The
video accompanying this blog post is of the recent construction activity
underway at the new Roosevelt Middle School in Eugene.(1) Mahlum
and Robertson/Sherwood/Architects
designed the state-of-the-art facility, and John Hyland Construction
is building it. The $42 million project is on target for completion a year from
now.
Commissioned
by Eugene School District 4j and shot by Spot On Aerial Photography, the video is a high-definition, cinematic experience
that is definitely impressive. Even absent a post-production soundtrack (say,
an epic, soaring instrumental),
it brings to mind the kind of documentary filmmaking that shows best in an IMAX
theater. As an architect, it hardly matters to me that the subject of the video
is something as commonplace as a construction site. Recorded through the lens
of a camera carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle (AKA a “drone”) it offers unique
perspectives that previously were only available to projects that could justify
the steep expense of manned flights.
The relatively
low cost and proliferation of drones is quickly revolutionizing the way
construction companies do business. Inexpensive aerial documentation is increasingly
a common means to gauge the progress of a project. More and more, contractors rely
upon drones to document jobsite safety practices, identify quality issues,
assist with problem-solving, and facilitate dispute resolution.
Additionally,
the real-time data gathered by GPS-equipped drones can generate point clouds from
which project engineers produce 3D models of the work under construction. Contractors
use these models for such varied purposes as measuring bulk quantities of
excavation and fill, rapidly confirming layout and staking, and reporting
compliance with erosion-control regulations. Users can add audio narration or incorporate GPS data on each video frame with a
text-captioning device.
A simple aerial
video can take anyone, anywhere, on a journey over the site. Often, the
video reveals more than could ever have been seen from the ground. Not
surprisingly, realtors and developers are exploiting the marketing potential of
aerial videography to great effect. If a virtual walk-thru is great, a virtual
flyover is even better.
There are issues
with the use of drones. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strictly regulates their use through Certificates of Authorization (COA) or
Experimental Airworthiness Certificates, which to the best of my understanding
have been limited in scope. Presently, the FAA is looking at new regulations
that would expand the opportunities for businesses like Spot On Aerial
Photography to operate drones.
The use of
camera-carrying drones grants us superhuman powers. It stirs within us deeply
held dreams of flying like birds. It provides us with perspectives we seldom
could enjoy before. Aerial videography is mesmerizing because it is so often
beautiful and transcendent, even when the focus of the camera’s eye is merely a
construction jobsite.
I’m looking
forward to seeing many more construction videos shot from drones. They’re
fascinating, informative, and fun to watch.
(1) The Register-Guard posted a slideshow on its website with
recent (September 4, 2015) photographs of the project under construction: http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/33472552-75/teachers-staff-tour-new-roosevelt-middle-school-construction-site.html.csp
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