Architectural Visualizations

Members of our core 3D Visualization Group discuss our recent work and give a behind-the-scene look to the production process. 

We illustrate our design ideas through several visual tools – some done by hand and others rendered digitally. Our 3D visualizations group works to bring reality and life to renderings to help illustrate the intent of the design. Here we take a look at parts of the process behind the rendering.

A final rendering evokes not only a design idea, but also a feeling for the space. We add entourage elements like people and trees, which often bring the image to life. Color correction adjustments and the addition of atmosphere to the image in post-production can both have dramatic impact on the final image.

Here’s an example of how these elements – entourage, color correction and atmosphere – influence the effect of the final rendering.

The original (or base) image was rendered out of Vray-Rhino. The site was built in Photoshop based on a basic site model. All entourage including people, trees, shadows and so forth, all direct the viewer’s eye to the focal point of the rendering, the new entrance and ramp to the building. Atmosphere and deliberate use of light is added to keep the eye focused and to minimize pressure on elements of the image not crucial to the design discussion. By using calming colors for the sky and tree, the building, and specifically the ramp, stands out to the viewer’s eyes. We have placed the group of people in the corner strategically, so they too are facing the focal point and your eyes easily follow to the direction of the building’s entrance. Even a small detail like the highlight on the corner of the stairs helps direct the viewer’s eye.

Our group will continue to break down key elements in renderings to share insight into how we focus the viewing experience of renderings.