2nd Draft of Project Proposal

Abstract

This digital design exploration involves investigation into high quality rendering techniques for furniture textiles and upholstery. Many 3D modeling programs do not have the built-in capabilities for photorealistic renderings. However, the 3D modeling program 3D Studio Max enables designers to produce photorealistic depictions of interior product materials. The efficient realistic depiction is in large part due to the programs dominant use amongst current day animators and video game designers, where there is a push for more realistic illustrations. For this same reason, it has been incorporated into the furniture design industry. Successful renderings of designer Patricia Urquiola’s work have been developed in 3Ds Max, which is why I have chosen to explore its capability to help portray one of my full scale projects.

Introduction/Project Description

3Ds Max will aid in the simulation of textile and upholstery textures, forms, and features. The work of Patricia Urquiola has been depicted this way, as shown below.

My focus will be to include the 3Ds Max modeling in my design process and vision for a full-scale chair project deliverable. There will be some back and forth designing of the 3D model and the full-scale model. Though I do know the primary structure’s material will be fiberglass, the color of the fiberglass and selection of other materials has not been determined. After a resin pour, there will not be much sanding applied to the surface. The reasoning for this is because since the nature of the project is based on a hand crafted construction, the fiberglass fabric in its harden natural stage will best balance the visual characteristics of the chair. 3Ds Max will allow me visualize the natural surface of the material before final physical production. In order to make a final choice of chair materials, the program allow me to add materials to surfaces for various preliminary aesthetic assessments. Additionally, the hands-on work will inform the photo realistic model. Therefore, adjustments will be made in the size and the transition of the undulating surface (See picture below).

Method

The methods for developing a 3D model in 3Ds Max, include: (a) learning 3Ds max, (b) hands-on experience with pattern making and sewing, (c) fabric and substructure material selection, (d) sketching design ideas, (e) hand rendering, (f) designing the product in 3Ds Max. There is a time constraint for all that is involved in the process. However, the goal is to gain as much insight as possible from each step of the process to create a rich and aesthetically beautiful image of the product. I will learn the program’s interface, in addition to modeling, materials, lighting and rendering tools and techniques. The program may include rendering and material limitations that I am not yet aware of, but will be once I’ve begun modeling. Roadblocks will occur when I struggle to figure out why a particular operation I’m performing is not working. Revision to the design may need to be made once I create the product 3 dimensionally as compared to when it is sketched or hand rendered. Also, questions regarding construction of the substructure that I may have not answered early might arise during 3D modeling.