OpenUSD possibilities: Look before you leap

[edit] The Universal Scene Description technological leap

OpenUSD solutions are set to transform architecture and design. But is your firm ready to take the technological leap? We outline the key considerations for design practices looking to harness the power of OpenUSD.

Abolishing data silos and IT system incompatibilities are long-standing challenges in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector. Recent years have seen USD (Universal Scene Description) make significant inroads on overcoming these issues. Several industries have started to deploy USD to unlock collaboration and innovation, extending well beyond its origins in the film industry.

[edit] Standardisation, collaboration and interoperability

While OpenUSD has been around for a while, more recently, the Alliance for OpenUSD (AOUSD) has brought together some of the leaders in 3D visualisation – Pixar, Nvidia, Adobe, Autodesk and Apple – to advance the standardisation and interoperability of the entire 3D landscape. New solutions, such as NVIDIA Omniverse, designed to enable firms to harness the power of OpenUSD, have begun to emerge, unlocking new opportunities for the architecture sector and many others.

This new generation of OpenUSD solutions provide a common, scalable, and collaborative platform for digital project management to enhance the creation and streamline sharing of 3D assets. They remove compatibility issues that have hampered 3D collaboration, seamlessly integrating design tools into a single, fluid workflow. In architecture and design, this will help standardise 3D modelling and data exchange practices and accelerate use of OpenUSD’s powerful features.

These new platforms for developing OpenUSD applications also allow developers to propel innovation by integrating powerful AI functionalities to enhance design and engineering processes. Tailored construction industry- specific features will also accelerate uptake through open community forums focused on simulation capabilities, BIM integration, and project data handling. Such developments will support sustainable building design by enabling complex, real-world simulations.

[edit] Alliance for OpenUSD working groups

Furthermore, March 2024 saw AOUSD announce the launch of new working groups for Materials and Geometry, which will be particularly welcome for the construction industry. These groups will focus on standardisation of material definitions and specifications for describing surfaces, shapes and volumes in both physical and virtual worlds. Recognising the potential to boost operational efficiency and enhance collaboration, some architectural firms have already started to deploy OpenUSD solutions in various scenarios.

They are being used to aid architectural visualisation through the creation of highly detailed and interactive
3D models for client presentations and design reviews. Real-time simulations are being conducted by engineering firms to test structural integrity and performance under various conditions. Digital twinning is a standout feature, offering architects and designers the ability to simulate and interact with their creations throughout the entire lifecycle of a building. Combined with AI functionalities which automate routine tasks and refine design processes, this use of OpenUSD is already helping firms boost sustainability and operational efficiency in projects.

[edit] Determining readiness if for OpenUSD

The potential advantages of OpenUSD solutions are significant. Promised benefits include greater operational efficiency, improved collaboration, better resource management and enhanced sustainability. The ability to conduct real-time simulations and predictive analyses will enable smarter, faster decision-making, reducing risk and costs.
Industry adoption of OpenUSD is still in its very early stages, with many firms hesitant to invest. Concerns about the costs and complexities involved with integrating these new technologies effectively into legacy systems are well- founded; not every firm is in a position to take full advantage of OpenUSD. For architecture and design practices investigating OpenUSD solutions,there are some important considerations to determine if your organisation is genuinely ready:

[edit] Establishing business value

The decision to invest in any new technology must be founded on how it will enable the firm to deliver value to its clients and stakeholders. Assessment of OpenUSD should start with understanding business priorities, legacy IT systems and how it can leverage the right tools for competitive advantage. Scalable solutions combining global access to advanced toolsets are a complex mix that must be considered in alignment with business strategy.

[edit] Solid IT foundations

Before adopting OpenUSD, it is crucial to determine whether your IT infrastructure is up to the job. Underestimating hardware requirements is a common error, particularly GPUs on which these platforms heavily rely – an oversight that can lead to unplanned costs and delays. Another frequently overlooked but essential aspect is establishing the capability of your network to manage the immense data requirements of real-time, global collaboration.

[edit] Assessing skills

As with any ground-breaking new technology, OpenUSD solutions will require your firm
to invest in skill development. Be objective about your resources – is your in-house team capable of designing and deploying an OpenUSD platform enterprise-wide? Will they be able to manage it effectively long-term, keeping on top of infrastructure, network, upgrades, licensing, application optimisation, training, and support? If you draft in external support, a provider with a proven track record in your business sector will be best placed to guide you through the process and provide a managed solution to help your practice reap full ROI.

[edit] Driving innovation

Adopting a new technology is a long-haul journey requiring commitment to overcome inevitable bumps in the road. Deployment will be greatly helped by appointing a champion within the firm dedicated to the adoption process, someone combining expertise in both the technical intricacies of the platform and its practical applications. This person will smooth the initial learning phase and rollout, cultivate a culture of innovation, and convey project benefits to maintain impetus.

[edit] The pursuit of competitive advantage

In pursuit of competitive advantage, architectural firms frequently assess the capabilities of new technologies to deliver value. The potential of OpenUSD solutions to transform the architecture, engineering and construction fields is huge. Some of the biggest names in their respective fields – BMW, Siemens, WPP and Mercedes-Benz – are spearheading the OpenUSD revolution and already trialling solutions to explore the art of the possible.

However, it is not just the global giants and those with the largest R&D budgets than can take advantage. The open framework model is set to level the playing field. New platforms standardise 3D workflows and integrate advanced AI
and simulation capabilities. This reduces reliance on proprietary software and lowers entry barriers for smaller firms, enabling them to access powerful tools to compete for projects.

Promises of OpenUSD bringing technological advancements to empower the industry to tackle challenges with unprecedented agility, collaboration and efficiency are intoxicating. But it pays to keep a pragmatic head on your shoulders. It is essential to maintain close collaboration between IT and business leaders to ensure your firm puts the right technology solutions in place at the right time to scale and innovate in tandem with your business needs.

This article appears in the AT Journal Issue 152 from Winter 2024 as "OpenUSD possibilities: Look before you leap" and was written by Rob Smith, CTO, Creative ITC.

--CIAT

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