“Through Shell Step we have achieved our first stand alone application prototype and are extremely pleased,” says Michael Kohn, architect and Managing Director of Slider Studio, a new type of design consultancy serving the architectural profession. “Not only does this represent the first step on the route to market, but it also represents a case study for us in how to convert our consultancy IP into product.”

 

Slider Studio is an innovative SME which combines architectural design experience with computational programming skills, resulting in a cutting edge approach to solving complex design problems. Knowledge Dock introduced the company to the cost-effective Shell Step scheme, to source a fresh and dedicated Computer Science undergraduate for the technical development of one of their new ideas, a concept called Elevation Wrapping.

 

 “Elevation Wrapping is a visual programming concept for creating the design of a building’s appearance, meaning a 3-D building could be unwrapped, like a present, into a flat 2-D canvas onto which rules and patterns can be applied. The building can then be wrapped up and viewed in 3-D.

 

“Thanks to the Shell Step project, the company now has a standalone software prototype, E-Wrapper, which proves that ‘Elevation Wrapping’ works. The software can be demonstrated to and tested by architects, investors and funders for the commercial development of E-Wrapper Pro, an extension of the prototype software.”

 

Chris McDonald was the Shell Step student responsible for developing the E-Wrapper prototype. From its Graphical User Interface to the intensive programming, he rendered Microsoft Excel VBA-based macros into a sturdy Java-based application.

 

His fresh programmer’s perspective proved an excellent asset to compliment Slider Studio’s wealth of architectural knowledge, forming a firm foundation upon which their ideas could be built from computing concept into practical product.

 

“Chris set himself a very ambitious challenge and met it in the results he gave us. He has done amazingly well to convert abstract architectural ideas and concepts into a useful working prototype. This required heaps of analytical thinking, creativity and imagination.

 

“The majority of our staff are from accomplished architectural backgrounds. During heated design discussions (between Slider Studio staff), Chris was able to offer an alternative view from his own experience which often helped move the debate on. He was a great team-member and we were able to respect his expertise.

 

“Our company has gained a valuable transfer of knowledge about program design and planning concepts and, as a result of the placement, the recruitment strategy of the company has also been influenced.”

 

“We were tremendously pleased with Chris and his efforts and hope to maintain contact and offer him more work as funds and new opportunities allow. We are currently looking for further funding to develop the software prototype and take to market, and are also looking for more programmers like Chris.”