A Real-Time Cross-Sectioning System for Visualization of Architectural Construction Details

Abstract

Architectural objects are composed of multiple and complex, heterogeneous elements. A wall, a floor, a window, are examples of the juxtaposition of several distinct elements that are put together to ensemble a single constructive part. Cross-sections in Architecture are usually made to achieve two different goals. On the one hand, a cross-section of a building is useful to display the arrangement of the spaces that compose it and its relation with the exterior volume that encompasses it. This kind of cross section commonly represents the inner parts of the constructive elements as being made of a single homogeneous material. They are commonly made so the section is painted with a single colour to identify the cut area. On the other hand, cross-sections are commonly used in a more technical way to describe how the different components of a constructive element are arranged. This class of cross sections are also called “construction sections” “detailed sections” “constructive sections” or “cutaways”. Actually, we can find a few examples of CAD and architectural software capable to perform cross sections of a building of the first case aforementioned, but in a limited way. The authors have developed a cross section creation system that provides advanced features such as real–time interaction, multiplane sectioning, and progressive multilayer section cuts on highly realistic models. This paper describes such system and presents its implementation as a plugin for Unreal Engine 4, a videogame engine that is becoming highly popular for architectural visualization. An example of the use of this system is also displayed depicting the constructive structure of an historical heritage building, the famous Tholos of Delphi. The example demonstrates the suitability of the system not only for technical architectural visualization, but also to develop archaeological museums installations and other educational purposes.