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Introduction and Theory |Proposed Framework

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Oasys mass motion

This is a stand alone crowd simulation tool where architects must export their model into. while there is nothing wrong with this, it is an extra step, which can incentivize architects to skip visualizing crowds entirely in tight deadlines.

By TheOasysSoftware, trimmed by Author, “Oasys Software - MassMotion, The World’s Most Advanced Crowd Simulation Software,” YouTube, 2:30, accessed December 19, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR5G5SNI5T4.

built into 3D applications such as 3ds Max[5]—most of them do not consider the existence of new forms of dynamic spaces alongside the integration of a robust visualization pipeline. (Fig. 1.4.1 - 5) Because of these limitations, they are harder to integrate within contemporary architectural workflows and are unsuited for portraying the high complexity of emerging intelligent spaces, especially during the design phase when changes to the building design are constantly made.

For these reasons, this thesis will propose the creation of a means—to both analyze and visualize dynamic spaces—by first establishing a methodology for simulating human crowds, and then integrating it within a game engine. In doing so, it will be shown to be possible to build a foundational framework that can be built upon to be tailored to specific needs, from which one can both extrapolate information on occupancy as well as visualizations from the same workflow. Of course, this is venturing into unknown territories, especially for an architecture student with no coding background. Therefore, personally, this thesis is an exploration of technology, a learning process, and a challenge to oneself. Ideally, this thesis is the creation of a tool and a framework with the intent to provide architects with a tool that they can both use during the design process and also evolve.

As architecture is evolving, so too must architectural visualization. Technology is changing, and this thesis is looks at creating a framework to facilitate that change for architectural design workflows. The benefits in doing so set up the means to improve efficiency, flexibility, and design, while also providing the skill and knowledge to understand, manipulate, and create new tools to tailor to any type of project, most particularly during the design process, at a point where change can be most easily incorporated. By approaching knowledge in an interdisciplinary manner, one can broaden the scope of what is possible within the field of architecture.

A crowd Visualization Tool in Autodesk 3ds Max

Here, the user defines a path where people are generated to follow. This is a simple approach for visualizing people for a pitch, but it does not show how the space will be used, rather how the architect thinks the space will be used.

From sanvfx, trimmed by Author, “Creating Crowd Simulation in 3ds Max,” YouTube, 23:09, accessed December 19, 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-PMBi8gze4&t=454s.