ARCHITECTURAL VISUALIZATIONS

Evolution of the architectural representations 

Representation in architecture is no longer only about pencil, paper and sketch. The evolution of this issue, both in architecture and its technology, have made representations of architectural projects incorporate different elements, others than technical plans with drawings, photomontages, strokes, etc...

The evolution of the techniques of architectural representations is nothing more than an improvement to get clearer ideas of the work that you have in mind. That allows clients and architects to understand and obtain benefits even from the starting point of any project.

Currently, it is true that models and architectural representations are still made by hand, but since the appearance of the renders, fewer and fewer artists and architects have opted for the visualization methods of traditional architecture.

But, what's a render?

The render is an image or several digital images generated through a computer: Through renders, architects are capable of representing buildings, objects, scenes, and even characters in a three-dimensional and realistic virtual way. The Renders purpose is to create a more realistic appearance of a future project, so today is the most important architectural representation example and the most used by professionals worldwide.

Sometimes, a rendered image can be so realistic that it becomes confused with a real photograph of a building or any scenario or object that is represented. In this case, we would talk about photorealistic renders.

Which are the most important softwares to represent architecture through the technique of Rendering? 

Nowadays, there are a variety of programs that are able to create 3D-rendered images, and normally the process goes through two phases:

1.    3D Modeling:

They are 3D modeling programs through which geometry and its different forms are used to build what you want to show in your architectural representation.

The following are some of the most recommended programs for the visualization of architecture in a 3D format:

• SketchUp
• Modo
• Maya
• Blender
• Autodesk 3DS Max
• Cinema 4D

2.    Render Engines 

Rendering engines are the softwares that calculate the rebounds of light on 3D objects created previously. The following are some of the most used and powerful render engine softwares:

• Fstorm
• Octane
• Corona
• Vray
• MentalRay
• Redshift

Other methods of architectural representation

Despite the fact that, as we have already said, the majority of design and architecture professionals today use photorealistic 3D strategies such as rendering, we can’t forget traditional methods and the ways to visualize and represent architecture that has been traditionally used:

Blueprints

The blueprints or plans aim to represent in a horizontal plane every element of a project such as points, straight lines, curves, diagonals, contours, surfaces, shapes ... without taking into account their difference in elevation (vertical plane). The greatest advantage of blueprints is that they allow you to represent accurate proportions of the architecture project.

Hand-sketch

The hand-sketch in architecture is a key tool for the initial process of any architectural visualization since it is quick and expressive. Of course, the sketch represents a basic idea, not so specific, but it is a way of looking at the strokes what can become a great building in the future.

Physical Model

Physical models are three-dimensional representations, on a reduced scale, of what any architectural project will be in the future. The models offer the possibility of observing, in a general way, the volumetric composition of the project from different points of view.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality highly exceeds the benefits of the Render. Although this technique is not broadly used yet, it is a breakthrough that will reduce the clients-deliberation time, as it means an improvement in the world of architecture. Having a spatial vision and going through a building that has not yet been built is the best way to make clear what a project will be like. That allows you to reduce costs by decreasing the number of meetings, making a shorter design process.

Over time, we will see how virtual reality becomes increasingly stable in the world of representation and visualization of architecture.