iCOMMENT

The “3D Visualization” Process

3D Visualization or 3D visualization is defined as “any technique for creating images or animations to communicate a message”. So it is not a surprise that 3D visualization through visual imagery has been an effective way to communicate ideas since the dawn of man, from cave paintings and Egyptian hieroglyphs to Leonardo da Vinci's technical drawings for engineering warcraft machines. What is surprising though, is the speed at which the advancements in 3D modeling and 3D rendering technology are happening and how this is affecting the buildings we build and live in.

Architectural rendering or architectural visualization is the art of creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional images showing the attributes of a proposed architectural design. This technology is changing the way we design, in a way that simply wasn’t possible 15 years ago. 3D rendering and architectural visualization software enable architects and designers to evaluate “proportions” and “scales” using intuitive interactive 3D modeling and simulate the effects of lighting, ventilation, and acoustics in internal environments.

3D artists today are getting so good at their craft that they are able to produce realistic 3D renderings of buildings, giving clients an accurate 3D visualization of the proposed design. These proposed architectural visualizations can represent anything the client desires from the scale, textures, interior furnishings, etc., and are often represented together with “architectural scenes” where everyday actions are being carried out. This is probably something a number of overworked architects and designers can relate to, however, his accomplishments are a remarkable milestone not only in the technical evolution of drawing but also as representations of the architectural scene. In many of his sketches, he captured a diverse range of activities and people, which populated the scenes and spaces he represented – just like we would today in our 3D architectural visualizations for new developments.

Furthermore, by giving architects and designers the tools to visualize and immerse themselves in their designs, they are able to gain a much clearer understanding of both the “qualitative and quantitative nature” of the spaces they are designing.

So in summary 3D rendering and architectural visualization can help architects and designers work collaboratively and communicate ideas more efficiently. 3D visualization can be used as a marketing tool with clients or for planning consultations with planners, and at the same time can be used to improve the way buildings are developed by design teams. So why isn't everyone using them?

So are 3D rendering and architectural visualization the future?

In all designs, whether it be architectural or not, the process of “visualization” does not stop. What I mean by this is that visualization is not an end in itself.

The process of design and visualization should be iterative, where design alterations are made as a result of insights gained through visualization… leading into the next version of the design. So are 3D rendering and architectural visualization the future? Well to answer this question we asked architects and designers on LinkedIn whether they thought “3D rendering and architectural visualization was the future of architectural design” and here are some of the comments we received:

“It's not the future, it's the present.”

“I think the digital age has brought more tools to the table, so to speak. Architects have been drawing and building models for ages.... we still do, but now we are able to use computers to draw and make 3D models (even print 3D models). That being said I fear that more traditional skills are being lost and care should be taken to keep those skills sharp. Tablet drawings are great but nothing says lunch meeting like a 'napkin sketch'”

“3D visualization and video is the new way to go in terms of architectural presentations. Our Clients are requesting this service and we are happy to provide them.”