Architectural visualization services: essence, types, techniques

In client relationships, it is always important to keep them in a state of pleasant surprise. So to speak, to work on the wow effect. However, that can be different and may evaporate on the way between the points of "expectation" and "reality."

This indicates that the method of "making a good impression" should primarily involve studying the problem. The designer takes on the task of solving this. They must gain trust, explain the essence of the idea and offer the client something that will relieve their headache.

3D architectural visualization studios and companies

However, designers do not work in isolation. They are part of a cohesive team that sets high goals with the main objective being to assist any business (real estate agents, design and architecture agencies, developers, etc.) in growing and thriving. This is made possible through the architectural 3D rendering services offered by Studio57.

The role of rendering in architecture

For example, in the field of architecture, the active use of visualization design skills for objects that have not yet been built becomes a "panacea." It is impossible to photograph a non-existent cottage (and what quality would a smartphone camera have anyway?), but creating it in a special architectural visualization software for presentation and then presenting it to the client on paper is quite simple.? In any case, this approach seems safer: it guarantees that the foundation of the house will be laid correctly during actual construction. No scary migraines. And this is just a specific case.

To understand the topic in more detail, we will talk about the essence of architectural visualization, highlight its types, and note the techniques through which it is created. All in order.

What is architectural visualization

It is the process that results in a realistic picture of a potential building or entire space - real estate objects may not yet be realized or may be in the restoration stage. These images usually incorporate the aesthetic views of both the designer and the client or contractor. Their tastes together form a concept that can be embodied in real life. To implement the idea, it is necessary to use special programs that utilize CAD drawing files or 3D models.

When we talk about the importance of rendering in architecture, it is important to understand that the photorealism of the rendering determines how closely the project's vision and ideas align with reality. It's like a Tik-Tok trend, the essence of which is to humorously show the huge difference between making breakfast by different family members. Imagine yourself, modestly but quickly spreading butter on bread and throwing something like sausage on top. And then imagine your younger brother. For him, a sandwich is a work of art. In his version, the ingredients will likely be richer and the presentation will be "Michelin-starred". Pure magic!

The essence is that the sandwich remained true to its etymology, but it was made differently based on preferences, leading to different results. In architectural visualization, this is a risk that can disappoint the client.

How is architectural visualization created

Rendering is sometimes similar to a person, only the latter is "not programmed".

People are occasionally in different forms: from athletic to "massive". Melanin can determine their skin color, which in turn represents our main "texture". This is not counting the wool sweater, denim skirt, and leather boots we wear on top. A person's shadow can grow behind them as they approach a street lamp, or it can "hover" over someone sitting on the subway.

Creating form

All of this is also true for 3D models. Each object in a three-dimensional scene has its height, width, depth, and other parameters characterizing its appearance. Depending on the main task, different levels of detail are observed. A figure can be a simple primitive sphere, or it can be a house with a roof made of tiles.

Creating lighting

Just as the environment affects each person positively or negatively, objects in 3D scenes interact and influence each other. Their relationship can be shown using light sources or by changing the geometry and color of the figure - all of this takes the final result to a new level during rendering.

Texture selection

The realism of the image is also influenced by the materials of the three-dimensional figure - metal, plastic, clay. For example, glass figures will reflect surrounding objects better than dark stone lying in the forest.

Camera placement

Another important point is the presence of a virtual camera for displaying the model in abstraction. Perhaps, by delving into the settings of depth of field and angle of view, it will be possible to look at the bedside table model differently - the mortal enemy of your pinky?

Rendering

When all the properties of the 3D model are considered, assembled, and "dressed" from head to toe, the moment of truth arrives - that is, the actual rendering. The process of obtaining it is impossible without the presence of the corresponding software. From the designer's point of view, knowledge of the pitfalls - types of visualization, can make his life easier. Usually among them, a 3D model is distinguished, which is displayed both in a simplified version - the final one, and in "online" mode.

In the final version of the rendering, the speed of obtaining the result is openly neglected - visualizing one scene can take from several hours to a couple of days. This method is often used in animation and various effects. Thanks to the "live broadcast" method, in which images can consist of 30 or more frames per second, manual changes to materials or textures are not necessary. They are automatically synchronized in the original project. Any changes can be observed during the editing process of 3D models.

What are the rendering techniques

Just as in photography, a lack of light can lead to blurry and sometimes smeared images, in rendering, the level of realism drops. In the first case, atmospheric pictures in the darkness of an industrial workshop, where a disco is taking place, can be corrected using a flash. Techniques for proper distribution of light rays also exist for rendering. Here are some of them:

Rasterization

The heart you embroidered on canvas in your craft classes is an excellent example of a grid of pixels, where each "cross" contains information about color, texture, and location. These "crosses" relative to the 3D model are called vertices, which make up polygons. It is these vertices that are projected perpendicular to the camera onto a free plane. This is how rendering is launched during rasterization.

Ray tracing

Imagine someone standing in the path between you, lying on a sun lounger, and the bright sun - the shadow of the intrusive baklava seller will immediately "fall" on you.

The feature of this technique lies in simulating the chaotic movement of photons (natural or artificial). Everything happens as in real life, where both reflection and refraction are created. The latter is realized by the properties of some objects to reflect light - rays inevitably end up on the nearest objects in the form of a reflecting figure. In simple terms: the main rays directed at the model "give birth" to secondary rays.

Ray casting

One car blocks the road for another - and rasterization no longer works because it distorts the reflection of objects. From this point on, ray casting comes into play, equipped with a depth sensor. With its help, as observers from the side, we understand which object is closer or farther from us. This is the main task of this technique.

Rendering equation

This technique differs from the others in that it takes into account all the light emitted from objects (for example, in ray tracing, only direct lighting is used). The rendering equation is based on a large number of complex mathematical calculations.

What are the types of architectural visualization?

Imagine you are flying on a plane. You see views that are inaccessible to those who are busy with their everyday worries on the ground. What your eyes fixate on can be precisely replicated with architectural visualization. The brief example above is just one of the main types of rendering. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Interior visualization

You see a sofa in warm pastel tones, placed in the middle of the room. It is so appealing that you want to collapse onto it. Nearby is an interesting nightstand made of natural wood. Somewhere close by is another lonely glass table - it will hold the history of your evenings spent with friends. On the windowsill, as always, sits an unassuming plant. In the age of high technology, furniture, materials, textures, and decorative elements all become photorealistic, allowing the client to explore the interior of their future apartment.

Exterior visualization

This type represents the external appearance of commercial and residential buildings. However, detailing just one house is not enough. The geographic area and landscape around it also play an important role. From duplexes to townhouses - these are the main objects in exterior visualization.

Aerial visualization

The preamble to this visualization was in the very beginning of the chapter dedicated to the types of rendering. In terms of functions and goals, it resembles exterior rendering but differs in its enormous scale. These images simulate a visual perspective from a great height and help understand how new architectural projects will impact the environment and how well or poorly they will "fit" into it.

Floor visualization

3D floor plans allow customers to envision how their furniture, plumbing, appliances, and decorative elements will ergonomically occupy a specific space. They have advantages over traditional 2D plans, which lack the depth, sharpness, and the ability to immerse and visualize oneself in the space.

Who creates architectural visualization

It is logical to assume that it is people with specialized education and years of practice in 3D visualization. First of all, these can be both architects and 3D designers.

Creating photorealistic images is not included in the architect's duties, but having such a skill is not prohibited. Visualization in architecture opens up a number of possibilities: from simply compiling a portfolio to advertising one's services.

A 3D designer can sometimes be compared to a pharmacist. He works together with the architect and must read his "handwriting" - that is, the drawings. But this is usually not enough. The design plan needs to be understood. To decide what the scale of the interior of the room should be and to interpret the conventional symbols correctly. And this is just a small part of what the designer faces in everyday work. Knowledge of 3D programs and rendering for visualization, post-processing tools, stylistics, composition rules, and ergonomic design - perhaps, is not even the tip of the iceberg that should be visible from the specialist's CV.

Surprisingly, with the emergence of modern rendering solutions, some of which have an intuitive interface, the circle of those willing to master visualization skills has grown. Now even developers or real estate agents can create images using visualization to sell a solution that does not yet exist.

What makes a render in architecture good

An overly polished image no longer fits the definition of good rendering. In this business, one cannot overdo it with "realism". Of course, no one will retrain you to put on pants first and then a hat. Every designer eventually develops their own system and workflow. Some may emphasize the importance of creating sketches at the initial stages, while others disregard this step as meaningless, in their opinion. But there are common immutable truths.

Understanding design

Some things are so simple that our consciousness resists perceiving them. Sometimes recommendations like "to professionally model objects, you need to professionally model objects" sound like memes with Jason Statham. It's all true, however, to do your job well, a solid foundation of preliminary preparation is important. This includes knowledge in the field of house design. Constant reading, observing, listening, considering, studying, "feeding" on this is necessary to model better. And gain more experience.

Lighting work

In terms of technical aspects, it is important to remember that even a person with "minus" vision can notice a flaw in the lighting setup in the renders.

Composition rules

For a better understanding of 3D space from the observer's point of view, attention should be paid to a properly assembled composition. Here, one can recall lessons in perspective and choose the right subject. Under no circumstances should objects be cropped in the frame, and from the beginning, it is important to determine for whom the render is being created. This information is necessary to understand at what height to position the camera, for example.

Material collection

To avoid searching for the necessary textures "in the back alleys", you can create quality libraries of them yourself. Any modeling program supports this function. Technically, the process does not require special knowledge and in the future can save time in developing entire 3D scenes.

The last recommendation for creating quality visualization brings us back to the beginning - over time, learn to build the process as convenient for each individual designer. The "guide" is considered cyclical. You can continue to put on a hat first and then pants. No one will judge. If the author's approach helps you create visualizations that compete with the best in the industry, then why not break the usual order of things?

How much does 3D architecture visualization cost

The higher the skyscraper you want, the more you will have to pay. Just kidding. The price is not formed out of thin air on the 163rd floor. There are several factors that determine the cost of renderings. Here they are:

• The purpose of the rendering
• Type of 3D rendering (commercial or residential, for example)
• Level of detail in the visualization
• Number of images in the total volume
• Skills of the artist working on the project
• Time allocated for the work

As a rule, the price for one interior and exterior rendering starts at $300 and $340 respectively, and the cost for an entire project on average can range from $2,000 to $5,000. Naturally, you can get discounts if you order several visualization images in one project at once. Everyone knows that buying in bulk is cheaper.

As the CEO of Maverick Frame , a 3D visualization studio, I invite you to visit our official website interior57.com to learn more about our services and collaboration opportunities. We are committed to providing high-quality services in architectural visualization and are always eager for new projects and partnerships.