Peculiarity of Video-Computer Methods of
Space Design in Contemporary Moscow
Michael Matalasov,
Moscow Architectural Institute (State Academy),
Moscow, Russia
Eugene Matalasov
Moscow Architectural Institute (State Academy),
Moscow, Russia
Contents
Abstract
Taking into account some
requirements and expectations of perceiving space simulation in Moscow, we are
trying to evaluate and analyze briefly the possibilities and effectiveness of
several universal methods in some unordinary real projects in Moscow. How were
these methods used and what results did they gain?
Introduction
Since
the computer and video technology are more accessible to the Moscow architects,
their role in the assessment of simulated spaces has increased and causes
certain recognition both on the part of the customers and consumers of the
future structures, and on the part of the experts and critics. However basic
difficulty when introducing techniques of video-computer simulation is the
insufficient qualification of some Moscow architects and the high cost of
contemporary program-technical maintenance for performance of works. Therefore
the basic volume of work for making decisions and analysis of the simulated
environment takes place, unfortunately, on the basis of a photomontage and physical
models.
Being
engaged for a long time with problems of
video computer modeling of perceiving the design solutions, exchanging
experience with colleagues in ÅÀÅÀ, we came to a conclusion, that one of the very
important and grateful directions of works in the field of video-computer simulation
could be the application of our techniques for the assistance to examination of
the design solutions, creating a real information basis for acceptance by the
experts of the most objective decisions. The role of the experts can be played
by administrative and public organizations, the customers financing the
realization of the projects, real future users, who are directly concerned with
the realization of the project. [1,2]
Application
of simple endoscopy methods when realizing real projects in Moscow
We see an especially important area of using usual
endoscopy methods in Moscow, when the question is restoration and
reconstruction of Moscow monuments of architecture, for example, the complex of
buildings of the Moscow Architectural Institute. As for the demonstration
purposes the exact physical model of the Institute buildings (the scale M1:200)
was prepared and it contained all design proposals, there has appeared an opportunity
to receive practically in the real time and to print by the printer the
endoscopic images from any chosen real points. The very evident information
received in this way has provided essential help for the coordination of the
project and is used now when there appear current questions during the process
of reconstruction taking place now. ( Fig. 1a,b; Fig. 2a,b; Fig. 3a,b; Fig.
4a,b; video 1, video 2)
Fig. 1a
Fig. 1b
Fig. 2a
Fig. 2b
Fig. 3a
Fig. 3b
Fig. 4a
Fig. 4b
Video-computer simulation of
perception - method of “overlapping of
spaces”
Recognizing that
photomontage has been known for a long time and when working with motionless
images it is rather easy to achieve distortions in displayed spaces and
objects, we believe, that the most authentic results of representation of the
projected object in real video-environment (excluding full-scale modeling) can
be received by the method of “overlapping” of the real space displayed by means
of video-shooting with the «design space», represented by a small-scale physical
model or computer model. Using video-shooting with moving objects essentially
complicates the distortion of spaces. The reality increases even more, if when
shooting the movement of the camera itself takes place on the chosen
trajectory. Some Moscow examples show, how
our works can be applied for the estimation of the design proposals. [3]
According
to the commission of the Departments of Monuments’ Protection we executed the
work at displaying the projected building in the real historical
video-environment. The building which is projected and a fragment of the
existing by-street were represented as physical models in the scale M1:200. We
executed video-shooting of the appropriate site, computer painting of the model
and its location with the help of endoscopy and computer methods in real
video-shooting on the place of the future building.
The
demonstration of this video for the consideration and co-ordination of the
project has provided necessary information for the statement of well-founded
remarks and amendments. The video-shooting made by us approximately from the
same point show a high degree of reliability and presentation of the
video-computer modeling, executed by us. (video 3)
The next
work was executed by us according to the project of the office building. In it
according to the wish of the customer from the same real points of observation
two variants of the project executed as physical models in the scale M1:200 were shown in order to choose and
ratify the most suitable one after the appropriate discussions and negotiation.
The video-material, prepared by us, was repeatedly demonstrated at different
stages of the negotiation and contributed to the choice of the variant, which
is now practically realized. (Fig. 5, video 4)
Fig. 5
The
adduced illustrations nevertheless show differences of the real object from its
physical model. It is one of basic characteristics of works, carried out by us.
As the materials which are now being prepared are intended for the appropriate
discussions of the proposed design and taking into account of the stated
remarks and wishes, the constructed object practically always can differ (but
not essentially!) from the initial plan.
At the
request of the customer – the Direction of the Moscow Kremlin Museums - the
video-material on the basis of the already executed project of buildings of the
Moscow Kremlin Museums in Borovitskaya Square was made. We have shown (using
video-computer simulation and the computer model given to us,), how the project
would look in a real video-environment. On the basis of the first variant of
our video-material the authors were compelled to make essential changes in the
already completed project. Nevertheless, this project was rejected, and a new
competition was announced, which other authors have won already. (video 5, video 6)
Conclusions
1.
We believe, that our practical
experience and also our constant
educational-methodological and scientific
researches can bring a large advantage if reasonable decisions are made
about the proposed architectural projects especially concerning the area of
reconstruction and restoration of monuments of architecture or works in
historical urban environment.
2.
The given examples demonstrate a
variety of problems of modeling perception of the design proposals in
contemporary Moscow. They have exerted a certain influence on the adoption of
decisions about the realization of projects.
3.
The used methods and technical
means differ in some way in terms of labor-intensiveness, cost, expressiveness
and accuracy. Nevertheless, all of them serve the solution of one main task –
the most real display of not yet existing architectural objects - and should be
applied both at different stages of the designers’ work and at the interaction
in the architect – investor - user chain.
4.
We don’t set the purpose to
declare the certain preferences in the considered area, as the scientific and
technical progress changes constantly the proportions of parameters which are
mentioned above and, besides under other equal conditions we should take into
account and subjective preferences of
the participants of the interaction.
5.
However, due to administrative
peculiarities in contemporary Moscow, the use of the methods of video-computer simulation
on the basis of video-shootings of the real situation has only recommendatory
character, but the so-called «video-landscape analysis», consisting in showing
contours of projected object, constructed by means of the computer in a photo,
is obligatory for the approval of the proposed projects. Thus the basic role is
played by «administrative preference».
References
1.
Thomas, Wolfgang; Borgwardt, Gerald
(1997): STADTBILDER STATT PLAENE (UMWELTsimulation in der PLANUNGSpraxis) – Ein
Forschungsbericht der Arbeitsgruppe Umweltsimulation (ArGUS). Fachbereich
Bauwesen, Universitaet Essen
2.
Van der Does, Jan; Giro, Hector
(1999): IMAG(IN)ING, A fresh look at design, presentation and communication. TU
Delft
3.
Matalasov, Michael; Matalasov,
Eugene; Schmidt, Alexander; Schloemer, Natascha (2004): International
Educational "Virtual Collectives" and Potential Collaboration in
Video Computer Simulation for Perception of Educational Urban Design and
Architectural Projects. Electronic journal "Computer Graphics and Geometry",
Vol. 6, N 1 pp. 100-109, www.elibrary.ru/cgg/