Studio Daniel Libeskind: 64-Bit System Migration
Like many architecture firms, Studio Daniel Libeskind -- the studio behind Berlin's Jewish Museum and the extension to Denver's Art Museum -- wanted to boost the performance of its 3D rendering and desktop computing system. Understanding that SDL's limitation was in its hardware, Control Group recommended building out an upgraded rendering solution based on 64-bit desktop architecture.
As a result of the collaboration, SDL team members are now using a 64-bit system and report that render times have decreased from 24 or 48 hours to just two, allowing them to multi-task, to work through more iterations of deliverable design and to have a less stressful work life. What's more, Control Group has been established as a proven partner to smoothly transition computing from 32-bit to 64-bit processing -- still uncharted territory for many software vendors and system integrators that aren't well-established or aware of the challenges.
Prior to the transition, SDL's advanced rendering and design software was seriously limited by its operating system. With only 4GB of addressable RAM space, applications like Rhino and 3D Studio Max were underperforming to the point of inconvenience. Once SDL migrated to new machines and a 64-bit system, however, the architects did not have to design around the limitations of their infrastructure anymore and were able to achieve a fluid workflow in even the most advanced software packages.
With the goal of delivering a turnkey system, Control Group consulted with all of SDL's major productivity and software vendors to guarantee interoperability with the new system. By consulting with Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, AutoDesSys, Chaos Group, McNeel, Microsoft, and Splutterfish, among others, we were able to achieve best practice deployment methodology, versioning and patching.
In addition to vetting the software set, Control Group also took a proactive approach to ensuring that all peripheral devices on the network would be compatible with the new operating system. Because the studio relies on advanced features within Microsoft's Windows domain, it was important to complete a controlled round of beta testing with SDL users. Since the machines were put into production, there have been no major issues and for the past six months, the 64-bit system has been successfully running in SDL's studios with no down time.
For more information about this project or to discuss how Control Group can show you how technology can transform your business, contact: bigideas@controlgroup.com.