Highlighting building features by 3D printing at different scales

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1to30-1to4_1to4section.JPG

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Building_A-1to4_patio_section.JPG

building_A_1to4_patio.JPG

Building_A_1to30_3Dprint.JPG

I have always found that interactive 3D digital data yields a greater wealth of information than static 2D images. For instance a digital 3D model allows the user to orbit, pan, and zoom around the model. Where as a single 2D elevation is very specific to one portion of the project. In the AEC we use these drawing qualities for different but equally important uses. The full 3D digital model can show the overall design intent of a project. Where as a detialed section can show how a staircase interacts with its supports.

With the integration of 3D printing and 3D models we are able to quickly produce the same impressions with one single 3D model. Digital 3D models are so flexible that we can scale the project down and print the entire model. We can also Zoom in on a particular area of the project and print it at a larger scale to say help us understand how one could interact with the space.

The attached images show how we were able to use one 3D model for two different 3-D prints. The "Building_A_1to30_3Dprint" image shows a 3D print of the entire Building A project. The "building_A_1to4_patio" picture shoes just the patio feature of building A printed at a larger scale of 1"=4'. The "Building_A-1to4_patio_section" image shows the Patio portion of building A printed at 1"=4' with a section cut through it to further highlight the window scheme for the area.

I feel that there is quite a lot of instilled value when you can utilize one digital model for so many different 3D printing applications. The possibilities are truly endless.