Gage/Clemenceau Architects Taps AutoCAD 3D Capabilities in Design of
Valentine Sculpture
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Designing a 3D heart
sculpture, representative of America's love for Times Square, was no simple
task, so when New York firm Gage/Clemenceau Architects was presented with the
opportunity, they turned to 3D software from Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK).
AutoCAD software, the world's leading design and documentation platform,
and Autodesk Maya software served as the platform to design and construct the
ten foot heart, which weighs more than two tons and is sheathed in highly
reflective, molded and laser cut metal sheeting. The metallic surface of the
heart reflects the surrounding lights of Times Square, and is lit from inside
with highly advanced, sustainable LED lighting.
"When designing the structure, it was absolutely crucial that we use the
latest in design technology, as we carefully calibrated the design with a mix
of materials and lighting effects," said designer Mark Foster Gage at
Gage/Clemenceau Architects. "The 3D design capabilities of AutoCAD and
Autodesk Maya gave us the flexibility we needed, and AutoCAD's powerful
documentation tools allowed us to automate some of the repetitive design
aspects for the heart sculpture."
AutoCAD allowed the designers to take their initial idea - an object that
spreads light through both a traditional form and a mirror that reflects it -
from concept to reality. Essential to the construction was the ability to
generate, view and manipulate computer generated 3D models of the sculpture,
making it a seamless process for Gage/Clemenceau Architects to make material
adjustments without having to physically maneuver the two ton masterpiece.
This method of digitally fabricating prototypes for an assembly before
construction is revolutionizing design practices in architecture, engineering
and manufacturing firms.
The "Valentine to Times Square" was commissioned by the Times Square
Alliance as part of its public art program. The structure will be on display
through Feb. 22 in Father Duffy Square (Broadway and 47th Street). While the
design masterpiece will only be on display for a short time, the high-tech,
durable and easily assembled sculpture was designed to be effortlessly
recycled for future use in another venue.
Autodesk announced AutoCAD 2010, the latest release of AutoCAD in a
Webcast last week. The software now provides even more power and innovation to
help designers, like Gage/Clemenceau Architects, document, communicate,
explore and customize their design ideas. AutoCAD introduces powerful new
capabilities to help users tackle their most challenging design problems,
including free-form design tools, parametric drawing and enhanced PDF support.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the
manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets.
Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the
broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help
customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies
rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world
performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance
quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk,
visit www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk, AutoCAD and Autodesk Maya, are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the
USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or
trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to
alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is
not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this
document.
(C) 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contact: Noah Cole, 503-707-3872
Email: noah.cole@autodesk.com
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