Architectural visualisation: what it is and why it is important for your profession
How to improve your project presentation with architectural visualisation: definition, benefits and use cases
Architectural visualisation (often abbreviated to arch viz) is a powerful tool for communication, especially in a visual field like architecture.
In this insight, we’ll be taking a look at how to best present an architectural project thanks to the new techniques of architectural visualisation.
If you need to produce renders, video presentations or virtual tours of your model rapidly and without too much effort, then you’ve landed on the right page. Start off by downloading the free trial version of Edificius (the architectural BIM design software) and follow our tips to achieve incredible results.
Render created with Edificius
What is Architectural Visualisation?
The term architectural visualisation refers to the realistic representation of an architectural work prior to its actual implementation using complex modelling methods and powerful rendering computers.
The aim is to facilitate the understanding of a project at an early stage and to establish a shared language between the architect’s skills and the client’s vision. In this way, even those who are not technical experts can easily grasp all the project choices through images and videos created with specific software and tools.
The techniques and methods of presentation involved are many and constantly evolving.
Specifically, 3D visualisation is the most recent development in architectural visualisation and refers to the creation of three-dimensional models that allow clients to explore and visualise design choices from any angle. The digital model can also be detailed and enriched with information about materials, furniture, lighting, etc. contributing to the construction of realistic and accurate images.
Interior rendering created with Edificius
Today, BIM software have also developed functionalities, such as Real-Time and Virtual Reality (VRi), to browse and present the project more effectively and even to interact with objects and modify them in real time.
usBIM.reality – navigate BIM models online in virtual reality
Importance of Architectural Visualisation
Architectural visualisation has become an integral part of any architectural project as it offers many benefits that are indispensable to the success of a project. Here are some examples:
- plans can be visualised before work begins, helping engineers and investors to get a clear idea of what the project will look like in real life
- it is easier to identify problems and make appropriate changes, ensuring that the final project is the best possible version
- presenting projects becomes easier and more engaging, especially when using technologies such as virtual reality that provide a unique view of how the work will look in real time. These techniques are particularly useful when showing architectural solutions that are rather difficult to explain and imagine
- it is a cost-effective way of providing investors with design solutions that meet their specific needs. Plans can be modified and project documents (including renderings and 3D models) will update in real time. Designers can experiment and propose different solutions quickly until they reach the most convincing solution
- a convincing presentation is a true marketing operation that helps you “sell” your design ideas in a competitive and surprising way
- thinking of new project solutions becomes easier as this type of visualisation stimulates creativity and helps to visualise new ideas and functionalities
- putting the project in its real context (photo-insertion) and perhaps visualising it in virtual reality allows you to evaluate the project realistically even on an urban scale
- the project presentation to a client becomes an exciting moment because it allows you to imagine the final result and to realise the expectations and ideas that have only been expressed verbally up to that moment
- you can avoid possible evaluation errors
- you can improve the quality of you project and make even with more daring architectural choices
- you are in control of every project detail
- you can more easily show design concepts and alternative solutions that are difficult to communicate with classic 2D graphics
- you can enrich the project with information (lights, materials, colours, settings, etc.) that was not represented in the old project drawings (floor plans, cross-sections, elevation views)
- your work becomes competitive and complete
- meeting clients’ needs in a more efficient manner.
Who needs architectural visualisation?
Architectural visualisation is useful for designers (architects, engineers, surveyors, etc.) and clients (both public and private) of an architectural project, as it enables them to have a valid support in the conception and presentation of the project by using clear, simple and efficient communication techniques.
The clarity of communication also helps clients to participate more consciously in the design process.
Software for architectural visualization
If you are looking for an all-in-one software to model, manage and visualise your project, we recommend you to try Edificius, the architectural BIM design software.
With Edificius, you have all the functionalities to create the BIM model and present it to the client with the most advanced techniques available today such as:
- static rendering
- Real-Time Rendering
- video presentations
- virtual reality.
In fact, you have a very powerful tool that can support you in the presentation phase in an innovative way and in an immediate and comprehensive manner.
Real-Time Rendering e render statico
The term rendering is used to define the process of obtaining, from a computer-generated 3D model, a very realistic static image based on design data. Photorealistic rendering is fundamental in architectural design as it helps to convey ideas, showcase a project and it usually involves a building that does not yet exist.
Render created with Edificius
Today, it is possible to render the entire 3D model in real time, so that you can explore it as if it already existed.
In fact, thanks to Real-Time Rendering, images and animations are rendered at such a speed that is almost imperceptible to the end user.
This is extraordinary because you are no longer dealing with a simple static, two-dimensional image of your project, but with a complete, dynamic 3D model rendered in real time.
In addition, from the rendered 3D model you can obtain with just one click the drawings to be used for the project presentation such as:
- instant professional renders
- video presentations
- 360° images.
To know more about this topic and how to generate static renders and Real-Time rendering with Edificius, have a look at the below insights:
- How to improve your architectural project with Real-Time Rendering
- How technology is transforming the Architectural Visualization industry
- Software tools for professional photorealistic renderings
Project video presentations
Imagine that you need to present your project to a large and heterogeneous audience. It would be very useful to present your project with a video and to build the whole project development phase in a single ‘film-like’ sequence, including technical drawings, images and video: from concept to detailed elements.
In particular, you could use two-dimensional views of the BIM model (floor plans, cross-sections, elevation views, construction details) and three-dimensional views (perspectives, isometric views, renderings, realistic videos). This presentation mode can illustrate all kinds of information about the project and make it easier to understand.
Download Edificius for free and use its BIM Video Studio environment to produce creative video presentation of your projects.
Virtual reality
Immersive Virtual Reality (VRi) is a useful tool for the technician both during the project presentation and throughout the design process:
- in the preliminary phase it helps you to define new spaces and new forms,
- when verifying your design choices it works as an evaluation and control tool,
- in the final and executive design phase it helps you to define details, materials and colours,
- when presenting your work to the client, it makes the project “alive” even before its implementation.
Finally, we suggest another insight to use Di seguito ti propongo degli articoli di approfondimento che ti illustrano come fare con Edificius.
