A 3D representation of an architectural project is a powerful communication tool that benefits both client and designer, saving not only time and cost but exploring more possibilities of a potential project.

The built environment in a 3D architectural visualization is the closest experience a client can get for a home or place of business. Color, texture, massing, scale, and relation to the site are easily interpreted, especially for a photorealistic rendering.

With the possibility of eliciting favorable emotions from a client, a 3D architectural rendering can confidently pitch a designer’s vision with a higher possibility of approval, so much so to a scale model, but that’s with minimal use of resources.

The following text explores the top benefits of 3D Architectural Visualization with project samples, but first, let’s know more about what is 3D Architectural Visualization.

What is 3D Architectural Visualization?

3D architectural visualization, shortened to Archviz, is the process or art of creating 3D models of a built environment, space, or product using digital or CAD software. Basically, 3D models are images that help clients and designers visualize and evaluate a design. A more comprehensive version of 3D models can create animations that take the viewers into or around a structure.  

The generated model can showcase a simulated look of a proposed or existing structure or product (e.g., furniture or architectural detail). The 3D model generated is rendered (the final process of 3D architectural visualization) to create a photorealistic or artistic representation of the structure or product. 3D architectural visualization can communicate particular details such as massing, texture, lighting, color, material, scale, or mechanism of the model.

Who are the clients for 3D architectural rendering?

3D architectural rendering is a useful tool for design professionals such as architects, interior designers, industrial designers, and landscape architects. The construction field also finds 3D architectural renderings valuable for evaluating structural and related studies for a project. Furthermore, the real estate industry also finds the 3D representation of properties as a marketing tool that can be easily reproduced and integrated into property listings. The simulated 3D renderings also help clients and potential investors better visualize a project as a three-dimensional view is better understood by non-technical reviewers than plans and other 2D drawings.

Benefits of 3D Architectural Visualization with Projects Examples

1. Significantly Decreases if not Eliminate Errors. Design and construction errors are seen at the earliest stages of design planning. Thus, it saves construction costs with the possibility of relocating contingency funds.

2. Saves Time and Money with a Professional Output. Architects can outsource 3D renderings for their projects with 3D architectural visualization providers that produce professional renderings. Designers can also find for example background images as well as free 3D models to include in their 3D modeling projects.

3. Produce Marketable and Shareable Renderings. Real Estate 3D exterior rendering reproduced on brochures, real estate websites, and social media can attract more potential buyers. These 3D models also serve as a portfolio for a design or construction company, easily accessed online by potential clients. The possibility of providing virtual and interactive tours by design and real estate companies to clients is also possible with 3D architectural visualization. The project below is an example of Real Estate 3D exterior rendering.

4. Efficient Communication Tool. Provides a visual representation of the project that’s easily understood by clients yet comprehensive enough to be used as a study for architects and allied professionals. 3D renderings have the ability to simulate the actual look of an exterior or interior of a building. The layered textures, for instance, are stunningly accurate with a photorealistic look, making it easier to evaluate and make changes when needed.

5. Fosters Trust and Cultivates the Interest of a Client. With an understandable design language and impactful project imagery, a client is more comfortable investing resources into a proposal. A residential or commercial project rendered to create photorealistic or artistic imagery has a more appealing quality and showcases how the building looks when it is actually built.  

6. Goes Beyond the Façade. The base 3D model can be further analyzed to evaluate other design constraints and influences, such as material usage, environmental impact, structural analysis, and energy efficiency. 3D interior renderings can simulate lighting environments which helps interior designers to explore and maximize available lighting strategies that are inexpensive and faster.  

7. Faster Design Process and Correction. As errors are identified at the earliest stage of the design process, corrections are made without the need to redo entire drawings. Presets from CAD software also cut time spent enhancing 3D renderings with 3D architectural visualization.

8. The input of Accurate and Realtime Information. Built-in or compatible 3rd party software such as Google Earth or solar charts helps designers produce feasible designs that work on the actual project site.

9. Sharing and Distributing Drawings is Faster. 3D architectural visualization allows designers to share and distribute drawings economically and faster as reprinting renderings or sharing via the internet is possible with the electronic file.

10. Easier Collaboration. Along with the ease of sharing and distributing, a 3D rendering helps design professionals, clients, stockholders, and constructors collaborate without needing to be physically present in a project meeting. In addition, a three-dimensional drawing has more comprehensive data while having an overview of the potential project.

11. Enhanced Visualization. A 3D drawing is more engaging and immersive. Walk-thru presentations and panoramic or multi-3D drawings showing different views of the project are more impactful than 2D drawings. This not only helps clients understand the technical aspects of a building but can get an immediate feeling or impression of a design against the natural environment.

12. Designers and Companies are Given an Edge to the Competition. Adapting to the digital age gives designers and construction companies an edge to the competition. Moreover, leveraging on the available technology prepares architects and other allied professionals to the upcoming use of AI technologies.

Conclusion

3D architectural visualization like any other “internet of things” have become an indispensable design tool and from a number of years have come to be the standard in project presentations. The immersive and realistic images are the most evident advantages of these 3D representations. But beyond these, is the compelling possibilities of CAD in designing and construction itself. Complex and time-consuming calculations in the design process such as energy consumption or design solutions can also be done faster and with more accuracy.