The Future of 3D Architecture Visualization
- Rajvardhan Agarwal
- Mar 1, 2022
- 4 min read
“It’s not that we use technology, we live technology,” said Godfrey Reggio, a pioneering American director of experimental documentaries.
The above quote can have its literal implications in the field of architecture visualization.
Technology is revolutionizing architectural 3D visualization by discovering new computational building interpretation tools. The speed, quality, and precision that new-age visualization tools provide are incomparable. If you are an architect who has witnessed this evolution, you would too agree that technology is helping us create a life-like 3D representation of your designs.
Design and technology walk hand-in-hand in devising techniques to visualize a space. Today, every architect or interior designer resorts to 3D software such as Grasshopper, Rhino, Lumion, Max, and Sketchup for giving their 2D drawings the third dimension. However, technology is fast-pacing us towards something even better in the form of “extended reality.”
New-Age Architecture Visualization
Extended Reality (XR) is the umbrella term for all real and virtual environments inclusive of the interaction between humans and machines stimulated by technology. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are significant tools that fall within this bracket.
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR is an architecture visualization software that lets you experience digital presentation in a real-world environment. It blends the actual and artificial world through the smart use of technology. The software uses devices such as AR headsets, AR-compatible portable devices, and smart glasses to create a realistic experience for the user.
To create an efficient AR experience for your client, you can use the reality composer tool. It helps you to make forms and arrangements of modules in the 3D format. If you already have a 3D model ready, you can use a reality converter for transforming them into Universal Screen Description (USDZ) for access through AR-enabled devices.
You can let your clients experience the proposed built environment of your project through AR. The software allows you to showcase every big or small detail of your project, thereby giving you a wholesome view of your proposed design.
Virtual Reality (VR)
On the other hand, VR is completely digitization-based. Adopting VR can help you to work on projects in real-time, thereby speeding up your work and enabling multi-tasking. With the help of VR tools, you can team up with other stakeholders in the project to work simultaneously towards creating an optimized design.
Amazon Sumerian, Unity, Google VR, CRYENGINE, and Insite VR are software names that help in creating virtual reality. Most of them have features such as scaling, mute controls, collaborative and communication markups, and synchronized cloud modeling.
VR is the sought-after architecture visualization software for large-scale projects where multiple teams work together in a complex network. It helps to ease communication and avoid confusion by depicting design details digitally. The next big thing in VR is anticipated with its ability to design urban areas.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
If you ask a fresh architecture graduate about the most popular specialization in architecture, it is most likely that they would suggest BIM. It is estimated that by 2026, the BIM market will be valued at an all-time high of 10.7 USD.
BIM shelters all project-necessary to conceptualize, create, and manage a building design and construction project digitally. It acts like this one-stop solution by procuring data from software such as ArchiCAD, Revit, and Vectorworks Architect.
While most futuristic architecture visualization software is limited to 2D and 3D, BIM takes the stakes much higher by providing 8D. It helps to incorporate:
4D: Time
5D: Cost
6D: Sustainability
7D: Operation
8D- Safety
With BIM, architects can do design changes in the project and builders can execute them during the construction phase. Moreso, architects can use BIM for uploading AutoCAD drafts, renderings, and holographic plans.
How Visualization Tools are Benefitting Architecture
Innovative architecture visualization is helping to speed the design and construction process through rapid prototyping. With the fusion of 3D printing with architecture visualization software, it can be easier to test and manufacture construction products, tools, and equipment. This advantage also provides flexibility in design with easy rearrangement of modules.
The 3D software eases communication between architects, builders, contractors, consultants, and other designers involved in the project. This helps to explore various ideas, features, and materials for the project in real-time. It avoids confusion and maintains harmony amongst project stakeholders.
Using VR and AR as a marketing gimmick has been the “it” thing for builders nowadays. The experience is new, exciting, and futuristic for any prospective client. The provision for AR or VR representation in sales pitches can make clients take an instant buying decision. This is because it provides them clarity about design, construction, amenities, and other facilities in the building.
Final Thoughts
Groundbreaking architectural 3D visualization software is moving the AEC industry towards a progressive and closely-knit community. It is allowing the professionals to create more efficient, purposeful, and visually appealing buildings. Besides, it eliminates the scope for errors by creating precise models that help in optimized building construction.
These sets of 3D software can also be leveraged to inch closer towards sustainable architecture by mapping building construction management. The possibilities with architecture visualization seem endless, and it can guide the way forward for tech-integrated architecture and design.
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