iArchitect? Combining current technologies
iPhone + iGoogle = iArchitect.
by Omran Alowais - iDubai
Some months ago Apple revealed the mighty iPhone. I am a huge Apple fan, so I started to jump up and down for no good reason. June is the release-date in US, and I don’t think it will be any where near Middle East for quite some time. So, my excitement had gone with the wind. As a mobile phone, forget about it. But as a device. Hmmm! It’s very interesting.
Many know the close relation between Apple and Google. Apple is creating amazing machines; and I am saying machines not devices. Why? Because I think the amount of power and intelligence it carry per inch is more than the US Space Shuttle. Those are super machines, just because the hardware is so compact. Lately, we have witnessed how Apple TV is so compact, it boost so much from that 19x19cm. Similar to iPhone, it could have GPS by the time it get released - I hope - and it already has horizontal/vertical motion sensor, which I have only seen in high-end DSLR’s. Its multi touch screen is another thing that we don’t see in anything in the market except military. That’s some intelligent stuff!
With Google, they got two applications that amaze me, Google Earth & Sketchup.com. Google Earth have covered some sensitive areas around the world, and we now have access to see those areas in few clicks. Same thing with Sketchup, you don’t have to have a university degree to use the software. Unlike other 3D/CAD programs, you will not see this course covered in a University curriculum, nor in a special training school. It’s so, so simple! If iPhone had GPS, then Google Earth can be synced, and it will show you a live 3D map of your current location. So no more 2D plans, it will actually guide you through a large shopping mall, to the desired floor.
With simple OpenGL engine, I think iPhone can handle it. So, Sketchup, can compute 3D Objects. It should be able to handle simple geometry objects like cubes, spheres, cones, etc. If that part is developed, then we can use the multi-touch screen to interact and enjoy the process of creating 3D digital spaces on your Phone.
I will add one more step to this, while you can do all that on your Mac, your iPhone will have a special feature, which is that it can view the building in 3D virtual world. I’m actually trying to see what I can do with the motion sensor in iPhone, and to put it to a good use.
Like a gyro, if I point my iphone like you would hold a camera, you would actually see your building in the virtual space. As you move left or right, your perspective thru the iPhone changes. If you get closer, your GPS will help you with the coordinates, and the virtual space will be changed depending on the location. So, in a market of booming real-estate, and upcoming architect, shouldn’t we develop things for us and our clients? Shouldn’t we as city visionaries use our current tech to help us build the better future?
As an architect, I think this technology will be the best marketing tool for architects and developers, as they will enjoy and progress to have the better visual future.