WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DRONE – PT. 1: REALITY CAPTURE

“What can you use a drone for at an architecture firm?” is a question that I get asked fairly often and it has plenty of answers, but today I am going to focus on reality capture to show what I find to be one of the coolest drone applications out there.

Reality capture is the process of accurately digitizing the existing world. This has been done for years by going out and measuring an existing structure, but this method is time consuming, prone to error, and only results in a simple 2D plan view. Alternatively, you can go to the other extreme and use laser scanning technology to generate a 3D model, this is expensive but highly accurate. Drone based reality capture results in a fast, accurate, and most importantly, budget friendly, scan of an existing structure through a process called photogrammetry. To do this we fly a path around the structure taking photos every few seconds, and finally processing these images through software that generates a high quality 3D model of everything we captured.

The structure we will focus on today is the Hudepohl smokestack atop the soon-to-be-demolished remains of the Queensgate Hudepohl Brewery. Given an estimate of almost a million dollars to save, its days are numbered. Its destruction will severely reduce the monetary value of my view from a picturesque, million dollar smokestack, to a measly $49.99 satellite dish. Luckily with modern technology we can “save” the smokestack!

Step 1: Capture Pictures

On a sweltering, Sunday afternoon I took to the sky from K4’s trusty loading dock picnic table to the smokestack next door. The majority of this flight will be automated with DJI’s “Point of Interest” flight mode. This allows me to automatically orbit the smokestack while I sit back and occasionally change the height to capture the full 170 foot height of the smokestack.

Hudepohl smokestack, author’s own photo

Step 2: Color Correct Photos

Unfortunately, the clouds were occasionally obscuring the sun and causing a slight variation in colors in the captured photos so, an interim step of running all 389 through Photoshop was required. Processing all of these would take a while, so I set up an automated batch processing script and refilled my coffee while it chugged away.

Color correction of Hudepohl smokestack photos, author’s own photos

Step 3: Process Images Through Photogrammetry Engine

We will be using Autodesk’s Recap Photo Pro to process this project. To fall in the cheaper pricing bracket, I cut down the number of images to 300, by cutting duplicate shots. The pricing for 20-300 photos is 12 credits, 301-700 photos is 30 credits, and 701-1000 is 55 credits, with each credit costing a dollar. After pointing the software to my images, I can choose what format I want to process the model in. I am using a phototextured mesh, useful for project visualization and 3D printing as well as a 3D point cloud, useful in CAD software. And then we wait while the software uploads my pictures to the cloud and processes. After a few hours I get a couple files to download. And here are the results

Image processing, author’s own photos

Step 4. Model clean-up and reproduction

I removed the roof of the building from the file to end up with a model of just the tower. This file will need to be scaled to fit in the print field of the 3D printer, which has a maximum size of 300mm or 11 13/16”. At this scale a single brick comes out to be below 1mm in height, which is sadly below the color accuracy of the 3D printing service we will be using. To work around this and increase the workability of the model, we will recreate the lettering and geometry by pulling data from the scanned 3D model. After adding a simple base, the file is ready for color printing!

Model clean-up, author’s own photos

Model clean-up, author’s own photos

rendered model, author’s own photos

I turned to a 3D printing service online to print the model size. The process was fairly straightforward and involved various checks to ensure the uploaded model was printable and stable.

Step 5: Final Results

After a couple weeks a package finally arrived on my desk and here are the results!

Finished model, author’s own photos

Finished model, author’s own photos

All in the results were fantastic! I could reduce the printing cost further by using multiple pieces that require assembly but for what this is I am very happy with the results. Contact us if you have any questions regarding 3D modeling or want a 3D print of your own building!

https://skfb.ly/6D9QQ

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PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2024 IN CORPORATE OFFICE INTERIOR DESIGN

By Jeff Klump • 20 Dec, 2023

In the dynamic world of corporate office interiors, staying ahead of design trends is crucial to creating spaces that not only inspire productivity but also reflect the latest aesthetic sensibilities. As a firm specializing in corporate office design, K4 embraces Pantone's Color of the Year for 2024 - Peach Fuzz. This warm and inviting hue offers a fresh perspective on creating contemporary workspaces that balance sophistication and comfort and an opportunity to infuse sophistication, and a touch of modernity into the corporate design landscape. Peach Fuzz, a delicate and nuanced shade blending peach and blush, brings a sense of tranquility and optimism to any space. When incorporated into corporate office interiors, this color has the power to redefine the atmosphere, promoting a positive and collaborative environment. K4 is committed to enhancing the workplace experience, and we recognize the significance of color in influencing mood and productivity.

FACILITY DESIGN FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of community banking, where the strength of relationships is paramount, the role of design extends beyond aesthetics—it becomes a strategic catalyst for talent acquisition and retention. In an era where attracting and retaining top talent is pivotal for organizational success, the significance of an intentionally designed workspace cannot be overstated. In this article, we delve into how strategic design decisions can not only enhance the physical environment but also foster a culture of engagement, innovation, and long-term commitment among employees, contributing to relationship building and the overall prosperity of community banks. Join K4 on this journey through the intersection of design and community banking, where the blueprint for success lies in the spaces we create for those who make our banks the heart of the community.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: PART II UNIFYING PHYSICAL & DIGITAL MARKETING ASSETS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY

By Nicole DeRogatis • 07 Nov, 2023

In the previously published Journey to Brand Consistency: Part I, K4 addressed Facilities, Marketing & People as the three pieces that comprise the Financial Success Puzzle for community banks. This article examines one level deeper in unifying physical and digital marketing assets within the Financial Success Puzzle, and the importance of creating a harmonious and powerful brand identity across all platforms. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving community banking industry, maintaining a strong and recognizable brand presence is vital for success. As a full-service design and branding firm working closely with community banks, we have witnessed the transformative power of consistent marketing assets in bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms. By solidifying the customer experience across all touchpoints, banking institutions can establish a stronger emotional connection with their customers and create a lasting impact on their success. Investing in brand consistency is not only a strategic move but also a reflection of a bank's commitment to their own stability and future growth.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: HOW FACILITIES, MARKETING & PEOPLE CREATE THE FINANCIAL SUCCESS PUZZLE

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

Now more than ever, brand consistency is of utmost importance to financial institutions. Creating brand consistency goes a long way in building brand trust, increasing customer/employee/community loyalty, and impacting your bottom line. Why is there so much brand inconsistency in the community banking landscape? Because being brand consistent requires change and commitment, and it can be tedious and expensive. Taking the first step is often overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you update first? These are excellent questions, but there are other important questions to consider. What is the cost of NOT getting brand consistent or what is the cost or potential loss of creating brand confusion? Inconsistencies are costing your bank time and money. Not practicing brand consistency will cost you significant consequences to customer experience, brand reputation, and overall loss of trust – all of which can impact your bottom line. Conflicting brand usage accounts for a damage to brand credibility, making it harder to compete in the market. As K4 gets ready to hit the road in 2023, presenting at various community banking conferences on this topic, we thought it was important to preamble this timely subject of the Financial Success Puzzle. At K4, we define the Financial Success Puzzle as a 3-piece formula to creating and maintaining brand consistency for community banks. This formula is simply the act of connecting people to place and connecting brand identity to place. Many retailers have capitalized on this concept for years. Your branch facilities, marketing & people MUST work together to create stability and not only that…they must be triplets, not just siblings. They can’t just resemble one another; they need to be nearly identical in their delivery.

MAKING ROOM FOR THE COMMUNITY

By Jeff Klump • 08 Dec, 2022

For decades, small town business districts across America have featured a strong physical presence from a local bank perspective. Near the courthouse or city hall, these buildings are often identified by their traditional columns and prominent facades of brick or stone. Not only do these structures help establish the fabric of the streetscape; they often contribute to defining the social framework of the residing individuals and neighborhoods, supporting the hopes and dreams of generations. Community banks need to continue to reinforce their presence and values to those individuals and businesses in the geographic areas they serve. Making your bank’s physical appearance memorable, builds brand awareness and offers an opportunity to reinforce the benefits of banking locally which includes working with trusted friends and neighbors. Many community banks are exploring ways to create community space by revitalizing main offices and branch experiences while positioning themselves as a valuable and integral local resource.

SAME RETAIL BRANCH, DIFFERENT CUP OF JOE? THINK AGAIN!

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2022

Let’s first explore how the definition of the coffee shop has evolved…from simply being a beverage offered at a restaurant to an actual stand-alone destination, service and experience that provides and encourages co-working space, meeting opportunities, and community gathering.