MODELENS
Individual project
3D Model projector
Background
“Find a solution to address the unnecessary model material wastes.”
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When I was learning Architecture design, it will cost lots of materials to make models. Students consumed the large amount of wood, PVC board, acrylic and other materials, which can never be recycled.
Although some of the models indeed act as assistance in the design process and are highly artistic, most of them are only used as outcomes of assignment and were randomly dropped in the corner of the classroom after the work.
Typical Workflow
Typical workflow and the consumed materials were researched. Theses, together with interviews with professors in the department of architecture, formed the identification of problems and design opportunities.
Research Insights
3D Model
Communication
Design Reply
Renderings
Assignments
Training
Intuition
The 3D model is not intuitive, and there appears to be a large gap between the real effect and the model effect.
Communication
Even though rendering can express the real design effect, the 2D image does not show all angles of the model, which is not convenient for communication.
Historical Reasons
There is no computer for many teachers when they are in their school age, and making handmade model was also used as a way to train skills. Therefore, the mockups have become an important tradition Architectural Education.
Ritual
psychologically, more importantly, making models is a ritual. After completing the work, students need to show their designs, and we need an object placed in front of everyone. This is a more accessible way.
Brainstorm
Physical needs
Observe model from every angle& Real vision of the final building results&Model-like appearance
Psychological needs
Sense of ritual&Communicate with others&Form new acceptable habit
Other needs
Technical feasibility&Economical
Concept
Projection Plane
Holder
Limited by technical conditions, I finally decided to design a model-like machine. A rendered 3D model can be projected in the machine like a real-time entity model, and presenter can interact with the model through gestures.
PROTOTYPE
It’s not the real 3D holograph cannot be projected with an optical instrument in the shape of a slope. It’s a device easier to present a rounded rotating 2d image to a mono camera and call it holograph. By project the image into the projection plane via IPad( on the top of the device), it shows a realistic effect. In the field of vision, we can observe the different models and interact with model.
Scenario of Discussion
Scenario of presentation
MODELENS
The device meets the needs of rituality, and with its model-like shape, it would not like a flat 3D model in the computer. Meanwhile, its interactive features can display the model under the scenario of discussion and presentation, release students from heavy work of making mockup and reduce material wastes. The design is very simple, can be folded conveniently and only requires IPad as a projection devices, which is economical and portable.
Before
After
Benefits
Reduce material wastes
Less time consuming
Simpler workflow
Intuitive interaction
Richer ways of presenting design result