There is no easier, clearer way to illustrate what a development will look like in it’s location than viewing it in a 3D model as if it is already built……

This is particularly true when communicating to Stakeholder groups such as Local Authorities and Local Communities where people may not be familiar with reading engineering style drawings and illustrations that are presented in 2D.

With 3D models that have aerial images of the local area draped over the terrain model, Local Residents can immediately identify, more easily and understandably, where the development is within their community, what scale the development is, and therefore, give a clearer idea of what measures are being taken to mitigate the potential issues the development may pose.

With the number of necessary Consultants working on a project, all looking at different aspects of the development, it is not unusual for “misalignment of outputs” to occur, particularly in the early stages where detail is understandably minimal and optioneering is still going on.

Creating the initial 3D model of the development (even a rudimentary, simple block model) in it’s location, FORCES a coming together of these outputs, and highlight where misalignments may appear. Although this may not necessarily fix the issue there and then, at least it is highlighted to the team so that the misalignment is not carried on through without further verification.

By utilising (affordable) 3D modelling, early and often, you can show to Stake Holders that you have taken extra time & effort to ensure that they can fully and clearly understand how any impact your development may have is being addressed, and, because of this clarity and transparency, gain confidence from Stake Holders that development design has been well thought out.

In my experience, 3D modelling has not been readily utilised in the early, optioneering phases of projects. Capturing and using 3D outputs for your project deliverables at this early stage can give your project a, noticeable, impressive quality that may not exist with other developers’ projects.

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As stated before, 3D modelling is good at, forcing to the surface, issues/misalignments that understandably occur in early design stages.

This earlier recognition of potential issues has the effect of bringing decision making further forward in the process than perhaps it would be if the same verification was done differently where misalignments may not be picked up.

By having all the EXTRA information that 3D modelling provides, more informed decisions can be made and distributed, with confidence, to other team members therefore minimising delays and additional costs due to potential unnecessary rework.

Once a 3D model of your development (in it’s location) has been created there are many outputs that can be derived that will enhance presentation of your design to Stake Holders.

First and foremost, screen captures from the 3D model can be inserted in documentation to provide an additional quality to the understanding of the proposal.
The captured images can also be used to print large scale posters for use in public consultations showing more recognisable landscapes to the Local Residents.

Animated Videos can be shown on P.C.’s, tablets and even phones. During public consultations animations can be displayed on large TV screens providing a interesting backdrop that can encourage visitors to participate in discussions because they “recognise more clearly” what  they are being shown.
These animations can also be uploaded to your website or to YouTube to give a wider distribution of your project.