3D modelling: DREAMING or planning?

Surprising Parallels Between 3D Modeling, Dreaming and Project Implementation.

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“Dreaming is the state of mind marked by abstraction from reality.” Merriam-Webster dictionary.

I hear the question "What it has to do with project implementation?" Let's look at this together:)

We all know about the software for creating three-dimensional models (3DMax, Maya, etc.). The programs like 3DMax enable 3Dartists to show other people something that initially existed only in their minds. And not only to show but bring this vision from the digital environment to real life. First, an invisible mental image appears in the 3D artist’s mind. Then it appears on the screen. Then, it turns into blueprints, and then we can produce or build. Suddenly, the invisible mental image becomes reality.

3D visualization is a bridge between dreaming and action

In my past experiences, I've worked as a 3D Max artist, since I came to project management from an interior design. Imaging as a point "A" the first mental image that appears in your mind. And imaging as a point "B" a tangible thing in real world (let's say structure). I was walking between A and B multiple times, and I couldn't help but notice the similarity between 3D modeling process and Dreaming. I perceive 3D visualization as a bridge between dreaming and action.

To convey your idea effectively you need to make it visible.

Imagine you need to film the room that does not exist. You have a vision of this room and you need to transmit this vision to other people. You need to make your idea visible and for this you need a 3D Software. You start working by creating basic elements: walls, floors, ceilings, and windows. And at that stage, your screen looks like a grey mush. No color, No light, and No shape. In fact, an untrained eye can not recognize what are you looking at.

But the thing is when you are looking at the screen you don’t see the grey mush. You see the summer. You see the sunny room with high ceilings, light wooden floors, and comfy sofas. You see a gorgeous crystal chandelier above the round oak table. You see the pail wood, you see the ivory color cotton, you see the glint of bronze. And you find yourself constantly moving between this sunny room in your imagination and your screen and adding details. You give Items shapes, and textures, and colors, and layer by layer your vision is getting visible to other people.

3D visualization shows how consistent working with mental imagery helps in shaping vision, refining goals, and solving challenges.

Think about turning the camera, and looking at the room from different angles. You see multiple details in connection to each other. This connectivity is important, it works as a filter for eliminating wrong solutions. You refine your 3D image and through that you improve the end result of your work - the room which will be built and decorated in compliance with this 3D image.

Dreaming (or visualizing something that does not exist) we are walking in our minds from the point current point in our life to the future point. Just like in 3D modeling, when we are walking between the image in our mind and the image on our screen. We examine our present circumstances from a variety of perspectives. With each shift in viewpoint new details come to focus, overall picture gets more clear and we see our next step in real life. We are making this step, and then another one, and just like in 3D modeling, we are gradually layer by layer bringing our vision to life. Clear parallel between 3D modeling and dreaming here, but it gets even more interesting when it comes to 3D modeling and project planning and implementation.

3D modeling goes beyond mere design

Detailed visualization addresses multiple aspects of project planning and implementation:

• 3D modeling is effective communication tool. It helps in reaching a consensus between stakeholders, by altering model taking into accounts different points of view.
  

• 3D modeling checks design feasibility buy allowing asses precisely complexity and cost of projects.
  

• 3D modeling sets realistic expectations by giving stakeholders preview of the project outcome and reduces surprises during implementation.

• 3D modeling works as implementation guide, providing accurate representations of the intended final product, facilitating precise execution and reducing errors.

And that is how emerges a synergy between dreams and project execution. As dreams evolve from vision to reality, so does the transformation within 3D modeling from concept to blueprint and from blueprint to structure or product. This parallel continues as 3D modeling becomes a rehearsal for the project execution. Ultimately, 3D modeling goes beyond mere design, representing a dynamic force that not only shapes ideas but crystallizes them into tangible achievements.