The architecture field has moved forward rapidly from hand drawn designs to 2D CAD, then 3D and now full three-dimensional renders. The ability to render buildings and projects in 3D has revolutionized the architectural design, real estate, and construction industries. There are a number of benefits of being able to visualize these projects in the same way we experience the world. But we stand on the cusp of what is possible with 3D architectural rendering technology. What it will mean to the industry as a whole?
Benefits of 3D architectural renderings
Three-dimensional renders of projects bring a highly professional polish to designs, creating an evolution in how designers and customers experience projects that are still being conceptualized.
With 3D renders, your potential client base opens up to bigger and better clients who are looking for high-quality work but may not have the vision to translate CAD drawings to real life objects.
Renders also level the playing field for design competitions. While there are many components to a winning entry, a 3D render of your architectural project combined with elements like photo-realistic renders and fly-by animations can help firmly ground the concept for your entry. The more quickly your concept is grasped, the more likely it is to be met with approval in a competition.
The above benefits are great, client facing advantages that 3D architectural rendering can give your firm. But they can also help to up your game when it comes to internal processes as well.
The digital nature of 3D renders allows the designers to quickly validate design decisions. If something doesn't look right, it's a few quick changes to a digital file to correct an issue. By fixing a potential design challenge early, projects save both time and money.
The future of architectural renderings
It's pretty clear that even today, 3D architectural rendering has significant benefits for firms, regardless of size.
But it's their future potential that makes this technological advancement even more exciting.
Render software continues to get more cost effective and efficient, taking less time and fewer resources to produce high-quality 3D models. Combined with the ever decreasing cost of computer processing power, even photo realistic renders and animations become accessible to new firms just starting out.
Hand in hand with speed comes a more iterative design process. Architects can conceptualize a project, have it rendered, see changes needed, add those to the model. Once this rapid back and forth has happened, the project can be shown to the client, and potential changes can be identified immediately and, again, changed in an interactive way.
The most exciting possibilities for 3D architectural rendering is when the renders are combined with virtual reality (VR) technology. By combining renders with VR, architects can take clients on a virtual walk thru of their designs, allowing them to immersively experience the project's potential.
Not only will VR lead to more rapid approvals, it will help clients feel more confident in moving forward with the project. With thousands and even millions of dollars on the line for a project, confidence moving forward is critical to success. With a virtual experience that allows clients to move around the design, it's easier for them to feel good about funding a project.
Technological advancements, like virtual reality, along with speed and accessibility of software will make 3D architectural rendering a standard in the industry.