The film tells the history and the potential future of a small part of the London Borough of Hackney, (Lower Clapton), with a particular focus on the historic and future energy use of the built environment.
The 8 minute film, entitled "The Built Environment: Our Past, Our Future", uses 4D cartographic techniques (3D maps with elements changing over time) and CGI and spans from 2000BC to a possible future scenario set in the year 2020. Data from a wide range of sources was incorporated, including NASA, BlueSky aerial photography, street level photography, historical maps and photography dating from the 1890's.
The film was directed by Richard Murphy and developed in collaboration with PHD.
For 3Figs, this was a particularly challenging piece of work from the start, both due to the tight deadline and the range of spatial and historical scales that had to be seamlessly incorporated. In addition it was a complex story to tell in a very short space of time, whilst making a film that hopefully will appeal to as wide an audience as is possible. The issue of global warming and energy consumption is hugely complex, and is often very difficult to get people to relate to on a scale that they can comprehend. It is rarely explained in the context of a typical residential neighbourhood, or with an explanation of the history that sets our current situation in context. The aim is that this new approach will help more people to understand what has happened to date, and how they could help to shape the future. The film has been of particular interest to 3Figs because a lot of the issues that UK-GBC address, like reducing energy consumption, are ones that we too are trying to challenge as part of our company ethos.
You can access the film on the UK-GBC website here
UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) are showing the film "The Built Environment: Our Past, Our Future" which was produced by 3Figs at EcoBuild 2010 event in Earls Court (March 2010).
According to their website, Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment. Combining an 850 exhibitor-strong product showcase with more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions and dozens of interactive educational attractions.
You can see the film itself here
In 2007 3Figs developed a 3D model of some buildings in Antactica, in order to create some highly accurate visualisations for the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust.
Following the consultation process with the FCO, which used the 3Figs visualisations, the hut is now under construction and will be completed in 2011.
Great to read that it will be using renewable energy sources and advanced insulation methods to maintain a low carbon footprint in this cold and harsh environment.
