Carver Gavin, White Christine. Computer Visualization for the Theatre: 3D Modelling for Designers

Focal Press, An imprint of Elsevier. Copyright 2003. ISBN 0 240 51617
6. (240 pages, illustrated).This book considers the use of three-dimensional (3D) modelling software in developing designs for
performance; it considers the processes and contexts of making 3D models in the computer, rather
than the more traditional methods of card, balsa, paint and glue. Tangentially we will touch on the
use of paint programs (such as the fairly ubiquitous photo editing packages) or drafting programs
(for technical drawing) but the central focus is the process of making digital models to explore and
illustrate the possibilities of theatrical space.
Our hope is that the book will serve both as a useful introduction to the practicalities of using 3D
modelling software for the purposes of designing for the theatre as much as a provocation of ideas
and a discussion of contexts. This book therefore aims to introduce processes and to stimulate
interest and discussion. Thus this book is not a how-to-do-it manual with precise instructions for
each activity – there are plenty of those available. There are exercises in the book that may be
followed by a reader sitting in front of a computer, however our intention is to have written the book in such a way that an interested reader who does not yet have the software can read the chapter and gain an understanding of principles. To this end these exercises are generally written as part of a narrative and discussion rather than as a set of instructions.