You’re indeed supposed to set foot in and experience buildings yourself. Unfortunately, most of what you see offline and online is visual. Architectural designs transformed into visual renderings help convey ideas and present projects way before their actual construction starts. 3D architectural modeling is a critical visual tool that allows architects to communicate with their clients, fellow professionals, and the general public.
This article dives into the details of how 3D architectural modeling services perfect the art of atmospheric renderings to meet the needs and demands of their clients.
Table of contents
3D architectural rendering at a glance
3D architectural rendering is the process that involves the creation of images of planned architectural designs. Unlike character or product rendering, architectural rendering typically involves buildings that don’t exist yet. The purpose of the process is to come up with an image that will serve as an accurate representation of the project, building, or space. It provides visual context through color, textures, light, and scale.
Architectural rendering isn’t a new field. It has existed for centuries, with some of its earliest examples dating back to 2,200 BC. Even before computers became popular, rendering was mainly completed manually in pencil sketches, paintings, and ink drawings.
Today, computers are used to complete architectural renders, with most images almost impossible to tell apart from actual photos. Architects use different forms and types of 3D rendering to present their designs and ideas effectively. These images help eliminate the gap between non-technical and technical audiences. This way, more people will be able to understand the intent of the design and concepts.
Traditional architectural plans feature orthographic projections representing the building with numerous distinct 2D views. But most of the time, it’s not easy to use these plans, and they are usually not even enough to fully express the design in general. Thanks to 3D architectural rendering services, viewers get the chance to have a more immersive glimpse of how the project will turn out in the near future.
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Achieve the right mood with atmospheric rendering
Architects love photorealistic CGI for many reasons. For one, it is the most practical visual solution they can use to present their projects, update their work portfolios, join contests, and carry out different marketing activities. 3D architectural modeling also provides infinite possibilities for the artistic expression of architecture professionals. The choice of season and weather is the one that lets them come up with not only an informative but also an utterly atmospheric rendering.
Using the right tools, an eye for detail, and technical aptitude can all help achieve an almost perfect level of realism for architectural 3D modeling services. Most architectural representations are now practically challenging to set apart from images. This kind of photorealism is becoming more common not just among architects but also among their clients. There is also a growing perception that exact visual portrayals of the natural world are no longer enough to affect people as they once did. The result is that aspects aside from realism alone are also becoming even more critical. Story, composition, and mood in 3D architectural models are all necessary to distinguish your work from a sea of renderings that have become more common and in demand.
Take a look at the different elements of the art of atmospheric rendering:
The art of using lighting
As far as the outside environment is concerned, the direction a structure faces will determine how the light will bounce off the edges at various times throughout the day. The choice of light in 3D architectural modeling is crucial to achieving the impact you want for the project.
For instance, if your 3D architectural render features welcoming soft light, it will exude a calming effect. On the other hand, the use of bright lights will give your project a more progressive look. If you wish to opt for a nighttime scene, your images will exude evening romanticism with notable beautiful highlights on glass textures. Bright light in 3D architectural rendering functions similarly to a spotlight, making your render even more appealing.
Be sure to pick a light that best complements your design’s subject and the specific aspects you wish to emphasize. You can also use secondary or accentuation lighting to complete certain areas that you like to focus on that will contribute to the benefit of the design in general. The use of shadows in 3D architectural models can also help expose the unique tones of the image, specifically if everything is in the same color.
Contrasting will let you mix and match the items in your model and bring all of them together to achieve a single uniform look. The human eyes are used to seeing three-dimensional photos with lighting and shadow. The design won’t look genuine if you don’t use darkness. As a result, the correct combination of lighting and shadows will further enhance the visual attractiveness of the design. Natural lighting is extensively used as the decisive element in 3D interior renderings.
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The art of using seasons
Aside from lighting, 3D architectural modeling services also use seasonal settings to achieve distinct atmospheric renderings.
- Spring and summer
The spring and summer seasons are almost identical as far as 3D architectural modeling is concerned, so there is no need for individual examination of each one. These are the most in-demand among architects because they allow projects to be displayed in a neutral atmosphere while ensuring that the spectator doesn’t get distracted from the architecture. You can easily change the specific time of the day if you like to use this setup for your atmospheric rendering.
- Autumn and winter
With 3D rendering services, you can still achieve ambient when using a winter setting. The contrast with the snow-filled scenery makes the structure feel warmer and extra welcoming. These images also typically feature Christmas decorations that endow the image with a festive and pleasant atmospheric rendering.
You can go for this if you know that this is something your customers will like. But unless it is a resort or house meant for winter vacations alone, you may combine the model with something else that depicts the structure in summer or spring.
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The art of using weather for atmospheric renderings
Sunny weather is the most common option for 3D architectural modeling services. For one, this allows viewers to see the textures of finishing materials and the delicate elements of the design more vividly. Second, this also produces a more pleasing appearance and a joyful and bright vibe to all depictions. This is why bright environments are the universal option to present atmospheric rendering concepts to potential clients.
A 3D architectural model featuring a rainy scene exudes a melancholy and serene tone. Although this is far from the most exciting setting for project presentations, it can help you achieve gorgeous atmospheric works for your social media postings and portfolio. In particular, a wet climate will make structures, especially houses, appear warmer and more welcoming. On the other hand, the almost monochrome color palette is the perfect match for minimalist designs.
Depictions with cloudy environments work well with photos of the same structure using a sunny setting. Evening or late afternoon is the most common time of the day used in cloudy renders. It allows the client to view the building’s external lights. In addition, the increased contrast between the shadows and lights of the photo helps achieve a more atmospheric representation.
Stormy scenes in atmospheric renderings create wonderfully dramatic scenes. It is a visually enticing image perfect for magazine articles, architectural design contests, and other applications requiring intriguing and outstanding visuals. This improves the creative worth of a notion. It is also perfect for avant-garde designs. Rain can enhance the photo’s atmospheric character, and the vehicle lights reflecting off the wet road surface and several umbrellas under windows exude a warm glow.
These were the different seasons and weather situations that 3D architectural modeling services use to perfect the art of atmospheric renderings. As you can see, every situation has a role in achieving a particular atmosphere in the image. This means you can get an ambient representation that works well for a specific purpose or project.
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How Cad Crowd can help
3D architectural rendering services in architecture make a significant difference between losing and winning a project. Plenty of work is put into the design, with 3D architectural renderings expected to embody all the ideas and efforts used to produce them.
Cad Crowd is a platform where you can find reliable 3D architectural modeling services. Architectural rendering designers understand and are familiar with the techniques and principles that can help transform your visions into reality. Check out Cad Crowd and find the best experts to handle your projects.
