They say that a situation can be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. Well, this statement is 100% accurate when it comes to exterior visualization. At VisEngine Digital Solutions, we know exactly which camera angle will showcase your real estate to the best advantage. We share our tips and secrets in this article.
Architectural Exterior Visualization: Mastering the Art of Perspective
When it comes to visualizing the exterior, there is no universal angle that stands out as the absolute best. Just as you choose an outfit to match the theme of an event or choose a dish to match your mood, the ideal camera angle for visualization depends on the needs and goals of the project. Although the eye-level view is usually considered universal and used because of its simplicity, it’s not necessarily the best: it’s just the easiest and most win-win angle to implement. And although it’s considered to be the most difficult to mess up, you may still be disappointed with the result if the 3D visualization is not done well.
Let’s take a look at the different angles commonly used in exterior architectural visualization and understand the specific purposes they serve.
1. Eye-level view
The eye-level view is very popular because it mimics what a person sees when standing in front of a building or walking around it. This makes it intuitive and user-friendly for viewers, ideal for residential and commercial projects that focus on human interaction with space. Creating an eye-level view is relatively simple, as it does not require complex modeling of additional elements. However, it must accurately reproduce perspective and proportions to maintain realism. Visualizers should be experienced in camera and lighting setup processes to make images look natural and realistic. The eye-level viewing angle is cost-effective and time-efficient because it doesn’t require complex setups or modeling, making it optimal for projects on a tight budget. This perspective allows viewers to imagine themselves in the building’s environment, as if they were right next to it. That is why it is considered one of the best perspectives for exterior visualization, as it resonates with the viewers’ feelings.
2. Top view
High perspective is popular because it shows a wider view of the building facade and its interaction with the environment. It is especially effective for projects with noteworthy landscape elements or complex facades. This perspective requires precise camera and lens settings to convey height without distorting the proportions of the building. Visualizers must understand perspective adjustments in the digital environment and have experience with different heights and angles to choose the best option for each project. High viewing angles may require more time for preparation and testing, which can increase project costs. However, the increased impact of the project presentation often justifies this investment. This angle allows clients or investors to better appreciate how the project fits into the environment, emphasizing the uniqueness of the design and landscape solutions. It promotes emotional connection by emphasizing design elements and their integration with the landscape.
3. Aerial view
A bird’s eye view is highly valued for providing a holistic view of a project. This angle is ideal for showing large-scale architectural projects such as residential complexes and urban developments, showing how future buildings will interact in a broader geographic context. To create aerial perspectives, technologies such as drone photography or high-altitude surveys are used. Bird’s-eye 3D visualization can be more time-consuming and expensive due to the use of additional technologies and the involvement of third-party specialists. However, the result justifies the investment. Such renderings are indispensable for demonstrating how a project integrates into the environment, so they are important during the design and construction phases, providing a clear understanding of the project, which is invaluable for public presentations and stakeholder meetings.
4. View from ground level
The worm’s eye is an artistic perspective used to emphasize the height and impressive character of a structure. This angle captures the building from below, making it appear more majestic and tall. Creating this perspective involves specific camera placement and angle adjustments to achieve perfect vertical lines. Eliminating lens distortion is crucial to maintaining the proportions of the building. Visualizers need to have a great deal of experience with perspective to create depth and height in a rendering. It is also important to adjust the lighting to emphasize key architectural elements from below. This perspective is effective in projects where you need to emphasize the height and grandeur of architecture, such as skyscrapers or large architectural monuments. It evokes a strong emotional connection, making viewers feel small in comparison to the building.
5. Closeup
Close-up shots are necessary to showcase intricate details and high-quality materials. This view focuses on showcasing the textures, colors, and elements that are the highlights of architectural design. A clear focus and careful placement of lighting are necessary to showcase certain details in a favorable way, so visualizers must understand photography techniques to achieve the best results. It’s helpful to have a good grasp of macro photography, as well as the ability to adjust the depth of field and lighting for different materials. Such angles convey the quality and texture of materials, helping customers appreciate the craftsmanship and design intent. They allow the viewer to imagine what these materials feel like to the touch, creating a tactile experience of the space.
Architectural visualization of the exterior begins with choosing the right perspective, each of which serves a unique purpose and audience. Understanding the strengths and applying these perspectives ensures that architectural renderings will exceed your expectations, bringing architectural design to life in the most impactful way possible.
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