The purpose of this article is to explore, explain and discuss the main, fundamental ways in which 3D Modelling Assets can prove to be an essential part of, and be a great deal of assistance to, the general improvement of infrastructure design. We will also touch on the planning, delivery, and execution of architectural projects, as well as help with various elements of city and town planning (including roadway and streetscape design), and, in addition, the planning, delivery, and execution of civil engineering projects.

Importantly, 3D Modelling Assets – which are digital images created virtually using specialised computer graphic design software often referred to as Computer-Aided Design programs – can play a major role in how an architectural design or civil engineering project pans out. They are also able to ultimately determine the success of the design project in question, not to mention the quality of the end product and the final build and construction of the infrastructure which has been designed. 

Digital Twinning in 3D Asset Modelling

Firstly, what is digital twinning? A digital twin is a virtual replica or digital representation of a physical object, structure or surface which virtually displays the item in a manner that can allow the viewer to better understand the object’s form, physical matter and construction, to essentially help guide them in fully understanding the object’s purpose, performance and structural foundations.

Digital Twinning is especially important when considering and planning architectural projects such as building construction, road or street construction, or city and town planning, for instance. For example, architects and civil engineers alike can refer to the digital twin of a road corridor to educate and inform their decisions when designing, navigating and planning the roads and streets that will link parts of a city or town.

Digital twinning is also an important element in assisting with road improvement and design when road works and street repair and maintenance projects are underway. Crucially, digital twinning allows town and city planners, architects and civil engineers to be strategic and well informed when designing and planning future upgrades of existing streets and roads, as well as when undertaking projects to design and build new roadways.


What is 3D Modelling?

Essentially – 3D Modelling is, at its core, the creation and design of three-dimensional, digitalised images, using computer graphics and software to replicate and represent surfaces (for example, roads, streets, and pathways) or free-standing objects (such as buildings and architectural structures, or other constructed forms). 

In our digital age, an emerging and increasingly important element of architectural planning is Building Information Modelling (also known as BIM). Importantly, Building Information Modeling helps architects, civil engineers, and city planners to design a smaller scale 3D model of the infrastructure that is to be designed, built, and constructed to guide them during the actual build.

Programs that can be used to create 3D Modelling assets include specialised software with which users can design mathematical coordinate-based representations of the objects and surfaces in question. These 3D Modelling software programs are also referred to as Computer-Aided Design. Importantly, there are three different types of Computer-Aided Design applications. These are known as Solid Modelling, Wireframe Modelling, and Surface Modelling.

The 3 Main Types of 3D Modelling and Computer-Aided Design

Solid Modelling 

When it comes to Computer-Aided Design (also referred to as CAD), Solid modelling is one of the most important methods of digitalised 3D modelling., Solid modelling involves using digital shapes as 3D blocks to create virtual 3D models, to help us to better understand an object’s physical form, structure and make-up.

Wireframe Modelling 

Wireframe modelling is especially important in cases where the surface in question is curved or uneven, and therefore simple, geometric building blocks cannot be used in the same way as with Solid modelling. Wireframe modelling can be engaged for more complex forms and designs and can be of great assistance for design projects requiring finer detail and attention.

Surface Modelling

Surface modelling is even more complex in terms of detail and application than Wireframe modelling. While Wireframe modelling can be of assistance when designing on and with uneven surfaces or curved objects and forms, Surface modelling can help architectural designers, town planners, and civil engineers to both design and understand shapes, objects and forms that would usually be unattainable. In addition, Surface modelling requires more advanced software and Computer-Aided Design programs to achieve. 

Photo by ThisIsEngineering: https://www.pexels.com/photo/female-engineer-designing-theme-park-ride-3862372/

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