Improving Access To The Urban Design Process: The Development of the 3D Model for Glasgow

By:
Douglas Pritchard
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Recent developments in technology have enabled local governments to effectively explore the use of detailed 3D models to encourage greater public access and understanding of the urban development process. In April 2005 the City of Glasgow commissioned the Glasgow School of Art to develop two 3D models of the city. The first is an interactive online model and the second is a highly detailed, highly accurate, photo-realistic model. Both versions were initiated in response to the Council and citizen’s lack of accurate, easily understandable information in the design and planning of the city of Glasgow. The purpose of this paper is to describe the rationale behind the origin of this virtual reality project, the technical methodology of its current development and the future impact these models will have on the planning process of our city. By referencing the current Glasgow 3D model, the Buffalo Peace Bridge project and the Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid project, this paper will touch on the importance of the technical approach in relation to effective public accessibility and participation in the design process. It will also deal with the critical importance of civic ownership of the virtual city.


Keywords: 3D, Visualisation, Design, Architecture, Community, Participation
Stream: Knowledge and Technology
Presentation Type: 30 minute Paper Presentation in English
Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Douglas Pritchard

Head of Visualisation, Digital Design Studio, Glasgow School of Art
Glasgow, Lanarkshire, UK

Douglas Pritchard is the Head of Visualisation at the Glasgow School of Art. His area of interest is in the development of large-scale urban visualisation projects for design development, public consultation and urban planning. He is a member of the City of Glasgow Urban Design Review Panel and a graduate architect. For over the past year he has been the Project Director of 3D Glasgow Model, a commercial/applied research project for the Glasgow City Council. This highly accurate (within 20 cm’s) urban model is likely the most largest and detailed urban model of it’s kind in the UK.

The Glasgow project’s objectives are to deliver a highly detailed 3D representation of the City as well as an on-line, realtime 3D model. Both versions will be accessible to the public, development industry and incorporated into the Council’s e-planning services. The 3D Glasgow model will encourage improved access to, and understanding of, development planning in Glasgow resulting in better decisions and an enhanced environment in which to promote the regeneration of the city.

Mr. Pritchard’s background also includes project directing 3D urban models for the City of Buffalo Peace Bridge redevelopment and the Toronto 2008 Olympic Bid.

Ref: T07P0171