3D rendering services allow architects to present design ideas and visualize complex plans in an understandable, highly intuitive manner. The dynamic view offered by 3D rendering allows architects and designers to tangibly communicate their ideas and enhance their decision-making while enabling them to identify design flaws early in the process.
Using a variety of software programs, including 3dS Max, Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup, or a combination of these, 3D renders enable next-level visualization of architectural and design projects: from 3D interiors to landscape design, it is now paramount that companies and architectural firms include 3D renders in their portfolio – and for soon-to-be home and business owners to take advantage of its benefits.
Table of contents
The importance of 3D rendering in architectural design
Having the avenue to explore ideas even before construction begins is a great modern boon that makes it possible to cut costs while providing clarity and precision in the architectural workflow. It also provides an easy platform to facilitate collaboration between architects and stakeholders and allows them to speak on the same level amidst all the complex technical details.
What’s more, 3D rendering can accommodate many different styles and aesthetics. Even bespoke pieces of furniture can be modeled and planned for, and architects and designers can test out varying types of materials, weather conditions, lighting, and other effects that enhance the final render.
Additionally, while 3D rendering provides a platform for collaboration and testing ideas, it is also the perfect way to communicate these ideas to potential clients or customers for marketing and salespeople.
RELATED: Why 3D architectural renders resonate better with modern consumers
Presentation of the concept
In the world of architecture and interior design, first impressions are paramount. Any space that you’d like customers to consider should not only look good but ideally fit their narrative, preferences, and expectations.
As such, a good way to think about 3D architectural rendering is that the render itself is the main communicative material – with a presenter ready to answer questions and explain certain choices or background information regarding the render.
Let’s take a look at some of the specific ways 3D rendering can achieve that:
The proper use of light turns any scene into something true to life
Without proper lighting, the depth of objects and other elements inside an image may look flat and lifeless. To add to that, lighting itself sets the mood for a particular scene. It also goes without saying that the weather and natural lighting for the render should match the physical location’s patterns.
This type of accuracy when it comes to lighting is hard to achieve through traditional means and can quickly rack up costs, time, and resources making revisions to get it right.
Great 3D renderings clearly define space
3D renderings not only show the objects and furniture that may fill a space. Renderings should have a sense of space that can offer a sense of harmony, functionality, and dimensionality. In fact, any good designer will tell you that space (& negative space) affects the mood and overall effectiveness of certain spaces and will look to bake this philosophy into the design as a foundation.
RELATED: 3D architectural rendering: how your company shapes weather, mood, and season
3D renderings show realistic materials
Materials are important parts of the aesthetic, style, and ethos behind the planning and use of a space. Unlike mood boards, 3D interiors can showcase these materials realistically and depict many different kinds of objects in varying lighting conditions.
This makes it easier to make decisions about the finishes and help communicate the mood of the space better. For instance, glossy surfaces make for a more modern look. This also makes it easier to make changes and to adjust the design anytime.
3D renderings depict the room’s features
3D renderings (and by extension, more advanced AR/VR stagings) are built not just to show how a room or space might look. It also gives an ardent showing of the features and functions built into that space such as dressers, convertible furniture, and even whimsical hidden rooms. Features include walkways, the ambiance, and even negative space.
The benefits of 3D rendering for architectural design presentations
3D renderings use lifelike imagery to help communicate complex architectural design concepts and make sure that the client and every stakeholder are on the same page regarding the design. It’s way easier to judge spatial relationships, design intent, and overall aesthetic when everything can be visually confirmed and adjusted with precision.
Making edits and changes with the client
Imagine having to discuss changes to design while trying to decipher a 2D drawing or mood-boards. Needless to say, it’s an uphill battle to coordinate very specific intentions and complex decisions without a visual aid.
Clients and architects can work together on the render almost in real-time, and make immediate changes when necessary – eliminating cost and time constraints. They can even be a bit more bold and experimental with their choices as they explore design options.
Improved Client Engagement
Clients are way happier and engaged when they can see their space unfolding and coming to life – even as a render. This gets them invested into the project way more. Especially for marketers and salespeople, 3D renders may be the kicker that makes a client decide to go for a purchase.
Early Error Detection and Design Optimization
It’s one thing for architects to make mistakes while planning and designing, but oftentimes mistakes and errors can come in many forms. Say a client mentioned a specific material to use for certain objects or furniture – many would be hard-pressed to find such analogs just to use for modeling. Plus, for simple audition purposes, such a method isn’t very cost-effective.
As such, 3D renders are an obvious advantage that allows architects to optimize the design according to a client’s specifications.
RELATED: Better 3D rendering and retail store design services for commercial spaces
How architectural design presentations are leveraged in other industries
Beyond architectural design, 3D renderings provide benefits to a number of other industries in similar ways. In fact, these renders are now so crucial that industries who have adopted its use have found themselves redefining their methods and practices.
Real Estate and Construction: Real estate developers use 3D presentations to bolster their efforts in marketing and construction. Apart from being able to present to its potential clients and buyers, 3D renderings allow the industry to use its advantages to plan and optimize their designs.
Interior Design: 3D renderings allow interior designers to easily play around and manipulate design and element choices without breaking the wallet. They can switch up furniture, lighting, arrangement, and even change up materials easily or present different options for the client.
Product Design and Manufacturing: With 3D rendering, manufacturers can create virtual prototypes and iterate on it without having to do physical mock-ups. They can also visualize their products in bespoke environments and situations, allowing them to look beyond the manufacturing phase and make better decisions to refine their designs and streamline manufacturing methods.
Marketing and Advertising: Marketing campaigns and advertisements use 3D rendering, and its offshoot, 3D animation to create enticing marketing campaigns and draw consumers into the space or world they’ve created.
RELATED: All you need to know about interior and exterior 3D commercial rendering services
The possibilities for the future of 3D renderings
With the advent of VR/AR technologies, it’s not far off to see an enhanced version of 3D renderings where the tangible and intangible meet. Clients would be able to peruse each of the elements of a space while wandering its corners and spaces, interacting with each object as if it were in front of them.
This immersion is already well underway and while for right now, the full potential use of augmented and virtual realities is currently costly, the advent of games utilizing the technology is a great indicator of where its heading and the benefits it can bring to the industry.
It’s even possible to take this a step further by allowing the designers and architects themselves to reap the benefits of 3D renderings made alive through AR/VR, allowing them to make changes and make better decisions.
Choose Cad Crowd to elevate your beloved spaces
3D rendering undoubtedly can get you a step closer to your dream spaces. It enhances visualization and communication and allows you to move forward with your plans knowing that no stone was left unturned. To take advantage of the benefits of this, it’s essential to find the best designers and architects who are experts and can get behind your vision.
Cad Crowd’s years of experience working with the best architects, designers, and engineers give us deep insight into how to deliver projects in a timely, cost-effective manner. Get started today with a free quote.
