Computer Graphics & Architecture

Barb Cutler

Toy Story [ Pixar 1995 ]

First fully computer-generated full-length feature film

Motivation

• Effects of time

• Material properties

• Internal structure

• Artistic control

Tetrahedral mesh(volume)

Triangle mesh(surface only)

Eiffel TowerGustave Eiffel

Salginatobel Bridge Robert Maillart

gas station on the Bern-Zurich Highway

Heinz Isler

Colonia GuellAntonio Gaudi

IL (ILEK) Das Modelreconstructed Gaudi model

University of Stuttgart

Improving Structural Form

Kresge Auditorium, MIT Eero Saarinen

1/8 of a sphere (but NOT structurally efficient)

Improving Structural Form

Desired Shape Compression Compression & Tension

Original Shape

Efficient Form (using tension & compression)

Daylighting Design

Image from Henrik Wann Jensen

Traditional Ray Tracing

Image from Henrik Wann Jensen

Global Illumination

standard opening splayed opening

Skylight Shape

This Old House Magazine, June 2005

standard opening splayed opening

Skylight Shape

Skylight Material

matte white paint reflective metal

Fall 06: Daylighting Design Tools

• Interdisciplinary Workshop w/ Professor Dan Glaser (HCI)

• Computer graphics, architectural design, user studies, communication, etc.

Spring 07: Advanced Computer Graphics

• advanced ray tracing: global illumination, photon mapping, subsurface scattering

• mesh generation and simplification

• subdivision surfaces• appearance models

• volumetric modeling• procedural modeling• weathering• simulation: particle

systems, FEM, cloth• texture synthesis • & more …