we have flickr for sharing pictures and youtube for sharing videos, but how can we share three-dimensional work on-line? aerospace pioneer dassault has released a beta website that combines a free 3D modeling software with a social platform to upload and download free 3d models and a browser plug-in that allows you to browse the three-dimensional models and environments inside the 3dvia website. the models are a great resource for designers and architects because they include detailed versions of plants, bodies, vehicles and even household objects like furniture and electronics (above). but the system allows for a lot more: companies are making available models of their products as a kind of advertising, and creating three-dimensional environments to play with them like toyota’s driving game (below). the website is underused and commercial-heavy, but it could be the missing link for for open-source design where multiple specialists can share a common platform to add the necessary pieces to emergent products. if only the service became open and free it could begin to support collaborative 3-d modeling and rich information structures that could inform and engage producers more directly with consumers and designers.
