HKS Licenses Unreal Engine 3 for Groundbreaking Architectural Applications
10.07

HKS Architects, ranked among the nation’s top three architectural firms, announced a licensing agreement with Epic Games, Inc. that will change the face of architectural design.  Through the agreement with the world’s leading gaming developer, HKS adopts the Unreal Engine 3 for use in its architectural designs.

HKS ARCHengine, powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3 technology, creates functional 3D visualizations of architectural space, complete with moving figures, operational elevators, and running escalators.

The use of the new technologies, along with its 3D graphic editor, provides a powerful tool that allows the architect or client the ability to walk around their space at their own speed, experiencing the virtual building in detail.

“This next-generation game technology incorporates real-time shadows, lighting, and people into our architectural projects,” said Pat Carmichael, manager, advanced technologies, HKS, Inc. and co-founder of HKS ARCHengine.  “When designing a stadium, the client – meaning a life-like version of the client and their families – is able to walk into a stadium, order and eat a hot dog, and interact as they watch a baseball game.”

“HKS is the first architectural firm to apply Unreal Engine 3 technology to its designs,” said Ralph Hawkins, FAIA, FACHA, president and CEO of HKS.  “We are pleased to offer our clients the sophisticated tools contained in this unique program, which allows us to powerfully portray our designs through its versatility and strength.”

And, HKS’s clients are taking them up on the new technology – including the Dallas Cowboys and Gatehouse Development (developer of the W hotels), at a cost that ranges from $65,000 to $150,000 per project based on the project scope.

When Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wanted to select the location of his owner’s suite, HKS ARCHengine allowed him to decide by offering a 3D look at each and every view and vista at the new $1 billion Dallas Cowboys stadium.

Before spending $1 million on a condo unity, potential buyers at the W-Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences were given a full tour of the building – from the 30-story glass balcony view the Ghostbar to the picturesque city views from each and every one of the units.

“Epic is extremely excited to be working with HKS,” said Mark Rein, vice president, Epic Games, Inc.  “HKS has a long history of innovation and leadership in the architectural industry and we’re honored that they’ve chosen to use Unreal Engine 3 to power their first-class visualization solutions.”

Traditionally, the only way to communicate a design in its early phase is to build scale models, refer to conceptual sketches, or spend days creating 3D computer renderings using commercial 3D modeling and rendering applications.  These renderings restrict what the viewer can see, only generating single viewpoint renders or pre-determined animated walkthroughs frame by frame.

“HKS ARCHengine offers clients a higher level of graphic photo realism, communicating multiple design concepts rapidly and cost effectively,” said Chris Roberts, senior developer and co-founder of HKS's ARCHengine.  “It renders 30 frames per second instead of one per hour – that’s 3,000 times faster than traditional animation methods.  This makes it a first (and only) in the architectural industry.”

About HKS, Inc.

HKS, Inc. is a leading architectural design firm ranked among the top- three architectural/engineering firms, according to Building Design & Construction magazine.  Since its founding in 1939, HKS has completed construction projects totaling more than $39 billion in more than 758 cities located in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and 41 foreign countries.

Headquartered in Dallas, the firm has 21 U.S. and worldwide offices with projects including the Dallas Cowboys Stadium (Dallas, Texas); W Dallas-Victory Hotel and Residences (Dallas, Texas); The Palazzo Casino & Resort (Las Vegas, Nev.); RadioShack Corporate Campus (Fort Worth, Texas); Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center’s Janet Sinegal Patient Care Building (Seattle, Wash.); Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite (Atlanta, Ga.); Whole Foods Market and Headquarters (Austin, Texas); and the LEAR Corporation Headquarters (Southfield, Mich.).

About Unreal Engine 3

The award-winning Unreal Engine is known for cutting-edge graphics and a best-of-breed toolset.  Unreal Engine 3 maintains those features while adding massive world support, multi-processor support, next-generation console optimizations, and one of the most mature tool pipelines in the industry.  Unreal Engine 3’s new toolset is designed specifically to accelerate developers’ productivity for ultra-complex, next-generation content.  Additional information on Unreal Engine can be obtained at www.unrealtechnology.com.

About Epic Games, Inc.

Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and game engine technology for PC and console.  The company has created multiple million-selling, award-winning titles in their Unreal series and their latest game, Gears of War, broke sales records on Xbox 360 selling more than 3 million copies worldwide in the first ten weeks and awarded overall Game of the Year for 2006 by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Game Developers Choice Awards, GameSpot, GamePro and many others. 

Epic is also responsible for Unreal Engine, which is the underlying technology for a wide range of games including Console Game of the Year winner “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell” by Ubisoft; PC Gamer’s Game of the Year, “Dues Ex” from Ion Storm/Eidos; “America’s Army: Special Forces” by the United States Army; and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (PC) by Electronic Arts.  Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 is the current holder, and three-time consecutive winner, of Game Developer magazine’s Front Line award for Best Game Engine.  Epic Games was also awarded Studio of the Year at the 2006 Spike TV Video Game Awards and Developer of the Year by Official Xbox Magazine.  Additional information about Epic can be obtained through Epic’s Web site at www.epicgames.com.

Epic, Epic Games, Unreal, and Gears of War are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. in the United States of America and elsewhere.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.