The Evolution of Architectural Rendering - How it Changed and Why
The Evolution of Architectural Rendering - How it Changed and Why

Every big artistic accomplishment starts with a creative vision, but before it can become reality, it needs to be given a physical form, a scaled-down plan of what is to come. This is why architecture and visualization have always been in a very tight relationship, evolving together in a new form of modern art.

The creative field of architecture started with simple hand drawings. These drawings were black and white and the artist had to invest a lot of time to prepare them.

As time went on, architects added color sketches. However, like everything around us, architecture evolved. Even though hand drawings are still present in modern architecture, they are being drawn in a very different way.

Not too long ago, everything was done in 2D mode, but architectural visualization has been reborn in a new era of 3D visualization. Today, architects have the most advanced tools for drawing and most of the work is done by architectural software.

Let’s go over some of the most important phases in the recent evolution of architectural rendering.

Drawings and images have been surpassed

Architectural visualization was limited to drawings and images in the past, but that's not the case anymore. Today, we have numerous forms of architectural visuals such as videos, animations or 3D moving images.

Architects can now use advanced tools to produce realistic reflections of their ideas, which makes the entire client-artist communication much easier. Construction companies are already using architectural visuals to target their audience and attract potential investors and buyers.

Anyone with a computer can work with 3D visualization if they know how to use the right software and understand the concepts of architecture.

That same concept affects both the artists and clients – it's much easier to get into architectural rendering today, but advanced tools also make architectural renders easier for laymen to understand.

The fundamentals of modern architecture

Creating and evaluating a floor plan of a structure in the making is the very fundamental of architectural rendering and visuals. However, it is easier said than done, as there are a number of factors to be considered at this initial step.

For example, when designing the interior of a structure, the most important factors are the construction material, floor and wall pattern, and lighting.

When it comes to the exterior, there are even more factors involved, including climate, roads, hedges, trees, surrounding fences, and the landscape of the area.

To make sure all these factors are carefully considered, true professionals use realistic 3D visualization. That's one of the biggest reasons why most modern architects are always on the lookout for new tools that allow them to create the most sophisticated architectural visualization.

While most welcome the advantages of modern technology, there are still some professionals who stick to the old ways and do everything by hand. However, the number of such artists has been dwindling, since it takes extraordinary skill and experience to do so, which increases the cost.

Most clients turn to architects who use modern software tools to create the highest quality 3D visualization, as it's simply faster, more accurate, compelling, and cost-efficient.

The advantages of modern 3D rendering

3D rendering allows an architect to take clients on a virtual tour around the project. Using 3D moving images, visualization or animation, architects can allow their clients to experience the structure from the inside and outside in real-time.

This is extremely important, as it points out any mistakes or changes that need to be done before the project enters the final stage.

On the other hand, if an artist or client has a great idea, it can be easily implemented. So, modern architecture has become more cost-efficient, accurate, realistic, and client-centered, which prevents financial losses and helps build amazing structures without any errors.

The most advanced 3D renderings are so realistic that clients can experience firsthand what their ideas will look like in the real world. What took a tremendous effort to portray and explain, takes a brief moment to experience thanks to the advantages of modern 3D rendering.

Words are unnecessary when clients can see with their own eyes what a project will look like when completed. This makes the entire architect-client relationship much easier.

Technology and architecture evolve together

Modern architects use the latest, most advanced tech tools to help their clients envision their ideas and turn them into reality.

3D renderings allow for any structure to come to life once the vegetation, artificial and natural light, materials, and colors are added. They help turn simple drawings into realistic images that provide an engaging real-time experience.

Animations go one step further and provide a virtual tour around the project. Architects can take their clients on a walk around the structure, as well as through the interiors. Since the client gets a real-time project walkthrough and experiences every detail in a true-to-life setting, things are a lot easier for both parties.

This is the biggest advantage that modern architects have today.

How 3D rendering has changed the world of architecture

With the emergence of 3D printing, virtual reality, augmented reality and so on, the world of design has entered a fully immersive stage.

It truly showcases the coalescence of technology and human creativity that many talented artists and programmers alike have worked hard to achieve. Decades of hard work have culminated in complex and powerful tools that allow artists to breathe life into their projects with a level of precision and detail never seen before.

On top of all that, architectural rendering allows 3D artists, architects, and designers to present more than just one version of the project, which helps improve client feedback and allows for small adjustments on the fly.

They can offer more representations, each stimulating different features such as acoustics, ventilation, light, and so on to add to the entire experience when communicating with clients. It also helps architects convey their ideas more precisely and amplify their storytelling.

Architectural rendering also helps clients by making the entire process of understanding the design a lot easier than before.

A client can get a glimpse of the structure from many different angles, see the tiniest nooks and crannies of the interior, and get a feel for how it all fits within the natural surroundings and the entire neighborhood. So, in a way, modern architecture has become simpler for both clients and artists.

Conclusion

The all-inclusive technology of 3D rendering provides every single piece of information the artist and client need to fully understand each other.

Modern architects can polish their designs to perfection using architectural rendering and this further helps elevate the entire experience that artists provide to their clients.

Just like technology, architectural rendering is also ever-evolving, becoming more effective and efficient with each passing year. Due to this fact, there's a massive potential here that is yet to be unlocked in the near future.