Assignment on Rendering

From the readings:

"Rendering 3D worlds - 3D Geometric Graphics II" by Anne Spalter, Addison Wesley Longman Inc. 1999, pp 257-293.

"Once and Future Graphics Pioneer", B.J. Novitski
http://www.architectureweek.com/2000/0913/tools_1-1.html

"Once and Future Graphics Pioneer Part II", B.J. Novitski
http://www.architectureweek.com/2000/0920/tools_1-1.html



All of these articles have the commonality of computer modeling and rendering and lighting effects in computer modeling. The chapter "Rendering 3D worlds - 3D Geometric Graphics II" by Anne Spalter explains all about the basics of 3d rendering and how light reacts to different surfaces of models. Being familiar with 3D modeling and having rendered models before, much of this information was not new to me. Through my experiences with Form Z, I have used texture mapping and bump mapping. I have also added ambient and point source lighting into models. I have even used the virtual camera to save scenes of my model. All of these methods are explained in this chapter, and having used them before, the information only further made it clear what was happening during these processes.

It was not until the section on ray tracing that I was unfamiliar with the rendering process. I have heard the term “ray tracing” before, but I have never seen it explained in such depth. Ray tracing is the interaction between light and objects. This is how light bounces off objects to create shadows and reflections of an object. This process is what makes the 2D screen appear 3D.

The articles from Architecture Week are both related to the Program of Computer Graphics (PCG) at Cornell University. The Director, Donald P. Greenberg has led this program since 1974, and he and his team have developed many of the applications used by architects. One project that Greenburg and his students are working on is a way to “rethink the medium.” While architects used to use a pencil and paper to draw out plans and designs, today, architects are using a mouse and pointer on a screen. This project combines the old method of sketching by hand and new technologies of digital modeling. The design team had developed a system of modeling on a screen by using a portable pen and drawing board. This method allows users to draw on x, y, and z planes. Currently, this design is very expensive and unaffordable to architects. Hopefully, one day it can be a normal and affordable form of design in 3D modeling.

Another project Greenburg and his team is working on is a way to improve lighting in 3D modeling programs. Now, when working in modeling programs, digital lighting methods can be used to show how light will pass through a window or space. If the render does not look good, the designer can alter the light to improve on the rendering. With new technology, the design team is working on creating a way to make light realistic. The light in the program will flow through the window how it would in real life. If the render does not look good, the light cannot be altered. You cannot move the sun, so why should you be able to move the light in the program? Therefore, the designer must alter the size of the window or the colors in the room. They must change their design. Having lighting true to nature and real life will greatly affect the way we design and can really help in creating better, more accurate designs. It will help the designer and client better visualize a final product.

While the first article of the Architecture Week articles talks about several projects of Cornell University students, the second article talks about how the students learn and where the Cornell students will go after graduation. Cornell design students do not have separate courses for their 3D computer design. This allows them to be more creative and go further with their skills in 3D modeling. Thee students are learning programs that are more advanced than programs used by other people today. This more sophisticated technology allows the students to express themselves better than they otherwise could have.

Rendering 3D models, as we do today, is only the beginning. New technologies are constantly being designed, and renderings will continue to look more and more like real life pictures. With more accurate lighting and easier ways of drawing in 3D, designs and renderings will only improve from where they are today.