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20 June 2021
Manoj Singh

The Evolution of Residential Architectural Rendering

Homes, like many dreams, leave a visual impression in the minds of a home buyer, and as such, designers need to accurately represent that visualisation. In the current scenario, this need has given rise to the creation of residential architectural renderings. These rendered images are considerably accurate and can be highly detailed, almost indistinguishable from photographs, and their photorealistic quality may require the expertise of experienced 3D architectural rendering service providers.

Architectural rendering, architectural illustration or architectural visualisation involves creating 2D or 3D images or animations showing an architectural design and its main features. Computer-generated renderings are created using specialised 3D modelling software and render farms. These models and renderings are generated with varying levels of detail for design analysis, as part of presentations or for sales and marketing purposes. They include:

  • Simple, flat images with basic shadows
  • 3D images with depth and with realistic light and material effects
  • Photorealistic images with high levels of detail and with people, animals, foliage, environment

There are different types of rendered images which show the exterior of a building, parts of its interior or aerial views, such as:

  • Still renderings
  • 3D walk-throughs
  • Virtual tours
  • Live virtual reality
  • Sliced Floor plans
  • Photorealistic 3D rendering
  • Real-time 3D renderings
  • Panoramic renderings
  • Light and shadow (sciography) study renderings
  • Renovation renderings (photomontage)

Homebuilders can use these realistic homebuilder 3D rendered images in real estate marketing and sales and to help make design decisions.

Just how did rendering evolve from its simple origins?

  • Traditionally, the techniques of rendering were taught as part of a fine arts education, and architects used hand-drawn sketches, pen and ink drawings and water colour renderings to represent the design artistically.
  • They used to create plan views and elevation images.
  • This progressed to artistic images, with water colour flourishes.
  • Now, computer-generated graphics are widely used to create photorealistic 3D images.
  • They have further evolved for use in VR (virtual reality), 360-degree images and walk-throughs.

Though advances in residential architectural rendering have leapfrogged to where we are now, there were a few noteworthy catalysts along the way. Architectural visualisation has been significantly impacted by a few developments over the years, such as:

  • Soma Cube- In 1968, a Ph.D. student, Gordon Romney, developed a rendering of the Soma Cube at the University of Utah. The Soma Cube was a mechanical puzzle invented in 1933 that included the specifics of linear algebraic operations of movement to position the cube as required. A light-pen was used to generate red, blue and green scans to develop a rendered image in colour of the cube. At the time, this was a milestone.
  • Utah Teapot – Again at the University of Utah, computer scientist Martin Newell created the ‘Utah Teapot’. It was a complex form to help simulate effects such as shadows, reflective textures or movement/rotations that showed hidden-from-view surfaces. The arcs, curves, handle, lid and spout of the teapot made it ideal for experimentation, as this object can produce several shadows on its own body. The not-so-simple teapot would have a significant impact on later architectural visualisation.
  • Catia 3D Model – Frank Gehry experimented with new 3D modelling technologies from 1989 to 1995, His work led to the development of a complex design language of design, using a computer-aided, three-dimensional, interactive application program, or CATIA. This led to the birth of smart, digital architectural design, where specialised software can help design translate into fabrication and construction, leading to the widespread use of parametric design and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

Client needs, desires and choices, much the same as the methods and means of residential architectural rendering, are constantly changing. Rendering professionals and technology must adapt. By creating 3D rendered interior design, clients can more comprehensively understand project details and reduce misunderstandings. Rendering helps customise and fine-tune the design.

Rendered images help clients:

  • Experiment with colours, textures, effects, lighting, patterns
  • View a high level of design detail
  • Picture and experience potential environments
  • See the design without visiting the site – by viewing it on social media, on a messaging app, email, etc.
  • See what the space looks like with artificial lights, natural lights, different seasons
  • Approve the final design

A series of rendered images can help guide clients through the design on a virtual tour, impressing clients and helping drive sales through marketing avenues. Computer-generated rendered images can be created faster, more efficiently, in greater detail and at a more competitive cost than the traditional method.

Creating rendered images eases communication, cooperation and commitment between clients and designers. There are too many good reasons for designers not to invest in creating photorealistic residential architectural renderings. If this is a daunting prospect due to lack of training, expertise, infrastructure or time, an increasingly viable solution lies in enlisting offshore assistance. Trusted offshore partners can deliver high-quality 3D architectural visualisation services, including 3D architectural rendering services, on time and within budget. It’s come a long way, but homebuilder 3D rendered images are here to stay.

XS CAD has valuable experience as a 3D architectural rendering service provider, delivering BIM modelling services, 3D architectural visualisation services and homebuilder 3D rendered images for global housing firms. Our range of services for architectural and homebuilding across the world include 2D architectural drafting, 3D modelling services and other 3D rendering services.

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