3d rendering explained - and why it is important in architecture

3D rendering is an excellent tool for storytelling and visualization that drives decisions. Take CGI in movies and video games. For example, the style involves the creation of non-realistic images for entertainment. But architecture, engineering, product development, and environmental simulations are different kinds of 3d rendering.

In this article, we won’t delve into the movie-making side of 3D rendering, but we’ll focus on the commercial side. What happens in an architectural visualization agency where environmental simulations are designed and rendered?

It could get a bit technical but don’t worry it won’t be intensive.

Long before 3D rendering came along, architectural blueprints lacked the allure and beauty that we have come to witness. Building sketches were done on paper with nothing inspiring or attractive. The few who dared develop the idea further through 3D could not come up with striking concepts.

Today, we have advanced software and hardware that make it possible to develop outstanding real estate renderings, among others. The results are surreal and almost resemble photographs taken with a high-end camera.

What’s more? Virtual reality and Metaverse allow you to sample building projects while they are at the concept stage.

The process of transforming architectural blueprints into real-life virtual masterpieces. It is about the experience. A 3D architectural rendering brings the user or client closer to reality.

From 360 degrees image views to engaging virtual reality rendering, the goal is the same - communicate design ideas in the most realistic form to the client.

The process that results in a 3D render begins with a 3D artist modeling the image as per the blueprints and brief.

The next phase involves making the composition more photorealistic.

This is solved by adding all the elements of a complete project, from glass windows, concrete walls, and other aesthetic features. To make the building complete.

Lighting comes next to ensure the image or final render is not flat and unconvincing.

Having done all the above, the rendering software handles the rest as the final render combines all the stages to form a final image.

Depending on the complexity of the project and the rendering tool used, the rendering process can take a few minutes to hours or days.

For that reason, we have 3D visualization studios like Zarender to handle 3D rendering on behalf of architects and their clients.

Each project in 3D rendering has varying needs, especially for real estate rendering.

A house make-over render may focus on only the interior, while a shopping complex will touch on aerial renders, exterior, and interior.

Let’s start with the most common 3D render…

Exterior 3D renders

You must have seen exquisite marketing brochures featuring stunning exterior renders of projects. Those images are the best example of exterior 3D renders.

Seeing the exterior makes it easy to drive interest and make the viewer or client want to see the interior.

In most cases it is the exterior 3D renders that wow the client and either lead to a sale or develop further interest in other features.

The lighting and texturing must be top-notch regardless of the technique or software used.

Interior 3D renders

Linked to the exterior renders, the interior goes into detail. Borrowing from the architectural vision in the elevation floors and rooms.

Most of the interior renders will incorporate furniture to complete the look desired by the designer.

Aerial 3D renders

For big projects, these renders are preferred as they showcase the project and the neighboring features and amenities. You can view a project in its entirety from a vantage point.

The following two types of 3D renders have recently become a game-changer by providing a complete and immersive view of projects:-

Panorama renders

2D image renders no longer drive interest as much as a CG panorama can. These renders take the viewer or client in a 360-degree view of the project.

The presentation is automated and the client cannot interact with the render but sit back and watch.

The luck of interaction is solved by…

Virtual Tour renders

All it takes is a click and the render comes to life as you walk through a detailed presentation of the preferred space.

Need to visualize the kitchen or dining area? The virtual tour is your best bet.

Zoom in on features that catch your eye or click back to areas of interest.

It is a sight to marvel and rarely will the client object to buying into the project after this tour.

How long does 3d rendering take?

A 3D model is a work of art and rarely will urgency be a priority. But for simple projects, a day or close should be enough. Simple being a quick remodeling of a room.

The technique used, the details needed in the project plus the tools (hardware and software) determine if a render takes weeks or even months. That is from modeling to final output.

With the skills and right tools, it should take at least 1 week to 6 weeks to create a high-quality 3D render for a home. Commercial projects like high-rise buildings could take twice that time frame.

What makes a good rendering?

A flawless render is both attractive and engaging. The texture and lighting must be as photorealistic as possible to both the untrained eye and the professionals.

Attention to detail leads to a great render. That ties to the point on how long it should take. Like a great painting, a well-done and polished render calls for unlimited time on the job until the artist is fulfilled.

What should 3D rendering and architectural visualization services cost?

You can read a comprehensive breakdown of 3D rendering costs and gain a deeper understanding of the figures involved.

The fees for 3D rendering are determined by among others; the experience of the 3D artist, the project specifications, and to some extent the budget.

A 3D artist at the beginner level will not mind 200 dollars to create a single render of a bungalow.

But an experienced artist or studio that guarantees a professional result might result in a 5000 dollars bill.

Panoramas and virtual tours falling under 3D animation will take the most amount of time and thus end up being the most expensive. A fee of USD 10,000 and beyond becomes a possibility here.

Wrapping up

Hoping this article sheds light on 3D rendering as a tool for the architectural world. 3D rendering today is not an option for architectural projects of substance.

The field is growing giving rise to a group of supporting artists that ensure projects are visualized to the smallest detail.

Looking for 3d rendering services?

At Zarender we create photorealistic images, and interactive 3D and augmented reality experiences that help businesses sell more.