SketchUp as a tool in participitory design
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I am a graduate student studying the the use of 3d software as a participatory tool for engaging communities in the design process.
I have been looking for journal articles on the subject and have found little reference to SketchUp. Obviously it is a relatively new program, but it's basic controls are intuitive and easily instructive for model manipulation.
Does anyone out there have a suggestion to where I should look for scholarly articles on the subject? There are articles about Digital animation and 3-D modeling technology but they are relatively old (early 2000's) in the world of 3-d modeling software. Not to mention many refer to using Auto-Cad or IronCad as examples of 3-D software that could be used. My experience with Auto-Cad's 3-D capabilities is one of frustration and annoyance and I study this stuff. Cant imagine engaging non-design professionals with it.
Any suggestion's would be most helpful. Thank You
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What type of participatory design model are you thinking? Everyone together works on the model, each taking turns? Everyone can see the model and one person is in control of changes being suggested? Everyone has real time access over the same model - possibly even from remote locations?
All are interesting subjects. Where are you a student at?
Chris
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andersry
The CABE architecture centres in the UK regularly hold public consultations and participatory events to engage the public in the design process of new developments. I work for part of this organisation. Sketchup has been used in this way. See document, might be useful. http://www.architecturecentre.net/docs/content/futurescape_report.pdf
and a whole load of links
Don't under estimate the SU learning curve though. Mr and Mrs Smith and their kids want to tell you in five minutes want they want in the new park or shopping centre, without training they can sketch it on paper a lot faster than they can in Sketchup. Sketchup is great if you have a week long consultation event, if it is just one day, get the pencils and paint out.
If you need more info pm me.
It is also worth mentioning that there is a general consensus that community consultations on urban design are often handled very ineffectively. All to often developers don't "consult" the public until they have planning permission and are about to start building. So the public's opinions at that late stage can have no effect on the outcome.
At the other extreme, empowering the public to draw their ideas, while important, needs to be handled very delicately. If not it can be disingenuous, as you can mislead them into thinking that they are the design team. They are the client, not the designers.
CABE have some good best practice info for public consultation.
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