Challenges of Using Image-Based Modeling Tool within the Architectural Design Process

Architects and planners will increasingly have to deal with developments in urban sites where existing context is a critical part of their design considerations. It is therefore important that architects can envision the potential of emerging technologies as means to assist architectural design in the changing face of our build environment. The objective of this paper is to examine the opportunities which image-based modeling (IM) can offer to the architectural design in a context -rich urban built-environment by providing better means of representation of the design context. By drawing relations from the available precedents and the research findings, the paper provides insights into how IM application can create stronger visual awareness of the context, in order to assist design within such condition. This paper shows that the reliability of the IM models in terms of geometric accuracy and rendering quality decreases as the physical scale of the subject increases. The best result is generated from modeling small objects in studio environment as compare to creating larger architectural objects in exterior conditions.