Digital Art in Architectural Projects

Overview

Architects and designers have many options for specifying dynamic architectural surfaces in their projects. Choices include metal, glass and photography, and each has its benefits. Digital imagery in architectural glass has long been a favored option, but the size limitations of photos have made this option less than stellar.

Now, large-scale photos created with the advanced technology of gigapixel cameras and rigs produce digital artwork of a size and definition that are almost beyond imagining. The end result for designers and architects is the option of a photographic image in architectural glass of an exquisite level of light, detail and realism that were never before possible.

This course begins by examining the various large-scale architectural surfaces the architect or designer might consider, and what goes into creating those surfaces. It looks at the typical digital images that have been used in glass installations, the limitations of those images, and the efforts to correct the images for use in architecture.

It then looks at the new solution: gigapixel photography, what it means, how it is achieved, and how it is best used. Guidelines are provided for transparency of the glass, along with the impacts of luminosity and reflectivity.

Finally, it looks at potential applications for gigapixel images in large or small-scale architectural surfaces.

What You'll Learn

• Discuss the potential for high-resolution digital artwork in large scale architectural applications.
• Explore production options and requirements of various architectural materials.
• Define how the concept of gigapixel photography addresses resolution and scale challenges.
• Describe the impact of transparency, reflectivity and surrounding conditions on architectural glass showcasing gigapixel photography.
• List several architectural applications using gigapixel photography.