All articles by David Littlefield – Page 2

  • Features

    Platform - David Littlefield

    2006-08-25T00:00:00Z

    The limits of computers

  • Features

    Which way will the wind blow?

    2006-08-25T00:00:00Z

    More and more architects want to know how wind might affect their buildings. But are wind tunnels or computer programs the best way to make accurate predictions?

  • Technical

    The magic numbers

    2006-07-14T00:00:00Z

    It’s not just the golden section — architects often use complex mathematical sequences as inspiration for their designs. David Littlefield reports on the latest schemes to find their forms from numbers

  • New York, containing a detailed model of the Empire State Building, modelled in SketchUp and exported to Google Earth.
    Features

    Tomorrow the world

    2006-05-19T00:00:00Z

    Collaborations with Google Earth are beginning to give architects, clients and even the public unprecedented ability to test-drive new schemes in virtual neighbourhoods

  • Architype’s Sheerness Sure Start Centre is the first Plan-Ziegel building to be completed in the UK.
    Technical

    Faster out of the blocks

    2006-05-12T00:00:00Z

    Are Ziegel blocks a quicker and more efficient alternative to cavity walls? David Littlefield finds out

  • HOK is piloting the program on 20 projects worldwide. These include this facade of a 40-storey tower for a financial company in Dubai
    Features

    Entering a new dimension

    2006-04-21T00:00:00Z

    HOK is the latest, and highest-profile, UK architect to take the plunge and adopt Autodesk's 3D modelling tool Revit. David Littlefield spoke to the practice about how it is managing this fundamental change

  • Features

    Platform: David Littlefield

    2006-04-21T00:00:00Z

    This month Westminster University hosted a conference devoted to architecture and technology. Much of it veered way off the subject, but some of it painted an intriguing picture of a possible future. Jon Goodbun, of the Working Architecture Group, posited an idea which he maintained was partially achievable, but the ...

  • The auditorium was designed to use as much natural light and sustainable heating and cooling as possible.
    Technical

    The rocky road to cooling

    2006-03-24T00:00:00Z

    A church centre is using underground rocks for sustainable comfort cooling.

  • Features

    Platform: Profits and products

    2006-03-17T00:00:00Z

    Earlier this month Autodesk, the software giant of the architecture and engineering industries, announced whopping profits - again.

  • The Facility and Part4’s plans for the Burgess Park cycle track are used as a starting point for the consultation process.
    Features

    How to be a model student

    2006-03-17T00:00:00Z

    A group of south London schoolchildren are working with a specially devised 3D program to help local architects design a building for their local park.

  • Light test – 3D printed model of differentiated structure, by Marco Poletto of ecoLogic Studio. This project used parametric design to create a variety of different apertures for a concrete wall.
    Features

    Stunned into silence

    2006-02-17T00:00:00Z

    Hundreds of architects assembled at the British Museum to hear what emerged from the latest Smartgeometry workshop in Cambridge.

  • Features

    Platform

    2006-02-17T00:00:00Z

    Obstructing the user

  • Features

    Platform

    2006-01-20T00:00:00Z

    Embrace the power

  • After a full survey and site photograph, a VVM is created using 3D Studio Max, as with this example by M3FX for Hamilton Associates.
    Features

    Exacting visions

    2005-12-02T00:00:00Z

    Architects are increasingly turning to visually verified montages to prove how schemes will look

  • Features

    Virtual reality

    2005-11-18T00:00:00Z

    Two weeks ago, Bentley Systems held a fascinating “executive summit” about building information modelling (BIM).

  • The Angel Wings model by Letts Wheeler Architects with art and design practice Wolfgang & Heron.
    Features

    Make me a supermodel

    2005-11-18T00:00:00Z

    Two captivating exhibitions have harnessed cutting-edge modelling technology.

  • Features

    Platform

    2005-10-21T00:00:00Z

    A new reality

  • The Freedom Tower, New York, by SOM, modelled in Revit and rendered in 3D Studio Max.
    Features

    First bite at the Big Apple

    2005-10-21T00:00:00Z

    New York’s Freedom Tower is being designed in Revit, Autodesk’s 3D modelling package.

  • Chipperfield’s two-storey library is part of a brownfield redevelopment near Des Moines city centre. Asymmetrical “fingers” extend into courtyards that are meant to give visitors the impression of reading books in a parkland setting.
    Technical

    Reading in the shade

    2005-10-14T00:00:00Z

    Copper mesh cladding will stop Chipperfield’s Des Moines Library overheating

  • Features

    Which is right for you?

    2005-09-16T00:00:00Z

    Last month’s Helpdesk column ran the question: “It’s hard to keep up with the different rendering and visualising tools available.