Abstract

The motivation behind the interdisciplinary research project “Collaborative Design Platform” (CDP) is to resolve the current discrepancy between analogue ways of working in the early urban design stages and the ever-increasing use of digital tools in office practice. By directly linking familiar, analogue ways of working with digital computer aided design tools, the CDP represents a working environment that allows designers to work the way they are used to, while making use of the potential of computers. The platform creates a direct connection between physical volumetric models and interactive digital content using a large-format multi- touch table as a work surface combined with real-time 3D scanning. Coupling the 3D data from the scanned model with the 3D digital GIS environment model makes it possible to compute design relevant simulations and analyses. These are displayed in real-time on the working model to help architects assess and substantiate their design decisions.