[DrMerman]

Hey guys,

And so it continues

Well the architects and advertisers have been liking the stuff that I've created and have given me the next in this string of projects. It is, as you can see from the below images, a swimming pool complex, that joins onto an existing farmhouse. My job is to create renders to aid the architects in their final decisions, and then create another series of images for advertising purposes.

After a few hours I came up with the below images just to give them a vague idea of what it'll look like in 3D (hence the lack of noise-reduction.) All the geometry you can see is temporary. I'm now going in and adding detail, section by section, starting on the front windows then moving onto the pool etc...

I'm hoping that this thread will be a true WIP, showing pretty much all stages of the process. As always, the harshest of criticisms are welcome - if it looks terrible, please let me know

I'll be posting some updates on the front windows in the next day or so. (I'm currently rigging them for a final animation they're threatening to ask of me )

Until then,
Dr Merman

[adri]

how did you model the water?

TIA

Adri

[DrMerman]

Hey adri,

The water is simply a flat plane, with a modified version of the following MXM applied :

http://mxmgallery.maxwellrender.com/sea ... e=0&id=337

Thanks to goncalo for that The final will probably be displaced geometry, which you can do (in Maya ) by applying a simple fractal material in your mat's displacement channel, followed by a 'Convert Displacement to Poly's'.

Cheers,
Dr Merman

[Fernando Tella]

Nice reflected caustics there!

[DrMerman]

Thanks Fernando! I'd love to say that it was planned all along....so...I will

[Fernando Tella]

Maxwell's magic.

I don't mean you have nothing to do with that.

[deadalvs]

doc, may i ?

* * *

before i do some crits i wanted to ask if these «architects» really are interested in (even) better architecture... i am astounded that they want a good and professional designer like You to help them in their work...

normally, architects never seem helpless...

* * *

i could add a few things, but that would really go into architectural design... be prepared - You might learn something ...

[glebe digital]

Yeah those caustics, nice.

[michaelplogue]

So, does each swimmer get their own private dressing room? If they do, do they also get a piece of cheese if they can figure their way out?

[DrMerman]

Cheers guys!

deadalvs : Please feel free!

I'm doing this work for the advertising firm involved with the project, who have put me in touch with the architects, and also seem to be the ones making some key decisions about the architecture. From what I've gathered so far, the advertising people are using these initial images to back up any suggested changes they propose to the architects. My inbox looks confusing, and all I know is that its going to be nasty to light. Anyway....just go nuts

glebe : Thanks as always. It took alot of planning to get them to line up just right....

michaelplogue : There's a cheese dispenser just behind the stairs - I don't think you can make it out in these shots It does seem....strangely cramped though doesn't it. And wait till I post the patio area outside...

[deadalvs]

err, what's up, doc ?

[dflecha3d]

Jajajajaja, soooooo cool!!!!!
David Martin.

[DrMerman]

Hahahah Your suggestion has been duly noted

[deadalvs]

well, what i actually wanted to mention... crits...

* * *

let's start at the beginning.

architecture's about space and the atmosphere that is being created. space itself, creates a shell in which we can feel safe/home.

now. architecture is built in the way that a thought [design] is translated into reality using architectural elements as walls, doors, ramps, ...

so the construction seems to be the result of the process which should express an overall architectural intention. of course there can be construction itself without any though behind it, but that may not be architecture.

* * *

i think i have to go straighter to the point, else i'll write for 6 hours...

* * *

now what i am missing a little in the design in this architectural view is the approach that unites the whole thing to one piece.

as michaelplogue correctly mentioned (i have no idea what his background is in architecture) based on his feeling that there's something «small» and mouse-house-kind of thing going on in the red part which makes it still very separated. there are too many languages spoken.
and there are too many different types of objects around that do not yet unify space.
yes, the most obvious ones are orange now...

as one could «read the images» [without wanting to produce the direct translation in form] as a cradle situation, that opens up from a private part to the open space. forms that come from this thought could be a fan like in this image:


or a shell like here:


let's say we want to build a house with the analogy of «banana», the house does not to have the form of a banana. this house would have large inner rooms, not much divided and long sectioned openings with roof sheets that bear the inner spaces...

* * *

now to go on with the thought.
me personally, i'd more underline the swung line of the façade more, make it even more natural, handdrawn and then incorporate in the beginning of the form this cradle with softly, female forms that grow out to create a shell for the pool.

the columns as they are at the moment would blend with the girder and create façade, all in one.

* * *

when we think of the primary understanding of this mentioned space, the customer understands the expression «by nature» and feels snag/secure just from the unconsciousness - even if the customer does not even understand the overall idea of the design.

--> for me, this is good architecture is when a layman says «it just feels right», out from the stomach feeling.

there's no such thing as good or bad architecture, it's just about a better or not well done composition of elements that either «do their job» or «create a positive impression which lasts».

go into a gothic cathedral or walk across an ancient cemetary... it just feels ... right .

* * *

good architecture is a passion and we all can learn from the masters...

richard serra, a very wise man, studies for months a place before a sculpture is set...



hope this helped a little to go on ...

[DrMerman]

Wow deadalvs, I cannot thank you enough for that. I feel like I should be paying you for this

I completely understand what you are saying about the complex not having an overall theme. It's like they had this great idea for a free-flowing, curvy design, and then gave up and just stuck as many walls in as they could.

Thankyou also for your suggestions. It's really nice to hear what someone with your obvious level of architectural knowledge has to say about this. I admit to knowing nothing about architecture, so your advice comes in VERY useful

I intend to carefully bring this up with one of the guys at the advertising company, whom I see every few days for an 'official' meeting (usually lots of coffee and free wireless internet ) The reality is that presenting this building in a half decent way is going to be difficult, for a lot of reasons. Getting a camera anywhere near the changing rooms is pretty much out of the question (focal distance 460mm anyone? ) From a practical standpoint, I think the changing rooms are wrong - how you are going to get people in there is beyond me. Sadly it not my call to make. I'll post back on the results.

Thanks again, mate
Dr Merman