Abstract:  Visualization is not just a necessity in Architecture. Engineering projects of various sizes often benefit from 3D models and renderings for a variety of purposes such as for permitting, public outreach or assembly feasibility planning. This becomes even more useful when 3D visualizations are immersive and interactive.

In this presentation, I will present some of the projects we are working on at UMass, of which one is the 3D model of UMass buildings for Google Earth. With 3D modeling applications (e.g. Google SketchUp) readily available these days and highly-professional visualization tools easily implementable (as with a variety of rendering applications, Google Earth and various scripting APIs), 3D visualization has become available and accessible to wide audiences.

Bio:

Combining backgrounds in structural engineering, wood science and digital design, Mr. Schreyer's interests span the entire range of planning and design of buildings and structures. He specializes in the design and construction of mainly heavy-timber type (e.g. glulam) structural systems.

This is complemented by a strong interest in computer applications and web-based solutions in structural engineering, construction and architecture.

Mr. Schreyer is a Lecturer in the Building and Construction Technology (BCT) program at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) in Amherst, MA. He teaches classes in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and BIM (Building Information Modeling), building materials and construction methods, wood properties as well as a capstone graduate structural design class in Architecture.

In his research, Mr. Schreyer focuses on the behavior of wood-based structural systems with a particular interest in innovative connection systems for wooden structures. Other foci are development of software applications for CAD design and structural optimization.