to uni. :)

Its been a while since i posted anything uni-work related too... so here goes!

*background to the project*
The scheme is a urban retreat, a place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of modern day society. Oh, and its based in York, England. One of my images is a google Street View montage so i'll paste the link here for you to see the location for yourself too. :)

Note: the yellowish walls are made from LitraCon light transmitting concrete - it helps realise the idea of spatiality and the use of light within my scheme.

I'll post some internal images tomorrow.

Also, just so you know... these images were produced using Archicad + Cinema 4D + Sketching (yes, sketching - not sketchup (i hate sketchup!)) + Photoshop. It is quite a long-ass way to go about things, but i kind of like it. The images look completely different compared to what i'd usually produce (photoreal-ish 3D renders!). Although, i couldnt resist.. one image i'll post tomorrow could only really be done using some nice 3D software :)

front (east) elevation

section b-b

north-west view

Street-view montage

View Larger Map


comments are welcome :)

Sunny :p

The Life of an Architecture Student

This is a narrative slideshow that depicts a day in the life of a Berkeley architecture student. Pretty well done and suprisingly similar to life as an architecture student over here in Leeds.

The Life of an Architecture Student from Peter Hess on Vimeo.

PUMA City, Shipping Container Store

This piece of Architecture is by NYC/Napoli based office LOT-EK, a practice that has been doing an interesting job by reusing containers. 24 containers are put together to create a 3 storey store with over 11,000 sqf, including a bar/lounge area and 2 decks.

The store is currently at the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009, and it´s transported to each location (Alicante, Boston, Stockholm) and assembled quickly.

Luxury House - modern design by French architects

Again, Stumble has provided me with some lovely imagery for your eyes! This piece of astounding architecture is elegantly designed and features huge facades of glass, a chapel, 21 bedrooms and a sculptural winding staircase.

here's the original link and here's some pics!

Architecture Rocks!

yes, literally. This was carved out of solid rock by hand. I believe it is in India and have learnt that India has more than 1,200 such structures, the earliest dating to 8000 B.C.
it wont help you on your architecture course to know this, but hey at least you've now seen another meaning to vernacular construction. :p

3D images for Bond Bryan Architects

I was randomly googling a project i worked on and i came across this page: http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=284&storycode=3131215&c=1

the images are what i produced for Bond Bryan Architects! too bad i havnt got any recognition for it!lol..

Sunny :p

My Intuitive Response

From my analysis of York and the River Foss i developed an intuitive response. I wanted to focus on 3 main points - the condition, shape and tranquility of the river. I (tried to) make a wire model (as seen below) with 3 layers showing a graphical representation of my findings.

The top layer shows the shape of the river
Middle layer shows the tranquility
Bottom layer shows the condition

Areas where undulations in the line are present represent where the tranquility or condition are negative (so flat lines are good!).




I think the model works well as it illustrates the negative and positive areas on the river Foss quite clearly, although photographs can't do it justice. For a sense of scale, the height of the model is 5cm and the width is 22cm.

Here are some more intuitive responses from other Grad Dip students (click to enlarge).

Thats all for now!

Sunny :p

Architecture - Intuitive Response and Magic!

On tues 10th Feb we, Graduate Diploma year 1, had a 'intuitive response' show and tell presentation. Generally the idea was to make a sculptural model of some sort however it was up to the individual to find a means to portray a feeling, idea, sense of space about the site. Some people made sculptures, some made models (one that reminded me of this for some reason..) and others tried more creative ways of expressing their thoughts. One of these ways was a card trick!

Obviously being the keen videographer that I am, I was there to film this spectacle in full 720p HD glory. so here's the link. (you might want to click the video and watch it directly from youtube - there is a 'watch in HD' link which, unsuprisingly, directs you to the HD version. :)

Adaptable Architecture Gallery

A group of Brazilian architects have sent Dezeen.com these images of a conceptual, mobile gallery, designed to travel along the river Thames in London. The project was developed for a competition organised by architectural agency Arquitectum, called London 2008, by a team of architects made up of Victor Paixao, Miguel Felipe Muralha, Paula Sertorio, Thiago Florez, Andre Mack and Bruno Castro.

The brief was to design a mobile architecture gallery which could travel along the river and pick up visitors at several locations.

here's the direct link! (click here!)