GCi technology helps developers see finished product

Jul 2 2008 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

THE computer generated imagery (CGi) that allows cinema goers to witness sabre-tooth tigers terrifying unsuspecting cavemen and huge robots slugging it out in movies like Transformers is becoming increasingly useful in the world of commercial property development.

Architects and developers have always wanted to demonstrate to financial backers, planners, local communities and all stakeholders how schemes will actually look on completion and the new generation of imaging can achieve this like never before.

Images have never been more realistic and the next generation of CGi models will be interactive, allowing you actual movement around a site and surrounding areas, viewing buildings from different perspectives – all with the sweep of a mouse.

Realism, to allow people to inhabit a space, virtual or otherwise is important in property development because we can now give a fair and accurate representation of what developers, architects and potential buyers can expect on completion.

Superior quality 3D imagery to support planning applications and off-plan marketing is now the norm. Architectural practices are attempting to keep up with the pace of change by employing people to produce their own 3D imagery in-house.

It is true that anyone with the right software and a laptop can attempt to achieve what companies like Evolve do, but most fail, generally because their lack of creative know how is matched by poor technical ability and a lack of understanding of the client and subject matter.

These last two points are absolutely key to opening the door to success. For us, that means being able to convey design ideas that help win tenders, planning and ultimately sell a development before a spade has been put in the ground.

In a world where CGi technology continues to advance at a phenomenal rate and expectations for that extra wow factor are running high, it makes perfect sense for architects and developers to team up with architectural visualisation experts who can deliver more than just a pretty picture.