Landscape & Urban Design Issue 67 2024 | Page 19

GARDEN DESIGN
Point-Cloud Scanning produces 3D digital representations of real-world locations .
AI Visualizer in Vectorworks 2024 Update 4 allows you to create multiple iterations of your initial design concepts . landscapes , enabling designers to visualise and manipulate the environment with unprecedented accuracy and fidelity . Taking it further , Vectorworks ’ mobile app , Nomad , available for iOS and Android , enables photogrammetry to capture objects from multiple angles . This allows users to physically walk around objects like boulders , trees , sculptures , furniture , and even people to capture detailed scans .
Similarly , point-cloud scanning has emerged as a powerful tool for capturing real-world locations in intricate detail . Using Light Detection and Ranging ( LIDAR ) technology , point-cloud scanning produces digital representations composed of thousands or millions of individual points , each with precise X , Y , and Z coordinates . These point clouds serve as invaluable references for designers , providing comprehensive data for site analysis , modelling , and visualisation .
Vectorworks Odyssey allows you to experience early and schematic designs in virtual reality .
It ’ s no secret that artificial intelligence ( AI ) is becoming more prevalent and valuable , propelling the landscape design process into a new era of efficiency , creativity , and collaboration . We recently released Vectorworks 2024 Update 4 , which introduced the AI Visualizer that allows designers to harness the computational power of AI to quickly generate illustrative concepts or refine images using their Vectorworks models . This feature , powered by Stable Diffusion and seamlessly integrated with Vectorworks Cloud Services , empowers designers to ideate and iterate with unprecedented speed and ease , enhancing the design process at every stage .
Virtual reality ( VR ) technology is another game-changer in landscape design , offering immersive experiences that transcend traditional visualisation methods . With tools like Vectorworks Odyssey , a VR viewer app designed for Meta Quest headsets , designers can explore their projects in immersive VR environments , gaining valuable insights and perspectives . From bird ’ s-eye views to interactive walkthroughs , VR technology enables designers to immerse themselves in their creations , facilitating better context and more informed decision-making .
Moreover , VR design tools enhance workflow efficiency and facilitate client engagement and communication . By inviting clients to experience their projects in VR , designers can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the design vision , effectively conveying concepts and eliciting feedback more intuitively and impactfully .
Next-generation technology is transforming landscape and urban design , empowering professionals with innovative tools and capabilities to push the boundaries of creativity and efficiency . From AI-powered design software to photogrammetry , point-cloud scanning , and virtual reality , these advancements are reshaping the landscape design process , enabling designers to visualise , communicate , and execute their ideas with unprecedented precision and effectiveness . As technology develops , the future of landscape design holds limitless possibilities , promising to elevate the built environment and enrich the lives of communities worldwide . Vectorworks Landmark strives to remain at the forefront of innovation , empowering designers to shape a more sustainable , inclusive , and inspiring environment .
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