Do we need more than eyes to see the city? It seems we do. The hybrid model is a cutting-edge solution that could prove to be an exceptional tool in urban design.
Such a model has just been made by Krakow-based HORIZONE Graphics for the H22 construction fair, which is being held in Helsingborg, Sweden. The hybrid model simultaneously uses traditional solutions combined with modern technology.
Dominik Darasz (Horizone) over the Helsingborg mockup
© Horizone Graphics
Architect Dominik Darasz of HORIZONE Graphics talks about what a hybrid model is, how it can facilitate work on city planning and where the idea for such a solution came from.
Wiktor Bochenek: What distinguishes the hybrid model and how did the idea for it come about?
Dominik Darasz (HORIZONE Studio/ HORIZONE Graphics): The innovation of this model lies in the combination of two technologies, traditional and digital, hence we use the term hybrid model. The idea to create it was born in my mind about six years ago out of the need of the moment, at the time of public consultation, it was to be a tool to facilitate communication between the city government and its residents.
Wiktor: What is the scale of the model made for Helsingborg City Hall?
Dominik: We chose a scale of 1:1000, which is the most intuitive for the viewer, the size of the model 2 by 4 meters thus corresponds to 8 square kilometers of the city.
Based on the hybrid model, it is much easier to talk about the proportions of buildings and public spaces
© Horizone Graphics
Wiktor: How long did it take to make this mockup?
Dominik: We made the hybrid model of Helsingborg's city center in three months. Such a short turnaround time was possible due to the fact that we received a set of input materials from the client, including a digital 3D model of the city and output files for animation. Creating an efficient system for consulting on the project also contributed to significantly shortening the construction time.
Victor: How can we use such a model in planning activities. Why is it better than traditional plans or visualizations?
Dominik: It is said that one picture is enough for a thousand words, and I would add that one model is enough for a thousand pictures. It is much easier to show certain relationships and information on such a model, even a very simplified one.
Most of us built with blocks as children, exercising our imagination. Humans have a natural ability to recognize certain proportions and details - the model is based on this message. We don't need to know the exact dimensions of individual buildings, we operate on the principle of comparing proportions with characteristic objects.
The hybrid model, by adding an image, can have a variety of uses. Depending on the audience, it can be used to educate children and young people, inform tourists and help planners, politicians and entrepreneurs with their design work. For clarity of message, the content can be tailored to the type of audience.
We can tailor the model to its user - show transportation routes, greenery, monuments or statistical data
© Horizone Graphics
Wiktor: Why is the hybrid model more helpful for public consultations than traditional forms of presentation?
Dominik: The city is a living organism that changes all the time, and the changes made require public consultations. The hybrid model is intended to be a tool to facilitate communication between parties. By using digital technologies, project staging, proposed ideas and versions can be easily shown. It is possible to combine and overlay the results of analyses and studies conducted.
Wiktor: Why don't cities in Poland order such mockups? Why don't they rely on clear communication?
Dominik: The reasons are unknown and incomprehensible to us. We suppose it is the result of different standards of work and the lack of need for proper dialogue with residents.
Victor: There may be an accusation that this is an expensive toy. Is she really that expensive, in the context of city budgets?
Dominik: The word "expensive" is relative. It is not a toy, but an attractive tool to facilitate communication, which is supposed to streamline the verification and decision-making process, thereby reducing the length of protracted proceedings.
You don't have to invest in a hybrid city model right away, this is about changing the standard of work and mindset. Working on low-cost models actually comes at no cost. It allows quick evaluation of design assumptions and then easy presentation to the public. This is not a cost constraint, but a matter of will.
Helsingborg's hybrid model can be seen at H22
© Horizone Graphics
Wiktor: Do you think this kind of information transfer will become widespread in the country on the Vistula?
Dominik: I don't know about that, I hope for a change in the standard of project work and the quality of consultation. It is important to remember that reliable information is the basis for building trust and public involvement. I hope to make at least a minimal contribution to this.
Victor: Thank you for the interview.
opportunity to see the model live
Seeing the model live does not require a visit to Helsingborg. The hybrid model of the Wesoła district will be on display on June 30 at the panel "Old is the new sexy! What Wesoła means to Krakow" at World Urban Forum 11 in Katowice. The panel is moderated by A&B editor-in-chief Małgorzata Tomczak, among others.
