Why is 3D Architectural Rendering Getting Better?

3D renderings are how visual artists express their ideas. This fantastic technology keeps getting better, faster, and less exclusive while designers, game developers, and movie makers are becoming increasingly proficient at using it. Architecture is an excellent example of this – by allowing artists to experiment with no consequences and communicate abstract concepts, 3D rendering advances both the field and the art.

Every year, architectural rendering is reaching new heights.

Here’s what’s keeping it state-of-the-art:

A better perspective

Thanks to 3D rendering, the new perspective is better and readily available to artists and enthusiasts alike. Computer-generated imagery is a matchless visualization aid. The scale, the quality of detail, and the potential for showing movement make CGI infinitely more powerful than photography.

In terms of perspective, it allows artists to see and show the future.

It also opens a whole new world to enjoyers of architecture, not to mention the clients.

Even in a more literal sense of the word, architectural perspectives are shown with greater flexibility with 3D renders. More elaborate designs can be experienced as a whole, like in virtual reality. Simpler renders can show aerial, frontal, and angular views one by one or enable artists to switch between perspectives.

More variables

Historically speaking, the only limitation to 3D rendering was in relation to its speed. Even with state-of-the-art computers and tools, rendering architectural 3D models takes time. It’s getting better now, too. As technology progresses, rendering will soon enable artists to make multiple renders for single projects.

The more variables allowed, the better the final result.

Architects especially could use the freedom to experiment without practical consequences.

The shape, function, and durability, as well as how these three variables impact the design and efficiency of architectural structures – can all be tested in advance, before the building begins. When it comes to making decisions and investments, this particular application of architectural renderings is revolutionary.

Easier to make changes on the fly

Mistakes are key to innovation. Without mistakes, there’s no progress.

Just like with variables, 3D rendering gives artists a much-needed space for making mistakes. Architects can test, analyze, and edit their ideas on the go, even after the construction starts. It’s usually the tiniest mistakes that comprise the integrity of the entire structure, and these mistakes are the hardest to edit.

In an ideal scenario, architects would be able to change their minds, too.

We’re waiting for rendering to become a little more automated and less expensive. When that happens, artists and clients alike would be able to change both integral elements and tiny details halfway through the project. With more space and time for editing, architects would reach perfection.

You can see all elements clearly

To an architect, there’s nothing more important than clarity.

3D renderings ensure clarity in more than just one way.

Things like scale, angles, and lighting allow people to see different architectural elements with utmost clarity. High-quality 3D renders have no difficulties showing the texture of the facade, the custom color of the sofa, or the minuscule engraving on the wall. Precision presents no challenge for renderings.

However, it is even more important when architects must communicate the big picture to their clients. Clarity of vision is paramount to project success, so no other type of visual language could come close to 3D renderings. Architects simply cannot afford to be misunderstood by non-architects.

Easier to learn

One glance at these advantages of 3D rendering is all it takes to grasp the immense educational potential of CGI. Architects need real-life learning experiences to perfect, specialize, and fine-tune their skills. However, unlike painters, we can’t simply rip the canvas and take a new one. The risk is much higher.

Architecture has real-life consequences that make learning very expensive.

Training-wise, 3D rendering is incredibly beneficial. Earlier, we’ve discussed how rendering allows artists to experiment and make mistakes, which is crucial for education, but that’s not all. Rendering presents more challenges and learning opportunities than most architects can come across in real life.

Artists can be more creative

Creativity stems from unique and innovative ideas. An infinite number of factors are involved in the birth of a single creative idea, especially in fields as multifaceted and complex as architecture. Some creations are born out of peace and quiet – others are the result of long and hard work. Creativity is fickle.

More than anything else, creativity requires time and practice.

3D rendering gives not only that but more. It’s a perfect trial-and-error device for organizing ideas. Rendering allows architects to play around and analyze their progress. It’s like building castles in the sand, only much more refined, intricate, and ultimately – easier. That is crucial for architecture at large.

New technologies

Before it loses its meaning in the extreme, the unstoppable progress of a particular technology always reaches a point where software is easy to use, inexpensive to buy and maintain, and powerful enough to make the next generation superfluous. Rendering technology is not there yet, but it’s dangerously close.

Simply put, this is an exciting time for 3D visualization tech.

Newest developments are approaching high-quality photoreal real-time rendering and paving the path for cutting-edge methodologies such as ray tracing and rasterization. The next phase of rendering tech is still in the works, and it will probably take some time before it’s available to most architectural firms.

Conclusion: 3D rendering is the future

When something works, why change it?

Architectural rendering has already improved architecture in so many ways that replacing it with another solution would be a massive step backward. The benefits for independent architects alone are incredible, not to mention the impact rendering has on artists and companies that lead and innovate the industry.

As architects, we often say that 3D rendering is the future, and we really mean that. We can use it in so many ways – to study and earn experience, to hone creative thinking and practical skills, to collaborate with our peers and other visual artists, and to communicate with our clients and all non-architects.

With all that, 3D rendering enables architects to build a better future.