Today, it’s almost impossible to imagine the early beginnings of architectural visualization. Lots of software solutions and the latest tools and equipment are here to facilitate all the processes of 3D modeling and visualization. While the rendering becomes simpler and more accessible, we're forgetting the roots of what was once considered a futuristic solution.

Like everything in this world, architectural visualization has its own storied history, starting from Martin Newell's teapot from the '70s, Zaha Hadid's very first renders from the '80s, to the latest technology-driven world of visualizations.

However, the visitors of Wireframes: The Visualization of Architecture exhibition had a chance to see that progress, and the best ones from this industry had a chance to become a part of that brief history.

If you couldn't make it, visit the A+D Architecture and Design Museum, Los Angeles during the last quarter of 2018, our impressions are now settled, and we will share our experiences with you.

The exhibition Wireframes: The Visualization of Architecture was opened since September 8, until November 25, 2018, at the A+D Architecture and Design Museum in Los Angeles, California. The primary goal of this exhibition was to track the progress of architectural visualization.

While viewing the exhibited works, we experienced a throwback to the '80s, when the very first renders were created, but we also saw masterpieces of visualization of today.

Anthony Morey, CEO and chief curator at A+D Museum said:

“The history of architectural visualization tells the story of architectural communications”, and he added “From the first ‘wireframe’ to future updates in multi-sensory experiences, this is an art form that continues to mold public expectations about built environments that shape their lives.

As these images enter the public realm, they broaden our imaginations pushing forward advances in urban environments, and architecture. As architectural visualization practices advance, they give us a new form of freedom to explore where we are and our possible futures.”

Over 30 architects, 3D artists, and visualization experts participated in the show, including some of the most significant firms and names such as Alex Roman, Hayes Davidson, UN Studio OSAKA Render, Kilograph, DBOX, Neoscape, Studio AMD, Luxigon, Mir, and many more.

“Wireframes is a milestone for archviz, as it’s the first time a museum has honored our industry with a show. While visualization is often seen as an essential element of a marketing plan, it’s history and artistic achievements are rarely discussed.

This show aims to correct that, giving life to old stories and preserving a piece of history that would be lost if we waited much longer. It was exciting to be a part of”, said Denzil Maher, Branding Director of Kilograph, when he tried to explain why is this exhibition important.

Each visualization expert or studio had its own story panel, arranged so that it creates a part of the history of architectural visualization, starting from the first wireframe to the latest visualizations created using the modern tech solutions such as VR and AR.

The primary goal of the exhibition was to show the entire workflow along the way.

The central area of the exhibit was an interactive dome for the presentation of 3D projections and projects done using VR technology. The dome could hold up to ten visitors at the same time. Visitors had a chance to see Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Trinity Chapel as a rotating loop of renderings or in virtual reality using VR headsets.

Morey also said “Influencing perception is an intrinsic part of architecture’s history,” and then he added ‘’Since its start, architectural visualization has been inherently tied to this pursuit, turning creativity and forethought into a persuasive art form. We look forward to exposing even more people to its charms.”

Moreover, the Wireframes: The Visualization of Architecture exhibition was a great occasion for the announcement of winners of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators’ Architecture in Perspective Competition 2018.

So, the additional exhibition Architecture in Perspective was also opened, and the best architectural illustrations, including the most noteworthy works of the winners Sergei Tchoban, Paul Stevenson Oles, Forbes Massie, and Steelblue, were also exhibited at the A+D Museum.

However, the most prestigious and largest CGarchitect Architectural 3D Awards were also a highlight of the Wireframes: The Visualization of Architecture exhibition. The winners, nominees, and participants, in addition to having their work displayed at the museum, shared a cash prize of over $436,000.

Winners of the CGarchitect Architectural 3D Awards aren’t only famous visualization studios, but also students and freelancers from around the world.

The 3D visualization enthusiasts, as well as random passers-by, had a chance to learn about the architectural visualization history, but also to experience the latest technology related to VR and AR for only $10.

Downtown Los Angeles was the center of architectural visualization and architecture in general. This exhibition was also a great chance for architecture students to see the renders and to experience visualization made by the greatest experts from this field.

The Wireframes: The Visualization of Architecture was the very first exhibition of this kind, and we hope that A+D Architecture and Design Museum will coordinate another one this year.

What part of The Wireframes: The Visualization of Architecture did you like the most? Have you tried the VR headset in the dome hallowed to Zaha Hadid and Frank Lloyd? Share your experience in the comments!