Fancy a gamble on the design visualisation industry? Discover what could be a sure bet at this year’s Imagina in Monte Carlo, writes Stephen Holmes.
Imagina 2010, being held at the Grimaldi Forum, Monaco from 3–5 February, promises to be one of the largest European visualisation and simulation conferences of the year.
With the use of 3D technology in architecture, visualisation and landscaping as the backbone of the occasion, Imagina is shaping to be a key opportunity to assess how the industry is moving forward through the application of new techniques and technology.
This year’s keynote speech is to be given by leading French architect and urban designer Jean Nouvel, who was awarded the prestigious Pritzker Prize — regarded by many as architecture’s highest honour — in 2008. Having worked on more than 200 projects around the world, he is best known for the Arab World Institute, Paris; the bullet-shaped Torre Agbar in Barcelona and the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.
For the second year running, Imagina 2010 will play host to a specialised Digital City and Territory Village for local authorities, towns, local governments and regions.
“With the use of 3D technology in architecture, visualisation and landscaping as the backbone of the occasion, Imagina is shaping to be a key opportunity to assess how the industry is moving forward through the application of new techniques and technology.”
Each is invited to an allocated stand to present their territory management initiatives using a 3D mock-up, explaining its applications and demonstrating how computer-generated imagery made with geo-referenced 3D data can be used in communications and public consultation.
The Imagina exhibition floor will be bigger than ever. There is a strong French contingent among the exhibitors, with the likes of Dassault Systemes and The French National Geographic Institute (IGN) entertaining visitors. Meanwhile, international giants such as Nvidia and Wacom will be cast alongside interesting smaller companies. Below are six exhibitors that are worth a visit:
3DTV solutions
3DTV solutions creates, develops and commercialises software and hardware systems dedicated to glasses-free 3D visualisation. 3DTV Solutions has designed a complete range of products for audiovisual, multimedia and advertising professionals: A camera and editing software and a plug-in for 3D software, such as Autodesk 3ds Max.
Bionatics
Bionatics is a French software publisher specialising in real time 3D modelling and visualisation tools for large territories and their evolution over time. The company presents at Imagina version two of its flagship software LandSim3D for sustainable city development and countryside conservation.
Enodo
Previously known as IMAGTP, Enodo adapt hi-end video-game technology (Cryengine) to industrial needs. Its has expertise in virtual reality, providing cutting-edge solutions for real time and interactive manipulation of industrial data. Whether for industrial simulation, urban planning, transportation or serious games, the French company’s team stretch 3D graphics and add artificial intelligence to individual projects.
NOOMEO
An innovative company that develops a new generation of ultra-portable 3D scanners dedicated to industrial applications. The solution, OptiNum, is based on a photographic technology that allows total autonomy of movement.
Spaceyes
Spaceyes provide a third-party real time fly-through and model making tool, compatible with most GIS, CAD and 3D software on the market.
Vertice
Vertice will be demonstrating its Nova product, a standalone real time rendering solution, which also works directly with 3ds Max and Revit. Also on show will be Nova Server, a cloud based solution which offers real time navigation of 3D scenes in a web-browser without the need of a plug in.
After the exhibition closes guests are treated to a shimmer of Monte Carlo glamour at the annual Imagina Awards, recognising and rewarding the very best use of 3D modelling, simulation and visualisation applied to a particular sector. This year’s categories include Architecture and Urbanism, featuring works such as the new MediaCity UK by Andrew Li Creative; and the Landscape and Territory category, with entrants including Glasgow City Council for their urban model of the city.
Should any of this year’s entrants leave empty handed, they can always try their luck later on in the city’s famous casino.
Launch of the ethical 3D design charter
Used in territory management, 3D data allows realistic digital mock-ups to be created. Communication, public consultation and projects are indispensable to governmental bodies. As such a shared ‘operating manual’ defining the context, aims and criteria for the use and representation of 3D data was felt to be important resulting in a project for an ethical charter.
A definitive document will be finalised this autumn and various parties involved in the project have been asked to sign the charter at the Imagina 2010 event in Monaco.
The charter is to be used as a universal reference document that establishes recognised and shared principles, giving three-dimensional representations the benefit of a long-term guarantee of quality and legitimacy.
