As Enscape fans, we were surprised and delighted by the launch of Enscape 3.0 at the beginning of March 2021. A version number going up an entire digit means big changes, and it shows on the new branding. We are excited to see what is new as we dive into the program.
Before 3.0, settings were scattered within the real-time rendering window, with some hidden in the Revit toolbar. The current version hosts many functions within the real-time rendering window. This is a blessing for single-monitor users who no longer need to flip back and forth between Enscape and Revit.
When using Enscape for Revit, the flexibility in material properties is still limited by Revit’s innate material editor. To professional 3D computer graphics designers, Revit’s editor is unconventional and confusing. A proper material editor interprets standard conventions such as diffuse, bump, and specular maps along with optic properties such as reflectivity and Index of Reflection (IOR). Although Enscape’s material editor is available for Sketchup, it is not the case for Revit. If Enscape’s material editor can become available as an option to override Revit’s material, the resulting renderings can be further enhanced.
Manual focal length.
Once I saw that silver line sweeping across the lawn, it immediately became my favorite feature. Having to estimate the distance of focal length in a virtual environment is no fun. A line representing the distance between the camera and object in focus is a huge aid. But Enscape took it a step further by highlighting every element the focal line touches.
Manual focal length in action
“But you’ve said architects don’t need real-time rendering.”
This is true when real-time rendering software lies about convenience. Enscape is one of the few programs (if not the only one) that does not require manual export and import. The convenience of just clicking the Start button and jumping right into the virtual environment is what entices architects to use this technology as both a design and visualization tool.