New Centre for Digital Imaging in TVI

Plans to open a new Centre for Digital Imaging based on cutting edge software which has been described as the "Photoshop of the 3D imaging world" are about to be unveiled at the School of TV and Imaging.

Fifteen new state of the art work stations - including a teaching suite and a production and business suite have been created in the £1 million centre dedicated to 3D imaging and visualisation. These techniques are already in huge demand in the computer games, film and TV industries, but the cutting edge software on which the centre is based will widen that application to include architecture, design, fine art and other disciplines.

The centre uses MAYA environment software - a very high spec and expensive installation more commonly used to create sophisticated special effects in films. It expands student places by 30 - half at undergraduate and half at post graduate level - offering a rare chance to master this rapidly developing field where graduates are in great demand and can command some of the highest start- out salaries. One of the most exciting aspects of the new technology however is the way it can be used to apply special effects to other fields less used to this technology such as architectural models and design prototypes, allowing a drawing to be shown in three dimensions, to bend it, explode it, spin it, do walkthroughs and create virtual tours. In addition to teaching, the centre has business and research components and is to involve the Teaching Company Scheme bridging academia and industry.

Chris Rowland, a highly experienced specialist from the television industry who worked for the last three years at the Digital Design Studio at Glasgow School of Art, has taken up the post as senior lecturer in the CDi. He said: "The School of Television and Imaging has developed an enviable reputation for producing creative talent in the expanding realm of digital media and the CDi will build on this platform for the future. My task now is to establish the CDi as a leading light in teaching, supporting and developing 3D animation in Scotland and the international community."

The CDi, which has been part funded by Scottish Enterprise Tayside, will boost Dundee's position as a centre for creative digital media including computer games and imaging. Details of the launch are still under wraps but will be revealed later this month.

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