Visualising the Future ...Brighton Seafront

When I tell people I am a 3D Visualiser, many have no idea  what I mean..... I create 3D CGI (Computer Generated Images) of architecture, interiors, products and furniture. I am a qualified 3D designer and have lived and worked within the architecture profession in Brighton for the past 12 years. I engage with architects, property developers, planning consultants , designers and home owners alike.

Seafront development

During Autumn 2012 I was engaged by the Seafront Development Manager at Brighton and Hove City Council to work on an exciting,  local and very prestigious project: The Solar Regeneration of the Volks Railway.

The new ￡1.5m scheme was developed by BLB Engineers along with Marrs Architects and includes the rebuilding of the decaying train sheds and the creation of a new Solar Park. The new sheds are to host an array of solar panels on the south facing roof pitches, a solar plaza and the adjacent park will house five large 'E_Trees' (solar energy trees) to provide all of the power required to run the railway all year round. This exciting new scheme reinforces the council's commitment to green energy and to constructing new features along the seafront on wasted and underused sites.

The Volks Railway is the oldest electric railway in the world and I think that its inventor Magnus Volks would certainly be proud, some 130 years on, to see the latest in solar technology added and completely rejuvenating his vision and bringing it into the 21st century.

Vistudio designed a logo and presented a visual document for the proposal, identifying the location, materials palette for the design and several CGI images of the scheme. Shed elevations, aerial views, wire frames and photo montages were produced along with a 3D study of the E_Tree concept. This work allowed the client, all team members, and the planners to fully understand the design, materials, scale and colour of the project as individual elements, and also as a whole. The scheme was duly given planning approval in December 2012. Funding is now being sought so the project can be realised.

Client feedback

The client seemed suitably impressed and offered the following feedback: “I first approached Vistudio following a recommendation.  From the initial meeting it was clear that Vistudio completely grasped the concept of our project and were fully on board with what was required.  Vistudio instinctively knew which perspectives were key to showcasing the scheme but also ensuring the impact to the surrounding environment could be honestly shown.

The transformation from a few plans and photographs to the image of what was being proposed was incredible and it really brought the project to life.  The final images were produced to a very tight timescale but what I found most impressive was the sense that Vistudio were providing a really personal service and had become an integral part of our team.  I really felt that our job mattered and that level of commitment is priceless.” Toni Manuel – Seafront Development Manager, Brighton & Hove City Council.

One year in

My new enterprise Vistudio is now one year old! It has been an exciting and rewarding journey for me and I have been helped along it by my business adviser, Barclay Thompson of Clear Business Development (www.reallyclear.co.uk). I now have a great project list under my belt. I have been involved with planning permission and marketing  for several new developments. Other projects have included: a new visitor centre for London's premier wine tasting venue Vinopolis; new retail stores and exhibitions for Kenwood, DeLonghi, Braun and Spar; and an exciting new product invention for water based adrenaline sport (not yet patented and top secret!).  I have also created visualisations for numerous O2 retail outlets - most recently four new O2 concepts and their flagship store in London!

If you have any need for 3D CGI or know anyone who does then I'd love to hear from you!

Rich Little
07811 270 338 - rich@vistudio.co.uk
To see more of my work visit www.vistudio.co.uk

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk