3D Water Treatment Process
This project is the beginning of my journey into 3D modeling. It was here that I first realized the incredible level of detail and discipline required to build 3D assets from scratch. Learning to translate complex, scientific processes into a three-dimensional space opened up a new world of design for me, ultimately setting the stage for my later work in tools like Maya and Unity. It’s a project that reflects my commitment to learning new technologies to tell more immersive stories.
The final visualization
All Projects
04
Designing the 3D components
This section was the most technically demanding, as it marked my introduction to 3D modeling with Autodesk Maya. Beyond the classroom lectures, I dedicated significant time to mastering poly-modeling techniques, focusing on the mechanical precision of the water pumps and the organic textures of the soil layers.
I modeled each component, from the submersible pumps to the filtration tanks, paying close attention to scale and technical accuracy. For the final presentation, I integrated these 3D renders with custom textures created in Illustrator, such as the gritty, porous appearance of the limestone layers. This process taught me the importance of technical patience and helped me understand how 3D assets can be used to explain internal processes that are impossible to capture with traditional photography.
From pumps to soil: Using poly-modeling to visualize the mechanical and organic details of the water cycle.
The process
01
Gathering information
The foundation of this project was a deep dive into the complex hydrology of South Florida. To ensure the visualization was scientifically accurate, I conducted extensive research into the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department’s infrastructure. I analyzed technical reports to understand the unique characteristics of the Floridan Aquifer System, a massive underground reservoir composed of porous limestone and sandstone.
Some of the key insights from my research were:
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The vast majority of the public water systems in Florida use ground water as their source.
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This ground water is produced by approximately 12 000 wells that take the water from five major aquifers o aquifer system.
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Aquifers are composed of multiple layers of porous rock, such as limestone or sandstone, that hold water.
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The major source of ground water supply in Florida is the Floridan Aquifer System.
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In South Florida, aquifers vary in depth, composition and location. The three primary aquifer systems are the Surficial Aquifer System, the Intermediate Aquifer System and the Floridan Aquifer System.
The research brought up a few ideas for infographics:
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Layers of soil showing where the water comes from.
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Map showing where aquifers are.
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How a well works.
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How deep a well can go.
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Where wells are located.
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Where water control plants are located.
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How aquifer-collected water is used.
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Amount of water used daily, monthly or annually.
02
Sketching
With the technical data in hand, I moved into a manual sketching phase to map out the information architecture for an A3-sized printable infographic. The challenge was balancing the 'hero' 3D components with the supporting 2D data. I drafted several iterations of the layout, focusing on how to guide the reader's eye from the subterranean aquifers up through the treatment plant and into the home.
These sketches served as a roadmap for my modeling process, allowing me to identify which assets required high-fidelity 3D detail and which could be represented as 2D icons. This stage involved a continuous feedback loop with my professor and peers, ensuring that the visual flow remained intuitive even when dealing with dense, scientific subject matter.
03
Designing the 2D components
To provide geographic context, I designed a series of 2D maps illustrating Florida's five major aquifer systems. Using source data from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, I meticulously traced the boundaries of each geological layer in Adobe Illustrator.
This 2D work was essential for showing the spatial relationship between the coastline and the underground water sources. By layering these maps, I was able to visualize the varying depths and locations of the aquifers, creating a comprehensive background that grounded the 3D models in a real-world setting. This step reinforced my skill in taking raw government data and transforming it into a clean, modern design aesthetic.
Mapping the source: Translating geological data into a clean visual hierarchy of Florida’s aquifer systems.
Visualizing the Miami-Dade water cycle
The challenge
This piece was my midterm project for the "3D Design and infographics" course. This course was an introduction to the use of 3D technologies for communication, with a special focus on the coverage of scientific stories. The assignment was to design a data visualization to illustrate one of the processes from the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department. I chose to illustrate the water treatment process and I stated the following question: How might we approach the water treatment process in a creative way that engages people and at the same time raises awareness of the amount of water consumed every day?
The solution
After collaborating with experts from the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department, I developed a comprehensive 3D visualization. The final piece traces the journey of water from deep within Florida's aquifers to its final storage in community reservoirs. By creating 3D models of the aquifer cross-sections and the treatment machinery, I was able to make a 'hidden' process visible and easy to understand for the general public.
Tools
Maya
Adobe Illustrator
Methods
Research, Sketching,
3D modeling
Context
Dataviz Designer
3D Design and Infographics Class
Spring 2019 - 8 weeks