In the simplest terms, 3D visualisation is the art of creating 3D landscapes, houses, digital art, models and more. Often seen in cartoons or anime, 3D visualisation serves a vital role in a wide spectrum of jobs relating to the real estate field.
Ever seen a housing development advertisement? The houses, trees, gardens, and more on the front of these advertisements are created using 3D visualisation to give a realistic feel. Beyond advertisements, 3D visualisation are used in:
- Product designers
- Ship building blueprints
- Rail engineering designs
- City plans
- Architectural designs and blueprints
How it’s done
Experienced 3D visualisation artists have worked hard to create life-like illustrations. The skills required by architectural rendering aren’t simply picked up overnight, but take practise. Additionally, for 3D visualisation, a designer needs to have a solid grasp of how a building works. This allows for not just realistic designs, but also designs that are architecturally strong.
A designer works with computer software to create each image. Thanks to high definition computer graphics, the designer can illustrate the design. Keen artistic skill and an understanding of architecture allows for an accurate transition from a 2D concept to a 3D realistic design.
What is the purpose of 3D visualisation?
3D visualisation demonstrates the “what ifs” or proposed designs. In circumstances, such as city planners, 3D visualisation can indicate a life-like plan that can clearly demonstrate proposed changes. Additionally, 3D visualisation is cost effective. With the necessary computer programs, vision can be brought to near realistic images.
Ultimately, 3D visualisation communicates a message in a realistic form. Until the advent and widespread use of computers, 3D visualisations were drawn out and maintained an obviously “flat” appearance. Even Leonardo da Vinci’s incredible 3D models were obviously hand drawn and had limitations in its overall realistic look.
But today, ever changing technology allows 3D designs to look incredibly realistic. Textures on products look like a photographed version of the product, instead of a computer generated image. And city planners can advertise their Utopian designs in a life-like way that can be almost experienced. Even 20 years ago, the technology wasn’t there for such accurately scaled proportions that today’s 3D visualisation offers.
3D visualisation in architectural designs
In architectural designs, 3D visualisation offers clients the ability to see their dream home. And it offers architects the opportunity to accurately portray their vision. With a few clicks, an experienced designer can manipulate a design to better suit a client’s wishes.
By allowing architects and designers to collaborate, 3D visualisation allows for fewer mistakes. With accurate scaling, a 3D model can display the right sized furnishings and decor for a room, allowing for a smooth transition from computer to life.
3D visualisation offers marketing opportunities for architects by accurately portraying a design that may have not been as impressive otherwise. By illustrating an architect’s vision, 3D visualisation can showcase a building’s strength and stop weaknesses before the building gets to the build stage.
It also offers different perspectives, creating a well-rounded project to display to a client. For an architect, 3D visualisation can show all sides of a building project with ease. Showing an addition to an existing building? 3D visualisation illustrates how the addition will fit with the original structure from every side, giving the client the best overall view both inside and out.
Top 3D Visualisation programmes
What are the best programmes to create a 3D visualisation?
- Autodesk 3DS max allows for accurate architectural designs as well as animation. Known for being user friendly, this program is used by high end TV and film companies.
- Autodesk Maya is known for being the first choice by most 3D visualisation designers. Realistic effects and intuitive modeling tools sets Autodesk Maya apart from the competition.
- Blender is popular with those on a tighter budget, but it still works hard to create incredible 2 and 3D designs.
The future of 3D
Is the future 3D? Some would have to say, yes, especially in certain fields. With a wider option of tools, increased ability of accuracy and communication and ability to help portray a vision even more accurately, 3D visualisation is not just the future, but also the present.
