Computer Visualization for the Theatre: 3D Modelling for Designers

by Carver; Gavin

• ISBN13: 9780240516172
• ISBN10: 0240516176
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2003-08-11
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Theatre designers using 3D software for computer visualisation in the theatre will find this book both a guide to the creative design process as well as an introduction to the use of computers in live performance. Covering the main software packages in use: Strata Studio Base, 3D Studio Max and 3D Studio Viz, the book provides techniques for 3D modelling alongside creative ideas and concepts for working in 3D space. Projects are provided to sharpen your awareness and digital skills as well as suggested further reading to broaden the scope of your theatrical and design knowledge. This book is both a useful day to day reference as well as an inspirational starting point for implementing your own ideas. the authors are experienced trainers in the field and understand the pitfalls to be avoided as well as the possibilities to be explored using computer visualisation for designing theatre space. They provide insightful hands on descriptions of techniques used in the development of performance projects set in the wider context of design considerations. The book is highly informative about the technology of computer visualisation providing examples of working practice applicable to all software.

Table of Contents

Introduction	ix
How to use this book	ix
1 Setting the scene: contexts and approaches	1	(12)
Setting some context, histories and traditions	1	(2)
A case for computer modelling in set design. Why bother?	3	(1)
The process of designing	4	(5)
Computers and theatre design	9	(4)
2 Outlining the software and its development	13	(13)
The evolution of computer graphics and CAD programs	13	(1)
CAD	13	(3)
Photo/Paint programs	16	(3)
Modelling programs	19	(4)
Specialist programs	23	(3)
3 Thinking about the hardware: an overview of relevant technologies	26	(15)
The platform	26	(3)
What to look for when buying a system - what's inside the box	29	(4)
Viewing the work - display systems and printers	33	(5)
Input devices	38	(3)
4 Navigating the computer space	41	(15)
Representing three dimensions on two	41	(2)
Understanding co-ordinates	43	(1)
Understanding viewports	44	(3)
Placing the origin	47	(1)
Making models	48	(2)
Drawing aids: grids, snaps and selections	50	(1)
Materials	51	(1)
Lighting	52	(1)
Rendering	53	(3)
5 The basics of modelling	56	(31)
Using primitives	57	(4)
Transforms	61	(3)
Some uses of simple primitive designs	64	(2)
More modifications and deformations	66	(2)
Boolean	68	(2)
AEC elements: doors, windows and AEC extended	70	(1)
Exercises in exploratory modelling	71	(1)
Abstract Bauprobe	71	(5)
A word about flats and box sets	76	(2)
A Shaker table - modelling in detail	78	(6)
Sub-object modification	84	(3)
6 The basics of materials	87	(26)
Simple colour	88	(1)
Materials	89	(18)
Effective material libraries	107	(6)
7 The basics of lighting	113	(26)
The role of lighting on stage	114	(4)
Lighting in the digital model	118	(9)
Lighting the table scene - some design considerations	127	(5)
Three-point general cover	132	(4)
Digital light sources and their theatre equivalents	136	(3)
8 The rule of change - scenographic improvisation	139	(4)
9 Peopling the stage	143	(8)
Why use human figures?	143	(1)
Practical application	144	(6)
Summary	150	(1)
10 Composition, cameras, rendering and resolution	151	(9)
Focal lengths and framing	152	(3)
Rendering environment and effects	155	(1)
Resolution	156	(1)
The problem of credence - reading the digital model	157	(3)
11 Advanced modelling	160	(13)
Using lines and shapes	160	(6)
More complex extrusions	166	(4)
Lathing objects	170	(2)
A little more about NURES	172	(1)
12 The design over time: storyboards and animations	173	(13)
An introduction to animation	173	(1)
Animation (in both senses) for the theatre designer	173	(3)
Digital animation	176	(8)
Summary	184	(2)
13 Project management	186	(24)
To digitally model, or not to digitally model ...	186	(1)
Filing and storage structures	187	(3)
Scheduling and budgeting	190	(3)
Organizing the design for technical purposes	193	(5)
Sharing your work	198	(4)
Some practicalities for conferring	202	(8)
14 Conclusion	210	(3)
Bibliography	213	(6)
Glossary	219	(4)
Index	223