This is Alan Fraser's (c)2004 example of a NPR and expressive modeling style of computer graphics for landscape architecture.   Fred Abler discusses the details below.

Salt Lake Summaries 1--Listserv Q&A with Fred Abler

NPR and Expressive Modeling ñ by Fred Abler

There is a silent revolution currently underway in computer graphics. This revolution is called Non-Photorealistic Rendering (NPR). Non-photorealistic rendering styles allow the same 3D vector model to be alternately re-presented to designers using different and abstract rendering styles, for example, as a hard-edged model; a sketchy model with jitter lines; cartoon-like renderings, in X-ray mode; fully textured; ghosted, shaded, etc.etc.

Like many new technologies, NPR distinguishes itself only by what it is not, (i.e., non-photorealistic rendering). However, I believe ëexpressiveí rendering is a more productive description of NPR [Abler 2004]. Non-photorealistic rendering is expressive because it allows designers to more easily and more fully communicate their design intent, process, and maturity by using different rendering styles at each point along the way.

Expressive rendering is vital because, for the first time, the same geometric model can transcend all aspects of the design process. This workflow integration offers both increased efficiencies, and a pre-requisite for more formal interoperability standards. After all, if we cannot re-purpose the same 3D geometry incrementally between different phases of our design process, how can we reasonably expect to achieve interoperability of the final artifact? True 3D interoperability is not a ëbolt-oní, but must be ëbaked-iní.

What is missing is a framework for critically thinking about expressive modeling. For me, digital typography provides a useful, mature and rigorous framework. While some letterforms are designed purely for legibility, other fonts are designed for their expressive ability to reinforce a message carried in the body of the text. New expressive modelers such as SketchUp are leaving the cold, lifeless, yet legible drawings of traditional CAD behind, and are extending a centuries-old typographic tradition into new 2D, 3D, and even 4D modes of symbolic design communication.

This outlook has led me to create a new digital foundry for expressive 3D models called Form Fonts (SM). For more information on Non-Photorealistic Rendering, Expressive rendering styles, ObjectiveNetworks, and Form Fonts (SM), please visit the following links.

http://radio.weblogs.com/0119189/categories/graphics/

http://www.formfonts.com
http://www.formfonts.com/faqs.php.

© 2004 Fred Abler ñ all rights reserved

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