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Using CGI in Regeneration
Bally Meeda - 30th November 1999
Computer Generated Images (CGI) within regeneration can be created with varying degrees of realism, and some are made to very accurately represent the real life proposals. However, they are only meant to be a representation, impression or a virtual reality. They are rarely, if ever, precise indications of how a place will look.
All too often, the audience is more impressed with the quality and realism of the CGI than the design and planning of site itself. CGIâs should be cross-referenced with measured drawings to fully understand and appreciate development proposals. CGIâs can distort the truth and therefore it is vital to fully understand their purpose and manage expectations.
It is not uncommon for poorly designed schemes, although presented beautifully through CGI, to actually be built. Unfortunately, at this stage it is all too late to recover.
However, itâs not all doom and gloom. Many professionals use CGIâs within regeneration to great effect; it helps them understand site planning and design; it can speed up the design process; communicate more effectively to a wider audience; and help promote and market the proposed development.
When looking at CGIâs from planning, urban design and architectural perspective - the following considerations should help bridge the gap between âvirtualâ and ârealityâ:
⢠Aerial viewpoints are normally imaginary ones from the air or points not accessible by the public, although provide a good overview.
⢠Eye-level viewpoints give a much better impression of scale and being within the development.
⢠Weather conditions go a long way to make places look lively and energetic and consider what it might look like in poor conditions.
⢠Landscaping is an important part of making a place look attractive and inviting, although not always accurate. Always clarify if the landscaping is a part of the final specification.
⢠Shadows cast on buildings appear differently according to the seasons.
⢠Building materials can be replicated very closely which is of enormous benefit, although they can also be portrayed inaccurately. Always clarify if the building materials are a part of the final specification.
⢠Public realm is an important part of making a place look attractive and inviting. Always clarify if the paving; street furniture; and lighting etc is a part of the final specification.
⢠Vehicles are not always shown at busy or congested times.
⢠People are introduced to give a sense of scale and make a place look busy.
⢠Artistic licence is always used to make these images more attractive and exciting.
In conclusion, CGIâs are an excellent way of communicating virtual realities, promoting schemes and are an integral part of the design process. However, it should not go unnoticed that CGIâs can distort the truth and âwhat you seeâ is not always âwhat you getâ.
Author
Bally Meeda RSA
Bally is the Director of Urban Graphics, a collective of Creative Designers and Cartographers specialising in graphic design, illustration and visualisation for urban design and regeneration projects.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was invited to join due his success and contribution to regeneration in the UK.
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