| With the rapid development and widespread use of 3D software, an increasing number of landscape architects are applying 3D technology to their projects in order to supplement their traditional 2D methods. 3D technology can create visualizations that simplify complex and abstract information for clients. This technology allows, and even insists, that landscape architects integrate other disciplines and the related information of those disciplines into their work. Because the information is available, landscape architects are held accountable for that information and are increasingly expected to use that information to inform and substantiate their work. Landscape architects are often expected to produce quantifiable substantiation that their designs will yield ecological, economic, and functional benefits. Some people argue that the high cost and time investment needed for the use of 3D software are significant deterrents for most designers and firms to use the software. However, little research has been conducted to investigate the extent to which landscape architects have adopted 3D software. In addition, even less is known about their opinions on the software's suitability for their professional needs.;The primary objective of this study is to identify current trends, opinions, and barriers to applying 3D visualization software in the field of landscape architecture. Data were gathered through online surveys of landscape architecture professionals who are members of the American Society of Landscape Architects and educators from universities with landscape architecture programs. Overall, the respondents appear to have made limited use of 3D software. The results of this study provide insights into the current state of 3D applications in the landscape architecture profession. However, respondents did express a desire to know more about 3D visualization tools in the future. These findings suggest that there is a need for more dialogue between landscape architecture practitioners and landscape architecture educators to help students effectively prepare for their future professional roles in the workplace. There are also some indications that new 3D software development is desired by landscape architecture professionals for particular benefits it can bring to their work, such as reducing time for various tasks, simplifying the software learning process, and rendering photorealistic images. |
