Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city

"Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city has applied the planning concept of eco-economy, eco-residence, eco-culture, harmonious community and scientific management. By integrating advanced ecological, environmental protection, and energy-saving techniques, it will create a natural, harmonious and livable human residence, and thus commit itself to constructing an eco-city that is economically vibrant, environmentally friendly, resource-efficient and socially harmonious. The project will promote the use of clean energy and renewable energy/resources, with strengthened innovation capabilities and optimized industrial structure to achieve a highly-efficient recycling economy. An eco-culture with regional features will be formed to promote a green and healthy style of life and consumption. Focusing on coordination with the neighboring regions in terms of environment, socio-culture, economy and policy will help to realize regional integration. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An Eco-city of International Cooperation A showcase of sustainable development A dynamic city with great vitality A comfortable city featuring healthy lifestyle A harmonious city of beneficial coexistence A future city of ecological culture" to find out more...
Passage from http://www.eco-city.gov.cn/eco/shouye/zoujinshengtaicheng/shengtaichengjianjie/en/en.html
Image from http://www.eco-city.gov.cn/eco/shouye/zongtiguihua_en/Part_6/index.html_1094844438.html

Urbanus

"URBANUS Under the leadership of partners Xiaodu Liu, Yan Meng and Hui Wang, Urbanus is a think tank providing strategies for urbanism and architecture in the new millennium.
The name of "Urbanus" derives from the Latin word of "urban", and strongly reflects the office's design approach: reading architectural program from the viewpoint of the urban environment in general, and the everchanging urban situations in specific.
Urbanus is committed to the Modernist believe that architecture is a pivotal force for a better life, and hence architects should push the boundary of their traditional role and be a progressive force in the society. Urbanus theorizes its idea and ideal through a unique practice. The core concern of this practice is design excellence.
Urbanus' design scope includes urban design, architectural design , landscape design, interior design and exhibition design. Its works have been widely exhibited in prestigious domestic and international shows, and reported by major trade magazines. It has been recognized as one of the leading forces among China 's young design firms. " to find out more...

Passage from http://www.urbanus.com.cn/cn/main.htm

Image from http://www.urbanus.com.cn/cn/PROJECTS1-OFFICE/2007-07014-ditieshanggai/2007-07014.html#7

Radical approach to cities rethinks the urban myths

Some interesting studies from AA for your browsing pleasure.
"But in some ways its radicalism in design is becoming mannered and predictable. A high percentage of the work here seems locked into a narcissistic logic that cannot stop producing the same architectural bling of distorted nets, abstract grids and curvy blobs. Although this is all drawn and modelled to an incredibly high standard, it is reiterative. But the work on cities is strong, inspiring, and authentically radical." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3091651

LTLArchitects

"Lewis.Tsurumaki.Lewis (LTL) is an innovative, award-winning architecture partnership founded in 1997 by Paul Lewis, Marc Tsurumaki and David J. Lewis, located in New York City. LTL actively pursues a diverse range of work, from large scale academic and cultural buildings to interior architecture to competitions. LTL's approach is to realize inventive solutions that turn the very constraints of each project into the design trajectory, exploring overlaps between space, program, form, budget and materials.
The firm's work has been extensively published and exhibited internationally. LTL Architects received the 2007 National Design Award for Interior Architecture from the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum and was selected as one of six American architectural firms featured in the U.S. Pavilion at the 2004 Venice Architecture Biennale. In addition, LTL was included in the 2000 National Design Triennial at the Cooper-Hewitt and was selected in December 2000 by Architectural Record as one of ten firms representing a Vanguard in Contemporary Architecture. Lewis.Tsurumaki.Lewis are co-authors of two books, the monograph Opportunistic Architecture (Princeton Architectural Press, 2008) and Situation Normal....Pamphlet Architecture #21 (Princeton Architectural Press, 1998)."to find out more...
Passage from http://www.ltlarchitects.com/pages/profile.html
Image from http://www.ltlarchitects.com/pages/portfolio/speculations/tourbus.html

U.S. Whole Building Design Guide

"The WBDG is the only web-based portal providing government and industry practitioners with one-stop access to up-to-date information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology from a 'whole buildings' perspective. Currently organized into three major categories—Design Guidance, Project Management and Operations & Maintenance—at the heart of the WBDG are Resource Pages, reductive summaries on particular topics.
Development of the WBDG is a collaborative effort among federal agencies, private sector companies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions. Its success depends on industry and government experts contributing their knowledge and experience to better serve the building community." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.wbdg.org/about.php

Ecotect with Sketchup model importing tutorial

"ECOTECT allows you to run analyses on models imported from Sketch-Up. If you use the right format (explained below), ECOTECT will maintain all your Sketch-Up material assignments, allowing you to auto-convert them to elements in its own library.You will need about 5 minutes to complete this tutorial." to find out more...
There are more training packages available. to find out more...
And to familiarize fast, got a post in pushpullbar forum that introduce Ecotect. to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://squ1.org/wiki/Importing_From_SketchUp_Tutorial

ECOTECT

Amazing yet free tools for architectural building design can be found in Ecotect~!
"ECOTECT is a complete building design and environmental analysis tool that covers the full range of simulation and analysis functions required to truly understand how a building design will operate and perform. It finally allows designers to work easily in 3D and apply all the tools necessary for an energy efficient and sustainable future. Check out it's features to learn more." to find out more...
Passage & Image from http://www.squ1.com/products/ecotect

Energy efficiency and Renewable Energy

U.S. Department of Energy had a website of 'Energy efficiency and renewable Energy' as topic, providing tools, programs, systems, components and studies in related of building an energy saving environment. A very useful website to understands more of Eco-friendly buildings and environments. There are tools for analysis for energy simulation, inclusive of free sketchup energy design plugin.
"The Energy Design Plugin is a free plugin for the Google SketchUp 3D drawing program. The plugin makes it easy to create and edit the building geometry in your EnergyPlus input files. The plugin also allows you to launch EnergyPlus simulations and view the results without leaving SketchUp"[1] to find out more...
"In partnership with the private sector, state and local government, national laboratories, and universities, the Building Technologies Program works to improve the efficiency of buildings and the equipment, components, and systems within them. The program supports R&D activities and provides tools, guidelines, training, and access to technical and financial resources. Read our program fact sheet for more information (PDF 363 KB)." [2] to find out more...
"The Building Technologies Program advances the research and development of the next generation of energy-efficient components, materials, and equipment. The Buildings R&D portfolio focuses on the following emerging technologies:

• Appliances
• Heating, Cooling, and Commercial Refrigeration
• Lighting
• Walls, Roofs, and Foundations
• Windows and Doors

To help near-term emerging technologies overcome market introduction barriers, the program uses a combination of strategies including demonstration/evaluation and technology procurement. These strategies are designed to increase buyer confidence and build demand for new energy-efficient technologies. Learn more about near-term emerging technologies and market introduction strategies." [3] to find out more...

Passage [1] from http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/energyplus/energy_design_plugin.html
Passage [2] from http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/about/index.html
Passage [3] & Image from http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/tech/emerging.html

URA Singapore

" 'Singapore 1:1 Island' is a follow-up exhibition to “Singapore 1:1 City” launched by President S R Nathan in 2005. It is curated along 3 themes: the Provision / Production (1965 – 1975); Communication / Connection (1976 – 1985) and Innovation / Distinction (1986 – 2007). The architectural productions weave a story on the distinct character in the history of Singapore architecture. The variety of works exhibited, ranging from residential and commercial buildings to public institutions, demonstrates the diversity and creative energy of architectural talents in Singapore.
The exhibition is part of URA's ongoing effort to promote architecture and urban design (A&UD) excellence in Singapore. It is organised in collaboration with the Board of Architects (BOA), National University of Singapore (NUS), Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore (REDAS) and the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA).
The exhibition is curated by Dr Wong Yunn Chii, Head of the Department of Architecture at the National University of Singapore (NUS)." to find out more...
Visiting URA Singapore is a must to get to know more of this fasinating international business hub.
Passage and Image from http://www.ura.gov.sg/spore1_1/island/introduction.htm

Solid deck, transparent building

I had been relocated to Singapore with new working environment and pampered with new work and a giant project. Experienced lots of new things within these few days. The leaders have great openness, analytical power and passion towards architectural design. However, "Objective and purposes of the projects are more important then final results." Patrick stated.
We need to build up a system towards an entire city, an urban design. Generate an idea towards architectural design. Creating transparent building but solid landscape deck allowing green features linking the entire city is just great ideas to be shared here. A solution towards global warming is to create more green.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang should be another place of interest for visitors in Malaysia.
"Through the lavish doors to the venerable Blue Mansion were first thrown open in as early as the 19th Century, the tradition of architecture and craftsmanship applied to the building's construction dates much further back - a precipitious 3000 years to the Su Chow dynasty, to be exact. Built in the Hakka-Teochew style on sturdy foundations of Southern Chinese building typologies and materials, the Blue Mansion - commissioned by Cheong Fatt Tze in the face of a trend in the construction of modern Anglo-Indian abodes- stands today as a model of the traditional prardigm Chinese courtyard house." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/
Image by Young

Sekeping Serendah

I visited Sekeping Serendah last week and found it's architectural and landscape design very inspiring and interesting. In tropical sites, there are more opportunities and flexibility to explore the building form without the constrain of cold weather. Sekeping serendah consist three major form of materials glass, timber and mud forming it's building charactor. I like glass shed the most.
"Sekeping Serendah is a private retreat attempting to tread lightly on the land. The very transparent and open sheds celebrate the beauty of the natural environment surrounding them. The sheds are intentionally kept basic and free from lavishness. They are seen more as ‘glorified tents’ to provide basic shelter for its inhabitants as they commune with the land." to find out more...
Passage from http://www.serendah.com/home.html
Image taken by Young

Concrete Roof by Serero

Imagination, Observation & Creativity supported with free concrete form created the proposal beside that wins the architecture competition for the new auditorium of Saint Cyprien - France. What do you see when you are looking above? to find out more...

Image from http://www.serero.com/index_en.htm

Gamma Correction 2.2 setup in 3dsmax

Image beside showing Gamma corrected version at 2.2

Image beside showing default 1.0 Linear Workflow rendered image.

Gamma correction is code or decoding luminance ( strength of light ) in video or still image system. Got this fantastic Gamma correction tutorial and explanation from Aversis that explains the importance of Gamma correction while rendering a image. There are more intensive and important tutorial you can find in Aversis explaining Vray Rendering engine. A must to go through for 3dsmax renderer using Vray Rendering Engine. to find out more...

Images from http://www.aversis.be/tutorials/vray/essential_gamma_01.htm

Scanline rendering vs Vray rendering

How to light up a scene for a rendering is important. The basic knowledge of pencil sketching, the relationship of lights and the material's reflection behaviour matters a lot to render a good image.
For basic rendering knowledge to be shared here:-
1. Global illumination acts as a skylight to lighten the entire scene.
2. Sun light as a key light casting shadow towards a building to emphasize the form while determining the sun direction.
3. Ambient lights as general lights to cast shadow caused by skylight. It's role to be fill light as well.
4. Internal lights to lit up the internal spaces. Where it can be added through touched up in Photoshop brush effect too.
In scanline rendering, lights are articulated through the knowledge of lighting relationships.
In Vray rendering engine, it is much simpler to generate Global illumination through HDRI, where the lightest and the darkest point of light to be simulated through HDRI for external scene. It is much more expansive to render an internal scene as it depends more on light bouncing that requires more calculations and considerations on light settings.
3 point lighting is basic to be implemented throughout lighting an exterior scene. The proportion of Key light, Fill light and back light to stimulate the gesture of the rendered scene is important. Normal key to fill proportion would be 1:4.
To render a scene, you need to observe the actual environment, how the light reacts with different material, creating different highlight parameters and the planning of your scene, the shading, the light sources, the material used, the things to be emphasized is important before starting the rendering.
Some important techniques in Vray rendering engine to share here:-
1. Get Gamma correction right at 2.2/2.5 depending on the monitor you are working on and enable overriding of Gamma on material imported to avoid twice Gamma correction on materials to save time and better effect on light feature.
2 Lowering down the secondary bounces while rendering an internal scene and raise the contrast level in Irradiance Map in the GI column would create the same effect of adjusting the curvature of color level in Photoshop.
3. Test render with Light cache as primary and secondary bounces of light to save time when determining key light position would help saving time.
However, lighting a building or internal spaces is a profession and it would be very helpful to share your knowledge for users and readers. PLASA is one of international association for lighting and sound. to find out more...
Do leave comments for any techniques you intend to share.