CGI has long gone beyond the primitive and conditional image. Moreover, thanks to the skillful hands of 3D artists, renderings are now difficult to distinguish from photos. But is one hundred percent photorealism always appropriate?
3D Rendering Tips: 9 Tips for High-Quality Architectural Renders
In the fields of design, architecture, and real estate, 3D is used everywhere and always: concepts, presentations, billboards, catalogs, and digital materials. This reliable and convenient tool has become an indispensable assistant, as it allows designers and architects to present their own projects in the most profitable way. Their accuracy is impressive – the viewer is most “immersed” in the environment he sees. It can be a cozy apartment or a wide avenue with skyscrapers. Such universal images were doomed to success – their use gives not only freedom of use but also an impressive visual effect.
To make the image even more attractive, sometimes 3D visualizers resort to the use of certain visual effects. This allows to give the render a special charm.
But isn’t this a spectator’s deception?
We must clarify that we are completely against deliberate misleading of consumers because the render is an assistant to designers and developers in presenting their future projects. For the consumer, it is a guide and a model. It is very unfortunate when the real result does not match expectations and, moreover, surprises with striking discrepancies.
But now we are talking about giving the image only those features that make it closer to art. What can visualizers use, and what techniques do they use to achieve this?
Selection of foreshortening
If you have been photographed at least once in your life, you know how important the angle from which you are photographed is. Poorly chosen shooting perfect angles can be a nuisance and ruin the best moment. In contrast, the good location of the camera can significantly improve the perception of the object. That is why 3D visualizers are looking for interesting perspectives to make the interior or exterior of the building look its best. Trying different combinations, sometimes it is possible to find quite unexpected but effective solutions. And the experience of 3D artists suggests how to do it optimally.
A small change in the angle of inclination, slightly lowered or, conversely, raised camera – and the same building is already playing with new colors.
Use of different seasons and times of day
This is again about how to show the building in the best environment. With such CGI, greens are juicy, flowers bloom profusely, and there is always good sunny weather. The area sparkles with night lights, the streets are filled with warm lanterns, and nightlife is bustling. What’s so extraordinary about that? You are immersed in the atmosphere of the image, which is a little “combed” than reality, like in the movies. However, it is possible that reality will exceed your expectations and will look exactly as promised by 3D.
Such images are used to show the viewer what a house will look like at different times. For example, if there is a park nearby, you will intuitively imagine your walk there. In this case, the change of seasons is more appropriate than ever. A high-rise skyscraper with a mirror finish will favorably reflect the clear blue sky, which will seem endless. And a house in the mountains will look like a dream in the winter season.
Importance of Lighting
Light is one of the most sensitive substances in 3D visualization, which creates incredible effects. Very often, it is thanks to the light that the image looks natural and inherent. And even if at first glance you do not notice that with the wrong settings, you are guaranteed to start to feel false, although you probably will not immediately understand what’s going on.
With different lighting setups, you can elevate the CGI image. You will be enchanted by what you see. At the same time, with the wrong settings, even the most beautiful picture will lose some of its attractiveness.
Close-ups
If the beauty is in the details, then the 3D visualizer can paraphrase it as “beauty in close-ups.” It is possible to depict a building or its interior for an infinitely long time, but a close-up of some elements adds zest to the whole set of images. You see their textures, colors, and beautiful decorative elements. Everything is exactly as an interested viewer would see. Close-up does not hint but eloquently calls for the evaluation of unnoticed elements.
A little drama
This is about the visual effect in its purest form. When the 3D artist creates a special atmosphere of the image, sometimes remote from reality, but the picture looks absolutely charming. This is more about the artistic view of the 3D visualizer, but such images are not intended to show the harsh reality to the viewer but to immerse him/her in the little story-tale.
For example, suppose you add a parked retro car to an old Parisian building, and the weather is a bit humid and foggy. In that case, the story is not about a house that has been renovated and a change in the premises’ functionality. Here, you see the Parisian atmosphere and imagine wandering the narrow streets. Well, or something like that.
Embrace imperfections for character
When you add some imperfections to your architectural renderings, it adds a unique character to them. These are some minor nuances, like floor irregularities, geometrical deviation, etc. Something that can mirror the way people would see objects in real life, which is completely imperfect.
Surface imperfections: Enhancing authenticity
When you are seeking realism, you can forget about perfection. How can you make it imperfect with surfaces? You can add some subtle imperfections like the sharpness of reflections, uneven textures, etc. Of course, you have to do that within reason. But a delicate touch of imperfections contributes to a more convincing visual experience.
Round edges for a refined look
Some 3D artists make common mistakes – following precise geometry rules with sharp edges. However, we have to dive into a realistic world and conduct the rendering process on the right foot by rounding edges. It also corresponds to the way light and shadows interact with spaces. You can try chamfer modifiers, supporting edges, or material-based edge rounding techniques. These methods can help you achieve a realistic visual.
Chaos boosts creativity and appeal
It is essential to maintain realism, so adding a little bit of chaos can only make architectural renderings look more artistic and realistic. It may include some unexpected objects, unconventional compositions, strange positionings, and the like. This way, you tell a story that goes even beyond the reality.
Opt for realistic materials
When it comes to choosing materials, don’t rush into making decisions. The right materials play a crucial role in making an architectural rendering look realistic. What features should the material used in visuals include? Be attentive to reflectivity, roughness, and color accuracy. You can add some depth and real-world appearance when you map out textures of objects and surfaces.
Infuse life: Include people and objects
You can not call architectural renderings realistic when there is no life in them. However, you can enhance realism by adding objects to various scenes. It also gives more context to the render. When you are working on photorealistic renderings, you should remember to add people as well. How do you make it happen? because it is also crucial to make it right. For example, it can be individuals enjoying a walk in the park, furniture in a living room, vehicles on the street, useful objects in the kitchen, adding rugs or carpets, cushions on the sofa, etc. Everything that breathes some life into your visualizations works best.
Diverse exploration of 3D rendering techniques
Always keep in mind that the world of 3D rendering is vast and diverse. Apart from traditional approaches, discover other types of rendering and 3D software that can help you unleash all your creative possibilities. What can you experiment with? Stylized rendering, non-photorealistic rendering (NPR), or other specialized techniques that align with your artistic vision.
It is difficult to list all the techniques used by visualizers for their work. In addition, everyone has their own style technique, as well as the wishes of the customer and the conformity of the desired effect to the image. We have only tried to briefly acquaint you with what techniques can be used to make the 3D rendering not just an image but a character. Express your wishes and trust the professionals in the realization of your desires.
FAQ
The best way to improve renders is to partner up with an architectural visualization company that will employ advanced software to polish renders. As a freelancer or 3D studio, you can take free online resources for foundational knowledge, invest in paid courses for in-depth learning, and gain hands-on experience with commercial projects.
If you want to have realistic 3D renders, you need to adopt various lighting techniques, play with colors, scale objects, map textures and materials, and pay close attention to minor details.
There are different technical aspects to consider. However, the key aspects to take into account are
– the right equipment and software;
– a powerful computer or laptop
– understanding your client’s needs.
Following this approach, you can deliver high-quality projects that align with customer’s vision and expectations.
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