Over the last twenty years, there has been a steady increase in the need for 3D animation to remain competitive as an architect. This increase has been caused by the evolution of technology. Even in the 90s, 3D animation was very expensive and difficult to produce. Now, modern computers, tablets, and even smartphones are able to render 3D animations in minutes when it once took hours or days to complete rendering.
3D animation in architecture
Using a good 3D animation of a proposed building has a lot of advantages. The visualization of a design can benefit both customers and architects alike.
If you are considering using a 3D animation with your next project, you are making a good choice. Here are some advantages offered by 3D animation.
1. Visualization of project
No matter how much you describe or plan a project it can be difficult for some people to see what you are doing or explaining. Even a 2D plan doesn’t resonate with everyone. If you build a 3D animation of your design, it can feel more real to your client.
By having an animation, you can display parts of your project in a realistic way. This will help you convey both the nature of your design but also the advantages that it offers. If you are facing competition that doesn’t have a 3D animation you are almost certain to be ahead from the demonstration.
2. Scope of the project
A realistic 3D animation will be composed of exact measurements. This will allow you to show the scope and scale of what you are designing to your customer. They will be able to see the depth, height and design of each room in detail.
This is also an important step in case the client wishes to change anything. Having a realistic depiction of the scale will help your client make suggestions or offer up changes they want to see. By adjusting the 3D model, it will also be easier to make those adjustments.
This also gives you the opportunity to model what the landscaping will look like. Doing this all together can give your client a view of the entirety of their investment. You can present the building by itself, but including the lawn and any landscaping choices will make the animation more vibrant.
3. 3D animation and marketing
If you have a concept design that you want to market to a potential client a 3D animation is a must. It will allow the prospective client to see your exact vision. This will help them determine whether or not it is a project they want to be involved in, or invest in.
Presenting your animation in a revealing and professional manner will make a big difference. Just having the 3D animation will make you seem both tech-savvy and customer-focused. The more interactive your presentation the more powerful it will be.
4. Interior style and layout
A lot goes into designing the interior of a new construction. Having a 3D model of your design will enable interior designers to get started with their work. They can visualize what they are doing to the exact dimensions that you have modeled.
This helps reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a project. Less time to completion is the goal of almost everyone having a building designed and built. Taking this step makes you not only more competitive but also a bigger hit with an interior design team.
5. Design corrections
When giving a presentation with a 3D model, you are offering your client the chance to critique everything. They will be able to see not just the shape and size of the design but also the interplay between the interior and exterior.
If they see something they want to change, this gives them an opportunity to do so. It will save you time and money on corrections. Doing it at this stage will mean that your blueprint will be clean and exact the moment it goes into a contractor’s hands.
6. Setting up your model
By presenting the 3D animation before making a physical model you make efficient use of your time. Once all alterations have been made to the 3D animation it is less common to have to make more to the model. The client will see what they asked for and then also see the changes they wanted to have made.
You can also use the information from your 3D animation to build a printed model. By feeding the exact dimensions to scale, a 3D printer will create a very realistic representation for you. This can reduce the amount of time you have to spend on constructing the model in the first place.
7. Client well-being and reassurance
By presenting a 3D animation of your design to a client you are showing them your vision for their project. It also shows that you are willing to put in the time and effort to make a beautiful design for them. It can inspire more creativity and give you an insight into the impact your design will have.
You can also use this presentation for your own wellbeing and reassurance. Seeing the faces of your clients when they view the animation for the first time can be a rewarding experience. Making physical art that impacts emotions and minds is the goal of any design.
Technology and architecture
With the growing ease of use in technology, all industries are being revolutionized. Architecture is one of the oldest human activities, there has been a need to design buildings as long as there have been buildings. Don’t be left behind by your competition and risk losing out on contracts. Design and use 3D animation technology in your work and get a step ahead of the competition.