Introduction
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As part of my academic journey, Muqaddas Zaheer as a GIS Analyst, with Adeena Riaz as a group mate., undertook a project focused on placemaking in informal settlements under the supervision of Dr. Shoaib Khalid. My Final Year Project (FYP 1) aimed to create sustainable community spaces, beginning with a survey of key areas, followed by digitization in ArcGIS, 3D modeling in SketchUp, and rendering the final design using Unreal Engine 5.
Methodology
1. Survey of Key Areas
Conducted on-ground survey of streets, schools, playgrounds, and community spaces.
Engaged with residents to understand needs and preferences.
2. Digitization in ArcGIS
Digitized data to create detailed maps.
Mapped key features and analyzed spatial relationships.
3. 3D Modeling in SketchUp
Modeled Street Views, Evening Schools, Playgrounds, and Community Spaces.
Designed spaces to reflect real-world usage and community interaction.
4. Rendering in Unreal Engine 5
Applied realistic lighting and textures to visualize designs.
Rendered different times of day and various functionalities.
Before digitization or modeling, the project started with an on-ground survey. This allowed us to gather real-world data about how spaces like streets, schools, and community areas were used by residents. By understanding the existing spatial and social dynamics, the project could focus on creating functional, community-driven designs.
After gathering the survey data, the next step was to digitize these areas in ArcGIS. Using ArcGIS, I mapped key elements that are vital to community life: Street View, Evening Schools, Playgrounds, and Community Spaces. Each area was carefully digitized to reflect the real-world geography, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of spatial data.
ArcGIS allowed me to create detailed layers for each of these features, providing a foundation for later 3D modeling. The mapping process also highlighted how these spaces are distributed, their accessibility, and how they interact with the larger settlement.
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3D Modeling in SketchUp
With the digitized data in place, the next step was to build a 3D model in SketchUp. The goal was to design functional spaces that cater to community needs:
- Street View – The streets were modeled with pedestrian movement and communal interactions in mind, reflecting the narrow, busy streets common in informal settlements.
- Evening School – Designed as a central, accessible learning space, the Evening School was a hub for education and community engagement.
- Playground – Modeled to promote outdoor activities, the Playground was designed with simple structures and open spaces suitable for children.
- Community Space – A key feature of this model, the Community Space was designed for social gatherings, playing games, improving the environment, and bringing people closer together. This area was envisioned to strengthen social ties, enhance well-being, and create a shared space for cultural and recreational activities.
- Street View – Rendered with dynamic lighting to simulate different times of day, making the streets feel more lifelike.
- Evening School – The school was rendered with warm lighting to reflect its role as a safe, welcoming environment for learning.
- Playground – Bright colors and textures were used to create a lively and inviting space for children.
- Community Space – Rendered to showcase its multifunctional nature, with setups for events, games, and environmental enhancements.
This project, supervised by Dr. Shoaib Khalid, was led by Muqaddas Zaheer as a GIS Analyst, with Adeena Riaz as a group mate. It demonstrated how a combination of GIS, 3D modeling, and advanced rendering techniques can be employed to address urban planning challenges in informal settlements. By integrating survey data, spatial analysis, and realistic visualizations, the project aimed to design sustainable, community-centered spaces that improve quality of life and foster stronger social connections.
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