April 2009
The team of 21st century builders, engineers and historians tasked with recreating Leonardo daVinci's inventions for the new Discovery Channel series, Doing Davinci, are using Autodesk Inventor 3D design and engineering software to virtually test the renowned inventor's designs.
With the first of 10 high-definition episodes premiering on Discovery Channel on April 13, the series puts a modern twist on daVinci classics by taking viewers through the build process to determine whether his designs really work.
Using materials available only in daVinci's time, the program team works to reconstruct his inventions–everything from a futuristic armored tank to a towering three-story siege ladder–to determine the viability of each design and whether some ideas are better left in the history books.
"Autodesk Inventor is an awesome program. It is the most intuitive program out there, and it allows us to easily design and perform what-if studies to figure out the best option for daVinci's designs," said Valek Sykes, designer, sculptor, special effects expert and one of the team's builders.
"Inventor software gives us the most realistic simulation, so we know that when we design and test it in the computer, that's it, it's going to work in the real world. I can't say enough good things about Inventor. I absolutely love creating with it."
The Doing Davinci team chose Autodesk Inventor software to digitally design, visualize and simulate their projects before they are built, reducing the need for physical prototypes. Inventor software is the foundation of the Autodesk Digital Prototyping solution. With Digital Prototyping engineers can create a complete digital representation of their end product.
"We are thrilled that the Doing Davinci team sought out Inventor to bring daVinci's inventions to life," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, SVP, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk.
"Autodesk Inventor software has helped manufacturers around the world design and build better products faster, but until today it has never been used for time travel."
The program team consists of four energetic and experienced experts that work each week to create the never-before constructed inventions. Flash Hopkins is one of the most sought-after large-scale industrial artists in the country. Valek Sykes is a special effects expert and mechanical designer who has worked on motion picture features including G.I. Joe, I Am Legend, A.I. and Minority Report. Bill Duggan is a renowned carpenter and is the host of HGTV's Curb Appeal. The fourth role of the builder is shared by Jurgen Heimann and Bovinett. Heimann has worked in several areas of filmmaking, including animation, special effects, performance and writing, and is a designer, builder and puppeteer. Bovinett is a mechanical engineer and entrepreneur who specializes in design.
The team also works closely with Dr. Jonathan Pevsner, a published expert on Leonardo daVinci. He advises the team throughout the build process, providing them with insight into history and daVinci's intent.
Doing Davinci is produced for Discovery Channel by Pilgrim Films and Television and Executive Producer, Craig Piligian.
To view video footage featuring Inventor software in action on the show, visit http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/doing-davinci-improving-leonardos-design.html.
............................................................................
Read AUTODESK ARTICLES on TAXI Design Network
This news message is supported by The Bazaar, a marketplace to buy and sell creative objects. Earn more revenue by selling your prints, downloadable images, or custom products. Set up your store today and stand a chance to have your products featured on DesignTAXI, towards millions of lovers of creative content!
