3D Computer Visualisation – the Modern Means of Sketching
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Estimated reading time 5 min
CAD has revolutionised the way golf courses are designed and most professional golf architecture firms use a Computer Aided Design system. The most commonly used include AutoCAD and MicroStation. Less commonly used are typical GIS (Geographical Information Systems) such as ArcInfo and MapInfo. At Jeff Howes Golf Design we use MicroStation which works best for us and has proven highly efficient.
The benefits of CAD for the architect can be discussed under the general headings of:
- Time
Allowing the mass reproduction of plans, easier modifications, labour efficient, traceability, standardisation and flexibility. - Construction
Multiple copies of plans can be produced to service the needs of the Client (Marketing, Updates to Board of Directors or Committees), the Contractor (Suppliers, Shapers, Consultants), The Irrigation Contractor and other members of the Design Team (Planners / Ecologists etc). CAD can also be used to identify where steep slopes and shade problems may occur. - Marketing
CAD plans of courses currently under construction can also be used for marketing purposes such as virtual tours of the golf course on websites to encourage membership or real estate sales.
CAD systems also have either an ‘in-built’ or ‘add-on’ 3D visualisation component, which can be used for computer modelling. Other software used in the creation of “Photomontages” include Adobe PhotoShop or Illustrator and 3Dstudio.
3D Computer Visualisations
3D computer visualisations are a more modern method of sketching which would have also been used by earlier architects. They give a client who cannot easily interpret contours or 2D plans, an impression of what the architect has in mind and can be used as an excellent marketing tool.
As the saying goes ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ and 3D Computer Models allow quick and accurate depictions – ‘Artist Impressions’ of what is to become a reality once the heavy plant and machinery commence the works. However, like everything else they have their limitations.
In answering the question “Is CAD harmful to creativity”… “to in the field architecture?” and “Who’s right – those who use CAD or those who do not?” ….Do computers make for better golf design & more efficient builds?
Creativity should not be stifled utilising CAD and at Jeff Howes Golf Design, the architect’s plans always begin life through a combination of initial site visits and paper & pencil creations. Once the architect is happy with his or her conceptual plans they are incorporated into CAD by either scanning or digitising. Once inputted they can be easily modified.
In our experience “in the field architecture” is no longer possible with planning authorities and other regulatory bodies demanding to know in advance where earthworks will take place, how much material is planned to be moved, the height of proposed tees, greens etc. After planning has been received and during construction there will always be a certain amount of latitude for the architect to improvise on the design. Most deviations however from the plans submitted as part of planning should be the result of unforeseens on-site, schedule or cost implications and not because the architect did not know the site sufficiently well enough to incorporate the sites unique elements into the overall design. “In the field architecture” probably has the greater potential to overrun in terms of cost & schedule unless the client has commissioned an architect who is capable of exercising tremendous self control when given the opportunity to design a course “on the fly”.
Who’s right? In short no one camp is correct to say one method is better than the other? They both together can help the architect achieve the best possible golf course the site will allow.
Do computers make for better golf design & more efficient builds? In truth computers do not make for better design. However CAD must be acknowledged as a tool which adds value and saves time. Used correctly it is a very powerful instrument which enhances the final product. CAD is capable of quicker and more accurate measurement of cut and fill requirements, the overall length of drainage & irrigation piping thus helping with budgeting forecasts. So yes it should result in more efficient builds. CAD can also be a very successful aid in securing business, but it will never replace the experience of the architect.
It should be made clear that any detailed plans produced by an architect are only as good as the architect is at drawing what they know works in practice through their experience in maintenance, construction & design be they Cad or hand-drawn.
Case Study Carlow Golf Club, Ireland
In a recent project, Jeff Howes Golf Design was asked to design a 9-hole extension to a Tom Simpson course. The brief was to create golf holes similar in style to the old course. In order to persuade the members to proceed with the extension, the Development Committee of the club suggested we present a “3D Fly-through” showing how the course would look once completed.
Jeff Howes Golf Design successfully secured this contract and reports after the pitch were that the graphical representation was the clincher. The movie style ‘fly-through’ left no one in any doubt as to what was proposed and the Board Members were more confident voting in favour of a proposal they could see without the need to be able to interpret contour drawings.
Members conceded once the trees planted as part of the development matured that they probably would be hard pressed to see the difference between the virtual course and the constructed one.
This article originally appeared in Golf Course Architecture January 2007. Click here for further information.