Foster + Partners tests real-time collaborative platform

Foster + Partners has been working with NVIDIA to test NVIDIA Omniverse Enterprise, a collaborative platform that provides a real-time “seamless interface” between 3D design and visualisation.

Omniverse Enterprise makes it possible for designer and visualisation teams – which are often large, diverse in skills and geographically dispersed – to work together on complex projects. Rather than requiring in-person meetings or exchanging and iterating on massive files, designers, artists and reviewers can work simultaneously in a virtual world from anywhere, on any device.

This collaboration is a key part of Foster + Partners’ efforts to “push the boundaries of innovation and revolutionise the design process through the use of pioneering technologies”. Omniverse Enterprise complements bespoke software developed by Foster + Partners that allows for design interoperability between teams, data exchange on demand, facilitate version control and track changes, all in real-time.

Martha Tsigkari, partner with the applied research and development group at Foster + Partners, explained: “This revolutionary platform allows our artists to collaborate on the same scene while working independently on their software of choice. Multiple design changes can be visualised simultaneously in real-time, allowing design options to be reviewed in parallel for faster design cycles.

“The vast reduction in time previously required for processing models means more time for creative design and visualisation. Integration of futuristic technologies such as machine learning will bring more opportunities to assist the creative process in the future.”

Gamma Basra, partner and head of visualisation at Foster + Partners, added: “Due to our long-standing relationship, NVIDIA invited us to test Omniverse Enterprise, an interface that allows us to expand our real-time collaboration workflow to include the visualisation pipeline. In partnership with NVIDIA, we are helping shape the future of collaboration for the industry.”

Image: a screen grab of the Omniverse platform in action (courtesy of Foster + Partners)