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Daniel Widrig[ In conversation... ]

Daniel Widrig studied architecture in Germany and the UK. After graduating from the Architectural Association in London with a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urbanism in 2006, he joined Zaha Hadid Architects for several years where he was working on the design of projects such as the Performing Arts Centre in Abu Dhabi, the Performing Arts Centre in Amman, and the Masterplan for Kartal-Pendik Istanbul. He also worked on a series of acclaimed interiors and products with Zaha Hadid.

Since establishing his studio in London, he is working on architectural competitions, conceptual gaming environments, sculptural objects and experimental furniture and products.

His work has won several awards such as the FEIDAD Merit Award 2006, the Swiss Arts Award 2007 and has been internationally published and exhibited. In 2008 Daniel Widrig won the Rome Prize awarded by the German Government. He is currently artist in residence at the German Academy, Villa Massimo in Rome.

A conversation with Daniel Widrig

How did you get involved with 3D computer graphics?

Daniel: I started using 3D applications while studying architecture. I was specifically interested in the way people, such as Greg Lynn, were using tools like Maya. That was pretty uncommon in architectural design at that time. Then, in London, I met some interesting and very skilled people and had the chance to work with them in unusual studio conditions on uncommon and sometimes very strange projects.

What are some of the projects have you worked on?

Daniel: I work on architectural projects, products, objects and installations.

Usually, the projects vary quite a bit in scale. So far, they've ranged from city-scale proposals like the 6 000 000 M2 conceptual Masterplan for Kartal-Pendik in Istanbul, or proposals for buildings like the Performing Arts Centre in Abu Dhabi, the Performing Arts Centre in Amman or the extension of the Haram Mosque in Mecca, all the way down to product scale objects. Currently, I'm working on a series of carbon fiber furniture pieces and interiors with Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher.*

As an Autodesk Master, for what do you use the 3D software? (For example, character rigging, modeling, texturing, lighting etc.)

Daniel: I'm using Maya mainly for conceptual form-finding, 3D modeling, for visualization or animations, and also to generate geometry that is then output via CAM for prototypes, one-off objects or scale models. When it comes to larger production series or more complex projects, I use Maya to produce the conceptual base geometry that can then be post-produced or reengineered in other applications.

What makes this industry so exciting to you?

Daniel: Working as an architect, it is the scale and the idea of form that could eventually be inhabited, that is kind of exciting. Working as a designer, it is the idea of being able to generate form that can almost instantly be materialized or built.

Where do you see the industry going in the next five years?

Daniel: In architecture, five years is not really a long time span. Unfortunately things use to happen slowly.... Within the next few years, architects and designers will obviously rely more and more on digital tools to generate, organize, and build things. I also assume that the current trend towards ever increasing geometric complexity will diminish. A lot of projects that had recently been planned and designed with great enthusiasm and that really took advantage of digital tools in terms of formal expression are currently on hold due to the economic situation.

What words of wisdom do you have for anyone interested in entering the professional world of 3D computer graphics?

Daniel: In my opinion it is crucial to keep on training analogue skills, such as sketching, sculpting, building stuff is important to get an understanding of form, proportion and space. Then it's important to choose the right digital tools and to spend as much time with it as possible. Personally, I think it is important, to always keep on playing and messing around with the tools. Another very important thing is to team up and exchange knowledge wih skilled people.

*Credits to my friends and colleagues Florian Dubiel, Shajay Bhooshan, Fulvio Wirz and Danilo Arsic.

More information about Daniel Widrig:
Daniel Widrig's Site

For images/information, please see links below.