Modelo’s 3D comment feature has been one of the most popular functions since its inception.
People use it to create 3D presentations, drop 3D annotations, embed 3D experience on their homepage and curate spatial fly-through. It links with rendering settings, section cut, walk-through, and assets. In a way, you could say the 3D comment feature is at the center of all.
Today, we are very excited to announce a few updates to it. With the new 3D comment feature release, you could do the following things:
1.You could use an image attachment as a cover page for your presentation.
2.You could add promotional videos and play it with just a touch of the “SPACE” button.
3.Panorama is also supported as an attachment.
4.Last but not the least, you could add phone recorded voice-over to the 3D comment and now your clients could experience your design in 3D and listen to your explanations about the space at the same time.
This months marks the two year anniversary of Modelo’s first product Modelo DAM (Digital Asset Management), which was launched out of beta at the AIA convention in April 2017.
In just two years DAM has achieved record-high usage, as of this month, we have:
Thanks to our strategic partners, our users and our community members, Modelo DAM has achieved the following progress:
Let our users tell their story of using Modelo and how it has improved their communication and workflow efficiency:
In just two years time Modelo has grown from a single-product start-up to a SaaS company that provides tailored and data-centric solutions serving the entire building cycle from design, construction, to facility managment. Our customer base has expanded into all stake-holders in the building industry from investment, design, construction, to facility magement, and our products cover integrated design asset management, to BIM, BI and AI technologies. Here is Modelo’s current product roadmap.
How do you view a Revit file if you don’t have Revit installed on your computer? Or when you don’t have the correct version of Revit installed. Look no further, Modelo’s new support for Revit will save you thousands of dollars every year on maintaining Revit licenses.
Simply drag and drop your Revit files into Modelo’s upload window, you would be able to view the 3D design and all the 3D element’s BIM information right in your browser.
You can search families and types. The searched elements will be highlights to give you a quick count of the items.
There are many ways to download Revit schedules to excel but do you know the element properties can also be downloaded as an excel document? Having these properties downloaded into excel you can quickly make quantitative analysis that helps you make the right business decisions.
And the best part of this is – You don’t even need to maintain a Revit license to do it! Simply upload the file to Modelo, and we will convert the 3D file into a data sheet that can be downloaded with a simple click. No installation required, no Revit license required. You can save thousands of dollars on software licensing fees every year.
Step 1 – Drag and Drop your Revit file into Modelo, we support Revit 2015 to 2019.
Step 2 – Open Share Tool Bar and click to “Download BIM Data”.
Hybrid between the algorithmic process and human intervention
Production time: 4 days
32 million polygons
34 GB production data
Total render time: 125 hours
Humankind has developed a new form of construction. A synthetically programmed nano-seed is planted into the soil which sprouts into an organism that feeds upon the minerals in the soil and rock. Although the seed are exact copies of each other, the conditions vary with every location thus creating a new structure each time.
Architecture as it is known in the present day lends itself to mass production of parts and materials, each with there own functions and construction methods.
Sui Generis leaves this homogeneous design process behind and gradually varies its functionality by adapting to their hosts until it becomes a hybrid. This process allows the building of habitable structures on the Earth and on other planets in a dramatically cheap and ergonomic way.
Architecture can operate in an exploratory vein where material and structure allow for experimental pursuits in form. Use of digital tools and software give access to entirely new languages of form, and make the building of anything nearly possible.
In an era of discovery and exploration, not only in terms of physical territories but also disciplinary and technological possibilities, architecture, as a discipline, must embrace its responsibility to explore the limits of its extents; to de-familiarize the familiar and to decompose the composed while adhering to the Vitruvian virtues of architecture: Utilitas, Firmitas, Venustas.
The proposed C.A.S.I.S (Center for Advancement of Science in Space) headquarters explores architectural form driven from emotional responses associated with the mystery and uncertainty of exploring the undiscovered in space. The building intends to not only fulfill its functional requirements, but also to acts as a vessel of exploration through its foreign appearance in contrast to its surrounding. The atmosphere it casts within and around the context via its particular aesthetics, derived from a formal interpretation of emotion, become the rationale for its design.
Team:
Architects: Mamou-Mani ltd.
Engineers: Format Engineers Ltd. (Stephen Melville, James Solly, Will Pearson)
LED Lighting: Street Communication SAS
Build Team: Arthur Mamou-Mani, Maialen Calleja, Philip Olivier, Eira Mooney, Aaron Porterfield, Antony Dobrzensky, Laura Nica, Karina Pitis, Hamish Macpherson, Jon Goodbun, Yannick Yamanga, Matthew Springer, Joshua NG, Lola Chaine, Dror BenHay, Junbing Jiang, Knaan Kirshenbaum, Charlotte Chambers, Michael DiCarlo, Sandy Kwan, Solomon Ebere, Regan Parrish.
Special Thanks: Jeremy Crandell, Katie Hazard, Kimba Jorgensen, Shane “Dream Crusher” Sischo, Dave X , Typhaine Ni Nyoman
“A simple curve, the brush of the artist, the beginning of many dreams, our tangential dreams. This piece seeks to express the myriad of interpretations that we make of art and celebrates the dreams they engender. Tangential Dreams is a climbable sinuous tower made from off-the-shelf timber and digitally designed via algorithmic rules, maximizing inexpensive materials. Around 1,000 “tangent” thin wooden pieces are held in position via horizontal pieces rotating along a central axis, gently moving in the wind like leaves of a giant tree. Each tangent was stenciled with inspiring sentence from people around the world, collected through our crowdfunding campaign, and hand written by burners throughout the festival.” Each one of the poetic branches faces a different angle, based on the tangent vectors of a sweeping sine curve.
In line with this year’s theme, the piece is reminiscent of Leonardo’s Vitruvian man’s movement, helicoid inventions such as the “aerial screw” helicopter and Chambord castle helicoid staircase as well as his deep, systematic, understanding of the rules behind form to create art. From a wave to a flame all the way to a giant desert cactus, the complex simplicity of the art piece will trigger many interpretations, many dreams. The piece attempts to maximize an inexpensive material by using the output of an algorithm — (the value of the piece being the mathematics behind it, as well as the experience, not the materials being used).
The computer outputs information to locate the column, sub-structure and tangents. We believe digital tools in design are giving rise to a new Renaissance, in which highly sophisticated designs, mimicking natural processes by integrating structural and environmental feedback, can be achieved at a very low cost. We worked very closely with our structural engineer format, sharing our algorithms, to give structural integrity to the piece and resist the strong climbing and wind loads.
There are now three “legs” to our proposal, each rotated from each other at 60 degrees angles around a central solid spine, to ensure the stability of the piece, similarly to a tripod. The tangents are not just a decoration, they act as a spiky balustrade to prevent people from falling. The central column is made of clusters of 2*4 timber, tapered at a 30 degree angle to form triangular pieces, overlapping and rotating by a fixed increment, holding the helicoid pieces together around a strong central axis, fixed with deep structural wood screws. The helicoid members, made of 2*8 timber, will be held on one side by the column and on the other side by another standard riser piece, also fixed with structural wood screws.
The sub-frame will then be used to locate and fix the tangent pieces, made from a thinner and lighter piece of plywood and screwed with washers to the edges of the two closest sub-frame pieces. The whole 6m high sub-structure will be pre-assembled at the Generator in Reno. The first three legs will be grounded with 4 ground anchors each after having placed the decomposed granite. Once the sub-structure is up, the branches will be screwed in place on playa using a scaffolding placed below the spiral. The order of the branch will matter as some of them will be unscrewed and sent to the crowd-funders whilst some of them will be burnt at the end together with the substructure.
Plus… the project has grown to be even bigger, keep up with Mamou-Mani to see where it will be built.
Project Details:
Project Address: Gauja National Park, Sigulda, Latvia
Client: association “Nature Concert Hall”
Project Author: architecture office DJA (Didzis Jaunzems Architecture) — Didzis Jaunzems, Klinta Pickaine
Area: 150 m2
Engineers: “Veldrums and Partners” Ltd.
Builders: “Hanza Film Service” Ltd.
Photos: Ernests Sveisbergs
Year: August 2014
The Pavilion / stage for “Nature Concert Hall” is designed as an art object that unifies all main atmosphere making components of the event — space, light, video and music. Under the roof of the pavilion is a place for academic symphonic chamber orchestra of 20 people and Nature Concert Hall music band. The elevations of the pavilion serves as a screen for video and light projections. Architectural volumes are referring to existing elements in the nature. The structure of the pavilion is made in a way to reduce the amount of points touching the protected biotope meadow.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
The scientific workshops are designed in a volumetric module system. Modules can be mutually combined to get different size and configuration spaces as well as be carefully placed in environment. The elevations of workshops and pavilion are made from vertical fabric bars that can be rotated and therefore different varied closeness or transparency can be created.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Nature Concert Hall is a multimedia nature and educational structure that incorporates science, dramaturgy, music and art. Its aim is to bring attention to surrounding nature, to tell people about daily unnoticed and invite people to be careful. Nature Concert Hall 2014 took place in Gauja National park, near Sigulda, Latvia and its main character was armored fish — Asterolepis Ornate.
Modelo’s individual package provides the user a lot of capabilities within Modelo’s platform, however for just $25 a month, you can take advantage of Modelo’s integral features that will save you time and money in the long run.
Modelo’s main purpose is to be a presentation and collaboration platform for 3D CAD designs. With the Individual Package, your collaboration capabilities are limited. When you upgrade to the Studio Package, you unlock many features that allow you as the designer to collaborate in an organized and meaningful manner. With our screenshot and markup tools, you can communicate your ideas to stakeholders directly on your design.
You can also assign tasks to people by tagging them in a comment in the design and effectively communicate directly in Modelo. With Modelo’s helpful collaboration features you will be able to save time through the creative process of your designs as it will be easy to make your own edits and take the comments of others simultaneously in one, organized online platform.
Additionally, upgrading to the Studio Package gives you access to many sharing features that gives you the ability to export your designs and the flexibility to share your designs. With our Studio Package you can bring your designs to your client and impress them in presentations by embedding your walkthroughs and 3D models. You can also embed your walkthroughs onto your website, which is sure to make a great first impression with our best-in-class rendering and smooth walkthrough design. Plus, you can upload a background image of your choice in Modelo to present to your clients.
Design Manifestos: Raegan Porter of FGM Architects
Raegan Porter (Photograph courtesy of FGM Architects)
Raegan Porter is a Registered Interior Designer with a diverse background in recreation, municipal, educational and contract design. She is the Municipal Interior Design Leader for FGM Architectslocated in Oak Brook, Illinois. Raegan has a unique ability to understand her client’s needs and incorporate them into creative, functional space plans. Through space planning, materials, furniture, lighting and art work, she brings her clients vision to life. Her goal for clients is to create an overall experience for the communities using her spaces. She states, “I often judge a space on how it makes me feel. I want to create exciting spaces that make people feel good.” Modelo spent some time learning about what inspires Raegan and about her current role at FGM Architects.
On becoming an interior designer
My mother and grandmother were a big influence on my love of art and design and my decision to become an Interior designer.
My mother had intended to go to Art school in Atlanta in the 1960’s but, due to the rioting happening at that time, her family decided it was best she didn’t go. But she still had a love of the arts and always encouraged my creative side!
My grandmother was a painter and creative in every sense of the word. My cousin and I, who are very close in age and in spirit, spent many hours with our grandmother playing games that involved creative thinking and design. The three of us would dream up designs for our future homes and weddings. Both my cousin and I decided at that young age that we would be designers. And there was no turning back!
I feel very lucky that I knew so early in my life that Interior Design was my calling!
On discovering her voice as a designer
Since I can remember I have had a LOVE for color. Some of that comes from my mother and aunt who also have a love for color and art. Being immersed in that from an early age has most definitely contributed to my love for color and dramatic environments.
For a while I freelanced at a firm that did more commercial interiors and was introduced to this idea of branding environments, this idea was fascinating to me. After some research I found it was a concept that made so much sense to me. It can help increase the client’s bottom line, so why wouldn’t they want to use their environment for marketing? Designing a space to embody the client’s brand is something that I am always trying to achieve. It is in my nature to want to help, so if I can help a client have a competitive edge or help the impression of a client to the public I am happy.
I also believe that all the adventures that I encounter in life have an influence in different ways whether it’s dance, fitness, painting, teaching self-defense or my passion for giving back. All of these have an effect on who I am which I know in some form shapes how I design.
McHenry Recreation Center (Images courtesy of FGM Architects)
On joining FGM Architects
I started with FGM right out of college. My lighting professor in college put me in touch with a gentleman who did a critique in our class. He was a project manager at FGM and that’s how I got connected to interview.
In the early days I learned functional and durable design as well as how to be creative on a budget. We learned fundamentals in school but the early years of working are where you really learn. A majority of the buildings that we work on are public facilities that will be around for a long time, not to mention the abuse of a 24/7 facility. The functionality and durability are critical. Budget is key so it is critical to find durable inexpensive materials or reinvent standard materials. It’s easy to find really interesting materials when you have a large budget but when you are forced to reinvent materials on a tight budget the real creativity happens. That’s a talent I have learned at FGM that I wouldn’t give back for the world.
With the down turn in the economy I was laid off after about two and a half years. I went on to work for a furniture dealership and had my own company doing design. In 2014 I knew FGM was looking for someone to head the Interior Design for the municipal practice area so I reached out and interviewed.
Coming back and working the second time around I am truly grateful for all that I learned while I was away. There are talents and lessons I have learned I may not have had otherwise. Those are invaluable tools that I got to bring to back to FGM with me, making me a better designer for FGM and our clients. To this day I am still learning from the amazing team of people that I get to work with every day and continuing to evolve in my approach.
On specific principles she strives to adhere to
In each project I try to create an overall great experience for those using or visiting the building. We spend so much of our lives now stressed and busy. I try to create environments that welcome you in and give you a “WOW” moment.
Designing the clients’ space to embody their Brand.
Designing healthy functional environments for the client.
On her role at FGM Architects
My role as the head Interior Designer of the municipal practice is multi-faceted. One day it could be…who am I kidding one hour it could be marketing then project management, design or drawing. It just depends.
I work hand and hand with our Head Design Architect Louise to come up with the design direction on each project. Then for the interiors I work with our team giving design direction for them to implement. However, I must say it is a team effort! The whole municipal team is very collaborative on all aspects of a project.
Chevy Chase Country Club (Images courtesy of FGM Architects)
On recent projects that represent the firm’s unique approach
We breathe energy and life into our built environments that can’t be duplicated. A great example of this is a project that was just finished a year ago, McHenry Parks and Recreation. The use of natural materials with vibrant colors gives you this great warm energy right as you walk in the door. Many of the community members have been quoted saying “wow I wasn’t expecting that” with a smile on their face and eager to see what the rest of the facility looks like.
We have an understanding of our client’s profession which allows us to help when planning and listening to their needs. Another project that is a great example of this is Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling, Illinois. It was an addition renovation. After listening to their needs and studying the space, it was clear that the traffic flow needed to be more efficient. We added an event room for weddings and corporate events that seats around 200 people as well as a new pre-function and sales office. Moving the pro shop off of the gable room so that golf is separate from the event spaces helped tremendously. This is also a great example of how an interior renovation of a space can affect your bottom line. The new space has been open for only a year and bookings are already up. Currently we are compiling the data for a case study and it is looking very positive.
On her design toolkit
FGM is a firm that is standardized on Revit which has taken designing to a new level. It is always a struggle to be able to provide 3D modeling to help clients visualize while keeping cost down in order to meet budgets. Revit allows us to provide a 3D of the space while part of that time is still working on the construction documents.
A great example of this is a project that is currently under construction for Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center in Addison, Illinois. The space is designed to reduce stress for the employees taking into account the way light is used and sound levels. There are a lot of natural materials used with accents of blue and green. Revit allow us to show the client what there space will look like and the ability to tweak things before even building the space.
Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center (Rendering courtesy of FGM Architects)
On the state of design software today
There is a plethora of design software to choose from. It amazes me how far we have come in the past ten years, it makes it so much easier to convey a design or space to a client that may not be able to envision the creation.
On the future of the design industry
Designers are always pushing the limits and that is something that will always continue. Where we need to spend more time is really educating the general public on what we do and the benefits of our profession. We don’t just pick materials and colors. Although I love that it’s really is only about 5% of what we do.
Honestly I don’t know how our industry will evolve moving forward. We have seen so much change in the past ten years with the recession, inventions in technology and political climate. I do believe it will be positive change filled with its own exciting puzzles to solve.
On advice she would give her younger self
I would say to myself: network, network, and network! You never know where something will lead.
