N.O.M.A.D.E. Inc. defines its field of work as 'space'; be it virtual, web or physical. "We do a lot of 3D animation and web site design with an architectural approach," says partner and graduate architect Martin Leblanc. "Using formZ software, we visualize space in the early stages of a project; it is a fast, effective way of seeing in between, over and under."

N.O.M.A.D.E. became established as 3D CAD innovators after winning an international award for their design of the Havana Opera House

The proposed Labatt stadium, future home of the Montreal Expos, was modeled using formZ in collaboration with architects Provencher Roy et associés. Evolving over a three-month period, the N.O.M.A.D.E. team created and refined the virtual model to reflect the progress of the proposal, working side by side with the architects.

Leblanc describes a more unconventional project, a multimedia display scaffolding unit, as a "hard drive installed in a wall." The moveable display unit, modeled in formZ, is used for major spectator gatherings. "The wall 'sees' what happens day by day and can replay an all new picture to the urban setting." More traditionally, N.O.M.A.D.E. utilized multi-media for marketing a building loft renovation in Old Montreal. Promotional images of the units modeled in formZ gave potential clients a sense of the yet to-be-built dwellings.

"formZ is a good conceptual program for validating our ideas." Leblanc would like to further the application of computers at the project outset by collaborating with the client to define the design parameters.

See: www.espacenomade.com

Software used: formZ to model the structure, Electric Image for texturing, lighting and rendering. Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator.