Visualising a Better Quality of Life

Our Images on the BEEB

2010-04-23T15:24:00.005+01:00

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing our images go global...or national at least!

The BBC have released a news article on their website documenting the current regeneration work that is transforming the old, run down areas of Swansea High Street into a vibrant 'creative cluster' where people can work and live in a harmonious environment.

The developers of the scheme, Coastal Housing, Commissioned iCreate to visualise the whole project, and the images - some of which can be seen on the link below, are some of the most pleasing we have created. Not only because of the way they look, but because of the use they have been put to.

Click here to see the full story

Fareen Joins the Team

2010-04-16T12:30:00.002+01:00

iCreate is pleased to announce the arrival of a new member of our 3D team! Fareen Farid has joined us from India, and has a wealth of experience in managing 3D architectural visualisation projects, working with clients from all over the world. Fareen will be developing the technical excellence of our 3D work, and is looking forward to getting to know our clients and partners over the coming months!

A Boost for Housebuilders!

2010-03-26T22:52:00.002Z

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has declared this week’s stamp duty announcement to be a “huge boost” to the house building industry.

First time buyers are crucial to the housing market, and raising the stamp duty threshold to £250k will enable more to save the high deposits currently being demanded by mortgage lenders.

The HBF recently identified a looming housing shortfall of approaching a million homes, and urged MPs to address the barriers to building new homes. Part of the package of measures announced this week is a requirement for Local Authorities to identify more land for development, which is one such barrier.

According to the HBF, increasing housing delivery will benefit every area of the country and;

- Create hundreds of thousands of jobs
- Provide enough homes for our population
- Remove millions from poor quality living conditions
- Stimulate the economy. £1 spent generates nearly £3 in economic activity

Read more on the HBF Website

It's Official...We Made the List!

2010-03-24T15:12:00.003Z

iCreate has just received some news we've been waiting for - we were successful in our bid to win a place on the Technical Consultancy Framework Agreement for the Department for the Economy and Transport (DE&T) of the Welsh Assembly Government! This means we are officially an 'approved supplier' for the Assembly's property team, for the provision of 3D Modelling and Artistic Concept consultancy, throughout north, south and mid-Wales. Having recently received our ISO 9001 and 14001 certification, we believe all the hard work (and please excuse the platitude but…) going the extra mile, has paid off! Considering all the recent work we have been doing in conjunction with developers for the public sector, we are pleased to now be recognised on the official suppliers list. This is just the first step of course and it is now important to maintain our high standards and to consistently justify our selection in our high quality visuals. We now look forward to continuing to work closely with the Welsh Assembly to bring their vision for the future of Wales, to life!

Happy New Year to All our Clients & Friends!

2010-01-05T11:14:00.004Z

We would like to wish you all a very happy new year and best wishes for 2010! We are now back in the office and back to work, so give us a call any time to discuss your upcoming or current projects!

The iCreate Xmas Rhyme 2009

2009-12-16T10:38:00.001Z

Just a quick note with our seasons greetings!
Time for a break from deadlines and meetings!
As we near the end of two-thousand-and-nine
It's time for another Christmas rhyme!
The blessings this year have been mixed, to be fair,
With hard times and good times in equal share.
Business is busy so we mustn't complain,
And developers seem to be building again.
But one thing we've learnt, and we'll share it with you,
Is not to forget - as we so often do -
That life is supposed to be happy and fun,
And that's what's important when all's said and done.
So best wishes to you and the ones you hold dear,
Let's hope twenty-ten is a prosperous year!

Merry Christmas from iCreate!

2009-12-15T16:01:00.005Z

SEASONS GREETING FROM ALL OF US!

We are still at work, and most of will be here until the 23rd December, but we thought we'd take the opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2010.

Our office will be closed from Wednesday 23rd December to Monday 4th January. Urgent enquiries over this period should be directed to 07789 226 457.

See you in the New Year!

Dubai or not Dubai?

2009-12-15T15:17:00.008Z

WAS IT EVER GOING TO BE SUSTAINABLE?

Having recently returned from a visit to Dubai, we were saddened but not exactly surprised by news of what is being dubbed the 'Financial Crisis II'. The inability of Dubai World to repay its debts has led to panic and uncertainty, particularly among the many British banks and contractors owed money by companies in the region.

Up until this point, it's been a bit like the Emperor's New Clothes - no-one wanted to be the first to question the sanity of the phenomenal amount of speculative development underway in Dubai, despite the fact that the inadequacies are surely glaringly obvious to visitors and residents alike. Richard Rees, director of Urban Design at BDP, in his presentation 'The Future of the City', asserts that many new Asian and Middle Eastern cities, like Dubai, have taken their lead from what we in the West now deem to be the worst aspects of modern cities.

These new 'high rise' cities have developed into hugely built-up urban spaces which ignore the green issues and 'quality of life' aspects that are increasingly of interest to urban designers and planners in the UK. The result can be pretty unwelcoming: over-reliance on car travel, very few green spaces, no consideration given to pedestrians, even less to cyclists (as if anyone would want to cycle in the heat of the desert) and very little cultural interest or local authenticity. All coated in the shiny gloss of brand-name consumerism. Perhaps not such a desirable place to live after all.

Like UK consumers, who kept on spending despite record levels of debt, the Dubai taste for bling, glamour and excess now looks, to some, like utter folly. It will be interesting to see how the current debt crisis plays out, but we can't help wondering whether a bit of 'reality-bites' is just what's needed to inject a bit of pragmatism into the vision for the future of the emirate.

Interactive Masterplan for Coastal Housing

2009-12-15T14:35:00.002Z

USING THE iVIEWER FROM iCREATE TO PRESENT 3D MODELS

iCreate's pioneering interactive technology, the iViewer, is one of the innovations driving the company forward in difficult times, offering clients an immersive 3D experience they can't get anywhere else.

The latest iViewer project to be launched is the interactive masterplan for Coastal Housing Group, which presents a 3D map of all current and upcoming developments across the city. Users can view different development options, toggle between a variety of information overlays or even take a helicopter tour around the 3D model.

With a re-designed interface and enhanced functionality, this latest demonstration of the iViewer interactive application serves as a great example of how the technology can be used. To view the project or discuss how the iViewer could work for you, call us today, on 0845 867 9849.

Damned if you do and damned if you dont...

2009-12-15T14:20:00.007Z

THE PERILS OF PRESENTING A VISION FOR REGENERATION

You can't please all the people all the time, and that's never more true than when you're presenting a vision for urban regeneration! We are all understandably concerned when there are plans afoot for the re-design and re-development of familiar local areas – even when we know there's plenty of room for improvement!

Cynicism and criticism will always abound when local authorities and regeneration companies present their version of a vision for the future of their towns and cities. As Joe Joyce, a Northampton resident, points out, “It seems the council are damned if they don't do anything and damned if they do”.

Whether it's a fear of change, a deep-rooted cynicism or a general sense that the council's priorities are all wrong, public agencies and regeneration companies are stepping into the line of fire whenever they put forward a new vision for regeneration to local residents and businesses.

At iCreate, we know only too well how this concern can impact on the presentation of new ideas and proposals. We regularly work with councils and regeneration agencies to pre-visualise areas that are set for regeneration, providing the visual aids that help communicate the vision and stimulate debate.

And with a recently completed project for West Northamptonshire Development Corporation hitting the local headlines, it's clear that the images we produce certainly stir things up! But as John Markham, leader of the WNDC, acknowledges, that's half the point: “This new concept will inevitably attract differing responses and reactions from people and we welcome that as part of the process. I think we all have an idea about what the concept includes, but positive suggestions and contributions from the public will be very welcome.”

View the recent project for Northampton Town Centre Regeneration

The key challenge facing local authorities and their development partners is to engage with the local community and other stakeholders, so that the vision for the future reflects the needs and interests of the widest possible group of people. The process of deciding what to show is not always easy - it's a matter of finding the right balance: Vague enough to avoid too much controversy, yet concrete enough to seem realistic and achievable. At iCreate, we believe that by presenting a credible and tangible vision, our clients are 'putting it out there' and getting a response – good or bad – to move the debate forward.

And, never underestimate the power of having a vision. As Chris Holley, leader of Swansea Council points out, “When people can see what the City Centre could look like, they are more enthusiastic about the future - whether or not they agree with the specific proposals."

For advice on turning your complex strategies, masterplans and regeneration frameworks into pictures, call Dawn or Anthony today, on 0845 867 9849.

For more information about how iCreate is helping to bridge the gap between vision and reality, go to the iCreate Website

From Virtual to Reality

2009-12-12T14:52:00.000Z

PLAY SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

We all know that 3D visualisation is a powerful way to show what new buildings will look like before they're built, but how reliable are the images we produce? Both planning officers and potential buyers often have to rely on 'artists impressions' when making important decisions, so, do our 3D computer generated images (CGIs) offer a true impression of the finished scheme?

To find out, we've selected some recent projects which have now been built, and compared the 3D images we produced with photos of the completed buildings, so you can see for yourself. Before reading on, see if you can tell which is virtual, and which is reality...

The images on the left are our 3D visualisations, produced before the buildings were built, whereas the images on the right are the real thing - photos of the completed properties. We hope you'll agree that the differences are minimal!

At iCreate, we are now leading the way in the creation of virtual images and photomontages that are 100% reliable. 'Visually verified montages', or VVMs, are increasingly requested by UK planning departments who need images they can depend on when making important planning decisions.

Our VVMs, which merge 3D virtual models with actual photos from specified viewpoints, are produced according to rigourous guidelines published by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, and all viewpoints are accompanied by a report detailing how the montage was arrived at.

For more information, contact Dawn or Liam today via email or call 01792 824 894

iCreate Wins Award for Innovation

2009-11-30T14:45:00.000Z

A SWANSEA BAY PRIZE TO RECOGNISE INNOVATION IS AWARDED TO iCREATE FOR THE iVIEWER SOLUTION

With clients around the world already buying into iCreate's new iViewer technology for interactive 3D walkthroughs, managing director Dawn Lyle has now been crowned the winner of the innovation category at a glitzy award ceremony in Swansea last Friday.

The Swansea Bay Woman of the Year awards seek to recognise the achievements of women in the region and to promote winners who will be an inspiration to others. Dawn was thrilled to receive the award on behalf of the whole team at iCreate, whose creativity and expertise has helped to keep the company ahead of the game throughout the economic downturn.

The iViewer solution is attracting clients from across the globe, and from some of the world's most exciting development projects. Clients are excited by this cutting edge marketing solution which enables them to present their new property developments in a whole new way, through the use of computer games technology.

“We believe passionately in the importance of Research & Development at iCreate, and it is this commitment to innovation that has given the company the edge over recent months,” Dawn explains. “While many firms might have slashed their investment in technology during the recession, for us, it's the life-blood of our business, and our clients recognise this as one of our key strengths.”

Strong links with Swansea Metropolitan University and support from the Technium network of technology incubators have also played a role in iCreate's evolution into one of the world's leading architectural visualisation providers. The order book is already filling up for 2010 and the team looks forward to an exciting year as the iViewer is rolled out.

The Height is Right

2009-11-01T15:48:00.007Z

3D TERRAIN MODELING FOR ARCHITECTS

The latest new technology to be launched by iCreate is helping architects and their clients understand the lay of the land, without the need for expensive topographical surveys. A new service offers accurate and reliable terrain modeling to help show new developments in the context of their proposed location - a flexible solution that provides architects with access not just to accurate height data but also 3D modeling expertise to make best use of that data.

Liam Tandy, head of Research & Development at iCreate, explains the solution: “Height data is readily available, but getting it into a usable format is the challenge. It's also a matter of fixing the glitches, as well as merging terrain data, surface data and aerial photography into a meaningful model."

iCreate can now provide accurate terrain models in a variety of 3D formats, which architects can use in their own 3D software to inform the design process. Alternatively, we can use the terrain models in our software, to provide static visualisations or interactive 3D models for submission to the Planners and other key decision makers.

Onwards and Upwards

2009-09-10T15:57:00.006+01:00

NEW RECRUITMENT SIGNALS BUSY TIMES AHEAD

Figures recently released suggest that unemployment in Wales was down by 2,000 in the last quarter - bucking the UK trend of rising joblessness.

And the national picture seems to be reflected here at iCreate, with our newest recruit starting work this week! Dan Cherry joins the team from Seymour Harris in Birmingham, where he was the dedicated 3D visualiser for a team of architects across three regional offices.

Now part of the 3D architectural visualisation team at iCreate, Dan will have his work cut out, as iCreate experiences its busiest month ever. With Persimmon Homes reporting signs of an improving climate for UK housebuilders, it certainly seems that developers are kicking off new projects again, and thinking seriously about using 3D visualisations and flythroughs as part of their early-stage marketing and 'pre-sales' activity.

The iCreate Xmas Rhyme 2008

2008-12-20T10:47:00.004Z

It’s the week before Christmas, and has to be said
Things don’t look too great for the new year ahead.
The recession is nigh and the sterling is down,
And Woolies job cuts are the talk of the town.

The whole of the nation is feeling the squeeze
Something the Vat cut’s done nothing to ease.
The news every night is a lesson in doom,
And it’s hard to avoid this feeling of gloom.

But we want to wish you all joy and good health,
As happiness is more important than wealth.
In the company of friends and the ones we hold dear
Let’s drink to the future with hope and good cheer.

It’s a season for joy, and (we’re not being funny),
We all know there is more to life than just money.
Be merry and festive and have a good time,
That is the message of our Christmas rhyme.

Wales Regeneration Summit in Swansea

2008-10-29T12:27:00.000Z

Public and private sector stakeholders in urban renewal in Wales met at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea to discuss issues relating to Welsh Regeneration. The timing was interesting, given recent economic turmoil in the property sector, and the message seemed to be that the Welsh Assembly and Local Authorities throughout Wales will be investing in urban and rural regeneration despite the economic downturn. Delegates from iCreate attended the summit, to discuss how 3D visualisation can assist developers and local authorities in communicating their visions for urban regeneration. Work recently undertaken for Swansea City Centre's regeneration team was also on display at the event, as was work produced for a number of Swansea Housing Association projects.

iCreate launches the iViewer for 3D Realtime Projects

2008-10-16T12:28:00.000+01:00

iCreate is pioneering a new technology called the iViewer, that delivers interactive virtual worlds for property marketing environments. The iViewer is set to revolutionise the way new locations are presented to potential buyers and visitors, putting the user in complete control of their viewing experience. It is now possible to deliver 3D virtual worlds that are truly interactive and photorealistic, allowing users to explore and interact with new developments, over the web or on disk, using breakthrough 3D interactive technology. "We can now provide the technology that enables potential buyers and visitors to explore new developments and destinations online - it's similar to being in a high-end computer game environment, except you're exploring a real life property or location, and there's no-one trying to shoot at you." iCreate is interested in talking to those involved in marketing and promoting new developments, tourist destinations and any other aspect of the built environment, including hotels, residential properties, and business, leisure or retail destinations. Companies that already use traditional CGI, and those looking for new ways to engage with potential buyers and visitors, may be interested in a demonstration of the iViewer to understand how it could work for them.

A Property Marketing Solution for Regional Housebuilders

2008-05-16T17:45:00.001+01:00

In these uncertain times in the UK housing market, developers are looking for ways to enhance the effectiveness of their marketing spend, and iCreate offers solutions that are just perfect for medium-sized housebuilders. Phoebe Roberts, marketing executive at iCreate, believes that medium-sized house builders can benefit from a managed marketing campaign rather than trying to do everything in-house. "We often find that housebuilders fail to plan their marketing campaigns properly, and miss valuable marketing opportunities as a result. We're advising clients to let us handle the whole process, from devising a strategy, planning their advertising, producing all the graphics and marketing materials, and acting as a key point of contact for both potential buyers and PR interest." With projects underway for London and Oriental, Walnutgrove Homes, Waterstone Homes and Suburban Edge, iCreate is cornering the market in South West Wales, while also working with housebuilders in Dubai, America and across Europe. To discuss your upcoming property marketing requirements, call Phoebe or Anthony today on 0207 099 0447.

Process Illustration for Paintbox UK

2008-05-16T14:55:00.000+01:00

With a proven track record in property visualisation, iCreate was recently contracted to produce a flythrough of an automotive paint plant for Paintbox UK, a provider of surface finishing, product design and late configuration to the automotive industry. The flythrough was developed for a key client presentation, and takes viewers on a journey around the paint plant, talking them through the various processes involved in painting automotive body panels, and highlighting the key benefits of their technology and processes. Something a bit different for iCreate, who usually work with developers and housebuilders. "We were keen to take on this project, despite the very tight turnaround," explains Dawn Lyle, MD of iCreate. "We can see that manufacturers and engineers can benefit hugely from compelling visuals illustrating their industrial processes, and our technology and experience is ideally suited to this application."

landmark development at Llanelli Waterside

2008-05-11T14:00:00.000+01:00

iCreate has been appointed as Marketing and PR consultants for the first new commercial building to be constructed at the Delta Lakes business park in Llanelli Waterside. The developer, WRW Group, is one of the most successful development and construction companies in mid and south Wales, and this joint venture partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government marks the start of things to come down at Llanelli Waterside. iCreate is delighted to win the contract to produce all marketing literature, including a DVD walkthrough, sales brochure, signage and mailers, and will be working closely with joint agents Rowland Jones and Partners and GVA Grimley to secure an anchor tenant for this landmark development. The new building, which will make an ideal company headquarters, benefits from an innovative design by architects Powell Dobson, and will be constructed to the highest BREEAM environmental standards. Work on site is due to start in early summer 2008.

London Calling!

2008-01-16T12:20:00.000Z

With a growing number of clients in London and the South East, iCreate has made the move to London! Our new London office is located close to Liverpool Street station, and within a stone's throw of Shoreditch - undeniably home to the largest concentration of design and new media companies in Britain. While most of our 3D production work still happens out by the coast in Swansea, south Wales, our London-based sales and account executives are now on hand to work closely with clients throughout the South East. To come and see us, or to arrange for one of us to come and visit you, call us today on 0207 099 0447.javascript:void(0)

iCreate is in the Top 100!

2006-07-16T14:00:00.000+01:00

iCreate has recently been included in the Western Mail's annual 'Hot 100' listing - a definitive guide to the top 100 start-up businesses in Wales. To be eligible, businesses must have been founded after 2001, have a turnover of more than £100k, and the founders must still play a key role in the day-to-day running of the business. Following this, First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan, and Andrew Davies, Minister for the Department of Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, visited iCreate to find out about the company's growth and development - a high profile visit that recognises the success of the company over recent months. And then, to her delight, managing director Dawn Lyle has been invited to sit on the board of Swansea Futures, an organisation established by the Welsh Assembly Government and Swansea City Council to promote Swansea throughout the UK and Europe. Swansea Futures is charged with encouraging people to visit, invest and live in Swansea, and aims to highlight the superior quality of life and opportunities for business and personal development that exist within the city. To find out more about the organisation, and learn what's so great about Swansea, visit www.swanseafutures.co.uk.

Historical Reconstruction for the National Trust

2006-02-16T13:00:00.000Z

iCreate has recently completed a contract for the National Trust, re-creating a historic tin plate factory for use in an installation exhibit at Aberdulais Falls. Working with Welsh production company Media for Heritage, in consultation with the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, iCreate has produced an animated flythrough of the tin plate works to show visitors what the site would have looked like originally – another powerful application of 3D visualisation technology.

Dawn Lyle, Swansea Bay Woman of The Year

2005-11-23T12:14:00.000Z

Dawn Lyle, Managing Director and co-founder of iCreate, has won an award at the Swansea Bay Woman of the Year Awards 2005, in the category of Young Entrepreneur Achievement. This Award for the under 30s was created to recognise the achievements of young women who have successfully shown initiative in their desire to start their own business. Dawn is delighted to have received the award, which recognises the achievements of iCreate over recent years.

Estate Agents go 'Touchscreen' with iCreate

2005-02-13T10:00:00.000Z

South Wales estates agents Dawsons Land and New Homes are embracing modern technology by installing one of iCreate's market-leading touch screen kiosks in their Swansea Sales Office. The kiosk, which is formed completely from stainless steel, making it both robust and beautiful, provides users with an intuitive, immersive way to explore new property. "Potential buyers are able to browse the various DVDs we have for our new developments, and view content on the kiosk – we've had plenty of positive feedback about the technology, it's quite impressive." Touchscreen kiosks are available for hire on a daily basis or for long term rental, and can come pre-installed with all the content you wish to display. We can also provide vinyl decals carrying your logo and sales messages, to ensure the kiosk enhances your brand presence and fits in with your existing display and exhibition materials.