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Archelectic: Nature Concert Hall | Modelo Series Demonstration

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.

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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.

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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.

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Contact information:
e-mail: dja@dja.lv
phone: +371 28261221
web: www.dja.lv

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Convert SketchUp Files to VR with Modelo

Using SketchUp with Modelo is designed to be as simple as possible for users. Additionally, using Modelo for Virtual Reality presentations throughout the design process is simple, effective and collaborative. In fact, it only takes 80 seconds to convert your SketchUp file to VR. First there are few things you are going to need beyond your computer:

  1. a relatively current smartphone either an Apple or Android (to make sure you have the correct specs, click here)
  2. Either the Modelo App or Modelo in browser open to your account on your phone
  3. A Google Cardboard which are only $15 and can be found on Amazon.

Once you have those things ready, simply drag and drop the file of your SketchUp design from your computer into Modelo (or use the Upload option). Then go to your phone and look in the projects section of Modelo and find the model you just uploaded and click on it.

When you have the model open, all you need to do is tap the VR icon in the top right corner. From there just slip your phone into the Google Cardboard. And there we have it! For a more visual explanation, check out our SketchUp to VR video on Youtube below. 

Learn more about the 10 reasons to use Google Cardboard and Modelo to view CAD files here and sign up today to get started on collaborating with VR.

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Convert Revit Files to VR with Modelo in less than 120 seconds

Let’s face it, VR is here and it is here to stay. The main issue around VR currently in the building industry is that everyone wants to have their hands on it, but nobody really knows where it fits best in the workflow. Is it used best in early stages or late stages of design? Is it a tool to communicate your vision more effectively with clients? Or is it a design tool used to understand the space as it is being designed? From what we hear from our users, the verdict is still out on where VR best fits but one thing we do know is that the only way to successfully implement VR into your workflow is to make it easy and fast. In this article, we are going to discuss how to convert Revit files to VR using Modelo and how you can do it in less than 120 seconds.

Revit has become an essential software in every stage of design and construction because of all of its powerful tools. But Revit is usually not complimented on its speed. Today we will talk about how with Modelo you can convert Revit files to VR in less than 120 seconds and have your clients viewing models in VR without any training or fancy hardware needed.

Steps to convert Revit files to VR:

Step 1: Go to www.modelo.io to create a free account and to download the Revit exporter that can be found in the top right corner of your home page when logging into Modelo.

Step 2:  Open up your model in Revit, copy and paste your token from Modelo to upload it into the correct project and folder. Make sure to select the view you want to upload with and make sure export textures is turned on and hit upload.

Step 3: Jump into your Modelo account to view your model and use Modelo’s comment cards to quickly create a couple views that will double as the scenes in VR mode.

Step 4: Log into Modelo on your mobile browser, click on your project and tap the VR button in the top right corner. From there you will be prompted to turn your phone to landscape mode and place it in a Google Cardboard.

In only a few steps, you are able to convert Revit files to VR using Modelo and all you would need is a Google Cardboard to view. (Learn about the 10 reasons you should use Google Cardboard to view CAD files in VR here.) Now that you have converted your Revit file to VR, it still leaves the questions on what to do next. Will you then use this internally to walk through your design or create a VR walkthrough and share it externally with a client using a unique URL?

Remember that a client would not have to download or log into anything to view your model with Modelo. They would just need to open the URL on their mobile phone and tap the VR button. This is another benefit that separates Modelo from other software out there because it was built with clients in mind and makes it as easy as possible for you to communicate your vision to them.

The next time someone in the office gets the urge to jump into VR. Head over to Modelo and convert your Revit file to VR. You will be blown away by easy it is to do, how fast it can be done and it will have you thinking about why you spent all that money on the fancy VR hardware that is still in the corner of your office.

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Convert Rhino Files to VR with Modelo

Modelo is the easiest way for Rhino users to create and share VR experiences of their models, allowing for clients and colleagues to truly understand the design vision throughout the design process.

The transition from Rhino to VR will take place in a matter of 80 seconds. When logged into Modelo on your desktop, open the page for the Project you are working on and open the Folder in which you would like to upload the Rhino model. Click on the “Upload” button, which will pull up the “Upload Model” window. Simply drag and drop the Rhino file right into that window and click the orange “upload” button. The file will be processed into Modelo in a matter of seconds.

To view the model you have uploaded from Rhino in VR, open Modelo on your mobile device. Go into the project and folder where the model was uploaded.  You will see a circular orange “3D” icon in the bottom right of the model. Click this icon to bring up the 3D view of your model. When you bring up the 3D view, you will see a VR icon in the top right of your screen. Click that icon and turn your phone to landscape and you will be in VR. Put your phone into Google Cardboard and you will be immersed in your design. Not using Google Cardboard yet? Check out these 10 reasons why you should use Google Cardboard to view 3D CAD and BIM files.

Now that you have your Rhino model in VR, it’s time to create a VR walkthrough tour of your model and share your VR experience with clients and collaborators. To learn more, check out how to Create VR tours of your 3D model and Share your model with clients.

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10 Reasons to ONLY Use Google Cardboard to View CAD Files in VR

We’ve outlined the top 10 reasons to use Google Cardboard and Modelo on your phone. We’ll uncover how you can you save hundreds of dollars and hours of tedious set up time, while still getting the same quality VR experience to view your CAD files with Modelo.

  1. Pricing

There are many VR headsets on the market now. But the Google Cardboard only costs $15, while other brands may cost hundreds of dollars more. Not only can you save money, but you can have a high quality VR experience and use multiple cardboards at the same time rather than just one headset, making it a more collaborative VR experience. Plus, as an added bonus if you misplace or break one it won’t matter as much. 

  1. Set up

To set up the HTC Vive, you need to read through an 89-page manual just to set up the physical equipment alone. Not to mention, to make it work with your own customized content, like your 3D model, on their interface or platform there are more instructions.

I have personally tried to set it up and it took me a whole day but ultimately I failed, proving how difficult it is to set up these complex VR headsets.

It’s not worth spending hours to set up equipment for a 5-minute-moment of your presentation, and sometimes you will need to pay for other professionals to help you set up. But that’s another extra cost.

Overall, the time plus the cost you put into the equipment isn’t worth it for a quick presentation. Plus, if your client gets VR sickness, all of the effort put into the set up isn’t worth it. But with Google Cardboards and Modelo all you need to do is to fold the box, open the model on your phone, and with one click on the VR button, you are immediately in VR mode.

  1. Screen limitations

According to the opinion of professional opticians, the base station plays a big role in regards to the display resolutions of your VR equipment. Which means you can achieve the similar visual experiences if you use similar or higher resolution phones with google cardboard. Actually the highest VR resolution display on the market is 1440 x 1280 per eye, but normally the iPhone’s screen resolution is 750 x 667 per eye. Below is a comparison between the two resolutions:

Not so different, right?

  1. Device requirements

Now let’s discuss the base device more in-depth, which is what you display your design on. Generally, most of the VR equipment requires its own specific device as the base device and they will only work with certain brands. For example, Google Daydream will only work with Google’s Pixel phone, and Samsung Gear only works with its own phones or those that have embedded screens.

On the flip side, Google Cardboard works with any mobile device, and Modelo does as well. That means pairing Google Cardboard with Modelo gives you the most flexible choice when viewing in VR. As long as you have a Google Cardboard, you can immediately dive into VR mode.

  1. Mobility

If you use HTC Vive, Gear VR or Play Station, you will be hooked up to messy wires. Not only is that unattractive but you can only move around within a certain vicinity. With Google Cardboard, there are no strings attached. It’s convenient to carry around, present to your clients and view VR on the go.

And best of all, it’s so light and small so you can store it anywhere or even travel with it.

  1. Modelo was built for Google Cardboard

Modelo’s platform was designed to work with Google Cardboard and be as convenient as possible for users. Modelo can host all the major 3D file formats online, like Revit, Rhino, 3ds Max, SketchUp and Vectorworks. All you need to do is to open your 3D model on your phone in the browser, and with one click, you can present anywhere, anytime.

Modelo was designed to cut down the time it takes to prepare presentations. Now you can use that valuable time to work on the one thing that truly matters, your design.

  1. Be effortlessly impressive

When we present, we want to impress our clients with the details of the design effortlessly. The goal is not to intimidate clients with fancy gear and the design should be the center of attention, not the equipment. 

With Google Cardboard, you can hand out a dozen of them to your clients, so they don’t need to wait to view in VR. This way no one will be left out. Then you can walk them through your design all at the same time together without repeating yourself.

  1. A great gift to give away

Give the Google Cardboards away as a very practical and nice gift to your clients, so they can check the project’s progress remotely anytime they want. The communication will become more direct.

  1. Self-branding

Another great feature of Google cardboards is that you are able to brand them with your own logo or visual identity, meaning the surface is printed with your own design at an affordable price.

  1. Eco-friendly

Last but certainly not least, Google Cardboard is eco-friendly so you are helping the world by using it.

Essentially the purpose is to present to clients in a fast and easy way and to catch their attention immediately. Also, use Google Cardboard and Modelo VR as a handy tool to study your own design. Try it now for free and learn how to create VR tours of your 3D models.

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Delivering on Photorealistic Renderings to Avoid Time-wasting and Rework with Modelo

Turning a design plan into a photorealistic rendering is a labor and resource-intensive process that can take weeks to produce. The process is usually slowed down by coordination and communication difficulties, such as the necessity to gather and compile all final plan information, send out images and await feedback, and attempt to interpret the feedback provided through long-winded emails. All of this happens among project teams before the render can truly be initialized.

Eventually, after all this work is done, a beautiful rendering is produced. Game over, right? Well, not so fast. The rendering now has to be presented and meet the expectations and vision of the client. And what happens if it doesn’t? Then, as many design teams we have talked to have gone through, an even longer rework process is underway that is going to drain time, resources, and money, ultimately inhibiting project delivery and the ability to move on to acquire new projects.

With Modelo, the time it takes to produce a rendering will be cut down significantly, and you will be able to deliver on client expectations once that final rendering is completed, avoiding all that rework that firms are experiencing on a regular basis.

By providing a centralized platform for collaboration and communication around 3D models and 2D assets, all the information that needs to be gathered and accessed to produce a final rendering is all in one place that can be accessed by all project members and stakeholders. All the marking-up and feedback that needs to occur in order to produce a final rendering can be done right within Modelo in real-time from any device, any where, on a platform that everyone on the team has access to. No need to print and scan images, draft emails and access files from different locations. Furthermore, that final rendering can be stored and shared right within Modelo.

Even more importantly, the unprecedented tools and abilities Modelo provides for communication and collaboration with clients will eliminate the need to a long rework process. With Modelo, models, design options, walkthroughs, flythroughs, views and assets can be easily shared with clients through URL links, allowing the client to be involved with the design from the early stages to the end, allowing for more efficiency and less surprises when it is time for that final rendering.

Save time and effort by collaborating in 3D in Modelo. Try it out for yourself by signing up for free today.

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Celebrating 50K Comment cards on Modelo

Here at Modelo, we seek to revolutionize the way you are collaborating with team members and presenting to clients throughout your design process. One of the most powerful and effective ways to do that is by using Modelo’s comment cards. This is our most asked about feature because this is a new term to the industry and everyone is looking to keep up.

Most of our clients are finding tremendous success by using comment cards to not only present different views of your models, but also to attach renderings, jump into VR, collaborate during design reviews and much more. As we move towards the middle of July, we wanted to take a second to celebrate a milestone of over 50,000 comment cards used on Modelo and highlight all the great ways our clients have been using them.

Using Comment Cards to present your design:
When uploading from any common CAD software, designers are used to creating different views or scenes. With Modelo, when you upload your model, your views will automatically convert into comment cards for a more structured viewing. Think of this as a 3D PowerPoint presentation. From there you can easily pan through your different cards and make it very easy to communicate your vision to your clients.

You can also create additional comment cards in Modelo to ensure you have all your viewpoints set and ready to present to your clients or team members. If you are in the later stages of your design, comment cards are also a tool to attach your renderings and share them. This gives the ability to showcase your 3D as well as your renderings all in one place. Once you have attached your renderings, click the present button and use your keyboard arrows keys to scroll through your comment cards and improve your presentation capabilities.

Walkthrough your designs in VR with comment cards
When you create comment cards to collaborate or present, these cards also double as the scenes in your VR walkthrough. Simply open Modelo on your phone, grab a Google Cardboard and explore your design in Virtual Reality in only seconds.

Increase efficiency in your design review process
As we see more and more Modelo customers using comment cards, we have noticed a huge increase in them being used for collaborating with team members during design review stages. Now there’s no need to attach images and type out paragraphs to explain what you are looking to get feedback on. Simply jump into Modelo, create your comment cards and in real-time, from any device allow your team members to mark-up and collaborate in real-time.

Using comment cards is the most productive and efficient way to allow team members to markup and review your designs. This allows you to keep all communication in one place and truly speed up your design review process.

As we wait to see how the next 50,000 Comment cards will be used, we encourage you to get creative and see how comment cards can work for you and your team. Try sending comment cards to team members for feedback or assign tasks right from there as well. Make your Comment cards ‘client ready’ and share your design with a simple URL. Or enhance your presentation skills and really wow your clients by attaching renderings and 360 panorama images to a comment card and with one click of a button communicate your vision. Getting started is just a click away.

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Introduction to Modelo Panorama Images

Since 2012 when the iPhone came out with their panorama feature, the Internet has been full of panorama images. Panorama images have enabled the casual photographer to capture a greater view in their images and create a better atmosphere and context for the image. Panorama images provide the viewer with a perspective that is more distinct than a normal photo image. It is a view that encompasses more of the actual view that one is capturing and stands out whether it be on a website, on social media or in a presentation.

Integrate 360 panorama images into your interactive 3D presentation with Modelo

Panorama images also can be created to provide a 360 experience. A 360 image is one that is a panorama of all 360 degrees, including the view of above and below. These images have been very helpful for architectural designers and those selling an experience. They also create an atmosphere that virtually places the viewer in the image. With panoramas and 360 images you can create a better user experience simply by inserting one of these images into a presentation or onto your website.

In Modelo’s lastest update, we have added panorama compatibility in our commenting and presentation capabilities. You can now add panorama images to comments to improve the viewing experience of your design by providing the viewer with a different perspective of your vision. Check out this article to see how easy it is to integrate a panorama image into your next Modelo design, with this blog written by our CEO, Qi Su. Not only are panoramas impressive but they are effective in improving the communication of your vision!

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How to stop urban sprawl? Build a vertical green city

The idea that cities can be incorporated into nature, as opposed to taking it over, is intriguing. As the climate continues to change, populations continue to migrate to cities further driving urbanism, and society places ever-increasing importance on sustainability, Italian architect Stefano Boeri from Stefano Boeri Architetti has sought to address these challenges through his work.

Boeri wants to eradicate the concept of a concrete jungle. His latest contribution to the worldwide Vertical ForestING trend he was responsible for starting, Vertical Forest City, seeks to stop urban sprawl by constructing a 30,000 person city that works symbiotically with nature; one that works with nature, as opposed to taking it over.

Image courtesy of Stefano Boeri Architetti

Located in Liuzhou on the Liujiang River in China’s mountainous Guanxi region, construction on the 138-hectare site began in 2017. Once completed in 2020, the green city will be capable of housing up to the 30,000 residents and will include residential housing, commercial offices, hotels, two schools, multiple recreation areas, and a hospital. Over 100 species of flora will be dispersed throughout the city which will contribute nearly 40,000 trees and 1 million plants. Together, this biomass will absorb 10,000 tons of CO2 and 57 tons of pollutants every years and produce 900 tons of oxygen.

Image courtesy of Stefano Boeri Architetti

Furthermore, the diffusion of plants along streets, in parks and gardens, and on building facades, will contribute to improving the quality of the surrounding air for residents, as well as create natural nose barriers, decrease average air temperatures, and provide a habitat for Liuzhou’s native fauna, thereby improving the biodiversity of the region.

Image courtesy of Stefano Boeri Architetti

The sustainable city will be connected to Liuzhou by fast rail and will be energy self-sufficient, drawing on geothermal energy for air-conditioning and solar panels to power other energy requirements.   

Boeri’s Vertical Forest City is not without precedent. In 2014, his first Vertical Forest design, Bosco Verticale, was opened in Milan. A pair of award-winning residential buildings in Milan’s Porta Nuova district reaching heights of 110m (361 ft) and 76m (249 ft) respectively, the design incorporates over 900 trees and 20,000 plants. The success of this project, as well as Vertical Forest City, has gone on to inspire other projects around the world including in three other Chinese cities, Nanjing (due for completion in 2018), Shanghai and Shenzhen.

Modelo’s occasional blog series on green architecture examines how architecture is making a contribution to increased sustainability within our built environment. In another post on this topic, we posted about building sustainability and the movement an increasing number of architects and contractors are making towards designing and building green homes.

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Create VR Tours of Your 3D Models in minutes using Modelo

When it comes to communicating the vision of a design with clients and curbing the time spent reworking models, VR can be a powerful tool if used effectively. The effectiveness of VR is often related to the type of VR experience created for the client.  

A VR experience that provides a first person perspective from a single viewpoint is a good way to bring a client into a scene and allow them to get the feel for a particular space. This is particularly useful when creating a VR experience on the fly or when the viewpoint is centered in a 360 degree panorama image. (learn how to view 360 degree Panoramas in Modelo).

Creating more of a VR walkthrough experience is an immersive way for clients to visualize and understand the true scale of a design. However, giving a client free reign to walk through a design can be counterproductive since that type of free movement can be distracting and ultimately take focus away from the objectives of a presentation.

Modelo gives users the ability to create scripted VR tours of 3D designs, allowing clients to be fully immersed in the space while maintaining the vision of the design team. This is done using our Comment Card feature to create 3D views within a model. The 3D views can be created easily from anywhere in the model and with different rendering effects to create the ideal experience.

When the model is shared with clients and viewed in VR on a mobile device, the 3D views are cycled through sequentially using the interactive clicker on Google Cardboard. At each 3D viewpoint, clients will be able to explore the space by moving their head and looking around the model. With these abilities, as Modelo users, design teams are able to create and share This is done using our Comment Card feature to create 3D views within a model. VR tours of their models in minutes. Try out Modelo VR today and sign up for a free account!