Benefits of 3-D Renderings

3-D renderings are one of the presentation tools employed by architects to help others visualize projects. 3-D renderings and other visual aids provide important clues to the architect’s vision.

A variety of audiences are served by the use of architectural visual aids:

• Architects can explore ideas and demonstrate their design concepts, gaining client feed-back and approvals.
• Clients, lenders, and investors can better understand the project and make informed financial decisions.
• Architects can use visual aids to gain project consensus and approvals from neighbors, municipalities, and building code officials.
• Contractors can better understand the project scope for pricing and construction.

At Bleck & Bleck Architects, we use a variety of visual aids. We build 3-D models, mock-ups of building parts, and materials sample boards in the shop at our office. We create hand-drawn or computer-generated elevation, section, and perspective drawings of the proposed project. We sometimes use 3-D renderings to test ideas and demonstrate project feasibility. The advantages of 3-D renderings are many.

Advantages of 3-D Renderings:

• Fast and reliable
• Photorealistic results
• Multiple camera views
• Buildings/rides are placed in their environment
• Quick development of design ideas
• Still-image and panorama rendering capability
• Lighting analysis
• Realistic colors and textures
• Still and animated renderings
• Multiple viewing angles
• Materials are realistically represented

We used 3-D renderings for two of our recent theme park projects. For the X Flight roller coaster attraction at Six Flags Great America, it was used to simulate the flight path of the train through the control tower key-hole. The rendering helped to reassure the client, officials, and ride designers of the adequacy of safety clearances as the train and passengers passed through the key hole. We were able to achieve tighter tolerances (and increased guest excitement!) than might otherwise have been achieved. 3-D renderings were also used for marketing Holiday World’s new Thunderbird roller coaster attraction, to give theme park guests a sneak-peek into the exciting new ride. 3-D renderings can really bring projects to life with their photorealistic still and animated rendering capability and multiple viewing angles.

Many related industries also use 3-D renderings to market their products or services.  The travel industry inspires travelers to book a vacation by showing the layouts and features of hotel rooms, suites, and other amenities. Home builders use 3-D renderings to capture the attention of prospective buyers, helping them to visualize their dream home before it is physically built. Retail outlets save time and money by utilizing 3-D rendered images in their paper catalogs, flyers and websites.

3-D renderings are among the most useful presentation tools employed by architects. They can be key in gaining client agreement and building official buy-in. If you’d like more detailed information about 3-D rendering capabilities, check out this blog from Autodesk.