Imagine a million laser pointers all emanating from the same area, capturing a host of data points. This is how a 3D scanner creates a digital map of any environment. Anything the scanner can see is captured by the device: distance, size, scale, and exact location of any visible elements. These lasers pinpoint the distance between itself and any object or divider in a 360-degree panorama. It creates a point cloud that graphically maps out a 3D representation of any space, equivalent to having a 360° camera image, but instead of a static image, the result is a dynamic, data-rich representation of space.
This is the goal of OKW’s Reality Capture team: to digitally map an existing space into our software as an accurate model of what truly is, not what drawings say. For an architect, this can be very useful, as it can provide these details for every light fixture, diffuser, sprinkler, and individual ceiling panel in any room.
3D interior scan of existing conditions
Who benefits from this technology? Everyone.
A highly-detailed facade scan
Our architects measure the dimensions of spaces to ensure they can create accurate drawings, and so that their designs fit their clients’ programming needs and local code requirements. Field measuring a conference room is a quick exercise. However, measuring an entire floor, building, or site to document the individual locations of every mechanical element is a long and costly assignment.
Scanning a space digitally can accelerate this process, saving architects design time and manpower. The scanner also takes the potential for error out of the equation by providing precise, laser-measured data to every element it can see. The resulting data can show imperfections in the built structure that the naked eye cannot see, such as slightly bowed walls, inconsistent spacing between elements, or a sloped ceiling. This allows architects and designers to work on the structure as it is, not as we assume it to be. With multiple scans over time, the data can also identify potential issues such as shifting walls or sinking slabs.
By allowing architects to scan a space, design and construction firms can rest assured that the proper, relevant information will be captured and tagged. Private scanning service providers can lack the sophisticated eye for the specific information necessary for architectural work.
3D color scan of a 900 N Michigan Ave with Pepper Construction, prior to major enhancements
Our clients can save time and money by using the data to identify structural issues upfront and avoid costly revisions or structural repairs after the fact. It can help tenants with as-builts, provide exact square footages, and identify code issues. As a matter of billable time, it is far less costly for one architect to set up a scan in a large space than to hire two or more architects to visit the site with tape measure.
Our contractors and collaborating partners benefit by working with a fully realized 3D model of a space without the need to ever visit or verify the dimensions. As the scanner captures every measurement, there is no need to make assumptions or extrapolations from a limited set of data to understand plans. More importantly, architects know what information is important to capture and can communicate fluidly with collaborator firms in the design and construction industry.
To request a quote from our office to use these services, please email us your project details at hello@okwarchitects.com.