3D World magazine features Capital at Brickell
07.12.2006

By Mark Ramshaw

Working with the area’s most successful architects and developers, SPINE 3D is fast becoming a talking point in the world of Miami real estate development. Renowned for it’s striking combination of architectural expertise and cinematic flair, the studio is currently utilizing both talents to great effect with visualization work for the Capital at Brickellt development.

The studio began working with CABI Developers and architectural firm Fullerton-Diaz in the early stages of development, initially building a 3ds Max model from conceptual sketches. At this point, the twin tower design featured flat roofing, but I was agreed that a more dynamic ‘crown’ was required.

“The architectural team asked if we could help visualize an idea they had, which was to take inspiration from the Chrysler Building,” explains SPINE 3D Chairman and Co-founder, Kevin M Smith. “Architects tend to work in two dimensions when drawing up plans, but it would have been difficult to study something of this nature using these more traditional methods. By drawing on our visualization expertise and architectural training, we were able to work with them to create a new roof design, presenting a curved top with layer upon layer of glass, and protruding elements where lights could serve as beacons. They were shocked when thy first saw the results, but they loved it.”

Where the original Chrysler Building boasts a dense appearance that reflects the styling of a classic car, the Capital Building offers a more “airy” interpretation. White concrete and blue-green glass replace the stainless steel cladding of the original, reflecting the choice of materials used for other new Miami constructions, and making the best use of abundant natural light.

“The beauty of the 3D model is that it’s built to scale,” says Smith, “The curve of the crown means that each floor is inherently different, so everything has to be very carefully and accurately paced. By constructing it in 3D, we were able to produce the correct dimensions for the floor slabs and make sure that the structural columns didn’t present problems on the upper floors.”

What’s particularly gratifying for SPINE 3D is that the roof design has become the development’s signature feature, providing a natural focal point for the marketing push. Indeed, the most striking moment in the first teaser produced by SPINE 3D’ is a parallax shot in which the sunlight shines right through the two momentarily aligned building crowns.

“We love to introduce elements that add drama and artistry- whether it’s a cinematic camera move, a special effect, unique lighting, or something as simple as a lock of birds-elevating an architectural animation from a typical flyby into something more akin to a small movie,” says Smith. “It’s finding these moments that sets our animations apart. Of course, it does help on a project like this when the building look so good.”